What your blood test results mean
Plain-English guides to the markers on a typical blood test report, grouped by what they measure. Each one covers what the test is for, the usual ranges, and what a high or low result can point to.
A guide is a starting point, not a diagnosis. If a result worries you, talk to a doctor.
How to read your blood test report
Each line on a report shows the marker, your result, the unit and the laboratory’s reference range. A flag such as H or L means the result sits outside that range.
Reference ranges vary between laboratories, and can differ by age, sex and pregnancy, so read your result against the range printed on your own report.
One result just outside the range is not a diagnosis. The pattern across several markers, your symptoms and your history usually matter more. That is why every HDC package includes a one-to-one review of your report.
Which test answers which question
Find your question, then read the guide for the markers that answer it.
| Your question | Markers to look at | Read the guide |
|---|---|---|
| Am I anaemic, or why are my red cell numbers flagged? | Haemoglobin, MCV, MCH, RDW | FBC , MCH and RDW |
| Is there inflammation in my body? | CRP, ESR (hs-CRP for heart risk) | CRP and ESR |
| What is my cholesterol telling me? | Total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, triglycerides | Normal cholesterol levels |
| Do I have diabetes or prediabetes? | Fasting blood sugar, HbA1c | Fasting blood sugar |
| Are my kidneys filtering well? | Creatinine, urea, eGFR, cystatin C, urine albumin (uACR) | Kidney results , eGFR , uACR |
| Could my symptoms be hormonal? | Depends on the system: thyroid (TSH), sex hormones, cortisol | Hormonal imbalance |
| What do AMH and FSH say about fertility? | AMH, FSH | AMH and FSH |
| Is it a food allergy or an intolerance? | Specific IgE vs IgG | IgG and IgE , Allergy vs intolerance |
| How much does a blood test cost in Malaysia? | Single tests vs packages | Blood test prices |
Guides by body system
Each guide covers what the test is for, the usual ranges and what a high or low result can point to. Links marked “Test at HDC” go to the matching screening.
Blood count
Red cells, white cells and platelets
Inflammation
Markers that rise when the body is fighting something
Heart and cholesterol
Lipids and other heart risk markers
Blood sugar
Diabetes and prediabetes markers
Kidneys
How well your kidneys filter
Hormones and fertility
Thyroid, reproductive and stress hormones
Allergy and intolerance
What antibody tests can and cannot show
Cancer markers
Tumour markers can flag a change to look into. They cannot diagnose or rule out cancer.
Before you book
Cost, choosing and what to skip
Want someone to go through yours?
Every HDC blood test package includes a one-to-one review of your report with personalised nutrition guidance. Packages from RM599.
