The Full Blood Count (FBC) Test measures red cells, white cells, and platelets in your blood. It may help check for anaemia, infection, immune problems, or overall health changes, and is one of the most commonly requested routine blood tests. This test also includes ESR.
Concerned about persistent fatigue, frequent infections, unusual bruising, or simply wanting a comprehensive check-up of your blood health and immune system?
Overview
Think of the Full Blood Count (FBC) test as your blood's comprehensive health report card. Just like a detailed report tells you how well different parts of a system are working, this test examines the three main "teams" in your blood: red blood cells (your body's oxygen delivery trucks), white blood cells (your immune system's security force), and platelets (your internal repair crew that stops bleeding). By counting and examining these different blood components, the FBC gives doctors a clear picture of how well your body is producing blood cells, fighting off infections, and maintaining its ability to heal from cuts and bruises.
This test is incredibly valuable because your blood touches every part of your body, so problems often show up here first. If you're feeling unusually tired, getting sick frequently, or noticing unusual bruising, an FBC can help explain why by revealing issues like anemia (too few red blood cells), infections (high white blood cell count), or clotting problems (low platelet count). It's also essential for monitoring people with chronic conditions or those taking medications that might affect blood production, making it one of the most useful tools for understanding your overall health and catching potential problems before they become serious.
Reviewed by Dr. Vu Tran Bloody Good’s Chief Medical Officer
Symptoms
You may benefit from this test if you experience:
Feeling tired all the time
Extreme fatigue that doesn't improve with rest
Easy bruising with minor bumps
Frequent nosebleeds
Cough that produces blood
Frequent infections (more than 4 colds per year)
Unusual infections or poor immune response
Annual physical exam
Purpose
Essential for anyone experiencing unexplained fatigue, frequent infections, easy bruising, or unusual bleeding. Valuable for routine health screening, pre-operative assessment, monitoring chronic conditions, or investigating symptoms like dizziness, weakness, or shortness of breath. Important for individuals with family history of blood disorders, autoimmune conditions, or those taking medications that might affect blood cells.
How to prepare
No fasting required. No special preparation needed. Stay well-hydrated before your test. Inform your healthcare provider about any medications, supplements, or recent illnesses as these can affect blood cell counts. Avoid intense exercise immediately before testing.
Understanding results
Normal ranges vary by age and gender. Typical adult ranges: Haemoglobin (120-160 g/L women, 140-180 g/L men), White blood cells (4.0-11.0 x10⁹/L), Platelets (150-400 x10⁹/L). Low haemoglobin suggests anaemia; high white cell count may indicate infection or inflammation; low platelets increase bleeding risk. Results are interpreted together with symptoms and medical history for accurate diagnosis.
After the test
Discuss any abnormal results with your healthcare provider. Further testing may be required depending on findings, such as iron studies for anaemia, blood film examination for cell abnormalities, or additional tests to identify underlying causes. Follow-up FBC testing may be recommended to monitor treatment effectiveness or track changes over time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Low haemoglobin indicates anaemia, which can cause fatigue, weakness, and shortness of breath. Common causes include iron deficiency, vitamin B12 or folate deficiency, chronic disease, or blood loss.
Elevated white blood cells usually indicate your immune system is responding to infection, inflammation, or stress. However, very high levels may require further investigation to rule out blood disorders.
Low platelets can result from decreased production (bone marrow problems), increased destruction (immune conditions), or sequestration (enlarged spleen). This can increase bleeding and bruising risk.
For healthy adults, every 1-2 years during routine check-ups. More frequent testing may be needed if you have chronic conditions, take certain medications, or have abnormal previous results.
Yes, dehydration can concentrate your blood, making cell counts appear higher than normal. Ensure adequate hydration before testing for accurate results.
Red cell Distribution Width (RDW) measures variation in red blood cell size. High RDW can indicate nutritional deficiencies, blood disorders, or chronic diseases even when overall cell counts appear normal.
We want you to feel bloody good—inside and out. Regular testing isn’t just about checking your current health; it helps you spot abnormal values you might not know about.
1
Book your referral
Choose the testing that suits your goals. After ordering, you will receive your referral by email.
2
Collect your sample
Easy sample collection at one of our 4000+ partner collection centres throughout Australia. Find nearest
3
Receive your results
View your lab results and receive a personalised review from the secure Bloody Good platform.
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