Full Blood Count (FBC) – Swift Blood Tests

£55.00

4.9/5 from 131+ verified Google reviews

  • Results: ~3 working days
  • Doctor’s report included
  • Convenient home or clinic sampling
  • Free delivery & returns

Biomarkers

Red blood cell count, white blood cell count (including differential), hemoglobin, platelets.

Sample collection: A small blood sample is taken (usually EDTA tube) by a finger-prick kit at home or in one of our UK clinics. Our kit includes everything needed; simply return the sample in the pre-paid envelope. Results include a personalised doctor’s interpretation.

Booking details

Age restriction: Adults 18+ only (guardian consent required for minors).

Overview

A full blood count (FBC) is a common screening blood test that evaluates the cells in your blood. It checks for disorders like anaemia (low red cells/haemoglobin), infections, immune problems or blood cancers. Your doctor may order an FBC as part of a routine check-up or if you have symptoms such as fatigue, bruising, fever, or unusual bleeding. The test helps catch problems early by showing abnormal cell counts or sizes. Swift Blood Tests processes samples rapidly, with results and a doctor’s report typically within a few days.

Key Test Components

Haemoglobin (Hb)

the oxygen-carrying protein in red cells. Low Hb indicates anaemia.

Red Blood Cell Count (RBC)

number of red cells carrying oxygen.

White Blood Cells (WBC) & Differential

total WBC count and breakdown into neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils, basophils. High WBC can signal infection or inflammation; low WBC may indicate immune or bone marrow issues.

Platelets

cells that help blood clot. Low platelets can cause easy bleeding; high counts may indicate other disorders.

ESR

erythrocyte sedimentation rate

Sample Requirements

Next day turn around

Clinical Uses

Screen for anaemia or iron deficiency

Low red cell indices (Hb, RBC) suggest anaemia. Further tests (iron, B12, folate) may follow.

Detect infections or inflammation

Raised WBC (especially neutrophils) often indicates bacterial infection. Certain patterns (e.g. high lymphocytes) may suggest viral infections.

Identify blood disorders

Unusual cell counts can flag conditions like thalassemia or pernicious anaemia. Extremely high or low counts may require further haematology referral.

Monitor treatment

Doctors use FBCs to monitor chemotherapy, immunosuppressive drugs or recovery from acute illness, since many treatments affect blood cells. The FBC provides an overall snapshot of blood health and often leads to more specific follow-up tests if abnormalities are found.

Why You Might Need This Test

You may be advised to take an FBC if you have any of the following signs or risk factors: Symptoms of anaemia: fatigue, weakness, shortness of breath, pale skin. Signs of infection: unexplained fever, chills, sore throat, or coughing. Abnormal bruising or bleeding: easy bruising, bleeding gums, heavy menstrual periods (could indicate low platelets or clotting issues). Chronic conditions: monitoring of known blood disorders, long-term medications (like anticoagulants), or chronic diseases that affect blood. For example, a patient feeling unusually tired may have a low haemoglobin (anaemia) on an FBC. Similarly, someone with persistent fever might have a raised white cell count indicating an infection. Your doctor will interpret the results alongside your history and may order additional tests based on the FBC findings.

Can’t Find Your Test?

If you can’t find the test you’re looking for, simply give us a call and our support team will guide you to the right option. We’re here to ensure you get the correct test quickly and confidently.

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FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Full Blood Count (FBC)?

A Full Blood Count (also called CBC) is a group of tests that measure different components of your blood, including red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, haemoglobin, and other indices. It provides a broad overview of your blood health.

An FBC is often ordered as part of routine health checks or when you have symptoms like fatigue, infection, or abnormal bleeding. It can help diagnose conditions such as anaemia, infection, immune disorders, or blood cancers.

No special preparation is usually required. You can eat and drink normally. If the test is part of multiple tests (some require fasting), your provider will advise you.

A small blood sample is taken from a vein in your arm using a needle. It is quick (often under 5 minutes) and routine. You may feel a brief pinch; afterwards, a bandage is applied. There are minimal risks.

Risks are very low. You might experience slight pain or bruising at the needle site, which usually resolves quickly. In rare cases, a small bruise or feeling faint can occur.

Results are typically available within 2–3 working days. Swift Blood Tests provides a detailed doctor’s report explaining your results. You will be notified by email or phone as agreed.

Yes. Swift Blood Tests offers a convenient home sample collection kit (finger-prick or small tube) with instructions, or you can choose a clinic appointment. Follow the included instructions to collect and return the sample by post.

Dehydration can slightly increase haemoglobin. Recent infections or inflammations can raise white cell counts. Certain medications and smoking can also affect levels. It’s best to mention any current health conditions or medicines when you discuss results with the doctor.

An abnormal result does not always mean disease. For example, a slightly low haemoglobin might indicate iron deficiency anaemia, dehydration, or even a lab variation. A high white cell count usually means an infection. Your doctor will interpret any out-of-range values and may recommend follow-up tests (e.g. iron studies, imaging) to find the cause.

This test is intended for adults (18+). Children’s normal blood values differ from adults. If testing is needed for a child or teenager, please consult with a paediatric specialist or contact us for guidance.

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