A CBC (Complete Blood Count) is the most commonly ordered blood test in Pakistan. It measures your red blood cells, white blood cells, hemoglobin, and platelets — giving doctors a snapshot of your overall health. Whether your report is from Chughtai Lab, Agha Khan, Excel Labs, or any other Pakistani lab, this guide explains every value in plain language.
What Does a CBC Report Contain?
A standard CBC report from Pakistani labs typically includes 15-25 parameters. Here are the most important ones with their normal ranges:
| Test | Normal Range (Adults) | What It Measures |
|---|---|---|
| Hemoglobin (Hb) | Male: 13.5-17.5 g/dL Female: 12.0-15.5 g/dL | Oxygen-carrying protein in red blood cells |
| WBC Count | 4,500-11,000 /mcL | Infection-fighting white blood cells |
| RBC Count | Male: 4.5-5.5 M/mcL Female: 4.0-5.0 M/mcL | Number of red blood cells |
| Platelets | 150,000-400,000 /mcL | Blood clotting cells |
| Hematocrit (HCT) | Male: 38-50% Female: 36-44% | Percentage of blood that is red cells |
| MCV | 80-100 fL | Average size of red blood cells |
| MCH | 27-33 pg | Average hemoglobin per red cell |
| MCHC | 32-36 g/dL | Hemoglobin concentration in red cells |
| Neutrophils | 40-70% | Fight bacterial infections |
| Lymphocytes | 20-40% | Fight viral infections, immune memory |
| ESR | Male: 0-15 mm/hr Female: 0-20 mm/hr | Inflammation marker |
Understanding Your Results: What's Normal, Low, and High
Hemoglobin (Hb) — The Most Important Value
Hemoglobin carries oxygen from your lungs to every cell in your body. Low hemoglobin is called anemia — extremely common in Pakistan, especially among women. According to the Pakistan Demographic and Health Survey, approximately 40% of Pakistani women have anemia.
- Low Hb (below 12 for women, 13.5 for men): May cause fatigue, weakness, pale skin, shortness of breath. Common causes in Pakistan include iron deficiency (poor diet), thalassemia trait, and chronic disease.
- High Hb (above 17.5 for men, 15.5 for women): Can indicate dehydration, lung disease, or living at high altitude (common in northern Pakistan).
WBC Count — Your Infection Fighter
White blood cells are your immune system's soldiers. Their count tells you if your body is currently fighting something.
- High WBC (above 11,000): Usually means infection — bacterial, viral, or fungal. Also rises with stress, medications (steroids), or inflammation.
- Very high WBC (above 30,000): Requires urgent medical attention — could indicate serious infection or blood disorder.
- Low WBC (below 4,500): Can mean viral infection, bone marrow issues, or medication side effects.
Platelets — Your Clotting Cells
Platelets help your blood clot when you're injured. Dengue fever — a major concern in Pakistan — is known for causing dangerously low platelets.
- Low platelets (below 150,000): Risk of excessive bleeding. If below 50,000 during dengue season, seek immediate medical care.
- High platelets (above 400,000): Can indicate inflammation, iron deficiency, or rarely a blood disorder.
Common Patterns Pakistani Doctors Look For
| Pattern | What It Suggests | Next Steps |
|---|---|---|
| Low Hb + Low MCV | Iron deficiency anemia or thalassemia trait | Iron studies, Hb electrophoresis |
| High WBC + High Neutrophils | Bacterial infection | Identify infection source, may need antibiotics |
| High WBC + High Lymphocytes | Viral infection | Usually self-resolving, rest and fluids |
| Low Platelets + Fever | Dengue or viral fever | NS1 antigen test, dengue IgM/IgG |
| High ESR | Inflammation, infection, or autoimmune | CRP test, further investigation |
How Much Does a CBC Test Cost in Pakistan?
CBC test prices vary across Pakistani labs:
| Lab | Approximate Price (2026) |
|---|---|
| Chughtai Lab | Rs. 800-1,200 |
| Agha Khan Laboratory | Rs. 1,000-1,500 |
| Excel Labs | Rs. 600-900 |
| IDC / Al-Razi | Rs. 500-800 |
| Local labs | Rs. 300-500 |
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Try MedVault Free →Frequently Asked Questions
What is a CBC test?
A CBC (Complete Blood Count) is the most common blood test in Pakistan. It measures red blood cells (RBCs), white blood cells (WBCs), hemoglobin, hematocrit, and platelets. It helps detect anemia, infections, blood disorders, and overall health status. Most Pakistani labs charge Rs. 500-1,500 for a CBC.
What is the normal hemoglobin range?
Normal hemoglobin for adult males is 13.5-17.5 g/dL and for adult females is 12.0-15.5 g/dL. In Pakistan, hemoglobin below 11 g/dL is considered anemia, which affects approximately 40% of Pakistani women.
What does high WBC count mean?
A high WBC count above 11,000 cells/mcL usually indicates your body is fighting an infection, inflammation, or stress. Very high WBC above 30,000 requires immediate medical attention.
How can I understand my lab report without a doctor?
You can use MedVault, a free mobile app that reads your lab report photo using AI and explains every value in plain language. It works with reports from any Pakistani lab including Chughtai, Agha Khan, Excel Labs, and 200+ others.