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Full Blood Count

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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.

 

FBC13 blood markers
48 hrsresults turnaround
GPled interpretation
UKASaccredited lab

Why a Full Blood Count matters

A full blood count is one of the most common and informative blood tests there is. By measuring your red cells, white cells and platelets, it gives a broad snapshot of your overall health — helping detect anaemia, infection, inflammation, clotting issues and many other conditions, often before symptoms appear.

It's a valuable check on its own or as part of a wider assessment, and every result is reviewed and explained by a GP.

What's included in your Full Blood Count

Thirteen markers across your red cells, white cells and platelets.

Red blood cells
  • Haemoglobin — measures the oxygen-carrying capacity of your blood.
  • Haematocrit — evaluates the proportion of your blood made up of red cells.
  • Red Blood Cell Count — measures the total number of circulating red cells.
  • Mean Cell Volume (MCV) — the average size of your red blood cells.
  • Mean Cell Haemoglobin (MCH) — the average amount of haemoglobin per red cell.
  • Mean Cell Haemoglobin Concentration (MCHC) — the haemoglobin concentration within your red cells.
White blood cells
  • White Blood Cell Count — the total number of white cells, reflecting overall immune status.
  • Neutrophil Count — identifies bacterial infections and inflammatory responses.
  • Lymphocyte Count — monitors immune function.
  • Monocyte Count — detects chronic infections and inflammation.
  • Eosinophil Count — helps detect allergies or parasitic infections.
  • Basophil Count — assesses allergic and inflammatory responses.
Platelets
  • Platelet Count — assesses your blood's clotting potential.

What a full blood count can help detect

AnaemiaLow haemoglobin or red cell changes behind tiredness and breathlessness.
InfectionPatterns in your white cells that point to infection.
Inflammation & immunityInsight into your immune response and inflammatory activity.
ClottingPlatelet levels relevant to bleeding and clotting.

How it works

Book onlineChoose a time that suits you, or call us. Most checks can be booked online.
Quick blood sampleA short, comfortable appointment at one of our clinical sites — around 15 minutes.
Expert lab analysisYour sample is processed by a locally based UKAS-accredited laboratory.
GP-reviewed resultsWithin 48 hours, a GP reviews and explains your results — with clear, personalised advice.

Is this test right for you?

It's a helpful choice if you are:

Tired or run downPersistent fatigue you'd like to get to the bottom of.
Investigating symptomsFrequent infections, easy bruising or feeling unwell.
Wanting a baselineA broad snapshot of your general health.
MonitoringKeeping an eye on a known condition over time.

Why choose Solasta

GP interpretation, not softwareEvery result is reviewed and explained by an experienced local GP — so you know what it means and what to do next.
Accurate, accredited resultsAnalysed by a locally based UKAS-accredited laboratory (ISO/IEC 17025:2017) for reliable, fast diagnostics.
Continuity of careMore than a one-off test — discreet, unhurried care with ongoing support and follow-up if needed.

What to know before your appointment

No special preparation

There's no need to fast before a full blood count — you can eat and drink as normal.

Stay hydrated

Please ensure you are well hydrated prior to your appointment, as being dehydrated may make the blood draw more difficult.

Recent illness

If you've recently had or currently have an infection, please mention it, as it can temporarily affect your white cell counts.

Full Blood Count FAQs

What is a full blood count?
It's a common blood test that measures your red cells, white cells and platelets, giving a broad snapshot of your overall health.
What can it detect?
It can help detect anaemia, infection, inflammation, immune changes and clotting issues, among other conditions — often before symptoms appear.
Do I need to fast?
No. A full blood count doesn't require fasting, so you can eat and drink as normal beforehand.
How should I prepare?
No special preparation is needed. Stay well hydrated, and let us know if you've recently been unwell, as infection can temporarily affect your white cell counts.
How long do results take?
Results are typically ready within 48 hours of your sample reaching the laboratory, after which a GP reviews and explains them.
Will a doctor explain my results?
Yes. Your results are interpreted by an experienced GP with personalised guidance and any recommended next steps.
How is the sample taken?
A simple blood sample is taken at one of our clinical sites in a short, comfortable appointment of around 15 minutes.

Related checks & services

Iron StatusA focused look at iron levels and stores behind tiredness.
Infection & InflammationMarkers that help investigate infection or inflammation.
Well WomanA comprehensive general health check across all the major systems.
Well ManA comprehensive general health check across all the major systems.
Ready to understand your health?
Book your Full Blood Count test online, or call us — NI 028 40 648 486 · ROI +353 1906 1950.

We're passionate about one thing... Your health

We're committed to helping you shape a healthier future.

Excellence is at the heart of everything we do—empowering us to provide world-class clinical diagnostics that contribute to better health outcomes.