Mascot Healthcare · Akoka, Lagos

Full Blood
Count
FBC · CBC

Haemoglobin · WBC Differential · Platelets · Anaemia · Infection · Blood Disorders

The full blood count is the most ordered blood test in medicine — and for good reason. It examines every component of blood simultaneously: red cells (oxygen-carrying capacity), white cells (immune status), and platelets (clotting). A single FBC can detect anaemia, infection, leukaemia, and dozens of other conditions.

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20+

Parameters
Measured

Same-day

Result
Available

Fasting
Required

FBC Result

Haemoglobin

9.2 g/dL

Moderate anaemia — investigation required

Low ⚠

Normal Hb: Men 13.5–17.5 · Women 12–16 g/dL

Also Tested

WBC · Platelets

About the Test

Everything Blood. In One Draw.

The full blood count measures over 20 parameters from a single tube of blood. Modern haematology analysers separate blood into its components and quantify each with precision. The differential — the breakdown of white blood cell types — adds the most clinical information, identifying what type of immune response is occurring.

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Red Blood Cell Parameters

Haemoglobin (Hb), haematocrit (PCV), RBC count, MCV (cell size), MCH (haemoglobin per cell), MCHC (haemoglobin concentration), and RDW (size variability). Together these characterise the type and severity of anaemia — iron deficiency, B12/folate deficiency, haemolytic, or chronic disease.

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White Blood Cell Differential

Total WBC count plus differential: neutrophils (bacterial infection, stress), lymphocytes (viral infection, leukaemia), monocytes (chronic infection, malaria), eosinophils (allergy, parasites), basophils. The differential pattern identifies the type of pathology driving any WBC abnormality.

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Platelets

Platelet count and MPV (mean platelet volume). Low platelets (thrombocytopaenia) impair clotting — causing easy bruising, prolonged bleeding, and bleeding risk in surgery. High platelets can occur in infection, inflammation, or myeloproliferative disorders. Both extremes require investigation.

When to Test

Five Reasons to Get a Full Blood Count

Fatigue, Weakness, or Shortness of Breath

These are the classic symptoms of anaemia — low haemoglobin reducing oxygen delivery to tissues. An FBC identifies whether anaemia is present, how severe it is, and what type it is. Without this, treating "tiredness" is guesswork.

Fever, Infection, or Suspected Malaria

Fever drives up the white cell count in bacterial infection; in viral infections (including HIV) lymphocytes predominate; in malaria, the WBC may be normal but platelets often fall. The FBC pattern guides diagnosis and urgency — malaria with platelet count below 50,000 indicates severe disease.

Annual Health Check or Pre-Employment Screening

The FBC is the cornerstone of any annual health check. It establishes your personal baseline for haemoglobin and white cell count — small deviations from your own baseline are more significant than comparisons to population norms.

Pregnancy — Anaemia Screening

Anaemia in pregnancy increases risks for premature birth and maternal complications. The FBC is routine at first antenatal visit and again at 28 weeks. Iron deficiency anaemia (the most common type) is entirely preventable and treatable if identified early.

Monitoring Chemotherapy or Bone Marrow Conditions

Chemotherapy suppresses bone marrow — weekly or fortnightly FBCs monitor when counts fall to dangerous levels, guiding dose adjustments and the timing of blood transfusions or growth factor injections.

Normal FBC Reference Ranges

Haemoglobin (men)

13.5–17.5 g/dL

Haemoglobin (women)

12–16 g/dL

WBC count

4–11 ×10⁹/L

Platelets

150–400 ×10⁹/L

⚕️ Reference ranges are guides — clinical interpretation requires symptoms, history, and trends. A haemoglobin of 11.5 g/dL is anaemia in a man but normal in a third-trimester pregnant woman.

Preparation

How to Prepare for Your FBC

Minimal preparation required — the FBC is one of the most accessible blood tests available.

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No Fasting Required

Food and drink do not significantly affect haemoglobin, white cells, or platelets. You can eat normally before your FBC. If the FBC is ordered alongside glucose or lipid testing, fast for those — but the FBC itself needs no dietary preparation.

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Avoid Strenuous Exercise Before

Vigorous exercise temporarily raises the white blood cell count (exercise leucocytosis) — a normal physiological response that can look like infection on an FBC. Avoid intense exercise in the 24 hours before your test for an accurate white cell count.

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Disclose Iron, B12, and Blood Thinners

Iron supplements, B12 injections, and anticoagulants all affect FBC parameters. Methotrexate, hydroxyurea, and chemotherapy drugs suppress marrow production. Tell us what you take so results can be interpreted correctly — especially if you are monitoring treatment response.

Why Choose Us

Trusted Blood Testing in Akoka & Beyond

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Automated Analyser + Manual Differential

We use a calibrated automated haematology analyser for all FBC parameters, supplemented by manual review of abnormal samples. Automated analysers catch abnormalities that need a trained eye — flagging atypical cells for review before results are released.

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Same-Day Results

FBC results are available the same day — typically within a few hours. For urgent cases (severe anaemia, suspected leukaemia, febrile patients), we prioritise processing so clinical decisions are not delayed.

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Full Report with All Parameters

Our FBC report includes all 20+ parameters — not a condensed panel. Haemoglobin indices, differential count, RDW, and platelet parameters are all included. A complete report gives doctors the full picture rather than a partial one.

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Result Explanation Available

FBC results can be confusing — especially the differential count with its unfamiliar terminology. Our staff explain what each abnormal result means and what, if anything, needs follow-up. You leave understanding your blood, not just holding a printout.

"I came in feeling exhausted for months. The FBC showed haemoglobin of 8.5 — severe anaemia. Mascot Healthcare explained what that meant, identified it was likely iron deficiency, and guided me on next steps. Within three months of treatment I felt completely different."

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A. Olumide

Patient, Akoka · 2025

8,000+

FBC Tests Done

4.9★

Patient Rating

20+

Parameters

Same-day

Results

Book Your Full Blood Count

The Most Complete Blood Picture. In One Test.

Walk in or book ahead. Located at 52 Sholanke Street, Off Chemist Junction, Akoka, Lagos.

Monday – Saturday · 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM · Closed Sundays & Public Holidays

08165866252 WhatsApp Us Book Online

No fasting required · Same-day results · Walk-ins welcome

Full BloodCountFBC · CBC