World Malaria Day 2024: What Is CBC Test For Malaria And How To Prepare For It

The Complete Blood Count (CBC) test is a common blood test used to check for malaria, a disease spread by mosquito bites.

The CBC test helps doctors assess different parts of your blood to look for signs of malaria.

Malaria can affect red blood cells (RBCs), white blood cells (WBCs), and platelets, which can show up as changes in the CBC results.

Red Blood Cells (RBCs): The CBC test checks things like RBC count, haemoglobin levels, and hematocrit to see if there are signs of anaemia that might indicate malaria.

White Blood Cells (WBCs): In malaria, the body's immune system sends more white blood cells to fight off the parasites; the cells, like lymphocytes and monocytes, show an ongoing infection.

Platelets: Malaria can lower the platelet count, which can make people more likely to bleed. This test can detect low platelet levels, which might be a sign of malaria.

To prepare for a CBC test to check for malaria:

Timing: Get tested for malaria as soon as possible if your doctor recommends it, especially if you have symptoms like fever, chills, headache, or fatigue.

Fasting: Usually It is not necessary to fast before a CBC test for malaria, so you can eat and drink normally before the test.

Medications: It's important to give accurate information about any medications to the doctor, including antimalarial drugs, as it can affect the CBC results.

Hydration: Drink plenty of water before the test to stay hydrated. Being dehydrated can affect the results of the blood test.

Clothing: Wear comfortable clothes with sleeves that can be rolled up easily so the doctor can access your arm for the blood test.

Inputs By: Dr Akash Shah, Consultant Pathologist, Neuberg Diagnostics