The Importance of Complete Blood Count (CBC) Test in Dengue

Dengue fever is a mosquito-borne viral infection transmitted by Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. Symptoms include fever, headache, pain, rash, and nausea. However, you can manage severe conditions early by diagnosing the progression of diseases. 

The Complete Blood Count (CBC) is an important test for assessing and managing dengue infection among the various blood tests available.

A complete blood count (CBC) test provides helpful information in diagnosing dengue fever. Although the CBC does not detect dengue, it provides insights that help detect its progression. During dengue infection, the CBC shows the platelet count (thrombocytopenia) and a decrease in white blood cell count (leukopenia). 

Specific diagnostic tests for dengue antigen or antibody are important to confirm the presence of the dengue virus. If you suspect you have dengue or are experiencing early signs, consult your doctor, undergo appropriate testing, and provide necessary guidance for acute diagnosis and management.

In this article, let’s understand why the CBC test is important in treating Dengue, how it helps, and more.

How Do You Know You Have Dengue?

Dengue fever comes with fever. However, different people may experience different symptoms. Here are some common symptoms you should know-

• High fever
• Severe headache
• Pain behind the eyes
• Joint and muscle pain
• Nausea and vomiting
• Swollen glands
• Skin rash appearing a few days after the fever onset

These symptoms typically last between 2 to 7 days. 

Severe Dengue Symptoms

The disease can sometimes progress to severe dengue, previously known as dengue hemorrhagic fever or dengue shock syndrome. This severe form can lead to:

• Bleeding
• Low levels of blood platelets
• Blood plasma leakage
• Dangerously low blood pressure

Severe dengue can be fatal and requires immediate medical treatment. 

What is a CBC Test?

A Complete Blood Count (CBC) blood test measures your overall blood health and detects conditions like anemia, infection, and leukemia. The CBC blood test measures several components and features of your blood, including:

• Red Blood Cells (RBCs)- RBCs transport oxygen from your lungs to the rest of your body. The CBC measures:
• White Blood Cells (WBCs) are crucial for fighting infections.
• Platelets- Platelets help in blood clotting.

CBC Parameters Affected by Dengue Infection

The Dengue infection induces specific changes in blood, which a CBC test can detect-

• White Blood Cell Count—A Low white blood cell count is known as leukopenia. When WBC counts decrease during dengue, immunity weakens, making the body more susceptible to secondary infections.
• Red Blood Cell Count—Due to plasma leakage, hematocrit levels—the proportion of red blood cells in the blood—increase. High hematocrit indicates disease severity, which requires immediate medical attention. Low RBC can cause weakness, fatigue, and shortness of breath.
• Platelets—A lower-than-usual platelet count is known as thrombocytopenia. It is common in dengue fever and increases the risk of bleeding and hemorrhagic complications. 

What is the Normal CBC Range?

CBC test measures the various components of your blood to assess overall health and detect a range of disorders. Here is the normal CBC values-

Parameter	Normal Range for Males and Females
White Blood Cell Count	4,000 to 10,000 cells per µL
Red Blood Cell Count	3.8 to 4.8 million cells per µL
Hemoglobin	12. 15 g/dL
Hematocrit	M- 40% to 55% F- 36% to 48%
Mean Corpuscular Volume	9.3-12.1 fL
Platelet Count	150,000 to 410,000 cells per µL

Role of CBC Test in Dengue Diagnosis and Management

The CBC test plays an important role in the dengue:

• Early Detection- Your CBC test results can help you early signs of dengue, such as leukopenia and thrombocytopenia, 
• Monitoring Disease Progression—The regular CBC test in dengue allows doctors to track changes in blood parameters and intervene promptly. For example, low platelet levels may indicate the need for closer observation. 
• Helps healthcare providers to make better decisions- Low platelet count or high hematocrit levels indicate risk; however, knowing that your doctor may take early actions to prevent complications.

How Can You Prevent Dengue?

Here are some tips to prevent dengue- 

• Using insect repellent
• Wearing protective clothing
• Utilizing window screens and bed nets
• Eliminating standing water where mosquitoes breed

Important Blood Test to Detect Dengue

The Dengue NS1 test is important for detecting and confirming the dengue virus. The test will detect the presence or absence of the antigen. Here are some other tests for dengue- 

• Dengue NS1 Antigen Test
• Dengue RNA PCR Test
• Dengue IGG & IGM Antibody Test, EIA
• Dengue IgM Antibody Test, EIA
• Dengue IGG Antibody Test, EIA

You can also take the Dengue package with Redcliffe Labs to find out if the cause of fever is dengue or any other- 

• Dengue Fever Panel
• Dengue Fever Panel - Comprehensive
• Fever Package - Comprehensive

Get Tested and Protect Yourself from Dengue!

Dengue can progress rapidly and be fatal if not treated properly and early. Therefore, getting your test done as soon as possible when you suspect dengue fever is important. Early testing allows for the prevention of complications. Early intervention is the key to preventing severe complications and encouraging faster recovery from dengue.

Consult your doctor and take proper tests, such as CBC, to measure blood components and NS1 to detect dengue. The CBC test provides vital information about a patient's blood composition, preventing complications and monitoring disease progression. Choose Redcliffe Labs for a dengue blood test like the Dengue NS1 Antigen Test. With us, you will have a home sample collection facility and receive your reports within 15 hours.