At IMULAB, we aim to make interpreting your blood test results straightforward and informative. Here’s how to understand what your results might mean and the factors that can influence them.
Factors Influencing Blood Test Results
Timing and Preparation: The time of day, whether you have eaten, your hydration level, and any supplements or medications can all affect your results.
Fasting: Some tests require fasting for accurate results. Eating before a fasting test can lead to incorrect readings, especially for glucose and lipid levels.
Hydration: Being well-hydrated can affect the concentration of certain substances in your blood.
Common Blood Test Markers
Cholesterol Levels (LDL, HDL, Triglycerides): Indicate your risk for heart disease. High LDL and triglycerides and low HDL are associated with higher risk.
HbA1c (Glycated Haemoglobin): Reflects average blood sugar levels over the past two to three months, essential for diagnosing and managing diabetes.
CRP (C-Reactive Protein): A marker of inflammation in the body. Elevated levels can indicate chronic inflammation and increased risk of cardiovascular diseases.
Liver Function Tests (LFTs): Assess the health of your liver by measuring enzymes, proteins, and substances produced or processed by the liver.
Kidney Function Tests (Creatinine, eGFR): Evaluate how well your kidneys are filtering waste from your blood.
Understanding Abnormal Results
Borderline Results: Slightly outside the reference range might not be significant but should be monitored.
Significant Abnormalities: Results significantly outside the reference range may require further investigation and follow-up with a healthcare professional.
Next Steps
If your results are abnormal, our healthcare professionals will guide you on the necessary steps, which might include lifestyle changes, further testing, or specialist referrals.
For more detailed information and to book your blood test, visit IMULAB’s blood testing page.