Full Blood Count Test
Jan 27, 2026
Full Blood Count Test
A full blood count (FBC) test measures your red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets—the three main components of blood—providing essential information about your overall health, immune function, and ability to carry oxygen. It's one of the most commonly requested blood tests and often the first step in investigating symptoms like fatigue, infections, or unexplained bruising.
At Blood Test London, FBC testing costs from £245 with results in 2-3 days, a doctor always reviews every result.
What Does a Full Blood Count Measure?
Red Blood Cells (RBC)
What they do: Carry oxygen from your lungs to every cell in your body.
Marker | What It Measures | Normal Range |
|---|---|---|
RBC Count | Number of red cells | 4.5-5.5 million/μL (men), 4.0-5.0 (women) |
Haemoglobin (Hb) | Oxygen-carrying protein | 130-170 g/L (men), 120-150 g/L (women) |
Haematocrit (Hct) | Percentage of blood that's red cells | 40-54% (men), 36-48% (women) |
MCV | Average size of red cells | 80-100 fL |
MCH | Average haemoglobin per cell | 27-33 pg |
MCHC | Haemoglobin concentration | 320-360 g/L |
What abnormal results mean:
Low: Anaemia (iron deficiency, B12 deficiency, chronic disease)
High: Dehydration, polycythaemia, lung disease
White Blood Cells (WBC)
What they do: Fight infection and disease—your immune army.
Marker | What It Measures | Normal Range |
|---|---|---|
WBC Count | Total white cells | 4,000-11,000/μL |
Neutrophils | Fight bacterial infections | 40-70% |
Lymphocytes | Fight viral infections, produce antibodies | 20-40% |
Monocytes | Clean up dead cells | 2-8% |
Eosinophils | Allergic responses, parasites | 1-4% |
Basophils | Allergic and inflammatory responses | 0-1% |
What abnormal results mean:
High WBC: Infection, inflammation, stress, leukaemia
Low WBC: Viral infections, bone marrow problems, autoimmune conditions
Platelets
What they do: Help blood clot and stop bleeding.
Marker | What It Measures | Normal Range |
|---|---|---|
Platelet Count | Number of platelets | 150,000-400,000/μL |
MPV | Average platelet size | 7.5-11.5 fL |
What abnormal results mean:
Low: Increased bleeding risk, bone marrow issues, autoimmune destruction
High: Increased clotting risk, inflammation, iron deficiency
Book Your FBC Test via WhatsApp
Why Get a Full Blood Count?
Investigating Symptoms
Persistent fatigue or weakness
Frequent infections
Unexplained bruising or bleeding
Shortness of breath
Pale skin
Routine Health Monitoring
Annual health checks
Before surgery
Monitoring chronic conditions
Medication monitoring
Fitness and Performance
Training response
Recovery capacity
Oxygen-carrying capacity
How to Optimise Your Blood Count
For Healthy Red Blood Cells
Iron-rich foods: Red meat, spinach, legumes, fortified cereals
Vitamin B12: Meat, fish, eggs, dairy (or supplements if vegan)
Folate: Leafy greens, citrus, beans
Avoid: Excessive alcohol (suppresses production)
For Healthy White Blood Cells
Adequate sleep: 7-9 hours nightly
Regular exercise: Moderate intensity
Stress management: Chronic stress suppresses immunity
Vitamin D: Sunlight, supplements if deficient
For Healthy Platelets
Balanced diet: Variety of nutrients
Limit alcohol: Excessive drinking lowers platelets
Avoid unnecessary NSAIDs: Can affect platelet function
Book Your Full Blood Count
Price: From £245
Results: 2-3 days
Doctor review: A doctor always reviews every result
Fasting required: No
FAQ
What does FBC stand for?
Full Blood Count—also called Complete Blood Count (CBC) in some countries.
Do I need to fast for an FBC?
No. You can eat and drink normally before the test.
How long do results take?
2-3 days with Blood Test London.
What if my results are abnormal?
Our doctor will explain what it means and recommend next steps. Minor variations are common and often not concerning.
How often should I get an FBC?
Annually for general health monitoring, or more frequently if you have symptoms or chronic conditions.
Blood Test London by The Wellness. Full blood count testing from £245, results in 2-3 days.