how to read a raw bitmap value independent of display

Hi,
I am learning the ropes of Visual C++. I want to load a bitmap file(DIB), find out individual raw pixel values(RGB) and process. I am understanding bitmap,palettes etc. I have tried:
 

        if (nColors > 256)
            m_palette.CreateHalftonePalette (&dc);
 
           pOldPalette = pDC->SelectPalette (m_palette, FALSE);
           pDC->RealizePalette ();
           CDC memDC;
           memDC.CreateCompatibleDC (pDC);
           CBitmap* pOldBitmap = memDC.SelectObject (pBitmap);
           memDC.GetPixel(x,y)

 
Would this give me the accurate pixel values? Independent of palette, if at all it is necessary. Thanks in regards,
-DJ