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15-parameter full blood count with white cell differential — the gold standard screen for anaemia, infection, and haematological conditions.
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A comprehensive 15-parameter full blood count measuring red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and associated indices.
The full blood count (FBC) is the most commonly requested blood test in medicine. It provides a detailed picture of the three main cellular components of blood — red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets — and their associated indices, revealing a wide range of conditions from anaemia to infection, from leukaemia to nutritional deficiency.
Red blood cell parameters: haemoglobin, RBC count, haematocrit (packed cell volume), MCV (mean cell volume), MCH (mean cell haemoglobin), MCHC (mean cell haemoglobin concentration), and RDW (red cell distribution width) — together these distinguish between different types of anaemia and identify their likely cause.
White blood cell parameters: total WBC with differential (neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils, basophils) — providing a profile of the immune response, distinguishing bacterial from viral infection, and screening for allergic conditions and haematological malignancy.
Platelets: platelet count and MPV (mean platelet volume) — assess clotting potential.
Home fingerstick kit available. GMC-physician reviewed results within 3 to 5 working days.
Understand what each marker measures, why it matters, and what the science says — not just a list of numbers.
Oxygen-carrying protein in red cells; below 120 g/L in women and below 130 g/L in men defines anaemia.
Total number of red blood cells per litre of blood; provides context for haemoglobin level.
Percentage of blood volume composed of red cells; elevated in dehydration and polycythaemia.
Average red cell size; small cells indicate iron deficiency, large cells indicate B12 or folate deficiency.
Average haemoglobin content per red cell; low in iron deficiency anaemia.
Concentration of haemoglobin within cells; low in iron deficiency, elevated in hereditary spherocytosis.
Variation in red cell size; elevated RDW suggests mixed nutritional deficiency or developing anaemia.
Total immune cells; elevated in infection, inflammation, or haematological malignancy.
Frontline bacterial defence cells; elevated in bacterial infection, low in bone marrow suppression.
Viral immune response cells and B-cells; elevated in viral infections and CLL.
Phagocytic cells; elevated in chronic infection, inflammation, and some haematological conditions.
Allergy and parasite immune cells; elevated in allergic disease and parasitic infections.
Inflammatory signalling cells; elevated in some haematological conditions.
Clotting particles; low platelets increase bleeding risk, high platelets may indicate reactive thrombocytosis.
Average platelet size; elevated MPV suggests increased platelet turnover, seen in inflammatory states.
This panel is designed for adults who want a comprehensive, evidence-based picture of their metabolic health — not a GP referral panel.
Anyone experiencing unexplained fatigue, pallor, or breathlessness
Those wanting to screen for anaemia or nutritional deficiency
People with recurrent infections wanting to assess immune cell profiles
Those on medications that can affect bone marrow (chemotherapy, disease-modifying drugs)
The FBC identifies haematological patterns but does not diagnose their underlying cause. An isolated low haemoglobin requires iron studies, B12, and folate to identify the type and cause of anaemia. Elevated white cells require clinical context to determine whether the source is infection, inflammation, or a primary haematological condition. Some serious haematological conditions (early leukaemia, myelodysplasia) may present with subtle changes that require specialist haematological review and bone marrow assessment. The RDW and cell morphology described in this panel cannot substitute for manual peripheral blood film review, which a haematologist can request when indicated. Any significantly abnormal result should prompt prompt GP assessment.
From order to physician-reviewed report in as little as three working days.
Three options designed to fit your schedule, location, and preference — all producing a laboratory-standard sample.
Adults 18+ in mainland UK. Not suitable if you have had a transfusion in the last 3 months.
Order anytime; kit dispatched within 24 hours Mon–Fri.
Allow 24–48 hours for sample transit on top of lab processing time.
Adults 18+ within 20 miles of a serviced city centre.
Mon–Sun, 06:00–20:00. Next-day booking typical.
Sample reaches the lab within 24 hours of collection.
Adults 16+ with photo ID. Paediatric draws by appointment at selected sites.
Mon–Fri, with Saturday hours at most metropolitan locations.
Samples processed same-day at the receiving clinic.
Every test is processed in a UKAS ISO 15189-accredited laboratory, overseen by GMC-registered physicians, and governed by UK GDPR. No overseas processing, no offshore data.
Follow these guidelines to ensure accurate, reproducible results. Most markers are sensitive to recent food, exercise, and sleep.
Can't find your answer? Our clinical support team is available Monday to Friday, 9am–5pm.
Contact supportMCV (mean cell volume) below 80 fL indicates microcytic red blood cells — small red cells. The most common cause is iron deficiency anaemia, where insufficient iron leads to impaired haemoglobin synthesis and smaller, paler cells. Other causes include thalassaemia (a genetic condition affecting haemoglobin structure), chronic disease anaemia, and lead poisoning. Iron deficiency is by far the most prevalent cause in the UK, particularly in premenopausal women with heavy periods. Iron studies (ferritin, serum iron, TIBC) are needed to confirm iron deficiency as the cause of a low MCV.
MCV above 100 fL indicates macrocytic red blood cells — larger than normal cells. The most common causes are B12 deficiency, folate deficiency, and excess alcohol consumption. B12 deficiency is particularly common in vegans, older adults, those on PPIs or metformin, and those with pernicious anaemia (an autoimmune condition causing B12 malabsorption). Hypothyroidism, certain medications (methotrexate, hydroxyurea), and reticulocytosis (many young red cells, which are larger) can also cause macrocytosis. Active B12 and folate testing alongside the FBC is usually needed to distinguish the cause.
Eosinophilia (elevated eosinophils) is most commonly caused by allergic conditions (asthma, hay fever, eczema, allergic rhinitis) and parasitic infections. Mild eosinophilia (above 0.4 x10^9/L) in an otherwise healthy individual with known allergies is usually benign. Significant eosinophilia (above 1.5 x10^9/L) should prompt a search for parasitic infection (particularly in those who have recently travelled to tropical or subtropical regions) and, if unexplained, specialist haematological assessment to exclude rare primary eosinophilic disorders. Eosinophils are suppressed by corticosteroids — if you take steroids regularly, your eosinophil count may be artificially low.
A normal platelet count is generally between 150 and 400 x10^9/L. Low platelets (thrombocytopenia) can be caused by immune thrombocytopenia (ITP), viral infections (including dengue and HIV), medications, alcohol excess, liver disease, and bone marrow disorders. High platelets (thrombocytosis) can be reactive (following infection, inflammation, iron deficiency, or after splenectomy) or, less commonly, due to a primary haematological condition (essential thrombocythaemia). Reactive thrombocytosis is very common and usually resolves when the underlying cause is treated. Platelet counts below 50 x10^9/L significantly increase bleeding risk and warrant urgent GP review.
A full blood count can raise suspicion of leukaemia through a pattern of very elevated or very low white blood cell counts, abnormal cell populations, and anaemia or thrombocytopenia — but it cannot diagnose leukaemia on its own. Leukaemia diagnosis requires specialist haematological assessment including peripheral blood film review, bone marrow biopsy, and often specific molecular and genetic testing. However, an FBC is frequently the first investigation that identifies an abnormal blood cell pattern prompting further investigation. If your physician report identifies a pattern that warrants specialist review, it will specify this clearly and indicate the urgency.
