Full Blood Count (FBC): Results Breakdown Explained

The full blood count or FBC is one of the most commonly requested tests, and provides information on the levels of red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets.

Here are the average ranges for different types of blood counts.

Please be aware that this does necessary apply to all people, especially if you take medication, have any medical conditions, have any genetic or metabolic conditions.

Full Blood Count

Haemoglobin

• Adult male: 130–180 g/L
• Adult female: 115–165 g/L

Total White Cell Count

• Adult: 3.6–11.0 ×10⁹/L

Differential Count

• Neutrophils (Adult): 1.8–7.5 ×10⁹/L
• Lymphocytes (Adult): 1.0–4.0 ×10⁹/L
• Monocytes (Adult): 0.2–0.8 ×10⁹/L
• Eosinophils (Adult): 0.1–0.4 ×10⁹/L
• Basophils (Adult): 0.02–0.10 ×10⁹/L

Platelets

• Adult: 140–400 ×10⁹/L

Red Cell Count

• Adult male: 4.50–6.50 ×10¹²/L
• Adult female: 3.80–5.80 ×10¹²/L

Haematocrit

• Adult male: 0.40–0.54 L/L
• Adult female: 0.37–0.47 L/L

Red Cell Indices

• Mean Cell Volume (MCV): 80–100 fL
• Mean Cell Haemoglobin (MCH): 27–32 pg

Reticulocyte Count

• Adults / children: 0.5–2.0%
• Full-term infants: 2.0–6.0%

Coagulation

Basic Coagulation Tests

• Prothrombin Time (PT): 9–13 s
• Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time (APTT): 22–36 s
• Fibrinogen: 1.50–4.50 g/L
• APTT ratio (on Heparin): 1.5–2.5

D-Dimer

• DVT:

  • <500 ng/mL = Negative
  • 500 ng/mL = Positive

• PE (age-adjusted):

  • Age <50: >500 ng/mL = Positive
  • Age >50: Positive if > (Age × 10) ng/mL

DRVVT (Lupus Anticoagulant Testing)

• Time: 30–50 s
• Ratio: 0.8–1.2

Natural Anticoagulants

• Protein S (Total): 62–156%
• Protein S (Free):
  • Adult male: 72–123%
  • Adult female: 55–124%
• Protein C Activity: 70–140%
• Antithrombin: 83–128%

Coagulation Factors

• Factor II: 50–150%
• Factor V: 50–150%
• Factor VII: 50–129%
• Factor VIII: 50–150%
• Factor IX: 65–150%
• Factor X: 50–150%
• Factor XI: 65–150%
• Factor XII: 50–150%
• Factor XIII: 0.7–1.4 IU/mL

Note: Neonatal ranges vary with gestational and postnatal age.

Haematinics

• Ferritin:
  • Adult male: 24–340 µg/L
  • Adult female: 11–310 µg/L
• Vitamin B12 (Adult): 180–914 ng/L
• Folate (Adult): >4.0 µg/L

Acute Phase Response Tests

• Plasma Viscosity:
  • Adult: 1.50–1.72 mPA·s
  • Age 0–3 years: 1.25–1.47 mPA·s
• Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR):
  • Male (0–50 years): 1–7 mm/h
  • Male (50+ years): 2–10 mm/h
  • Female (0–50 years): 3–9 mm/h
  • Female (50+ years): 5–15 mm/h

Haemoglobinopathies

• HbA₂ (Adult): 1.8–3.5%
• HbF (Adult): 0.0–2.0%

This would be a normal test to order for routine blood tests. Specifically, it will give your doctor information on your red blood cell levels (low red blood cell levels - low haemoglobin - is anaemia, your platelets (which are used in clotting), and your white blood cells (which are part of your immune system and help fight infection and inflammation).

You do not need to be fasting for this blood test, there are no special requirements. It can be taken like any normal blood test and is usually taken in a purple colour bottle.

Remember to press hard for a good few minutes after the needle has been removed and keep your elbow straight, to prevent a nasty bruise!