Full blood count

From DoctorMyhill

Test Details for Ordering
Test	Full blood count
Laboratory	TDL
Price	£25.50
Bloods	Yes
To order this test, please, go to Ordering Tests. Please, make sure you have read When not to use this website to ascertain whether having this test is an appropriate and safe course of action for you.

DESCRIPTION

This test looks at the number of red blood cells, their size and how much haemoglobin (to carry oxygen) is packaged into each one, numbers of white cells and a break down of the numbers of different types, also number of platelets (which allow blood to clot). One would expect to find abnormalities here in anaemia, B12 deficiency, folic acid deficiency, sometimes underactive thyroid, iron deficiency, infections, leukaemias, and rarely allergy or parasites.

It is a screening test very commonly done in any medical work up of a patient. Just because it is normal does not mean all is well. However some doctors are very naughty and tell their patients, quite erroneously, "oh the blood test is fine so there is nothing the matter".

SAMPLE

This test is performed on a blood sample.

KIT

The kit for this test includes an EDTA blood tube, a plastic blood tube carrier and a plastic bag for sealing the sample, a request form and a pre-paid envelope for sending the sample to the laboratory.

INSTRUCTIONS

To complete the test: have the blood taken and put in the blood tube (see blood letting information), make sure that your name and date of birth are clearly marked on the tube. Check that your details are correct on the request form. Using the packaging materials provided prepare the sample for posting in the pre-paid addressed envelope. Please, make sure that the request form is sent along with the samples. Post on a week-day.

Please note that there is an additional interpretation fee for my letter to your GP. See Ordering Tests for more details.