Full Blood Count

About Test

The Full Blood Count (FBC) test, also known as a Complete Blood Count (CBC), measures various components of the blood to assess overall health and detect a range of disorders. The test provides detailed information about the following:

  1. Red Blood Cells (RBCs): Measures the number of red blood cells, which carry oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body and remove carbon dioxide. Abnormal levels can indicate anaemia, dehydration, or other conditions.

  2. Haemoglobin (Hb): Measures the amount of haemoglobin, the iron-rich protein in red blood cells that binds oxygen. Low levels can suggest anaemia, while high levels may indicate other conditions.

  3. Hematocrit (Hct): Measures the proportion of blood volume that is occupied by red blood cells. Abnormal levels can be a sign of anaemia, dehydration, or other blood disorders.

  4. White Blood Cells (WBCs): Measures the number of white blood cells, which are essential for fighting infection and immune response. Elevated or reduced levels can indicate infections, inflammation, or immune system disorders.

  5. Platelets: Measures the number of platelets, which are involved in blood clotting. Abnormal levels can indicate bleeding disorders or problems with bone marrow.

The FBC test is used to diagnose and monitor various conditions, such as anaemia, infections, and blood disorders, and to evaluate overall health. Regular testing helps healthcare providers detect issues early, guide treatment decisions, and manage health conditions effectively.


Sample Requirements

Purple EDTA Tube

Stability

Serum: 7 days 2-8°C

Turnaround Time

4 hours

Purple EDTA Tube

Assay Interferences

Interferences (Up to 5%)

Calcium: Above 15 mg/dL

Potassium: Above 7 mmol/L

Sodium: Above 180 mmol/L

Iron: Above 800 ug/dL

Zinc: Above 500 ug/dL

Magnesium: Above 4 mg/dL

Copper: Above 600 ug/dL

Bilirubin (conj): Above 15 mg/dL

Lipemia: Above 600 mg/dL

Haemolysis: Above 2 g/L

Reference Range:

0.40 - 1.00 Therapeutic / 1.00 - 2.00 Moderately Toxic / >2.00 Severely Toxic

Known factors:

Increased Lithium

  • Problem: Incorrect container or anticoagulant
    Caused by: Lithium Heparin Tube


Critical Value:

Not applicable