Your Blood Results Explained

Your blood results can be divided into:

1. Biochemistry - the measurement of the chemical substances carried by the blood.

2. Haematology - the measurement of various aspects of the cells of the blood.

The results for each test are shown and abnormal results are highlighted. Even insignificant variations will be marked in this way. The reference ranges given are the ranges into which 95% of the normal population fall. It is important to remember that a result can be outside the quoted reference range without indicating any underlying problem or disease. The following description is intended to be a guide only. As with all medical tests, careful interpretation is essential.

Biochemistry Profile >>

Haematology Profile >>

Biochemistry Profile

1. Glucose (blood sugar)
When mildly elevated often relates to a very recent high sugar intake. A consistently elevated glucose level may indicate diabetes. Normally further tests will be required before a diagnosis can be made.

2. Liver function tests

• Total bilirubin is a breakdown product of haemoglobin, the oxygen-carrying protein in the blood. It is removed from the body via the liver, gall-bladder and bowel. Very high levels of bilirubin in the blood cause jaundice. Slight elevations are found in Gilbert's syndrome. This is a minor enzyme deficiency present in 5% of the population, which is of no clinical significance. High levels of bilirubin can also result from gallstones, liver damage, hepatitis and from certain uncommon blood disorders.
• Alkaline phosphatase is an enzyme located mainly in the liver and bones. Normal ranges vary greatly during childhood and periods of bone growth. Female values are slightly higher than males. Abnormally high levels can result from liver or bone disease.

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Biochemistry Profile

• ALT (alanine transferase) is an enzyme produced mainly by the liver. Diseases that affect the liver and excessive alcohol consumption may elevate it. Viral illnesses, such as the common cold, can also cause a temporary rise in levels.
• AST (aspartate transferase) is an enzyme produced mainly by cells of the liver and the heart. Disease processes or injury affecting either organ may cause release of this enzyme. It is commonly elevated in hepatitis and as a result of excessive alcohol consumption.
• Gamma-GT (Gamma-glutamyl transferase) is an enzyme which occurs mainly in the liver, kidneys and pancreas and is a very sensitive indicator of liver damage. Gamma-GT is elevated by prolonged alcohol or drug excess and roughly correlates with alcohol intake. It can be temporarily elevated during generalised viral illnesses and after excessive paracetamol intake, e.g. self-medication for colds and influenza.
• Total proteins, albumin and globulin are measurements that can further help assess organ function, immunity and the adequacy of dietary intake.

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Biochemistry Profile

3. Lipid Profile

• Cholesterol is a yellow fatty substance circulating in your bloodstream. A raised cholesterol level is one of many factors contributing to an increased risk of heart attack, stroke and gall-bladder disease. Cholesterol is made up of HDL and LDL cholesterol.
• HDL cholesterol appears to be relatively beneficial to the heart and should make up more than 20% of your total cholesterol.
• Triglycerides are also blood lipids. They have a weaker association with heart disease than does cholesterol. The level is very sensitive to recent dietary intake and unless you have fasted for at least six hours prior to the test, a raised level may be of no significance. High alcohol intake also raises levels of triglycerides.
• HDL per cent should be more than 20% of the total cholesterol
• Cholesterol/HDL ratio is another way of expressing the HDL per cent and should be less than 5.
• LDL cholesterol is the undesirable form of cholesterol.

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Biochemistry Profile

• Approximately 40% of cholesterol is derived from food and can therefore be controlled by maintaining a low cholesterol diet. Most cholesterol in our diet is derived from animal fats which are predominantly saturated fats and are found chiefly in dairy products and red meats.
• Thyroid stimulating hormone is a measure of the function of your thyroid gland. An increased level of TSH may indicate that the thyroid gland is becoming underactive, which can be a cause of fatigue. Further tests may be suggested if this seems likely. The oral contraceptive pill can also cause minor elevations that are of no clinical significance.
• PSA (prostate specific antigen) is a screening test primarily for prostate cancer. A raised level may also be due to benign enlargement of the prostate gland which occurs in men from their mid-40's onwards. If the PSA level is raised, further investigations may be required to determine the cause.
• Rubella is also known as German measles. This test, which is generally only carried out in women, checks for immunity to the disease. This immunity may have been acquired because you have had German measles or because you have been vaccinated. Although rubella is often a fairly mild infection, it can be harmful to the unborn child so it is important to know that you have immunity prior to conceiving.

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Haematology Profile

• Haemoglobin is the oxygen-carrying substance in the blood. Low levels indicate anaemia, which is most commonly due to an iron deficiency. Haemoglobin levels are increased by smoking and prolonged physical stress.
• Red cells are produced in the bone marrow and normally survive for about three months. They contain haemoglobin and are responsible for the transport of oxygen and carbon dioxide.
• PCV gives an indication of red cell concentration in a sample of blood. It is usually reduced in anaemia or after a major haemorrhage. It may be increased in smokers.
• MCV is the average size of the red blood cells. They become smaller in iron deficiency anaemia or larger in vitamin B12 or folic acid deficiency and thyroid deficiency. Excessive alcohol consumption can also increase red cell size because of its toxic effect on the bone marrow.
• MCH (mean corpuscular haemoglobin) and MCHC (mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration) are both further measurements that can assist in haematological diagnosis.

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Haematology Profile

• White cells fight infection and repair damage. A profile of the different types of white cell is shown (granulocytes, lymphocytes and monocytes). The granulocyte count is frequently raised in bacterial infections and the lymphocyte count may be raised in viral infections.
• Platelets: The usual explanation for a low platelet count is due to artefact as platelets may clump together in the sample bottle. Occasionally abnormal platelet counts are due to disorders of the immune system or bone marrow. The platelet count can also be reduced by a number of drugs.

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