A Full Blood Count (FBC) is a comprehensive blood test that evaluates key components of your blood. It is instrumental in diagnosing anemia, a condition where the body does not have enough red blood cells or hemoglobin to transport oxygen efficiently.
- What the FBC Measures:
- Red Blood Cells (RBCs): The count of red blood cells that carry oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body.
- Hemoglobin (Hb): A protein in RBCs that binds to oxygen. Low hemoglobin is often a sign of anemia.
- Hematocrit (HCT): This reflects the percentage of blood composed of RBCs and is another indicator of anemia.
- Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV): Indicates the average size of RBCs, helping classify anemia as microcytic (small cells), macrocytic (large cells), or normocytic (normal-sized cells).
- How FBC Detects Anemia:
- Low Hemoglobin and Hematocrit: These are direct indicators of anemia, suggesting the blood's oxygen-carrying capacity is reduced.
- MCV: Abnormal MCV helps differentiate between types of anemia. For example, low MCV can suggest iron deficiency anemia, while high MCV may indicate vitamin B12 or folate deficiency.
- Interpreting Results:
- If FBC results show low RBC, hemoglobin, or hematocrit, further tests may be required to determine the underlying cause of anemia, such as nutritional deficiencies or chronic disease.
Regular FBC testing is crucial for people at higher risk of anemia, like those with chronic illnesses, heavy menstruation, or poor dietary intake.
Recommended Tests:
- Ferritin Test: This test measures your body’s iron storage and is often paired with FBC to assess iron-deficiency anemia.
Ferritin Test - Vitamin B12 Test: To evaluate for B12 deficiency, which can lead to macrocytic anemia.
Vitamin B12 Test
