£55.00
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Results: ~3 working days
Doctor’s report included
Convenient home or clinic sampling
Free delivery & returns
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.
Age restriction: Adults 18+ only (guardian consent required for minors).
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.
the oxygen-carrying protein in red cells. Low Hb indicates anaemia.
number of red cells carrying oxygen.
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.
cells that help blood clot. Low platelets can cause easy bleeding; high counts may indicate other disorders.
erythrocyte sedimentation rate
Next day turn around
Low red cell indices (Hb, RBC) suggest anaemia. Further tests (iron, B12, folate) may follow.
Raised WBC (especially neutrophils) often indicates bacterial infection. Certain patterns (e.g. high lymphocytes) may suggest viral infections.
Unusual cell counts can flag conditions like thalassemia or pernicious anaemia. Extremely high or low counts may require further haematology referral.
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.
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.
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.
A full blood count, often shortened to FBC, is one of the most common blood tests in the UK. It looks at the main types of cell in your blood and the haemoglobin that carries oxygen, giving a useful first picture of your general health.
An FBC looks at four main areas:
Carry oxygen around your body. The FBC looks at how many you have and their size.
The protein inside red cells that carries oxygen. Low levels can be a sign of anaemia.
Part of your immune system, which helps your body fight infection.
Small cells that help your blood clot when you’re injured.
Want to understand your numbers once they’re back? Read our guide: full blood count explained.
Choose Your Collection MethodPick the test that matches your question.
A Full Blood Count (also called a 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.
Not usually. A full blood count looks at your blood cells and haemoglobin. When people say “full blood test” they often mean a wider health panel that also checks things like liver and kidney function. If you want a broader check, a panel such as the tired all the time blood test may suit you better.
An FBC is often ordered as part of a routine health check or when you have symptoms such as tiredness, signs of infection or unusual bruising or bleeding. It can help your doctor look into conditions such as anaemia, infection, inflammation and some blood disorders.
A full blood count isn’t a cancer test. Some conditions can change the numbers in an FBC, but a result on its own can’t confirm or rule out cancer. That needs an assessment by a doctor.
No special preparation is usually required. You can eat and drink normally. If you are having other tests at the same time and some of them need fasting, you will be advised before your appointment.
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, and a plaster or dressing is applied afterwards.
Risks are very low. You might have slight pain or bruising where the needle went in, which usually settles quickly. Occasionally people feel faint, so let us know if you have felt faint during a blood test before.
Results are typically available within 2–3 working days. Your results come with a doctor’s report explaining them, and you will be notified by email or phone as agreed.
Yes. In the Visit Type options in the booking panel you can choose a Clinic Visit, a Home Visit (Essex only) or Kit Only. Kits come with instructions for collecting and returning your sample. Use the clinic finder to see your nearest Swift clinic.
The Full Blood Count (FBC) Blood Test is £55. Your total, including the visit type you choose, is shown before you pay.
Dehydration can slightly increase haemoglobin. Recent infections or inflammation can raise white cell counts. Certain medicines and smoking can also affect levels. It’s best to mention any current health conditions or medicines when you discuss your results with a doctor.
An abnormal result does not always mean disease, and a result outside the reference range isn’t a diagnosis on its own. For example, a slightly low haemoglobin can have causes such as iron deficiency, and a raised white cell count is often linked to infection or inflammation. Share your results with your GP, who can interpret them alongside your symptoms and history and arrange any follow-up tests.
Your GP can arrange a full blood count on the NHS when it’s clinically needed. Booking privately means you can book the test yourself online and choose a time and visit type that suits you.
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 speak to your GP or a paediatric specialist, or contact us for guidance.
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Read All Our Google ReviewsGreat service. I’m not the best with needles, however, Jo made me feel comfortable and at ease which made the whole process much more tolerable. 5 stars from me.
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