What Is a Full Blood Count?
A Full Blood Count (FBC) — sometimes called a Complete Blood Count — is a panel of tests that measures the cellular components of your blood. It provides a rapid, comprehensive snapshot of your haematological health and is one of the most frequently requested investigations in medicine.
Key Components
Haemoglobin (Hb)
Haemoglobin is the protein in red cells that carries oxygen. A low haemoglobin indicates anaemia — which can cause fatigue, breathlessness, and pallor. Normal ranges are approximately 13.0–17.0 g/dL for adult men and 12.0–16.0 g/dL for adult women.
White Cell Count (WCC)
White cells are your immune cells. An elevated count may suggest infection, inflammation, or — in significant cases — haematological disease. A low count may indicate suppressed bone marrow function. The differential breakdown helps distinguish between bacterial, viral, and allergic causes.
Platelet Count
Platelets are responsible for blood clotting. A very low count increases bleeding risk. A high count can in some circumstances increase clotting risk. Most isolated platelet abnormalities require clinical context to interpret correctly.
Red Cell Indices (MCV)
The MCV tells us about the size of your red cells — whether they are small (microcytic, as in iron deficiency), large (macrocytic, as in B12 or folate deficiency), or normal-sized (normocytic). This helps doctors identify the likely cause of anaemia without additional tests.
What to Do With an Abnormal Result
An abnormal FBC does not always mean something serious. However, any result that concerns you should be discussed with your doctor. If you have questions about a result from DLS, contact our laboratory or your referring clinician.