Blood tests are a fundamental tool for assessing your health, but their results can seem complex to understand. This guide will help you interpret key blood markers and better understand their significance for your health.
Whether you've had a routine blood test or a comprehensive check-up, we explain everything you need to know to understand your results.
Table of Contents
The Basics of Blood Tests
A blood test evaluates many aspects of your health:
- The state of your blood cells
- The functioning of your organs
- Your metabolism
- Your immune system
- Your nutrient levels
Good to Know
Blood test results can vary depending on the time of day, your recent diet, or your physical activity level. This is why fasting is often recommended for certain tests.
Key Blood Markers
Here are the most commonly analyzed markers and their significance:
| Marker | Significance | Normal Values |
|---|---|---|
| Hemoglobin | Oxygen transport | 13-17 g/dL (men) 12-15 g/dL (women) |
| White Blood Cells | Immune defense | 4000-10000/mm³ |
| Platelets | Blood clotting | 150000-400000/mm³ |
| Fasting Glucose | Blood sugar level | 0.7-1.1 g/L |
Get Your Blood Tested at Home
LetsGetChecked offers at-home blood test kits with detailed results in 2-5 days.
Explore TestsComplete Blood Count (CBC)
The CBC, or complete blood count, is the most common analysis. It examines:
Red Blood Cells
- Red Blood Cells: transport oxygen
- Hemoglobin: protein carrying oxygen
- Hematocrit: volume occupied by red blood cells
White Blood Cells
- Neutrophils: fight infections
- Lymphocytes: specific immunity
- Monocytes: immune defense
Platelets
Essential for blood clotting, their count can indicate:
- Bleeding risks if too low
- Thrombosis risks if too high
Liver Panel
This panel evaluates liver health through several enzymes:
Key Markers
- AST/ALT: liver enzymes
- γGT: gamma-glutamyl transferase
- Alkaline Phosphatases
- Bilirubin: bile pigment
Warning
Elevated liver enzymes can be caused by many factors, including alcohol consumption, certain medications, or a viral infection.
Lipid Panel
The lipid panel measures different types of cholesterol and triglycerides:
Analyzed Components
- Total Cholesterol
- HDL ("good" cholesterol)
- LDL ("bad" cholesterol)
- Triglycerides
Health Tip
A balanced diet, rich in fiber and unsaturated fatty acids, helps maintain a good lipid profile.
Electrolyte Panel
The electrolyte panel measures electrolytes in the blood:
Key Electrolytes
- Sodium (Na+): water balance
- Potassium (K+): muscle and heart function
- Chloride (Cl-): acid-base balance
- Calcium (Ca++): bones and clotting
Glucose Levels and HbA1c
These tests evaluate your glucose metabolism:
Fasting Glucose
- Normal: 0.7-1.1 g/L
- Pre-diabetes: 1.1-1.26 g/L
- Diabetes: > 1.26 g/L
HbA1c (glycated hemoglobin)
Reflects your average glucose level over the past 3 months:
- Normal: < 5.7%
- Pre-diabetes: 5.7-6.4%
- Diabetes: ≥ 6.5%
Understanding Normal Values
"Normal values" can vary depending on:
- Gender
- Age
- The analysis laboratory
- The analysis method used
Important
Reference values are always indicated on your test report. A slightly abnormal value does not necessarily mean a health problem.
What to Do with Abnormal Results
Steps to Follow
- Don't panic - an isolated abnormal value is not necessarily serious
- Consult your doctor to interpret the results
- Schedule follow-up tests if necessary
- Follow medical recommendations
Warning
Never change your treatment or lifestyle solely based on test results without your doctor's advice.
At-Home Blood Tests
New solutions allow certain tests to be performed at home:
Advantages
- Convenience and confidentiality
- Quick results
- Facilitated regular monitoring
- Time-saving
Available Tests
- Hormonal panel
- Vitamin deficiencies
- Lipid profile
- Inflammation markers
- Fertility tests
| Characteristic | Laboratory Tests | At-Home Tests |
|---|---|---|
| Accuracy | Very high | Good |
| Test Range | Complete | Limited |
| Convenience | Requires travel | At home |
| Price | Variable, often reimbursed | Generally more expensive |
Test Yourself at Home
LetsGetChecked offers a wide range of at-home blood tests, with results analyzed by certified laboratories.
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