Blood film test in Chiswick
A blood film is a microscope examination of a thin smear of your blood, looking at the size, shape and appearance of red cells, white cells and platelets. It adds detail when a blood count shows something unusual.
What the test measures
A blood film, sometimes called a blood smear, involves spreading a drop of blood across a glass slide, staining it and examining it under a microscope. A trained scientist looks at the shape, size and colour of the red blood cells, counts and inspects the different types of white blood cells, and checks the number and appearance of platelets.
Automated analysers produce the numbers in a full blood count, but a film shows what the cells actually look like. That can reveal patterns pointing to iron, vitamin B12 or folate deficiency, inherited red cell conditions, infections, inflammation, liver problems or, less commonly, disorders of the bone marrow. It is usually requested when a blood count is abnormal or when symptoms suggest a blood problem.
The price includes the blood sample at our Chiswick clinic, analysis at the Randox accredited laboratory, a practitioner review of your result and a GP feedback report on request.
Who it is for
- Your full blood count has shown a low or high result that needs explaining.
- You have symptoms of anaemia, such as tiredness, breathlessness on exertion or pale skin.
- You bruise easily or have frequent infections.
- You have a family history of an inherited red cell condition such as thalassaemia.
- Your GP or practitioner has asked for a closer look at your blood cells.
Understanding your result
Your report describes what was seen, often using terms such as microcytic (small red cells), macrocytic (large red cells) or target cells, and notes anything unusual about the white cells or platelets. Small pale red cells often point towards iron deficiency or thalassaemia trait, while large red cells can be linked to low B12 or folate, alcohol or thyroid problems. Changes in white cells may reflect infection or inflammation.
Your practitioner will explain each finding and suggest whether further tests or a GP review would help. A blood film adds detail but is a prompt for discussion, not a diagnosis on its own.
Preparing for your test
No fasting or special preparation is needed, and the test can be taken at any time of day. Please tell us about recent infections, any medicines you take and whether you have recently had a blood transfusion.
A blood film is most useful with a full blood count, and our iron tests and vitamin B12 tests check common causes of abnormal red cells. See every blood test and price in Chiswick.
Questions
How much is a blood film in Chiswick?
The Blood Film costs £59 at our Chiswick clinic. This includes the blood sample, accredited laboratory analysis, a practitioner review and a GP feedback report on request.
How is a blood film different from a full blood count?
A full blood count measures the numbers of each cell type using a machine. A blood film shows how the cells look under a microscope, which can explain why the numbers are abnormal.
Can a blood film diagnose leukaemia?
It can show changes that need specialist investigation, but it cannot confirm or rule out a blood cancer by itself. Any concerning finding would be referred for further tests.
Do I need to fast?
No. Eating and drinking normally does not affect a blood film.
