NHS App test results explained
FBC blood test: full blood count explained
The full blood count is one of the most common blood tests a GP asks for. It counts and measures your red cells, white cells and platelets, and gives a broad picture of your health. It can help look for anaemia, infection and other conditions, or keep an eye on one you already have.
Also printed as: FBC.
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) |
| WBC | The total number of white blood cells, the body's infection fighters. | 3.4–9.6 x10^3/µL |
| Platelets | Tiny cell pieces that help the blood clot. | 157–371 x10^3/µL (women) 135–317 x10^3/µL (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) |
| 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) |
Good to know in United Kingdom
- On UK reports the white cell count is usually broken down into five types (neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils, basophils). This breakdown is called the differential and is reported with the FBC.
- Normal ranges differ by age and sex, and children have their own ranges. The range printed on your report is the one your laboratory uses.
- The usual level of neutrophils differs between ethnic groups. Your doctor takes this into account.
- Many FBC results slightly outside the range need no treatment. A GP may simply repeat the test after a short time.
- If the FBC points to anaemia, the next step is often iron studies, vitamin B12 or folate tests.
Call 999 in an emergency. For urgent advice that is not an emergency, use NHS 111 online or call 111. For questions about your test results, contact your GP surgery.
Keep your reports in one place
Take a photo or screenshot of your results, 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 the NHS App or to any UK health record system, and its hospital connections are for US hospitals, not UK 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 count (FBC) result?”
Questions
Do I need to fast before an FBC?
No. You do not need to do anything special before a full blood count.
What does a low MCV mean?
MCV is the average size of your red cells. A low MCV means they are smaller than usual, which is often linked to low iron, long-standing inflammation or thalassaemia. Your GP will look at it alongside your other results.
Can things other than illness change my FBC?
Yes. Age, sex, a recent blood transfusion, some medicines, low iron, vitamin B12 or folate, and heavy drinking can all change the results. Tell the person taking your blood about medicines and supplements.
More for United Kingdom
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 999. Read the medical disclaimer.