Pathology results in My Health Record, explained
FBE blood test results explained
An FBE, also called a full blood count, is one of the most common blood tests in Australia. It counts and measures your red cells, white cells and platelets. GPs order it as part of a general health check, or to look for problems such as anaemia, infection or bleeding and clotting problems.
Also printed as: Full blood count (FBC), Full blood picture (FBP), Complete blood count (CBC).
What is on the report
Typical adult ranges. Each lab sets its own, so the range printed next to your result is the one that counts.
| Test | What it is | Typical range |
|---|---|---|
| Hemoglobin | The protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen. | 11.6–15 g/dL (women) 13.2–16.6 g/dL (men) |
| RBC | The number of red blood cells, which carry oxygen around the body. | 3.92–5.13 x10^6/µL (women) 4.35–5.65 x10^6/µL (men) |
| Hematocrit | How much of the blood's volume is red blood cells. | 0.355–0.449 ratio (women, as a fraction (L/L)) 0.383–0.486 ratio (men, as a fraction (L/L)) |
| MCV | The average size of your red blood cells. | 78.2–97.9 fL |
| MCH | The average amount of hemoglobin inside each red blood cell. | 26–33 pg (women) 27–33 pg (men) |
| MCHC | How concentrated the hemoglobin is inside the red blood cells. | 32–36 g/dL |
| RDW | How much your red blood cells vary in size. | 39–46 fL (RDW-SD) |
| WBC | The total number of white blood cells, the body's infection fighters. | 3.4–9.6 x10^3/µL |
| Neutrophils | The most common white blood cells, the first to fight bacteria. | 50–70 % (percent of white cells) |
| Lymphocytes | White blood cells that fight viruses and make antibodies. | 20–40 % (percent of white cells) |
| Monocytes | White blood cells that clean up germs and damaged tissue. | 2–8 % (percent of white cells) |
| Eosinophils | White blood cells involved in allergies and fighting parasites. | 0–4 % (percent of white cells) |
| Basophils | The rarest white blood cells, involved in allergic reactions. | 0–1 % (percent of white cells) |
| Platelets | Tiny cell pieces that help the blood clot. | 157–371 x10^3/µL (women) 135–317 x10^3/µL (men) |
Good to know in Australia
- Australian reports may call this test FBE, FBC, FBP or CBC. They all mean the same group of tests.
- Results outside the reference interval are flagged H for high or L for low.
- Reference intervals for an FBE vary a little between Australian labs because they use different machines, so always compare with the range printed on your own report.
- Ranges for haemoglobin, red cells, haematocrit, white cells and platelets also depend on age, sex, pregnancy and smoking.
- If something looks unclear, the lab may add a blood film, where a scientist or pathologist looks at your cells under a microscope.
Call 000 in an emergency. For health advice at any hour, call healthdirect on 1800 022 222 (NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria). For questions about what your results mean for you, talk to your GP.
Keep your reports in one place
Take a photo or screenshot of your pathology report, or upload the PDF, and Vita explains each number in plain words, suggests what to ask your GP, and keeps it with your past results. Vita does not connect to My Health Record or any Australian health record system. Hospital connections work with US hospitals, not Australian ones.
Vita Health Coach on the App StoreAsk it in ChatGPT
Vita Health Coach also answers in ChatGPT. One tap opens ChatGPT with this question ready to send:
“What should I ask the doctor about my Full blood examination (FBE) result?”
Questions
Do I need to fast for an FBE?
No special preparation is needed for this test. Your GP or the collection centre will tell you if another test on the same form needs fasting.
One of my results has an H next to it. Is something wrong?
Not necessarily. A flag means the number sits outside the usual range for healthy people. What it means for you depends on your health, symptoms and other results, so go through it with your GP.
What is the difference between haemoglobin and red cell count?
Haemoglobin is the protein inside red cells that carries oxygen. The red cell count is how many red cells there are. Low haemoglobin is what defines anaemia.
More for Australia
Sources
General information, not medical advice. VitaMedas is not connected with any government health service. Vita Health Coach explains; it never diagnoses. In an emergency, call 000. Read the medical disclaimer.