The essential blood health check, near Cardiff
A full blood count measuring 13 markers across your red cells, white cells and platelets. One of the most useful blood tests there is, it gives a clear read on anaemia, your immune system and how well your blood clots. Results next day. Self-refer at our Penarth or Cowbridge clinics near Cardiff.
Thirteen markers, results next day.
What is included for £79
- ✓Blood draw at Penarth or Cowbridge, near Cardiff
- ✓13 markers across red cells, white cells and platelets
- ✓Haemoglobin, red cell indices and a white cell breakdown
- ✓A key check for anaemia, infection and clotting
- ✓Plain-English report with reference ranges, anything out of range flagged
- ✓Report emailed to you, easy to share with a clinician
One test, three big answers
A full blood count is a workhorse for a reason. In one sample it checks your red cells, which carry oxygen and reveal anaemia; your white cells, which fight infection and reflect your immune system; and your platelets, which help your blood to clot. It is one of the first tests a doctor reaches for, and a strong starting point for understanding how you are doing.
Red cells and anaemia
Haemoglobin and the red cell indices show whether you are anaemic and can hint at the cause, such as low iron.
White cells and immunity
A breakdown of your white cells reflects how your immune system is coping, and can flag infection or inflammation.
A doctor if you want one
Prefer to talk it through? Book a private GP appointment and one of our doctors will go through your results and next steps.
Worth booking if this sounds like you
A full blood count is a sensible first check for a wide range of everyday concerns.
This is a wellness and screening test, not an emergency test. If you have severe symptoms, such as heavy unexplained bleeding or breathlessness at rest, please seek medical care rather than waiting for results.
Thirteen markers, one sample
Everything is taken from a single blood draw and grouped into three areas. Tap a group to see what is included.
Red cells & haemoglobin 6
White cells 6
Platelets 1
Your report lists all 13 markers with reference ranges. The red cell indices, such as mean cell volume, help show the type of any anaemia and are read together.
Difficult veins? We find them with ultrasound
If you have fragile or hard-to-find veins and have had failed attempts before, our consultant radiologists can take your sample under real-time ultrasound. It is the only such service in South Wales, and patients travel to us from across Wales and the West for it.
Nobody had managed to take my blood in years without several attempts. Here it was done first time with the ultrasound. Such a relief.
Verified Google reviewFrom booking to answers, step by step
Book
Self-refer online or by phone. No GP letter needed. No fasting is needed for a full blood count. Same-week appointments at Penarth or Cowbridge.
Your appointment
A quick single-sample blood draw, about 10 to 15 minutes. Tell us if you have difficult veins and we will use ultrasound.
Your report
A plain-English report with all 13 markers and their reference ranges, emailed to you, usually the next day.
Talk it through
Optional: book a private GP appointment to go through your results and plan any next steps.
Full Blood Count test
All inclusive. Thirteen markers across red cells, white cells and platelets.
- ✓Blood draw at Penarth or Cowbridge
- ✓All 13 markers of a full blood count
- ✓Plain-English report with reference ranges, emailed to you
- ✓Ultrasound-guided draw available for difficult veins
A £50 booking deposit secures your slot and comes off the total.
Common questions about the full blood count
How much is the full blood count test?
£79 all inclusive. That covers the blood draw, all 13 markers, and a plain-English report with reference ranges emailed to you, usually the next day. A £50 deposit secures your appointment and comes off the total.
What does a full blood count measure?
Thirteen markers in three groups: red cells and haemoglobin (which reveal anaemia and how well your blood carries oxygen), a white cell breakdown (which reflects your immune system and can flag infection), and platelets (which help your blood to clot). You can see the full list in the panel above.
What can an FBC pick up?
It is one of the most useful screening tests there is. It can point to anaemia and its likely type, signs of infection or inflammation, and problems with clotting, among other things. It does not diagnose a specific illness on its own, but it often shows whether and where to look further, which a doctor can help with.
Do I need to fast before the test?
No. A full blood count does not require fasting, so you can eat and drink normally beforehand. Keep taking any regular medication as usual, and let us know what you take. If you are booking other tests at the same time, we will advise if any of those need fasting.
Is one result enough?
A single full blood count is a useful snapshot, but blood values can shift with hydration, a recent infection and other short-term factors. If a result is outside the range, the usual approach is to repeat it and look at the pattern, which a doctor can help arrange.
Do I need a GP referral?
No. This is a self-refer test. Book online or call 029 2199 9300.
How quickly will I get my results?
Usually the next day. Your report lists all 13 markers with their reference ranges and flags anything outside the normal range. We will confirm timing when you book.
Where is the blood taken?
At our Penarth clinic (13 Washington Buildings, CF64 2AD) or our Cowbridge clinic (10 High Street, CF71 7AG). Both are a short drive from Cardiff with easy parking.
I have difficult veins. Can you still take blood?
Yes. Our consultant radiologists can take the sample under real-time ultrasound, the only such service in South Wales. Mention it when you book so we can allow time.
Can a doctor talk me through my results?
Yes. You can book a private GP appointment and one of our doctors will go through your results and next steps.
Want a doctor to go through it with you?
The red cell indices and white cell breakdown are best read together and alongside your history. Book a private GP appointment and one of our doctors will explain what your numbers mean and whether anything is worth acting on.
Book a GP appointmentTwo clinics, close to Cardiff
Penarth Clinic
13 Washington Buildings
Stanwell Road, Penarth
CF64 2AD
Mon to Thu 9:00 to 18:00
Fri 9:00 to 17:00
Sat 9:00 to 15:00
Cowbridge Clinic
Beauty Within
10 High Street, Cowbridge
CF71 7AG
By appointment. Please call for availability.
Get directionsPatients travel to us from Cardiff, Penarth, Cowbridge, Barry, Newport, Bridgend and across the Vale of Glamorgan.
Important: A full blood count measures the markers listed and is a screening test, not a diagnosis. Its markers are best read together and alongside your symptoms, and a single set of results is a snapshot rather than the full picture. Values can be affected by hydration, a recent infection, medication and other factors. An abnormal result is usually a prompt for follow-up, such as a repeat test or a review with a doctor, rather than a diagnosis in itself. Results are most useful when reviewed by a doctor who knows your history, so we recommend discussing them with your own GP or booking a private GP appointment with us before acting on any finding. Lab values alone do not constitute medical advice.
Your essential blood check.
Self-refer for the full blood count: 13 markers across red cells, white cells and platelets, checked in one appointment. £79 all inclusive at Penarth or Cowbridge, near Cardiff, with results next day.