What is a full blood count?
A full blood count (FBC), also known as a complete blood count, is one of the most commonly ordered blood tests in Australia. It measures the key components of your blood, including red blood cells, white blood cells, haemoglobin, haematocrit, and platelets. Each of these components provides important information about your overall health.
Red blood cells carry oxygen throughout your body, and abnormal levels can indicate anaemia or other conditions. White blood cells are part of your immune system, and elevated levels may suggest infection or inflammation. Platelet levels help assess your blood's ability to clot properly.
When you might need a full blood count
Your GP may recommend a full blood count if you are experiencing symptoms such as persistent fatigue, unexplained weakness, bruising easily, frequent infections, or shortness of breath. An FBC is also commonly ordered as part of a routine health check, pre-operative assessment, or to monitor existing conditions such as chronic disease or medication effects.
Because the FBC provides a broad overview of your blood health, it is often the first test ordered when investigating a wide range of symptoms. If the results are abnormal, your GP may order additional targeted tests to identify the underlying cause.
How to get a full blood count test referral online
Getting a full blood count test referral online through NewDoc is straightforward. Book a telehealth appointment, speak with an AHPRA-registered GP via video or phone, and discuss your symptoms or health concerns. If the doctor determines an FBC is clinically appropriate, the pathology referral will be emailed to you after the consultation.
You then take the referral to any pathology collection centre in Australia, such as Laverty, Douglass Hanly Moir, QML, or Australian Clinical Labs. Most centres accept walk-ins. The blood sample is collected, and results are sent to your NewDoc GP, who will contact you to discuss the findings.
Understanding your FBC results
Your NewDoc GP will review your full blood count results and explain what they mean for your health. Common findings include low haemoglobin (which may indicate iron deficiency anaemia), elevated white blood cells (which may suggest infection or inflammation), and low platelet counts (which may require further investigation).
If any results are outside the normal range, your GP will discuss next steps. This may include additional blood tests such as iron studies or a blood film, lifestyle changes, or a referral to a specialist such as a haematologist. All follow-up consultations are also bulk billed for eligible Medicare patients.