How do I read my blood test results? What do high and low values mean?
What reference ranges, H/L flags and units mean on a blood test report, and what to watch for when reading blood count, biochemistry and hormone results.
Short answer
Next to each value on a test report there is a reference range, which covers the results of the large majority of healthy people. Values above the range are marked “H” or “↑” and values below it “L” or “↓”. A value slightly outside the range does not by itself mean illness; results should be interpreted by a doctor together with your symptoms, examination and other values.
Parts of a test report
| Part | What it shows |
|---|---|
| Test name | What was measured (e.g. HGB, ALT, TSH) |
| Result | Your value |
| Unit | Such as mg/dL, g/dL or µIU/mL; different labs may use different units |
| Reference range | The range that laboratory sets for healthy people |
| Flag (H, L, *) | Values outside the range |
Common tests and what they show
- Full blood count (hemogram): anaemia, infection and blood cells
- Fasting glucose and HbA1c: diabetes
- ALT, AST, GGT: liver
- Creatinine and GFR: kidneys
- TSH: thyroid
- Ferritin, B12, vitamin D: stores and vitamins
- CRP and ESR (sedimantasyon): markers of inflammation
Points to keep in mind
- Do not diagnose yourself online from a single value
- Compare with your previous results; the direction of change is often more important than a single value
- Fasting, exercise, medicines and supplements (e.g. biotin) can affect results
- If a result is flagged as a critical (panic) value, see a doctor without waiting
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Frequently asked questions
Who should interpret my test result?
The doctor who ordered the test or your family doctor should interpret it. The explanations in our medical dictionary provide general information only.
My value is slightly outside normal; should I repeat the test?
For small deviations, doctors often repeat the test after a while or assess it together with other findings.
Related questions
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- What should I ask my doctor? A checklist for your appointment
- How do I get a second medical opinion in Turkey? When should I see another doctor?
- What are patients’ rights in Turkey?
Sources
This content is based on information published by official bodies and on current Turkish legislation; rules and practice may change. Last updated: . To report an error: contact us.
This page is for general information and does not replace medical diagnosis or treatment. In an emergency, call 112 (Turkey’s free emergency number). En İyi Hekim does not rank doctors as “the best”; positions in listings cannot be bought.