Understanding Your Blood Test Results
CBC, lipid panel, HbA1c — blood tests can be confusing. This plain-language guide helps you decode your reports and understand what each number means for your health.
Your doctor hands you a lab report with 30 numbers and three arrows. Most of us smile, nod, and file it away. Here's how to actually read it.
Complete Blood Count (CBC). This checks your blood's cells. Hemoglobin carries oxygen — low means anemia. WBC (white blood cells) fight infection — high usually means your body's battling something. Platelets help clotting — very low or very high both need attention.
Lipid Profile. This is your cholesterol breakdown. LDL is "bad" cholesterol (under 100 mg/dL is ideal). HDL is "good" — higher is better (above 40 for men, 50 for women). Triglycerides should be under 150. Your total cholesterol matters less than the ratio.
HbA1c. This shows your average blood sugar over the past 3 months. Under 5.7% is normal. 5.7–6.4% is prediabetes. 6.5% or higher confirms diabetes. One high reading isn't panic-worthy, but two in a row is.
Liver Function Tests (LFT). SGOT/SGPT (or AST/ALT) measure liver enzymes. Mildly elevated (1.5–2x normal) often just means fatty liver. Very high values need urgent follow-up.
Kidney Function Tests (KFT). Creatinine and eGFR show how well your kidneys filter waste. eGFR above 90 is healthy. Below 60 for 3+ months suggests chronic kidney disease.
Thyroid (TSH). The single most useful thyroid number. Normal is 0.4–4.0. High TSH = underactive thyroid. Low TSH = overactive. This one test catches most thyroid issues.
Flags to take seriously: hemoglobin under 10, HbA1c over 7, LDL over 160, or kidney eGFR under 60. Don't diagnose yourself — but do ask your doctor what each abnormal number means.
Medical disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor for specific health concerns.
