The full blood count is the most requested blood test in medicine — checking your red cells (anaemia), white cells (infection/immunity), and platelets (clotting). One tube of blood. No fasting. Results within 6 hours at Mascot Healthcare, Akoka.
These are the symptoms and situations that indicate this test is the right next step.
The most common reason for an FBC — to check for anaemia (low haemoglobin) as the cause of fatigue. Very common in Lagos women with heavy periods.
Essential first testElevated white blood cells (leucocytosis) indicate active infection or inflammation; very low white cells (leucopenia) suggest immune compromise.
Infection assessmentLow platelets (thrombocytopenia) cause unexplained bruising, prolonged bleeding from cuts, or heavy periods. FBC quantifies platelet count.
Platelet count essentialClinical signs of anaemia — pallor is often more visible in the conjunctiva (inner eyelids) and gums than in the skin, especially in dark-skinned individuals.
Haemoglobin measurementBreathlessness on minimal exertion in someone who is not overweight or unfit may be severe anaemia — haemoglobin below 7–8 g/dL.
Urgent FBCFBC with differential white count is the standard first-line investigation for febrile children.
Paediatric infection workupUnderstanding what each component of the test measures helps you understand your results.
The oxygen-carrying protein in red cells. Low Hb = anaemia. Normal: 12–16 g/dL (women); 13–18 g/dL (men).
Total WBC with breakdown into neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils. High neutrophils = bacterial infection; high lymphocytes = viral; high eosinophils = allergy or parasites.
Normal: 150–450 × 10³/µL. Low = bleeding risk (ITP, malaria, dengue, bone marrow failure). High = inflammation or infection.
MCV (mean corpuscular volume) distinguishes iron deficiency (small cells) from B12/folate deficiency (large cells) — guiding targeted treatment.
| Parameter | Women | Men | Low / High significance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Haemoglobin | 12–16 g/dL | 13–18 g/dL | Low = anaemia |
| WBC | 4.0–11.0 ×10³/µL | 4.0–11.0 ×10³/µL | High = infection/inflammation |
| Platelets | 150–450 ×10³/µL | 150–450 ×10³/µL | Low = bleeding risk |
| MCV | 80–100 fL | 80–100 fL | Low = iron def; High = B12/folate def |
Eat and drink normally.
FBC is not affected by time of day.
One small tube of venous blood.
Mon–Sat 9AM–5PM. No appointment.
We don't just hand you a printout — we explain every parameter in the context of your symptoms.
For Lagos patients, the most common findings are iron-deficiency anaemia (especially in women with heavy periods), malaria-related anaemia, and elevated white count from infection.
No fasting, no appointment. Results in 6 hours at Mascot Healthcare, Akoka.