The full blood count (FBC) is one of the most commonly requested blood tests in medical practice and can provide a wealth of useful information about a patient’s general state of health, as well as highlighting abnormalities which indicate systemic or sinister pathologies. This article seeks to explore the different parameters of the FBC, and how these relate to some more common clinical presentations, as well as their relation to morphological findings seen on the blood film. As with most investigations, differential diagnoses suggested by any individual laboratory tests are wide and are most valuable when combined with history and examination.
Joint Formulary Committee. British National Formulary. London: BMJ Group and Pharmaceutical Press (published 19 March 2021). Available at: www.medicinescomplete.com (accessed 23 March 2021).
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