Full Blood Count (FBC) Blood Test
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Full Blood Count (FBC) Blood Test
A Full Blood Count (FBC) Blood Test assesses the different types of blood cells in your body, including platelets as well as both red and white blood cells.
- MPV
- Haematocrit
- MCHC
- RDW
- WBC
- Eosinophils
- Monocytes
- Platelet Count
- Haemoglobin
- MCV
- RBC
- Basophils
- Lymphocytes
- Neutrophils
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Don’t just take our word for it
- Biomarkers
- Information
Mean platelet volume (MPV)
Platelet count is a medical test that measures the number of platelets in your blood. Platelets are small cells that help your blood clot. A low platelet count can be a sign of a serious health problem, such as leukaemia or cancer. If you have a low platelet count, your doctor will likely order more tests to find out the cause.
Mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC)
The mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC) is a measure of the average amount of haemoglobin in red blood cells. A high MCHC indicates that the red blood cells have more haemoglobin than normal. This can be a sign of anaemia or other conditions. A low MCHC indicates that the red blood cells have less haemoglobin than normal. This can be a sign of anaemia or other conditions.
Haemoglobin
Haemoglobin is the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen around the body. A high haemoglobin level indicates a higher than normal level of oxygen in the blood. This can be a sign of dehydration or other conditions. A low haemoglobin level indicates a lower than normal level of oxygen in the blood. This can be a sign of anaemia or other conditions.
Red Blood Cell (RBC)
Red Blood Cells are contained in the bloodstream. The function of red blood cells is to supply oxygen to the tissues of the body. Red Blood Cells are produced in the bone marrow. They contain haemoglobin which is important for oxygen transportation.
Basophils
Basophils are white blood cells involved in fighting infection and disease. They flood to the site of an injury or infection and create symptoms that alert the body to a problem. They can be involved in some autoimmune diseases such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis.
Monocytes
A Monocytes is a type of white blood cell that circulate in the blood. They fight infection and disease by attacking bacteria, viruses, and parasites. Monocytes develop into macrophages, which are large white blood cells that eat bacteria and other foreign material and are found in all tissues of the body. Lymphocytes are another type of white blood cell. They make up a large percentage of the total number of white blood cells in the body.
Haematocrit
The haematocrit is a measure of the proportion of red blood cells in the blood. It is normally about 40% for men and 38% for women. A high haematocrit indicates a higher than normal level of red blood cells, which can be a sign of dehydration or other conditions. A low haematocrit indicates a lower than normal level of red blood cells, which can be a sign of anaemia or other conditions.
Mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH)
Mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH) is a measure of the average amount of haemoglobin in red blood cells. A high MCH indicates that the red blood cells have more haemoglobin than normal. This can be a sign of anaemia or other conditions. A low MCH indicates that the red blood cells have less haemoglobin than normal. This can be a sign of anaemia or other conditions.
Platelet Count
Platelet count is a medical test that measures the number of platelets in your blood. Platelets are small cells that help your blood clot. A low platelet count can be a sign of a serious health problem, such as leukaemia or cancer. If you have a low platelet count, your doctor will likely order more tests to find out the cause.
Mean corpuscular volume (MCV)
The mean corpuscular volume (MCV) is a measure of the average size of red blood cells. A high MCV indicates that the red blood cells are larger than normal. This can be a sign of anaemia or other conditions. A low MCV indicates that the red blood cells are smaller than normal.
White Blood Cell (WBC)
White Blood Cells, also referred to as leucocytes play one of the most important roles in fighting infections and viruses in the body. White Blood Cells, just like Red Blood Cells are produced in the bone marrow of the body and are a part of the immune system of the body. An abnormal range of White Blood Cells indicates an infection or inflammation in the body.
Eosinophils
Eosinophils are white blood cells that aid in fighting infection and disease within the body. They are produced in the bone marrow and make up a tiny percentage of the total number of white blood cells in the body. When a chemical signal is released somewhere in the body showing an infection or injury, the eosinophils move to the affected area and cause symptoms. They play a role in allergic reactions and create symptoms such as hives, swelling and shortness of breath.
Neutrophils
Neutrophils are a type of white blood cell produced in the bone marrow. They make up the largest percentage of the total number of white blood cells in the body and play a major role in inflammatory responses. Neutrophils help to fight infection and disease by attacking bacteria, viruses, and parasites while they circulate in the blood. When they are needed, they are attracted to the site of an infection or injury by chemicals released by other cells. They can cause symptoms such as swelling, redness, and pain. They may also be involved in autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus.
Red blood cell distribution width (RDW)
The red blood cell distribution width (RDW);is a measure of the variation in the size of red blood cells. A high RDW indicates that the red blood cells are of different sizes. This can be a sign of anaemia or other conditions. A low RDW indicates that the red blood cells are of similar sizes. This can be a sign of anaemia or other conditions.
Additional Insight from Dr Sameer Nakedar, MBBS, MRCGP, PGCert
A FBC blood test will broadly give an idea of the quantity, size and shape of red cells, the quantity and differential of your white blood cells, and the cells that help manage to clot.
Abnormalities can usually prompt further testing into issues or appropriate treatment.
Suppose you have been advised to take this test. In that case, it is important to note that an FBC can also be useful as a monitoring exercise to look at trends of specific cells from previous results or monitoring certain medication side effects.
When is a full blood count requested?
A full blood count is usually requested as part of a routine health check-up. It may also be requested if a person has symptoms which could be due to a problem with their blood cells. These symptoms may include:
- Fatigue
- breathlessness
- palpitations (an awareness of heartbeats)
- dizziness or light headedness
- headache
- bleeding or bruising more easily than normal
- recurrent infections
- weight loss
- bone pain
Additional Information
A full blood count (FBC) is a common blood test that measures the levels of different types of blood cells in your body. This test can help identify and diagnose various health conditions.
The FBC measures the following:
- Red blood cells (RBCs): These cells carry oxygen throughout your body. Low RBC counts can indicate anemia, which is a condition caused by low iron levels or blood loss. High RBC counts can indicate dehydration or polycythemia, a condition in which there are too many red blood cells in the body.
- White blood cells (WBCs): These cells help fight infection. Low WBC counts can indicate a weakened immune system or sepsis, a potentially life-threatening condition caused by infection. High WBC counts can indicate an infection or inflammation.
- Hemoglobin: This protein in red blood cells carries oxygen. Low hemoglobin levels can indicate anemia.
- Platelets: These cells help your blood clot. Low platelet counts can indicate a problem with the clotting process, which can lead to excessive bleeding. High platelet counts can indicate thrombocythemia, a condition in which there are too many platelets in the body.
Full Blood Count (FBC) Blood Test at Home
If you're having a blood test, be sure to tell your healthcare provider if you're pregnant or have any other health conditions.
The FBC may also be used to monitor the effects of cancer treatments or to check for signs of leukemia or other types of cancer.
Why have a FBC Blood Test
It's important to have your blood checked as it's a vital part of your body functioning. The blood is responsible for many vital responses within the body. If your any of the vital proteins, enzymes or cells within the blood are not at healthy levels, it could be the cause of some illnesses.
Experts Opinion FBC Tests
"A Full blood count (FBC) is a standard test performed by health professionals. This test can be used when a patient is unwell and even used to screen for other disorders associated with bleeding, blood cancers, and anaemias."
How to take a home blood test
Collecting a blood sample for your finger prick home test is straightforward. Watch the video below for more details on how to take a home blood test.
How it works
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Pick your home test
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Take your test
Activate your test and collect your sample in the morning. Return your sample on the same day, using the prepaid shipping label provided. Samples use a simple finger prick collection method that takes around 5 minutes to complete.
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Results within 48 hours
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