Full Blood Count (FBC / NFS)
The full blood count, known in French as the NFS (numération formule sanguine), is the most frequently requested blood test. From one small tube of blood it measures haemoglobin, the red cells that carry oxygen, the white cells that fight infection and the platelets that help the blood to clot.
At YGOPH, the full blood count is part of routine antenatal care, because anaemia is common in pregnancy and increases the risks linked to bleeding at delivery. It is also one of the first tests requested for a child with fever, paleness or tiredness, before surgery, and in the follow-up of sickle cell disease, HIV and many other conditions.
What is a full blood count?
An automated analyser counts and measures the different blood cells in a few minutes. The main results are haemoglobin, haematocrit, red cell indices such as the mean cell volume (MCV), which shows whether red cells are small or large, the total white cell count and its breakdown (differential) into neutrophils, lymphocytes and other types, and the platelet count. When needed, a technician also examines a blood film under the microscope.
- At the first antenatal visit and again later in pregnancy, to detect anaemia
- Paleness, tiredness or shortness of breath
- Fever or suspected infection, especially in babies and children
- Before surgery, including caesarean section
- Bleeding, unusual bruising or heavy periods
- Follow-up of chronic conditions and treatments that affect the blood
Good to know
Anaemia in pregnancy and childhood
The World Health Organization generally considers a pregnant woman anaemic when her haemoglobin is below 11 g/dL. Iron deficiency, malaria, worm infections and sickle cell disease are frequent causes in Cameroon. The MCV and the blood film help identify the cause, so that treatment, such as iron and folic acid, deworming or malaria treatment, can be targeted.
White cells and platelets
A high white cell count often suggests a bacterial infection, while a low count can occur with some viral infections, certain medicines or bone marrow problems. A low platelet count may accompany severe malaria, pre-eclampsia or HELLP syndrome and increases the risk of bleeding, so it is checked before delivery and surgery.
Normal values depend on age
A newborn has much more haemoglobin than an adult, and young children have more lymphocytes than adults. Pregnancy also changes the normal ranges. The report shows reference values beside each result, and your doctor will interpret them according to your age, sex and situation.