Understand What Your Blood Tests Mean
Plain-language guides to the health markers your doctor checks most often — built to help you learn, not to replace a professional reading of your results.
These guides explain what common health markers measure and why doctors check them. They are for general education only, are not a diagnostic tool, and are not a substitute for a physician reviewing your actual lab report.
Liver HealthLiver Function Tests
A panel of blood markers — including ALT, AST, ALP, and bilirubin — used to get a general picture of how the liver is functioning.
Liver HealthALT (Alanine Aminotransferase)
An enzyme found mainly in liver cells; elevated levels can point to liver cell stress.
Liver HealthAST (Aspartate Aminotransferase)
An enzyme present in the liver, heart, and muscle tissue, used alongside ALT to assess liver health.
Metabolic HealthHbA1c (Glycated Haemoglobin)
A blood marker reflecting your average blood sugar levels over roughly the past 2-3 months.
Metabolic HealthFasting Insulin
A measure of how much insulin your body needs at rest to keep blood sugar steady.
Metabolic HealthFasting Glucose
Your blood sugar level after an overnight fast — one of the most common screening markers used.
Heart HealthLipid Profile
A panel measuring total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, and triglycerides to assess cardiovascular risk factors.
Heart HealthTriglycerides
A type of blood fat that stores unused calories — elevated levels are linked to heart and metabolic risk.
InflammationCRP (C-Reactive Protein)
A marker of general inflammation in the body, used to help understand infection, injury, or chronic low-grade inflammation.
NutrientsVitamin D
A fat-soluble vitamin important for bone health, immune function, and mood — commonly low in many people.
NutrientsVitamin B12
An essential vitamin for nerve function and red blood cell production, particularly relevant on plant-based diets.
Thyroid HealthThyroid Tests (TSH, T3, T4)
A group of blood markers that assess how the thyroid gland is regulating metabolism, energy, and hormone balance.
NutrientsIron Studies
A panel measuring serum iron, ferritin, and related markers to assess iron levels and storage in the body.