Does a CBC Blood Test Show STDs?

Before we get into that, let’s briefly discuss what is a CBC blood test?

What is a CBC Blood Test?

A complete blood count (CBC) is a blood test used to look at overall health and diagnose a wide range of conditions. It measures the number and quality of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets in the body. It accurately measures hemoglobin and hematocrit levels as well. The CBC can help detect anemia, infections, inflammation, blood disorders, and other diseases. It can also be used to monitor existing conditions or treatments. It’s important to note that a CBC alone cannot diagnose any particular condition; it is just one tool among many that doctors use to assess overall health.

The test is performed by drawing a sample of blood and analyzing it in a lab.

How Is the Sample Collected for a CBC Test?

A sample of blood is taken either from a vein in the arm or through a fingerstick (for children and adults) or heel stick (for infants). The procedure is quick and painless and does not require any test preparation to ensure sample quality.

Can a CBC Blood Test Detect STDs?

We are the STD testing experts, and we can tell you that they are spread through sexual contact, such as intercourse or oral sex. The main STDs that we talk about are chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, HIV/AIDS, hepatitis B virus and herpes simplex virus. These can be difficult to detect since they often have no symptoms or only mild ones. Testing for these types of infections typically involves taking swabs or bodily fluid samples which are then sent to the laboratory for analysis. Does a CBC blood test show STDs? It can lead to a diagnosis, but it is not the preferred method by the medical community.

The Limitations of a CBC in Detecting STDs: A CBC is not typically used to detect STDs since the test does not measure specific infections. In some cases, a high white blood cell count or low hemoglobin level may indicate an infection, but it cannot confirm whether or not the infection is an STD.

CBC Test Results

As mentioned earlier, the CBC test measures the number of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets in your sample. It also looks at hemoglobin levels and hematocrit levels. The normal range for each type of cell varies depending on age and gender. For example, the normal range for male adults aged 15+ is 13.0 – 17.0 g/dL for red blood cells.

A CBC blood test can help detect the presence of an STD by looking for signs of inflammation in the body. If the CBC results show an increase in white blood cells, this could indicate that the body is fighting off an infection and further testing may be needed to determine if it is an STD.

It is important to note that not all STDs can be detected with a CBC blood test. For example, HIV and hepatitis B cannot be detected through a CBC but require specific tests for diagnosis. Additionally, some STDs, such as herpes, can only be detected through a swab test or urine sample.

While most test results are typically available within 24 hours of receiving the sample for testing, the turnaround time for test results can vary depending on the type of test being performed. In some cases, it may take several days or even weeks to receive your results, depending on the nature and complexity of the test.

Conclusion: A complete blood count (CBC) test is commonly used to measure various components present in your blood. While this type of test can be helpful in diagnosing various medical conditions, it cannot be used to detect STDs. Alternative tests, such as urine samples and swab tests, are more accurate in detecting the presence of an STD.

In conclusion, does a CBC blood test show STDs? The answer is no – a CBC cannot be used to accurately detect an STD, but it can tell you if your white blood count has risen, which could mean that your body is fighting off an STD. We are only the STD testing professionals. Get tested whether you go through us or your primary physician.