Full Blood Count Blood Test2026-07-28T21:30:53+00:00

Full Blood Count Blood Test

Full Blood Count Blood Test

Our Full Blood Count (FBC) is one of the most commonly requested blood tests and provides an overview of your general health. It measures your red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and haemoglobin, helping to identify signs of anaemia, infection, inflammation, immune disorders, and other underlying health conditions. Whether you're experiencing symptoms such as fatigue, frequent infections, unexplained bruising, or simply want a routine health check, this panel offers valuable insights into your overall health and can help guide further investigation or treatment if required.

  Clinician advice included

No GP referral needed

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Our pricing

A simple blood test to assess your kidney function and overall health.

Full Blood Count

£50

Why take this test?
  • Feel persistently tired or run down
  • Have unexplained bruising or bleeding
  • Have signs of infection that won’t clear
  • Want a routine check of your general health
  • Are monitoring an existing blood condition

What’s included?

The Full Blood Count includes the following biomarkers:

Here’s what’s measured:

  • Haemoglobin (Hb) – Measures the oxygen-carrying capacity of your blood
  • White Blood Cell Count (WBC) – Indicates signs of infection or inflammation
  • Red Blood Cell Count (RBC) – Assesses oxygen delivery and anaemia risk
  • Platelet Count – Checks your blood’s ability to clot
  • Haematocrit (HCT) – Measures the proportion of red cells in your blood
  • Mean Cell Volume (MCV) – Indicates the average size of your red blood cells
  • Mean Cell Haemoglobin (MCH) – Measures average haemoglobin per red cell
  • Mean Cell Haemoglobin Concentration (MCHC) – Assesses haemoglobin concentration in red cells
  • Red Cell Distribution Width (RDW) – Measures variation in red cell size
  • Neutrophil Count – Fights bacterial infection
  • Lymphocyte Count – Involved in immune defence
  • Monocyte Count – Helps clear infection and cell debris
  • Eosinophil Count – Linked to allergic responses
  • Basophil Count – Involved in inflammatory responses

What to expect?

  • Simple blood draw in minutes
  • Delivered within a few working days
  • Optional GP or specialist consultation if needed
  • Easy-to-read report with explanations

Why a Full Blood Count Matters

Many underlying health conditions — from anaemia and infection to inflammation and immune disorders — can be picked up early through a full blood count, often before symptoms become obvious.

You may benefit from checking your blood count if you:

  • Want to catch changes before they become more serious
  • Are working with your GP on further investigation
  • Are monitoring an existing blood or immune condition
  • Simply want a routine health check

Tested by qualified professionals
at a CQC-regulated clinic

Tested by qualified professionals
at a CQC-regulated clinic

Your blood test is carried out by our qualified phlebotomist using CE-marked, MHRA-approved equipment. All procedures follow clinical protocols aligned with evidence-based best practice, with quality checks in place to ensure accuracy.

Vitalscan is regulated by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) and registered with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) under UK GDPR. Your data is stored securely and handled in strict confidence.

We are a private diagnostic clinic, not a walk-in testing service. Every test is reviewed by a qualified professional before results are released to you.

Understanding Your Results

Your kidney function test measures five key markers. Here’s what each one tells you about your kidney health:

Haemoglobin & Red Blood Cells

Your body’s oxygen carriers. Low levels can indicate anaemia, while high levels may suggest dehydration or other conditions.

White Blood Cells

Your immune system’s frontline. Raised counts often signal infection or inflammation, while low counts may affect your ability to fight illness.

Platelets

Your clotting support. Levels outside the expected range can affect how well your blood clots.

Red Cell Indices (MCV, MCH, MCHC, RDW)

A closer look at red cell health. These measures help identify the type and possible cause of anaemia, if present.

Together, these five markers give a clear picture of whether your kidneys are filtering properly, maintaining balance, and working at the level your body needs.

What does a Full Blood Count check for?

A Full Blood Count looks at four main areas of your blood health:

  • Red blood cells – Carry oxygen around your body; low counts can indicate anaemia

  • White blood cells – Fight infection; raised or lowered counts can signal illness or immune issues
  • Platelets – Help your blood clot; abnormal counts can affect bleeding or clotting risk
  • Red cell indices – Provide detail on red cell size and content, helping identify the cause of any abnormality
Private Blood Test in Milton Keynes

What can affect your kidneys?

Kidney function can decline for many reasons. Some of the most common include:

  • Diet and nutrition — low iron, B12 or folate can lower red cell counts
  • Dehydration — can concentrate blood cells and skew results
  • Infections — often raise white cell count temporarily
  • Pregnancy — causes normal, expected changes to blood count levels
  • Medications — certain medications affect blood cell production
  • Bone marrow disorders — can alter how blood cells are produced
  • Blood loss — from injury, surgery or heavy periods can lower red cell counts
  • Chronic conditions — such as kidney disease or autoimmune conditions can affect counts long-term

Why would I need a Full Blood Count?

  • Feel persistently tired, weak or short of breath
  • Have unexplained bruising or bleeding
  • Have frequent or long-lasting infections
  • Notice unusual paleness or dizziness
  • Are monitoring an existing blood or immune condition
  • Want a routine check as part of your general health

How the process works

Step 1

Book your Full Blood Count

Choose the kidney function test and book online or by phone. Same-day appointments are often available. No GP referral needed. Select a time that fits your schedule, including early morning and evening slots.

Step 2

Attend your appointment

Your appointment takes 10-15 minutes from arrival to completion. Blood samples are taken by our qualified phlebotomist in a private consultation room. We use sterile, single-use equipment following strict infection control protocols.

Step 3

Laboratory analysis

Samples are sent to our accredited laboratory partner the same day and analysed following strict quality standards. Most results are available within 3-5 working days, depending on the specific tests requested.

Step 4

Receive your results and share

Clear results are provided promptly via secure email or post. Each marker is explained so you understand what your results mean. Results can be easily shared with your GP or specialist to support informed medical decisions.

Paying for your blood test

All blood test services offered by Vitalscan are self-pay only. We do not accept private medical insurance for these tests, and they cannot be claimed through your insurer. Payment must be made in full at the time of booking.

Why test privately?

  • Fast access, no delays: Book directly without needing a GP referral
  • Comprehensive health picture: A detailed view of your red cells, white cells and platelets in one test
  • Expert analysis: Results reviewed by trained professionals
  • Clear, understandable reports: Results explained in plain language
  • Convenient Milton Keynes location: Same-day appointments available

Where would my blood test take place?

Your blood test will be carried out at Vitalscan, our modern health clinic located at 100 Avebury Boulevard, Milton Keynes (MK9 1FH).

Our friendly, trained professionals will ensure the process is quick, comfortable, and stress-free. You’ll be welcomed into a clean, private clinical setting with minimal waiting time and expert care from start to finish.

Our patient pathway

Complete Booking

Schedule your test online.

Confirmation

Receive booking info instantly.

Quality Check

Ensure test accuracy & safety.

Test Day

Attend your appointment.

Receive Results

Get your test results quickly.

Sharing Report

Share findings with your doctor.

Ready to book your blood test?

Ready to
book your test?

Booking your blood test is quick and easy – no referral needed and appointments available as soon as the same day. Get fast, accurate results for peace of mind.

Full Blood Count Blood Test FAQs

What blood test checks kidney function?2026-02-18T11:59:50+00:00

A kidney function blood test typically measures creatinine, eGFR, urea, sodium, and potassium. These markers together give a clear picture of how well your kidneys are filtering waste and maintaining balance in your body.

What is a normal eGFR level?2026-02-18T12:00:17+00:00

A normal eGFR is 90 or above. Values between 60 and 89 may be normal depending on age and other factors, but an eGFR below 60 for three months or more can indicate chronic kidney disease. Your healthcare provider will interpret your eGFR in the context of your overall health.

Can I test my kidney function at home?2026-02-18T12:00:42+00:00

Some at-home finger-prick blood tests are available, but kidney function testing is most accurate when performed by a qualified professional using a venous blood sample. Our clinic offers fast access to professional testing with results reviewed by qualified clinicians.

Do I need to fast before a kidney function test?2026-02-18T12:01:04+00:00

No. You do not need to fast before a kidney function blood test. You can eat and drink normally before your appointment.

What are the symptoms of kidney problems?2026-02-18T12:01:30+00:00

Early kidney disease often has no symptoms. As kidney function declines, symptoms may include swelling (particularly around the eyes, hands, or ankles), fatigue, changes in urination (frequency, colour, or amount), persistent lower back pain, high blood pressure, or nausea. Many people only discover kidney problems through routine blood testing.

How often should I test my kidney function?2026-02-18T12:01:53+00:00

If you have diabetes, high blood pressure, or a family history of kidney disease, annual testing is recommended. If you have been diagnosed with chronic kidney disease, your healthcare provider will recommend more frequent monitoring.

What does high creatinine mean?2026-02-18T12:02:16+00:00

High creatinine levels in the blood suggest that your kidneys are not filtering waste effectively. Creatinine is a waste product from muscle activity, and healthy kidneys remove it from the blood. Elevated creatinine is one of the key indicators of reduced kidney function.

Can kidney function improve?2026-02-18T12:02:43+00:00

In cases of acute kidney injury, kidney function can sometimes recover with treatment. Chronic kidney disease, however, is usually progressive and cannot be reversed. Early intervention can slow or stop further decline, which is why regular monitoring is important.

Can dehydration affect kidney test results?2026-02-18T12:03:38+00:00

Yes. Dehydration can temporarily elevate creatinine and urea levels. If you are dehydrated when your blood is taken, your results may not reflect your true kidney function. Make sure you are well-hydrated before your test.

Should I stop taking medication before the test?2026-02-18T12:03:59+00:00

Do not stop any prescribed medication before your test unless specifically instructed by your doctor. Some medications can affect kidney function, but stopping them without medical advice can be harmful. Bring a list of all medications you take to discuss with your healthcare provider when reviewing your results.

Book a Full Blood Count Blood Test

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