A Full Blood Count—also known as an FBC or Complete Blood Count (CBC)—measures the number and characteristics of the main cells circulating in your blood.

These include red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets. Each group performs an important function, including carrying oxygen, supporting the immune system and helping the blood to clot.

An FBC is commonly used as a general health investigation. It may also support the assessment or monitoring of symptoms, medical conditions and certain treatments.

The test can identify blood-cell abnormalities, but it cannot determine their cause or provide a diagnosis on its own. Abnormal results may require repeat testing, additional blood tests or assessment by a qualified healthcare professional.

What Does the FBC Test Measure?

Red Blood Cells

Red blood cells carry oxygen from the lungs to the tissues throughout the body.

The red-cell section of an FBC may help identify patterns associated with anaemia, dehydration or other red-cell abnormalities.

Commonly reported red-cell measurements include:

• Haemoglobin (Hb)
• Red Blood Cell Count (RBC)
• Haematocrit (Hct)
• Mean Cell Volume (MCV)
• Mean Cell Haemoglobin (MCH)
• Mean Cell Haemoglobin Concentration (MCHC)
• Red Cell Distribution Width (RDW)

White Blood Cells

White blood cells form an important part of the immune system and help the body respond to infections and other health conditions.

Abnormal white-cell numbers may occur with infections, inflammation, medication effects, immune conditions and some blood or bone-marrow disorders.

Commonly reported white-cell measurements include:

• Total White Blood Cell Count (WBC)
• Neutrophils
• Lymphocytes
• Monocytes
• Eosinophils
• Basophils

Platelets

Platelets are small cell fragments that help the blood clot and control bleeding following an injury.

A platelet count that is lower or higher than the laboratory reference range may require further assessment alongside your symptoms and medical history.

Commonly reported platelet measurements include:

• Platelet Count
• Mean Platelet Volume (MPV), where reported
• Automated platelet abnormality flags, where applicable

IMPORTANT

The exact markers, calculated indices and laboratory comments shown on your report may vary according to the reporting laboratory and the characteristics of your sample.

What Is Not Included?

The following investigations are not normally included in a standard Full Blood Count unless they are ordered separately or added by the laboratory when clinically indicated:

• Blood film examination
• Reticulocyte count
• Ferritin or iron studies
• Vitamin B12 or folate
• C-reactive protein (CRP)
• Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR)
• Coagulation or clotting tests
• Blood group testing
• Haemoglobinopathy or sickle cell screening

If you require any of these tests, please add the appropriate test to your order or contact Alpha Med Lab before booking.

You may consider a Full Blood Count if you:

• Experience persistent tiredness, weakness or reduced energy
• Have pale skin, dizziness or unexplained breathlessness
• Experience frequent infections, fever or recurrent illness
• Have unusual bruising, prolonged bleeding or pinpoint red skin spots
• Want to investigate a possible blood-cell abnormality
• Want a general overview of your red cells, white cells and platelets
• Need to monitor a previously identified blood-cell abnormality
• Have been advised to arrange an FBC by a healthcare professional
• Are monitoring a medical condition or treatment under professional guidance

These symptoms may have many possible causes. An FBC cannot confirm the cause or provide a diagnosis on its own.

Test name: Full Blood Count

Also known as: FBC, CBC or Complete Blood Count

Test category: Haematology

Sample required: Venous whole blood sample

Collection tube: EDTA whole-blood tube

Fasting required: No

Special preparation: No special preparation is normally required

Appointment duration: Approximately 15 minutes

Minimum age: Adults aged 18 and over

Estimated turnaround time: Usually 1–2 working days after the sample reaches the laboratory

Laboratory testing: Testing is performed by an accredited partner laboratory

Available collection methods:

• Clinic Blood Collection
• Home Visit Blood Collection

Turnaround times are estimates and are not guaranteed. Results may take longer if the laboratory needs to repeat the analysis, examine the sample further or request a replacement sample.

An FBC alone does not normally require fasting. You may eat and drink normally before your appointment.

If you are ordering the FBC with other tests, please check whether those tests require fasting or have specific timing instructions.

Before your appointment:

• Drink water and remain normally hydrated unless a healthcare professional has restricted your fluid intake.

• Continue taking prescribed medication unless the clinician responsible for your care has instructed you otherwise.

• Do not stop or change any prescribed medication based on information from this website.

• Tell the phlebotomist if you take anticoagulant or blood-thinning medication.

• Tell the phlebotomist if you have previously fainted, felt unwell during a blood test or experienced difficulty with blood collection.

• Have details of your medicines, supplements and relevant medical conditions available.

• Wear clothing that allows easy access to your upper arm.

Please follow any additional preparation instructions provided with other tests included in your order.

1. Add the FBC Test

Add the Full Blood Count test to your shopping cart.

2. Select Your Collection Method

Add either Clinic Blood Collection or Home Visit Blood Collection to your cart.

Please select one collection method only. Do not add both options.

3. Book Your Appointment

Select “Book Your Appointment” and choose an available date and time for your blood sample collection.

Please use the same name, telephone number and email address used when placing your order.

4. Attend Your Appointment

Your identity and order will be checked before your blood sample is collected.

5. Laboratory Analysis

Your sample will be transported to our accredited partner laboratory for analysis.

6. Receive Your Results

Your laboratory report will be delivered securely when the testing process is complete.

Your laboratory report will show your results together with the reporting laboratory’s reference ranges, where applicable.

Reference ranges may vary between laboratories. They may also vary according to age, sex and the analytical method used.

A result outside the laboratory reference range does not always mean that you have a medical condition. Results can be influenced by factors including:

• Recent infection or illness
• Hydration
• Medication
• Supplements
• Smoking
• Pregnancy
• Physical activity
• Stress
• Age and sex
• Existing medical conditions

An FBC may identify an abnormal pattern, but it cannot determine the cause on its own.

You may need to discuss abnormal results with your GP or another qualified healthcare professional. Further investigation may include repeat testing, iron studies, vitamin testing, inflammatory markers, a blood film or other clinically appropriate tests.

This blood test is provided for health assessment and monitoring. It is not intended to replace a medical consultation, physical examination, diagnosis or treatment.

Alpha Med Lab does not provide emergency medical care.

If you are seriously unwell or experiencing severe symptoms, do not wait for a private blood test.

Call 999 or attend your nearest Accident & Emergency department if you have a medical emergency.

For urgent medical advice when it is not an emergency, contact NHS 111.

Please consult your GP or another qualified healthcare professional if:

• Your symptoms are persistent or worsening
• You have an abnormal result
• You require medical interpretation or diagnosis
• You are concerned about your medication
• You require treatment or further investigation

Do not start, stop or change medication based only on the results of this test.