Full Blood Count

Pathology category

Haematology

Code

F

Referral code

Request form

ICE/Standard

Test information

Guidelines

Pre-analytical

Samples received for FBC that are older than 24 hours will be rejected.

The stability of many parameters and white cell differential cannot be guaranteed beyond this time.

Grossly lipaemic samples may not generate a valid result.

Sample transport should be at 4-25C and should reach the lab within 24hrs

Reference range

Adult reference ranges – locally derived (based off Dacie & Lewis 12th Edition)

If paediatric references ranges are required please contact the laboratory

Tube type

Tube type info

4ml purple top EDTA minimum 50% full or paediatric EDTA minimum 250uL fill line – maximum 500ul fill line

2.7ml citrated sample ( blue top) may be requested for determination of platelet counts where platelet clumping is demonstrated in EDTA  see Citrated Platelets

Special requirements

Minimum volume

250ul Paediatric samples or 1ml EDTA (adult)

Assay frequency

Routine

TAT Inpatient (urgent)

1 hour

TAT Inpatient

4 hours

TAT GP/Outpatient

24 hours

Referral lab

local