What does a full blood count check?

A full blood count measures your red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. It gives a broad picture of your health and can point to anaemia, infection, inflammation, or clotting problems.

What it measures

Red cells and haemoglobin show how well your blood carries oxygen, white cells reflect your immune response, and platelets show how well your blood clots. Each value is read against a reference range printed beside your result.

Why it is ordered

Common reasons include tiredness, recurrent infections, unexplained bruising, before surgery, or during pregnancy. It is often ordered alongside other tests such as iron studies or a thyroid function test.

Do I need to prepare?

Most full blood counts do not require fasting. If other tests such as cholesterol or glucose are ordered at the same time, those may need fasting, so follow the instructions on your request form.

Read our full guide on the full blood count, or book an appointment.

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