Get the UK's most commonly requested blood test from the comfort of home. Red cells, white cells, haemoglobin, platelets and more — collected by a professional phlebotomist.
Find a Phlebotomist →An FBC analyses the cellular components of your blood, providing a comprehensive health overview.
| Marker | What It Shows | Normal Range |
|---|---|---|
| Haemoglobin (Hb) | Oxygen-carrying protein in red cells | 130 - 170 g/L (men), 120 - 150 g/L (women) |
| Red Blood Cells (RBC) | Cells that carry oxygen | 4.5 - 5.5 x10¹²/L (men), 3.8 - 4.8 (women) |
| White Blood Cells (WBC) | Immune system cells | 4.0 - 11.0 x10⁹/L |
| Platelets | Blood clotting cells | 150 - 400 x10⁹/L |
| MCV | Average red cell size | 80 - 100 fL |
An FBC is the single most useful blood test for a general health check. It provides a baseline for your overall wellbeing.
Low haemoglobin (anaemia) is one of the most common causes of persistent tiredness and can be detected with an FBC.
Abnormal white blood cell counts can indicate immune system problems or underlying conditions that need investigation.
If you have a blood disorder, are on chemotherapy, or take medications that affect blood cells, regular FBCs are essential.
Enter your postcode, choose a time slot, and select the full blood count. No GP referral required.
A DBS-checked mobile phlebotomist arrives at your home and collects a venous blood sample in under 10 minutes.
Your sample is dispatched to an accredited laboratory the same day. FBC results are typically available within one to two working days.
No fasting is required for a full blood count.
Stay well hydrated to make the blood draw easier.
Inform your phlebotomist of any medications or supplements you take.
Wear loose sleeves for easy access to your arm.
If you are feeling unwell on the day, the test can still proceed — illness may actually be the reason your doctor has requested it.
A full blood count is one of the most commonly requested blood tests. It measures the different types of cells in your blood — red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets — along with haemoglobin and other indices. It provides a broad overview of your general health and can help detect a wide range of conditions including anaemia, infection, inflammation and blood disorders.
No. A full blood count does not require fasting. You can eat and drink normally before your appointment. If your doctor has requested additional tests alongside the FBC (such as glucose or lipids), those may require fasting.
An FBC can help detect or monitor anaemia, infections, inflammation, blood clotting disorders, immune system conditions, vitamin deficiencies (B12, folate), and some blood cancers such as leukaemia. Abnormal results do not always indicate a serious condition — your doctor will interpret them in context.
Full blood count results are typically available within one to two working days. The FBC is one of the fastest tests to process as it uses automated analysers at the laboratory.
A high white blood cell count (leucocytosis) often indicates infection, inflammation or stress. A low count (leucopenia) can be caused by viral infections, bone marrow problems, or certain medications. Your doctor will consider your symptoms and may request further tests to determine the cause.
Find a DBS-checked phlebotomist near you. Most bookings confirmed in under two minutes.
Find a Phlebotomist →Related reading: Full Blood Count Results Explained