Full Blood Count (with 5 part white cell differential)
A comprehensive look at your red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. Helps detect infections, anaemia, inflammation, and general health issues. An essential baseline test for overall wellbeing.
- Description
- Why This Test?
- Associated Conditions
- Uses of This Test
The Full Blood Count (FBC) with 5-part White Cell Differential is a core routine blood test that provides a broad overview of blood health. It measures key components of the blood, including oxygen-carrying cells, immune cells, and platelets involved in clotting.
Because it offers a wide snapshot of how the body is functioning, an FBC is commonly used in general health screening and to support investigation of symptoms such as fatigue, frequent infections, unexplained bruising, or general unwellness. It can help identify patterns that suggest anaemia, inflammation, infection, or issues affecting blood cell production.
The addition of a 5-part differential provides more detailed insight into immune activity by breaking white blood cells into subtypes, which can improve clinical interpretation and help pinpoint the likely cause of abnormal results.
A Full Blood Count is one of the most informative baseline tests because it assesses red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets — all of which play essential roles in oxygen delivery, immune defence, and clotting.
An FBC can help identify:
- Anaemia — low red blood cells or haemoglobin, which may contribute to fatigue, weakness, and breathlessness
- Infections and inflammation — changes in white blood cell levels can indicate immune response and may suggest bacterial, viral, or allergic patterns
- Clotting and bleeding issues — platelet levels are important for normal clot formation and wound healing
- Immune system activity — shifts in white cell subtypes can provide more precise insight into immune function
The 5-part differential measures the proportions of key white blood cell types (lymphocytes, neutrophils, monocytes, eosinophils, basophils). This additional detail can help clinicians interpret whether changes are more consistent with infection, inflammation, allergic responses, or other immune-related patterns.
Anaemia
A condition where red blood cells and/or haemoglobin are low, reducing oxygen delivery to tissues and often causing fatigue and weakness.
Infection (bacterial or viral)
White blood cell patterns can suggest immune activation consistent with infection and help guide further investigation.
Bleeding / Clotting Disorders (screening support)
Platelet abnormalities can be associated with bleeding tendencies or clotting risk, depending on the pattern.
- General health screening baseline
- Investigate fatigue or low energy
- Investigate frequent infections
- Check unexplained bruising or bleeding
- Monitor inflammatory or immune activity
What We Test
Biomarkers analysed by accredited UK laboratories
Biomarkers Tested
Red Blood Cells
These markers assess oxygen-carrying capacity and red blood cell characteristics, supporting investigation of anaemia and related patterns.
- Haemoglobin
- Haematocrit
- Red Cell Count
- Mean Cell Volume (MCV)
- Mean Cell Haemoglobin (MCH)
- Mean Cell Haemoglobin Concentration (MCHC)
- Red Cell Distribution Width (RDW)
White Blood Cells
These markers assess immune activity and help identify patterns consistent with infection, inflammation, allergy-related responses, or broader immune changes.
- White Cell Count
- Lymphocytes
- Neutrophils
- Monocytes
- Eosinophils
- Basophils
Platelets
These markers support assessment of clotting ability and platelet production/function.
- Platelet Count
- Mean Platelet Volume (MPV)
In-Clinic Blood Testing At Longridge, Preston
If you’d rather leave everything to a qualified professional, our in-clinic blood testing service is the most comfortable and hands-off experience. Once you complete your order, we’ll contact you to arrange a convenient appointment time.
Your sample will be taken by a trained phlebotomist, making the process quick, smooth, and reassuring - especially if you’re nervous around blood or struggle with finger-prick tests.
We send off all samples the same day to the lab to be processed so results can be expected within 72 hours.
Why Use This Service:
Hands-off, professional experience
High-quality samples for complex tests
No risk of “not enough sample”
Support at every step
No posting or packaging required
Convinient appointment times
Taking Charge Of Your Own Health Has Never Been Easier
Worried about your wellbeing?
If you’re experiencing unexplained symptoms such as fatigue, weight loss, or other issues, a comprehensive blood test may be the key to discovering potential underlying health problems.
Need to monitor a health condition?
Blood tests offer essential insights into various aspects of your health, from detecting deficiencies to evaluating immune functions.
Enhancing Performance and Fitness?
Whether you’re training for a sport or keeping track of your fitness progress, a blood test serves as an excellent foundation for your performance improvement journey.
All Our Tests Include:
No GP Referral
Order directly - no waiting for appointments
Fast Results
Detailed analysis within 72 hours
Doctor's Commentary
Expert interpretation of your results included
Secure & Confidential
Discreet service and consultations
Frequently Asked Questions
- Qualified Pharmacists
- Flexible Appointments
- Top Customer Service
How accurate are home finger-prick tests compared to clinic tests?
Our home finger-prick tests use the same accredited laboratories as our clinic tests. While clinic tests allow for more comprehensive panels, home tests are highly accurate for the parameters they measure.
Do I need a GP referral for a blood test?
No, you don’t need a GP referral. You can book directly with us for any blood test. We are a private clinic offering direct access to comprehensive blood testing.
How old do I have to be to have a blood test?
We will only draw blood from those aged 16 and above due to legal requirements.
How long does it take for the blood test results to come?
If you have used our clinic to complete a blood test, we send off all samples the same day to the lab to be processed. If you have used a home test kit, then once your sample has been sent off the lab will analyse your sample. Results are usually received within 72 hours.
How do I perform the home finger-prick test?
Your home blood test kit will contain easy-to-follow instructions on how to take your own finger blood sample. If you have any concerns or questions prior to using the kit, please contact our phlebotomists who will be happy to assist.
How do I prepare for a blood test?
There is no preparation required prior to taking any of the blood tests. Please simply remember to stay hydrated prior to your appointment. This is to help your veins dilate better to enable a quick and efficient blood sample to be taken and reduce the risks of feeling faint following your blood test.
Please inform the phlebotomist before your test if you are currently taking any blood thinning medication.
Should I fast before my blood test?
Fasting is not required for most blood tests. However, if your profile includes cholesterol tests and you’ve previously had high levels, consider fasting for 8 hours beforehand. While not essential, fasting can provide more accurate results.
Note: Fasting means abstaining from any food and drink, except for water.