Getting bloodwork done is routine — but decoding the results is another matter. When your doctor orders a blood test, the report that comes back can feel like a foreign language. Here’s a plain-language guide to the most common panels ordered in family medicine.
Complete Blood Count (CBC)
The CBC is one of the most frequently ordered tests. It measures three main types of blood cells:
- Red blood cells and hemoglobin: Low levels suggest anemia, which can cause fatigue, shortness of breath, and pale skin.
- White blood cells: Elevated levels may indicate infection or an immune response. Very low levels can signal immune suppression.
- Platelets: These help your blood clot. Low counts increase bleeding risk.
Blood Sugar and Diabetes Screening
A fasting glucose test measures blood sugar after at least 8 hours without eating. Normal fasting glucose is below 6.0 mmol/L in Canada. Values between 6.1–6.9 mmol/L suggest prediabetes. A reading of 7.0 mmol/L or higher on two separate tests typically indicates type 2 diabetes.
Your doctor may also order an HbA1c test, which reflects your average blood sugar over the past 2–3 months — useful for ongoing diabetes monitoring and doesn’t require fasting.
Cholesterol and Heart Health (Lipid Panel)
A lipid panel measures fats in your blood that affect cardiovascular risk:
- LDL (“bad” cholesterol): Higher levels increase the risk of plaque buildup in arteries.
- HDL (“good” cholesterol): Higher levels are protective. Regular exercise and a heart-healthy diet can raise HDL.
- Triglycerides: Elevated by excess sugar, alcohol, and processed food. High triglycerides combined with low HDL is a significant cardiovascular risk marker.
Thyroid Function (TSH)
Your thyroid gland controls metabolism, energy, weight regulation, and mood. The TSH (Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone) test is the standard screen. A high TSH usually means an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) — common symptoms include fatigue, cold sensitivity, and weight gain. A low TSH suggests an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism), often causing anxiety, heat sensitivity, and a rapid heartbeat.
Kidney Health (Creatinine and eGFR)
The kidneys filter waste from the blood. Creatinine is a waste product from muscle activity — elevated levels suggest the kidneys aren’t clearing it efficiently. The eGFR (estimated glomerular filtration rate) estimates how well your kidneys are functioning overall. An eGFR above 60 is generally considered within the normal range.
When to Follow Up on Your Results
Not every abnormal result demands immediate action. Context matters: age, sex, recent diet, exercise, and current medications all affect lab values. Your family physician interprets results in the context of your complete health picture — not just the numbers in isolation.
If you have questions about your blood test results, the team at Blake Street Walk in Medical Clinic is happy to walk you through them at your next visit. Understanding your numbers is the first step toward acting on them.