What Does a Full Blood Count (FBC) Test Reveal? (Expanded Answer)
A Full Blood Count (FBC) is a common and comprehensive blood test used to assess your overall health and diagnose a wide range of medical conditions. Here’s what the main components indicate:
- Red Blood Cells (RBCs): These cells transport oxygen throughout your body. Low RBC count may suggest anemia, while high levels could indicate dehydration or lung disease.
- Hemoglobin (Hb): This protein within RBCs carries oxygen. Low hemoglobin levels point to anemia, while elevated levels might be due to smoking or high altitudes.
- White Blood Cells (WBCs): WBCs help the body fight infections. A high count typically suggests an infection or inflammation, while a low count may indicate bone marrow problems or autoimmune disorders.
- Platelets: These tiny cells help with blood clotting. Low platelet counts could indicate bleeding disorders or bone marrow issues, while high counts may suggest inflammation or clotting disorders.
- Hematocrit (Hct): This measures the percentage of blood composed of RBCs. Low hematocrit often signifies anemia, whereas high levels may indicate dehydration or certain types of heart or lung disease.
Understanding these components is essential for early diagnosis and effective management of various conditions, including anemia, infections, and inflammatory diseases.
Recommended Tests
- Ferritin Test
The ferritin test measures the body’s iron stores and helps assess iron deficiency or overload, which can complement findings from a low hemoglobin or hematocrit result.
Ferritin Test - Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) Blood Test
The HbA1c test measures long-term blood sugar levels, essential for patients with diabetes or those at risk, and can provide additional insights if an FBC shows unusual patterns in glucose levels.
Hemoglobin A1c Test
