Full Blood Count (FBC)

 


1. Objective

The objective of the Full Blood Count (FBC) test was to evaluate the cellular components of blood—red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets—to detect anemia, infection, inflammation, clotting disorders, or hematological malignancies.

2. Principle

The FBC test was performed using an automated hematology analyzer, which counted and measured blood cells using electrical impedance and/or laser flow cytometry. The analyzer provided quantitative and morphological data.

3. Materials

  • EDTA tube (lavender top) containing anticoagulated blood

  • Automated hematology analyzer

  • Calibration controls and reagents

  • Microscope (for peripheral smear review, if needed)

4. Procedure

  1. Blood was collected in an EDTA tube.

  2. The sample was loaded into the hematology analyzer.

  3. The machine measured values such as RBC, WBC, Hb, Hct, MCV, MCH, MCHC, RDW, Platelet count, and WBC differential.

  4. Abnormal results were flagged and reviewed manually via peripheral blood smear.

5. Example Result & Interpretation

ParameterResultNormal RangeInterpretation
Hemoglobin (Hb)10.2 g/dLM: 13–17, F: 12–16↓ Mild anemia
RBC Count3.8 x10⁶/µLM: 4.5–6.0, F: 4.0–5.5↓ Low RBC count
Hematocrit (Hct)32%M: 40–52%, F: 36–48%↓ Low packed cell volume
MCV84 fL80–96 fLNormal RBC size
MCH27 pg27–32 pgNormal hemoglobin per RBC
MCHC31.5 g/dL32–36 g/dLSlightly low (hypochromia)
RDW15.5%11.5–14.5%↑ Anisocytosis (size variation)
WBC Count12,500 /µL4,000–11,000 /µL↑ Leukocytosis (infection)
Neutrophils76%40–70%↑ Neutrophilia (bacterial inf.)
Lymphocytes18%20–45%Slightly ↓
Monocytes4%2–10%Normal
Eosinophils1%1–6%Normal
Basophils1%<1%Normal
Platelet Count210,000 /µL150–450 ×10³/µLNormal

6. Interpretation Summary

  • Mild normocytic normochromic anemia (low Hb, RBC, Hct with normal MCV & MCH)

  • Leukocytosis with neutrophilia → likely bacterial infection

  • Elevated RDW → possible mixed anemia or recent recovery phase

  • Normal platelet count

7. Uses

  • Detected anemia, infections, and leukemia

  • Monitored chronic diseases and chemotherapy

  • Guided further tests like peripheral smear, bone marrow biopsy, or reticulocyte count

8. Conclusion

The FBC test provided a broad overview of hematologic health. In this case, findings were consistent with mild anemia and possible infection, requiring clinical correlation and further investigation.

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