Full Blood Count

14-parameter full blood count measuring haemoglobin, red cells, white cells, platelets, and differential for comprehensive blood health assessment.

The Full Blood Count (FBC) is the most fundamental blood test in medicine, measuring 14 parameters across three cell populations to provide a comprehensive snapshot of blood health, immune function, and clotting capacity. Red blood cell indices (haemoglobin, RBC, haematocrit, MCV, MCH, MCHC, RDW) assess oxygen-carrying capacity and red cell characteristics. Low haemoglobin indicates anaemia, while MCV (mean cell volume) distinguishes between iron deficiency anaemia (small cells), B12/folate deficiency (large cells), and chronic disease anaemia. RDW (red cell distribution width) measures variation in cell size — an elevated RDW is increasingly recognised as an independent predictor of cardiovascular risk and mortality. White blood cell differential (WCC, neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils, basophils) maps immune system status. Elevated neutrophils suggest bacterial infection; raised lymphocytes indicate viral infection; elevated eosinophils point to allergy or parasitic infection. Chronic shifts in white cell ratios can indicate autoimmune conditions or haematological disorders. Platelet count and MPV (mean platelet volume) assess clotting function. This is Express Pathology's standalone FBC — no fasting required, results within 24-48 hours.