Understanding Your Results: What Do the Numbers Mean?
Author: Dr Lauren Holland
Getting your test results can sometimes feel confusing – pages of numbers, abbreviations, and reference ranges. At Marylebone Diagnostic Centre (MDC), we believe knowledge brings confidence. Here’s how to make sense of your blood test results and what they reveal about your health.
Why Test Results Matter
Every blood result tells a small part of your health story. When interpreted correctly, they help detect early warning signs, confirm a diagnosis, or monitor ongoing conditions.
But results don’t exist in isolation – they need clinical context, comparison, and expert review. That’s why every MDC report is reviewed by a consultant before release.
Full Blood Count (FBC)
The FBC measures red and white blood cells, haemoglobin, and platelets.
- Haemoglobin (Hb): Low levels can indicate anaemia or blood loss.
- White Blood Cells (WBC): High counts suggest infection or inflammation; low counts may signal immune suppression.
- Platelets: Help your blood clot; abnormal levels may affect healing.
Why it matters: Subtle changes here often reveal early issues with nutrition, immunity, or bone marrow health.
Liver & Kidney Function Tests
Your liver processes nutrients and toxins, while your kidneys filter waste.
- ALT & AST: Liver enzymes – elevated levels may show liver stress from alcohol, medication, or diet.
- Urea & Creatinine: Indicators of kidney efficiency.
- Bilirubin: High levels may cause jaundice or signal liver dysfunction.
At MDC: We run comprehensive panels to identify changes early – long before symptoms develop.
Cholesterol & Lipid Profile
This test assesses cardiovascular risk.
- LDL (“bad”) Cholesterol: Too high can cause arterial plaque.
- HDL (“good”) Cholesterol: Helps clear LDL from the bloodstream.
- Triglycerides: Often linked to diet, sugar intake, and alcohol.
Tip: Even fit people can have high cholesterol due to genetics. Regular monitoring keeps your heart protected.
Hormone and Thyroid Balance
Hormones control energy, mood, fertility, and metabolism.
Our profiles assess key hormones such as:
- TSH, T3 & T4: Thyroid function — imbalances may cause fatigue, weight changes, or anxiety.
- Testosterone, Oestrogen, Progesterone: Reproductive hormones affecting libido, cycles, and mood.
- FSH & LH: Indicate fertility health and menopause stage.
Why it matters: Hormone imbalances are common but easily corrected once detected.
Vitamin & Nutrient Levels
Feeling tired or foggy doesn’t always mean illness – it could be a deficiency.
- Vitamin D: Supports bone, mood, and immune strength.
- Vitamin B12 & Folate: Essential for energy and nerve health.
- Iron & Ferritin: Measure oxygen-carrying capacity and iron stores.
At MDC, we run detailed Vitamin & Nutrient Panels to pinpoint exactly what your body needs.
Inflammation and Metabolic Markers
Tests like CRP and HbA1c reveal long-term inflammation or blood sugar balance.
These results help prevent diabetes, heart disease, and other metabolic conditions.
Did you know? Even mild inflammation increases cardiovascular risk. Early detection allows lifestyle changes before medication is needed.
Making Sense of It All
Don’t worry if your report looks complex – interpretation is where we come in.
Our clinicians explain your numbers clearly and help you understand what’s normal for you, not just what’s in the reference range.
You’ll know:
- Which results are stable
- Which need lifestyle adjustment
- Which require further investigation
Book a Result Review at Marylebone Diagnostic Centre
If you’ve recently had a test or are planning one, our team can help you interpret the findings and decide the next step.
We offer in-person and teleconsultation result reviews for complete clarity.
Book your consultation today at marylebonediagnosticcentre.com
FAQs
Why Choose Marylebone Diagnostic Centre?
- Results within 24–42 hours
- On-site Medical review
- Private suites
- Discreet & confidential care
- CQC-accredited and aligned with the Marylebone High Standard
- Optional teleconsultations for results
Contact: +44 7495 970109
Address: 73 Baker Street, London W1U 6RD
Opening: Monday–Saturday, 8:00–16:00
5-minute walk from Baker Street tube
Results within 24 – 42 hours depending on the test
Read More
- NHS – Understanding Blood Tests
- British Heart Foundation – Cholesterol and Lipid Testing
- NICE – Vitamin D and Nutrient Deficiency Guidelines
- NHS – Health Screening Overview
- NHS – Check your cholesterol, blood pressure and diabetes risk
- Care Quality Commission (CQC) – Regulated clinics
- Royal College of Pathologists – Quality in diagnostics
