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.
Blood Tests, General Health- Description
- Associated Conditions
- Uses of This Test
- Why 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.
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
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.
What We Test
Biomarkers analysed by accredited UK laboratories
Biomarkers Tested
Red Blood Cells
- Haemoglobin
- Haematocrit
- Red Cell Count
- Mean Cell Volume (MCV)
- Mean Cell Haemoglobin (MCH)
- Mean Cell Haemoglobin Concentration (MCHC)
- Red Cell Distribution Width (RDW)
These markers assess oxygen-carrying capacity and red blood cell characteristics, supporting investigation of anaemia and related patterns.
White Blood Cells
- White Cell Count
- Lymphocytes
- Neutrophils
- Monocytes
- Eosinophils
- Basophils
These markers assess immune activity and help identify patterns consistent with infection, inflammation, allergy-related responses, or broader immune changes.
Platelets
- Platelet Count
- Mean Platelet Volume (MPV)
These markers support assessment of clotting ability and platelet production/function.
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
Laboratory Commentary
Expert interpretation of your results included
Secure & Confidential
Discreet service and consultations
Frequently Asked Questions
- Qualified Pharmacists
- Flexible Appointments
- Top Customer Service
How much do private blood tests cost in Preston?
Prices start at £39 for a single-marker test such as our Cholesterol/Lipid Profile and rise to £349 for the Allergy Complete 295-allergen panel. Most comprehensive health panels cost between £100 and £180. The price covers the laboratory analysis and your results report, and our pharmacists will talk you through anything that needs explaining at no extra charge.
What is the difference between a home finger-prick test and a clinic appointment?
Both use exactly the same accredited UK laboratories. A home kit suits busy schedules and simpler tests, while a clinic appointment with our phlebotomist is better for comprehensive panels, larger samples, or anyone who would rather not take their own sample. If you are not sure which to choose, call us and we will point you to the right option.
Where is the clinic?
You will find us at 54 Berry Lane, Longridge, Preston PR3 3JP, with free parking on site. We see patients from Longridge, Preston, the Ribble Valley and across Lancashire.
Are weekend appointments available?
Yes. We are open 10am to 6pm on Saturdays, with blood test appointments available by arrangement, so you can fit your test around work and family.
Are same-day appointments available?
Often, yes. If you need a blood test today, call us on 01772 439054 and we will do our best to fit you in the same day.
What if my results need explaining?
Your results are reported against the laboratory’s reference ranges, so you can see which values sit outside the expected range. Where the laboratory provides written commentary it is included with your report. If anything is unclear or needs a follow-up, our pharmacists are happy to talk you through it.
What if I’m on the pill, coil or HRT?
Just tell us at booking. Hormonal contraception and HRT affect some results, so we note it on your order and take it into account when we talk your results through with you.
What can an AMH test tell me?
AMH is the single best blood marker of your ovarian reserve, a useful indicator if you’re planning for a family, considering egg freezing, or simply want to understand your fertility. It can be tested on any day of your cycle.
When in my cycle should I take a hormone test?
It depends on the test. AMH can be done on any day. Baseline hormones (FSH, LH, oestradiol) are usually taken on days 2 to 5. Progesterone is taken around day 21 (about 7 days before your next period is due). We’ll guide you on timing when you book.
When is the best time to take a testosterone test?
Ideally in the morning (before 11am), when testosterone is at its natural peak. We’ll guide you on timing when you book.
What’s the best test if I think my testosterone is low?
Testosterone Plus, which measures total and free testosterone plus SHBG and the Free Androgen Index. Total testosterone alone misses many men whose symptoms come from low free testosterone, so getting the complete picture matters.
Do I need an allergy test or intolerance test?
If your reactions are fast (hives, swelling, wheezing), the 295-allergen IgE panel is the right starting point. If they’re slower and gut-based (bloating, cramps, fatigue), a targeted intolerance or coeliac profile may suit you better. Not sure? Call us and we’ll guide you.
What does the 295-allergen panel test for?
Foods, pollens, animals, dust mites, moulds, insect venoms, drugs and contact allergens (all from a single blood sample). The full allergen list can be found on the product page.
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.