Last Updated on December 10, 2024 by Analgesia team
FBC Medical Abbreviation
A full blood count (FBC), also known as a complete blood count (CBC), is a blood test that measures the number and types of cells in your blood.
- Red blood cells: Carry oxygen
- White blood cells: Fight infection
- Platelets: Help blood clot
- Hemoglobin: The oxygen-carrying protein in red blood cells
- Hematocrit: The amount of red blood cells in your blood
A doctor or other medical professional will take a blood sample from a vein in your arm and send it to a lab for analysis. The results can help diagnose and monitor a wide range of conditions, including infections, anemia, leukemia, heart disease, and cancer.
Here are some things to keep in mind about FBCs:
Normal ranges
The normal ranges for blood cells vary slightly between labs, but the amount of each type of cell usually stays the same for a healthy person.
Abnormal results
Abnormal levels of red blood cells, hemoglobin, or hematocrit could indicate dehydration, anemia, or heart disease. Low white blood cell counts could indicate an autoimmune disorder, bone marrow disorder, or cancer. High white blood cell counts could indicate an infection or a reaction to medication.
Test preparation
Your doctor may ask you to fast or avoid certain foods or supplements before your test. You should also let your doctor know about any medications you are taking.
Test results
You should discuss your test results with your doctor, who can interpret them and explain what they mean