Full Blood Count Blood Tests

The Full Blood Count (FBC) is a private blood test with a 5-part white-cell differential that measures your red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets, processed by London Medical Laboratory (LML), a UKAS-accredited ISO 15189 laboratory, and sold by Ways Pharmacy (UK).

Key facts

Who it is for

• People with tiredness, weakness or breathlessness who want to check for anaemia
• People who have had repeated or lingering infections and want their white cells checked
• People who bruise or bleed easily and want their platelet level checked
• People who want a general blood baseline as part of a wider health check

Not suitable for: people who feel acutely unwell, have a high fever or signs of serious infection — seek urgent medical care; use as a substitute for diagnosis by a doctor.

What is measured

• Red blood cells — including haemoglobin and related indices; low levels can indicate anaemia, high levels can suggest dehydration or other conditions
• White blood cells with a 5-part differential — neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils and basophils; raised levels can indicate infection or inflammation, low levels a weakened immune response
• Platelets — cells involved in blood clotting; low levels can mean easy bleeding, high levels a higher clotting tendency

How it works

1. Order online and choose your option: an in-store appointment or an at-home self-collection kit.
2. In store: attend Ways Pharmacy, 77 Southampton Row, London WC1B 4ET, where a trained phlebotomist takes a venous blood sample (EDTA lavender-top tube). At home: a self-collection kit is posted to you; collect your sample and return it in the prepaid packaging.
3. Your sample is sent to London Medical Laboratory (LML) for analysis.
4. You receive a written report with results and reference ranges, typically within 3–5 working days of the lab receiving your sample, with out-of-range values flagged.

Frequently asked questions

How long do results take?

Results are typically available within 3–5 working days from when the laboratory receives your sample. You receive a written report showing your blood-count values against reference ranges.

Where is the blood test done?

You can have the sample taken at our Holborn pharmacy (77 Southampton Row, London WC1B 4ET) by appointment, or order an at-home self-collection kit that is posted to you and returned to the lab in prepaid packaging.

Is the laboratory accredited?

Yes. Your sample is processed by London Medical Laboratory (LML), a UKAS-accredited laboratory working to the ISO 15189 standard for medical laboratories.

What is a 5-part differential?

The differential breaks down your white blood cells into their five main types — neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils and basophils. This gives more detail than a total white-cell count and can help point to the kind of process going on, such as infection or an allergic response.

What happens if a result is abnormal?

Your results are reported with reference ranges and reviewed before release. If a value is outside the normal range, the pharmacist will explain it and recommend the next step, which may be a repeat test or referral to your GP. This test is not a diagnosis.

When to seek further advice

• High fever, severe fatigue or unexplained bleeding needs prompt medical attention — contact your GP or NHS 111.
• Discuss your results with a clinician; abnormal results should be followed up with your GP.

This is a private health-screening service. Results are reported with reference ranges and are not a diagnosis. Discuss your results with a clinician; abnormal results should be followed up with your GP.