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Marker group

Blood Cells

Plain-English guides to the blood cells markers we measure and what your results mean, written to inform the conversation with your practitioner.

Markers in this group

BasophilsBasophils are the white cells involved in allergic reactions and inflammation, and they are the rarest of the five types. Because there are so few of them, small changes are common and usually not a concern — a low or even zero result is normal. A result inside the range on your report is reassuring.EosinophilsEosinophils are the white cells that rise with allergies and that fight off parasites. They are only a small slice of your white cells, so small shifts are common. A result above the range on your report can simply be a clue to an allergy or a parasite, and your GP can read it alongside the rest of your blood count.HaematocritHaematocrit is how much of your blood is made up of red blood cells — the cells that carry oxygen. A result inside the range on your report usually means your red cell numbers are in the expected range. A low result can point to anaemia (too few red cells), while a high one is often just dehydration. It moves together with your haemoglobin and red cell count, so it is always read as part of the set.HaemoglobinHaemoglobin is the part of your red blood cells that carries oxygen from your lungs to the rest of your body. A result inside the range on your report usually means your blood is carrying oxygen well. A low result can mean your body isn't getting enough oxygen — doctors call that anaemia — and it is a common, very treatable finding once the cause is known.LymphocytesLymphocytes are the white cells that lead the fight against viral infections, and they hold the long-term "memory" that protects you after an illness or a vaccination. A result inside the range on your report is reassuring. The count often shifts around a recent virus and settles afterwards, which is very common.Mean Corpuscular Haemoglobin (MCH)MCH is the average amount of haemoglobin — the part that carries oxygen — packed inside each red blood cell. Your GP reads it together with the size of your cells and the rest of your blood count to help work out the type and likely cause of anaemia, so a single off result is rarely read on its own.Mean Corpuscular Haemoglobin Concentration (MCHC)MCHC is a measure of how densely haemoglobin — the part that carries oxygen — is packed inside your red blood cells, a bit like how full each cell is. It is one of a few red cell measures on a full blood count. Your GP reads it together with the size of your cells and the rest of your count to help understand the type and possible cause of anaemia.Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV)MCV is the average size of your red blood cells. It is a handy clue if you are anaemic: red cells that are larger than usual often point to a vitamin B12 or folate shortage, while smaller-than-usual cells most often mean low iron. On its own a slightly off result is common and rarely a worry — your GP reads it together with the rest of your blood count.MonocytesMonocytes are the white cells that act as your immune system's clean-up crew — they swallow up bacteria and clear away debris at the site of an infection. A result inside the range on your report is reassuring. Because they are only a small slice of your white cells, small shifts are common and rarely a worry.NeutrophilsNeutrophils are the white cells that tackle bacterial infections first — your immune system's rapid responders, swallowing up bacteria where they invade. A result inside the range on your report is reassuring. The count often rises with a recent infection and settles once you are better, which is very common.PlateletsPlatelets are the tiny cells in your blood that help stop bleeding. When you get a cut, they gather at the spot and plug it. The count, part of a full blood count, tells your GP how well your blood can do this. A result inside the range is generally reassuring, though a normal count does not on its own rule out a bleeding tendency; small shifts up or down are common and often only temporary.Red Blood Cell CountYour red blood cell count is simply how many red blood cells you have in your blood. These are the cells that carry oxygen around your body. A count inside the range on your report is reassuring; a low count can mean too few cells (anaemia), and a high count can mean too many — often just from being a little dehydrated. It is read alongside your haemoglobin and haematocrit.Red Cell Distribution Width (RDW)RDW is a measure of how much your red blood cells vary in size — whether they are all much the same, or come in a wider mix of sizes. A higher result means a wider mix, which can be an early clue to a shortage of iron, vitamin B12 or folate. It is always read alongside your haemoglobin and the rest of your blood count, never on its own.White Blood Cell CountWhite blood cells are your body's defence force against infection, and this count adds up the total in your blood. A result inside the range on your report is reassuring. The number naturally rises when you are fighting something off and settles back once you are better, so a recent cold can nudge it.

Reading results in this group

a little low

Blood cells serve important functions: red cells transport oxygen, white cells support immune function, and platelets assist with healing. Low counts are a common finding with many manageable causes.

Feeling unusually tired, breathless, or looking pale?

Possible reasons:

This can relate to recent illness, diet, timing of the test, or other factors.

Next steps: Discuss with your GP. They can determine the cause and advise on appropriate next steps for your situation.

in range

Your blood cell counts are in the expected range, supporting healthy oxygen delivery, immune function, and healing.

Possible reasons:

Stable health and nutrition often support in-range results.

Next steps: No follow-up is usually needed.

a little high

Higher blood cell counts may reflect dehydration, recent infection, inflammation, or your body responding to various factors. Single results are less informative than trends over time.

Possible reasons:

This can relate to recent infection, inflammation, or other physiological changes.

Next steps: Mention this result to your GP at your next appointment. They can determine if any further investigation would be helpful.

Test your blood cells

NATA-accredited testing. Results in 2–5 days. No GP referral required.

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