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.
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
01
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.
02
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.
03
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.
04
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.
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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."
Prices change, so we don't print them on this page. The current price is on our live price list, or call 0816 586 6252 to ask.
When are you open?
Monday to Saturday, 9 AM to 5 PM. We are closed on Sundays and Nigerian public holidays.
How should I prepare?
See our test and scan preparation guide. Good to know for this test: No fasting required; Same-day results. If you are unsure, message us on WhatsApp before you come.
Can I come here in an emergency?
No. We don't handle emergencies. For chest pain, difficulty breathing, signs of a stroke, heavy bleeding or any other emergency, go to the nearest hospital or call 112.
Do you accept HMO or health insurance?
Not at the moment. You pay at the clinic by cash, card, POS or bank transfer.