Full blood count test
A private FBC blood test to check red cells, white cells, platelets and related blood markers.
Book a GP blood test appointment if you want advice on whether this test is right for you, or if you want your result reviewed in context.
Test options
Full blood count and haematology tests
These cards are here for orientation, so you can see the blood count and haematology tests available at DocTap. Whether you already know the test you want or need advice, book a GP blood test appointment; your GP can take your sample and advise if a different option is more suitable.
FBC, ESR
Sodium, Potassium, Chloride, Bicarbonate, Urea, Creatinine, eGFR
Bilirubin, Alkaline Phosphatase, AST, ALT, Gamma GT, Protein Total, Albumin, Globulin
Calcium, Phosphate, Uric Acid, Magnesium
Glucose, Triglycerides, Cholesterol, Iron (TIBC included)
HDL Cholesterol, LDL Cholesterol (calculated), Non-HDL Cholesterol
Red cells, white cells, platelets, haemoglobin
Haematocrit, mean cell volume, mean haemoglobin
Kidney and liver function
Glucose, triglycerides & cholesterol
FBC, ESR
Sodium, Potassium, Chloride, Bicarbonate, Urea, Creatinine, eGFR
Bilirubin, Alkaline Phosphatase, AST, ALT, Gamma GT, Protein Total, Albumin, Globulin
Calcium, Phosphate, Uric Acid, Magnesium
Glucose, Triglycerides, Cholesterol, Iron (TIBC included)
HDL Cholesterol, LDL Cholesterol (calculated), Non-HDL Cholesterol
CRP
Red cells, white cells, platelets, haemoglobin
Haematocrit, mean cell volume, mean haemoglobin
Kidney and liver function
Glucose, triglycerides & cholesterol
HbA1c
FBC, ESR
Red cells, white cells, platelets, haemoglobin
Haematocrit, mean cell volume, mean haemoglobin
From booking to results
Your appointment, step by step
Book online, see a GP, have your sample taken during the appointment and view your results securely in your DocTap account.
- 1Book online in minutesChoose your preferred clinic and time, and select a male or female clinician where available. You will get instant confirmation.
- 2We will tell you how to prepareMost blood tests do not need fasting. If a test needs anything specific beforehand, we will let you know before your appointment.
- 3See a GP and have your sample takenYour appointment includes a 15-minute GP consultation to discuss symptoms, check suitability or advise which test you need. A quick blood sample is then taken from your arm.
- 4Get results and follow-upYou will get a message when your result is ready. Your results and doctor's report will be available securely in your DocTap account; abnormal results are prioritised and your clinician will contact you if urgent action is needed.
What it can show
What does a full blood count actually tell you?
A full blood count gives a broad snapshot of the main cells in your blood, but it still needs clinical context.
Your main blood cell groups
A full blood count, or FBC, looks at red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets. In plain English, it helps your GP see whether your blood is carrying oxygen normally, whether your immune-cell pattern looks unusual, and whether the cells involved in clotting are in range.
Clues about anaemia
The FBC includes markers such as haemoglobin, haematocrit and red-cell size. These can point towards anaemia, but they do not always explain the cause. If the pattern suggests low iron, B12 or folate, your GP may recommend more specific tests rather than guessing from the FBC alone.
Infection, inflammation and clotting clues
White blood cells can change when your body is responding to infection, inflammation, stress or some medicines. Platelets can also be raised or low for several reasons. The useful bit is the pattern: your GP looks at the numbers alongside your symptoms, examination and any previous results.
When to test
When an FBC is worth checking
An FBC is often useful when symptoms are broad and you need a sensible starting point.
Tiredness, weakness or breathlessness
If you feel unusually tired, weak, dizzy, pale or short of breath, an FBC can help check whether anaemia might be part of the picture. It will not answer every cause of tiredness, but it can show whether further iron, ferritin, B12, folate or thyroid checks are worth considering.
Feeling unwell or getting repeated infections
If you have ongoing fever, swollen glands, recurrent infections or just feel persistently unwell, an FBC can give your GP useful information about your white-cell pattern. A normal result can be reassuring, but it does not always rule out a problem if symptoms are continuing.
Bruising, bleeding or follow-up results
An FBC can also be useful if you are bruising more easily than usual, bleeding more than expected, monitoring a previous abnormal result, or having a wider health screen. In these cases, the trend over time can matter as much as one result.
Results
How to make sense of your FBC result
The result is most useful when it is linked back to why you had the test in the first place.
Normal does not always mean “nothing is wrong”
A normal FBC is reassuring, especially if you were worried about anaemia or a major blood-count abnormality. But it does not check everything. If symptoms persist, your GP may still recommend targeted tests such as ferritin, thyroid, liver, kidney, CRP or vitamin levels.
Abnormal usually means “look closer”
A result outside the range does not automatically mean something serious. Mild changes can be temporary or related to recent illness, medication or hydration. Your GP may compare with previous results, repeat the test, or add more specific markers depending on the pattern.
Before your appointment
You usually do not need to fast for a full blood count. A small blood sample is taken during the appointment, and result timing depends on the clinic, laboratory route and whether additional tests are added.
Clinical quality
The standards behind every test
The clinical standards behind every DocTap blood test, across our London clinics.
- CQC rated ‘Good’.
- Independently inspected and regulated by the Care Quality Commission.
- Fully GMC-registered doctors.
- UK-trained and experienced GPs only.
- Every consultation reviewed.
- Each one is checked for quality and safety, overseen by our Medical Director.
- No sales incentives.
- Our GPs are never paid commissions for tests or treatments.
Ready to book?
Book a GP blood test appointment, or compare prices for other blood tests.
11 locations where we test
DocTap London clinics and on-site laboratories
Canary Wharf
Situated by South Quay Footbridge, a 3-minute walk from Canary Wharf and Heron Quays stations.
Hammersmith
Situated on King Street, a 6-minute walk from Hammersmith underground stations.
Kings Cross & Euston
Located just off Euston Road, less than a 10-minute walk from both Euston and King’s Cross stations.
Liverpool Street & Bank
Located in the heart of the City, a 5-minute walk from Liverpool Street and Bank stations.
London Bridge
Located just off Borough High Street, an 8-minute walk from London Bridge station.
Bond Street
Located on Wigmore Street, just off Harley Street, a 7-minute walk from Bond Street station.
Clapham
Located on Clapham High Street, only a 3-minute walk from Clapham Common station.
Old Street
Located off Old Street, a 3-minute walk from Old Street underground station.
Stratford
Located within The Conductor building, a 6-minute walk from Stratford station, or 3 minutes from the Westfield shopping centre.
Swiss Cottage
Only a 3-minute walk from Swiss Cottage station.
Victoria
Situated on Lower Belgrave Street, a 5-minute walk from Victoria rail and underground stations.
Online GP
Speak to a GP by video or phone, wherever you are — no app needed. Ideal for follow-ups and straightforward concerns.