The short version: Lab results show where your values fall relative to a reference range for a healthy population. A result slightly outside the range is not automatically a problem. Your doctor interprets results in the context of your full clinical picture.
Full blood count (FBC / CBC)
The full blood count is one of the most commonly ordered tests. It measures the different types of cells in your blood and can flag a wide range of conditions.
- Haemoglobin (Hb): The protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen. Low haemoglobin indicates anaemia. High values can indicate dehydration or certain blood disorders.
- White blood cell count (WBC): Measures immune cells. A high count can suggest infection or inflammation. A low count can indicate a suppressed immune system.
- Platelets: Cells that help blood clot. Low platelets can cause excessive bleeding; high platelets can increase clotting risk.
- MCV (Mean Corpuscular Volume): The average size of red blood cells. Abnormal MCV can help identify the type of anaemia.
Metabolic panel
A basic or comprehensive metabolic panel checks how well your organs are functioning and measures key electrolytes.
- Glucose: Blood sugar. Fasting values above 7.0 mmol/L on two occasions indicate diabetes. 5.5–6.9 mmol/L may indicate prediabetes.
- Creatinine and eGFR: Measures of kidney function. eGFR (estimated glomerular filtration rate) above 90 is normal; values below 60 sustained over time indicate chronic kidney disease.
- ALT and AST: Liver enzymes. Elevated levels can indicate liver inflammation, which may be caused by alcohol, medication, fatty liver disease, or viral hepatitis.
- Sodium, potassium, calcium: Electrolytes essential to heart, nerve, and muscle function. Values outside the reference range can have significant clinical implications.
Lipid panel (cholesterol)
A lipid panel measures the fats in your blood that contribute to cardiovascular risk.
- Total cholesterol: The overall amount of cholesterol. Below 5.0 mmol/L (190 mg/dL) is generally desirable.
- LDL ("bad" cholesterol): Contributes to plaque build-up in arteries. Lower is better. Below 3.0 mmol/L is a common target, though this varies based on your overall cardiovascular risk.
- HDL ("good" cholesterol): Helps remove cholesterol from the bloodstream. Higher is better. Above 1.0 mmol/L for men and 1.2 mmol/L for women is desirable.
- Triglycerides: Another type of blood fat. Below 1.7 mmol/L is ideal. High triglycerides are often associated with a diet high in refined carbohydrates and sugar.
Important: Reference ranges vary between laboratories. Always interpret your results in discussion with your doctor, who will consider your age, sex, medical history, and medications.
Thyroid function tests
The thyroid gland regulates metabolism, energy, and many other body functions. Thyroid tests are commonly ordered if you are experiencing unexplained fatigue, weight changes, or mood changes.
- TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone): The primary screening test. A high TSH suggests the thyroid is underactive (hypothyroidism). A low TSH suggests overactivity (hyperthyroidism).
- Free T4 and Free T3: The actual thyroid hormones. These are checked when TSH is abnormal to confirm the diagnosis and guide treatment.
Why storing your lab results matters
A lab result is most useful when compared to your previous results. A single cholesterol reading tells you where you stand today. A history of readings tells you whether you are trending in the right direction after a dietary change, whether your medication is working, or whether a value that looked borderline last year is worsening.
Many people rely on their GP's records for this history — but GP practices change, records are not always transferred seamlessly, and you may see multiple specialists who do not always share information with each other. Keeping your own copy of every lab result, stored securely and organised by date and type, gives you a personal medical baseline that belongs to you.
Photograph or download the PDF of every result you receive and store it in an encrypted health app. Future you — and future clinicians — will find it invaluable.