A Full Blood Count (FBC) Test highlights abnormalities in your blood, such as unexpectedly high or low numbers of blood cells. This test is relatively common and is used to help diagnose a wide range of illnesses, infections, and diseases.
The blood test is used to investigate your overall health and help diagnose many illnesses and disorders, such as leukaemia, anaemia, and infections.
A full blood count test measures several aspects and features of your blood, including:
- Oxygen-carrying red blood cells
- White blood cells, which the body uses to fight infection
- Oxygen-carrying protein, haemoglobin, in the red blood cells
- Hematocrit, is the proportion of red blood cells to the fluid component, or plasma, in your blood
- Platelets, which are used to help with blood clotting
An underlying medical condition may be indicated should your test reveal abnormal increases or decreases in cell counts. A result of an abnormal amount of cell counts usually results in further tests or investigations being recommended.
Why should I have a Full Blood Count Test?
There are several reasons why a Full Blood Count Test would be recommended. These include:
- To review your overall health. Doctors may recommend a full blood count test as part of routine testing or a yearly medical. Often this is routinely recommended to screen for a variety of disorders, such as anaemia or leukaemia.
- To diagnose a medical condition. Your doctor often recommends a complete blood count should you have several symptoms that may be caused by a number of different illnesses, diseases, or deficiencies. Your doctor may refer you for a full blood count test should you be experiencing weakness, fatigue, fever, inflammation, bruising or bleeding. This test can help indicate where these symptoms may be coming from.
- To monitor a medical condition. Should you have been diagnosed with a blood disorder, which affects blood cell counts, a blood test may be recommended to monitor your condition.
- To monitor medical treatment. If you are taking medication that affects your blood count, a test may be recommended to monitor the effects of your treatment.
It is important to note that a full blood count test is usually not a definitive diagnostic test. If the blood test reveals an abnormality in the results, then a doctor will likely recommend further testing or investigation.
Should you be otherwise healthy, results often fall out of the average range and will not be a cause for concern or require further testing. However, if you are undergoing treatment, show various symptoms, or are at elevated risk of some illnesses, you may be referred for further testing.
The testing process
You do not need to prepare for a full blood count test.
A full blood count is a usual blood test where your health care provider will take a small blood sample. The process only lasts around five minutes.
Should you wish to enquire or book a Full Blood Count Test, please get in touch with us via our contact form or telephone number.
Blood tests are ordered by the doctor as needed, based on the patient’s symptoms and concerns. Occasionally alternate or additional tests may be required for accurate diagnosis.
