Description
Full Blood Count Testing
A Full Blood Count (FBC), also known as a Complete Blood Count (CBC), is one of the most commonly performed blood tests and offers a vital snapshot of your overall health. It works by measuring the levels and characteristics of different blood cells, helping to assess how well your body is functioning.
This test looks at red blood cells, which are responsible for carrying oxygen; white blood cells, which fight infection and support your immune system; platelets, which help your blood to clot; hemoglobin, the oxygen-carrying protein in red blood cells; and hematocrit, which shows the proportion of your blood made up of red cells.
One of the key uses of an FBC is to check for anemia. If your red blood cell count or hemoglobin levels are low, you may experience symptoms like tiredness, weakness, or shortness of breath. An FBC can help identify different types of anemia and guide treatment.
It also plays a role in detecting infections and inflammation. A raised white blood cell count might indicate your body is fighting an infection, while abnormal levels could suggest immune system issues or other blood-related conditions. For people with chronic health problems, such as autoimmune diseases, cancer, or blood disorders, FBCs are often used to monitor the condition and track how well treatments are working.
In some cases, unusual blood counts may be the first sign of more serious conditions like leukaemia, clotting disorders, or bone marrow disease, allowing for early diagnosis and intervention. FBCs are also frequently used as part of pre-surgery assessments to make sure your blood levels are safe for the procedure. Even if you’re feeling well, an FBC can be a valuable part of a routine check-up, helping to catch underlying issues before they become more serious.
How often should I have a Full Blood Count blood test?
Once a year: As part of a routine health check-up, especially if you’re over 40 or managing lifestyle risk factors.
Every 3–6 months: If you’re being treated for chronic conditions like anemia, autoimmune disease, or cancer.
As advised by your doctor: Following abnormal results, medication changes, or new symptoms.
Or before surgery or starting new treatments: To establish a safe baseline.
Our Nurses visit your Home or Work to take your blood.
Pick a time and date to suit you.
Your results are available online within days of your blood being taken.
Other Questions
- Tiredness
- Anaemia
- Signs of inflammation
- Signs of immune system problems
- Unexplained bruising
- Breathlessness
- Fatigue
- Monitor long term illnesses
- Prepare for surgery
- Full Blood Count
Take the blood test as part of a routine health check-up, before surgery or starting new medication, to monitor chronic conditions (e.g. autoimmune disease, cancer, blood disorders), if advised by a healthcare professional following abnormal results or treatment, during ongoing treatment to track progress or side effects.
Collection method: Venous blood
Results available: 4-5 days after the sample has reached the laboratory.
Full Blood Count (FBC)
A full blood count will measure the red and white blood cells along with platelets in your blood. The results give a good indication to general health and may detect certain conditions such as anaemia, infection or clotting disorders.
Red Blood Cells (RBC):
Carry oxygen from your lungs to the rest of your body. Low levels may indicate anaemia.
Haemoglobin (Hb):
The protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen. Low haemoglobin can cause fatigue, weakness, or breathlessness.
Hematocrit (HCT):
Measures how much of your blood is made up of red blood cells. It helps assess hydration levels and anaemia.
White Blood Cells (WBC):
Help fight infection. Raised or lowered levels can point to infections, inflammation, immune conditions, or bone marrow problems.
Platelets (PLT):
Essential for blood clotting. Abnormal platelet levels may affect how your blood clots and could signal bleeding disorders or other medical conditions.
Mean Cell Volume (MCV):
Shows the average size of your red blood cells. Helps identify the type of anaemia you may have.
Mean Cell Haemoglobin (MCH) & Mean Cell Haemoglobin Concentration (MCHC):
Show how much haemoglobin is in each red blood cell, helping further pinpoint anaemia type.
Red Cell Distribution Width (RDW):
Indicates variation in red blood cell size—useful in diagnosing different forms of anaemia.
Neutrophils, Lymphocytes, Monocytes, Eosinophils, Basophils (WBC Subtypes):
These white cell types help narrow down the cause of an immune response, such as infection, allergies, or inflammation.
How it Works
1. Order a Test
Order your test, and then Answer the Questions about why you’re taking that test.
Our nurse will contact you for dates, so they can take your blood sample at your home.
Our nurse will then send your sample to our laboratory.
2. Our laboratory team run the tests
Our skilled laboratory staff conduct your blood tests in a clean and secure environment, ensuring accuracy and reliability.
Each test follows strict protocols to maintain the highest quality standards.
3. Receive Your Results within 7 days
We will email you to inform you that your blood test results are ready.
The email will have a PDF report attached, sent directly to your inbox.
4. Monitor your levels over time
With regular ongoing tests and reports, you can track your results. The reports can be shared with your GP.
Check if you’re improving healthily or where changes could be made.
