Articles about specific blood tests, what they measure, and how results are usually interpreted.
Iron deficiency is one of the most common reasons people order private blood tests in the UK. This guide explains the difference between iron deficiency and iron deficiency anaemia, what the key markers mean, and when to speak to your GP.
CRP (C-reactive protein) is one of the most commonly used inflammation markers in UK blood tests. This guide explains what it shows, what it can’t tell you, and why a raised result almost always needs GP context.
Liver blood tests are one of the most common panels in UK primary care, but the results can be confusing — especially if they’ve come back as “raised”. This guide explains the main markers in plain English and when to speak to your GP.
The full blood count, or FBC, is one of the most commonly ordered blood tests in the UK. This guide explains what each marker means, what abnormal results may suggest, and when to speak to your GP.
Thyroid blood tests can help show whether your thyroid is producing the right amount of hormone — but a result on its own is rarely a diagnosis. Here’s what TSH, FT4 and FT3 mean in plain English, and why GP interpretation matters.
Cholesterol is one of the most commonly tested blood markers in the UK — and one of the most confusing. This guide explains what each cholesterol number means, what it can’t tell you, and how results fit into your wider heart‑health picture.
Some blood tests need fasting, but many do not. This guide explains when fasting matters, what to do before your appointment and why Optimum Health Screening health checks don’t require fasting.
Kidney function blood tests can help show how well your kidneys are filtering waste from your blood. This guide explains creatinine, eGFR, urea, electrolytes and when to speak to your GP.
A plain-English guide to five widely used blood tests — what they measure, why they matter and how they fit into a sensible health baseline for adults.
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