Haemoglobin (Hb) – the oxygen-carrying protein in your red blood cells. Low levels may be associated with anaemia.
Red Blood Cell Count (RBC) – measures the number of red blood cells responsible for carrying oxygen around your body.
Haematocrit (HCT) – the proportion of your blood made up of red blood cells.
Mean Cell Volume (MCV) – measures the average size of your red blood cells and can help distinguish between different patterns of anaemia.
Mean Cell Haemoglobin (MCH) – measures the average amount of haemoglobin inside each red blood cell.
Mean Cell Haemoglobin Concentration (MCHC) – looks at the concentration of haemoglobin within your red blood cells.
Red Cell Distribution Width (RDW) – measures how much the size of your red blood cells varies.
Platelet Count – measures the blood cells involved in clotting and stopping bleeding.
Mean Platelet Volume (MPV) – measures the average size of your platelets.
White Blood Cell Count (WBC) – measures the cells that form an important part of your immune system.
Neutrophils – white blood cells particularly involved in responding to bacterial infections and inflammation.
Lymphocytes – immune cells involved in responses to viruses and in producing antibodies.
Monocytes – white blood cells involved in the body’s immune and inflammatory response.
Eosinophils – cells that can be associated with allergic responses, inflammation and certain infections.
Basophils – a smaller group of white blood cells involved in immune and allergic responses.
Who might consider an FBC blood test?
A Full Blood Count may be useful if you:
feel tired or exhausted without a clear reason
have been feeling weak, dizzy or short of breath
are concerned about anaemia
experience heavy periods and want to check whether this may be affecting your blood count
seem to be getting frequent infections
have noticed unexplained bruising
have made significant dietary or weight changes
are monitoring your health alongside a medicine or treatment
simply want a straightforward baseline check of your blood cells
An FBC can indicate that further investigation may be worthwhile, but it does not identify every cause of fatigue or anaemia. For example, if your results suggest an anaemia pattern, your pharmacist may recommend additional testing such as ferritin, iron, vitamin B12 or folate, depending on your results and symptoms.
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