Full blood count and home blood draws
A full blood count (FBC) is measured from a blood sample taken from a vein. This page explains what the markers reflect and what having the sample taken at home involves.
What these markers reflect
Together they describe the cells in the blood: those that carry oxygen, those that are part of the immune system, and those involved in clotting.
- Haemoglobin
- The protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen around the body.
- Red cell count and indices (such as MCV)
- How many red blood cells there are and their average size and haemoglobin content.
- Haematocrit
- The proportion of the blood made up of red cells.
- White cell count and differential
- How many white blood cells there are, broken down by type. White cells are part of the immune system.
- Platelets
- Small cell fragments involved in blood clotting.
What your own results mean is for the clinician or service that requested the test.
What a home blood draw involves
- The healthcare provider that ordered the test arranges the visit and tells you how to prepare.
- A phlebotomist comes to your address and takes a blood sample from a vein in your arm.
- The sample is labelled and sent to the laboratory that provider uses.
- Your results, and what they mean for you, come from that provider.
Where Lola Dispatch fits
Lola Dispatch is a platform healthcare businesses use to send phlebotomists to their patients. It does not sell blood tests and does not take bookings from the public. If you are a patient, please contact the provider that ordered your test.
Access for businesses is by invitation. Before a phlebotomist can take jobs, Lola staff review their DBS certificate, phlebotomy qualification, insurance, ID and right to work.
Request access