Full Blood
Count
A Full Blood Count (FBC) is one of the most commonly requested blood tests by doctors and often serves as the first step in evaluating a wide range of health concerns. This straightforward yet highly informative test measures the number and characteristics of different blood cells — including red blood cells (RBCs), white blood cells (WBCs), and platelets — as well as haemoglobin levels. The results provide essential insights into your overall health and can be used to diagnose, monitor, or rule out various medical conditions.
Your doctor may recommend an FBC if you experience symptoms such as persistent fatigue, weakness, frequent infections, unexplained bruising, or inflammation. Abnormal results may indicate conditions such as anaemia, infections, immune system disorders, and certain types of cancer, including leukaemia. Additionally, changes in blood cell counts can sometimes reflect the effects of medications, chronic illnesses, or nutritional deficiencies.
At Fortress Clinical Laboratory, we offer a Full Blood Count with Differential, providing a more detailed analysis than a standard FBC. In addition to the total white blood cell count, we differentiate and quantify each specific type of WBC — including neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils, and basophils. This detailed breakdown gives your doctor a clearer understanding of your immune system and can help identify the cause of abnormalities more accurately.
The Full Blood Count Profile Includes:
- Basophil Count – assesses allergic and inflammatory responses.
- Eosinophil Count – helps detect allergies or parasitic infections.
- Haemoglobin – measures the oxygen-carrying capacity of your blood.
- Haematocrit – evaluates the proportion of red blood cells.
- Lymphocyte Count – monitors immune function.
- Mean Cell Haemoglobin (MCH) – average haemoglobin per red blood cell.
- Mean Cell Haemoglobin Concentration (MCHC) – haemoglobin concentration in red blood cells.
- Monocyte Count – detects chronic infections and inflammation.
- Neutrophil Count – identifies bacterial infections and inflammatory responses.
- Platelet Count – assesses blood clotting potential.
- Red Blood Cell Count – measures total circulating RBCs.
- Red Blood Cell Mean Volume (MCV) – average size of red blood cells.
- White Blood Cell Count – total WBCs, reflecting overall immune status.
Following your test, your doctor will review your FBC results, explaining their significance and advising on the most appropriate next steps — whether that involves further testing, lifestyle changes, or treatment.
By providing accurate, timely, and detailed results, Fortress Clinical Laboratory supports your healthcare provider in delivering informed, personalised care, helping you maintain optimal health and wellbeing.