Health Support
Investigations (including blood tests)
Some links on this page have been colour coded to make it easier to find the information you need:
View test results in your GP health record
From the NHS
View your test results in your GP health record (only includes tests requested by your GP practice) View your test results – NHS
The NHS account is explained in more detail below:
An NHS ACCOUNT
From the NHS
“Getting started with your NHS account” includes “Find out who can have an NHS account to use the NHS App or NHS website to access certain NHS services – and how to set up your account, log in and prove who you are to get full access.” Getting started with the NHS App – NHS App help and support – NHS
Log in or create your NHS account
View your GP health record not just your test results View your GP health record – NHS
Further information on the advantages of an NHS account
There is more information on your NHS account including many other functions beyond just online access to your test results under
Many practices offer you online access to your own tests results and this is highly recommended if available.
As NHS England suggest the advantages, amongst others, include
- Greater involvement in your care and there is potential for earlier treatment as results once available are accessible 24/7.
- Improved satisfaction by providing a more convenient way to access your results.
- Reduces calls and appointments from patients wanting to know their test results.
Patient online – providing online access to test results po-why-should-I-online-test-results.pdf.
Further information
More information on online access, including understanding your medical record, such as any abbreviations used, can be found under
LOCAL SUPPORT - SELF REFERRAL
Booking an investigation outside your practice
Local guidance on how to book an investigation outside your practice, such as a blood test, X-ray, or other test can be found under
Follow up of tests requested by a hospital specialist (such as a doctor or nurse in outpatients or inpatients)
Common questions around “follow up of tests requested by a hospital specialist” are covered in detail in the section on “after your appointment” under
Simple explanations of some common types of investigations
The NHS website provides some simple explanations about different types of tests (including blood tests, x-rays, ultrasounds and CT scans, and also heart related tests) and what happens when you have these tests.
From the NHS
Blood tests
Radiology tests
Heart related tests
GENERAL GUIDANCE
understand your online test results and the reference range
Lab Test provide a helpful explanation of what the information may mean in general.
Reading your test results Reading your results | Lab Tests Online-UK
As Lab Test suggest
“A test result outside of the reference range may not indicate a problem.” This may be related to factors including age, tolerance factors, ethnicity and timing of your blood test. Your GP will comment on the result and what action may be required.
GENERAL INFORMATION
From The Association for Clinical Biochemistry and Laboratory Medicine UK
This site provides excellent detailed information written for patients on every test done in a GP practice and hospital. You can search by test or by condition.
Lab tests online Patient Education on Blood, Urine, and Other Lab Tests | Lab Tests Online-UK
From PTEx (Pathology Tests Explained)
This non-UK site though reputable may vary from UK test values and recommendations but the principles are similar.
Welcome to PTEx Blood Test Results Explained – Pathology Tests Explained
From Testing
This non-UK site though reputable may vary from UK test values and recommendations but the principles are similar.
Testing.com: Your trusted guide Understand your tests empower your health Patient Education on Blood, Urine, and Other Lab Tests – Testing.com
From Patient info
Blood tests (includes list of common blood tests done) Blood Tests | Patient
From Patient info
This is intended for clinicians but may back the explanation given by your practice clinician and give a fuller explanation
Investigations (Bedside and Laboratory Tests and Imaging) Investigations (Bedside and Laboratory Tests and Imaging) | Patient
Form NICE
- Endocrine and metabolic Endocrine and metabolic | Specialities | CKS | NICE
- Haematology Haematology | Specialities | CKS | NICE
From The Association for Clinical Biochemistry and Laboratory Medicine UK
Work with NICE to provide guidelines relating to clinical biochemistry
NICE Guideline Summaries NICE Guideline Summaries
From the Royal College of Pathologists
Take a look at some of the videos the College has created in aid of public engagement with pathology. Public engagement videos
Choosing wisely
Though many tests have real value in ensuring the best quality care for patients this is not always the case. This has potential costs for patients and the NHS. This is explained further, including how better choices can be made, see under
TEST RESULT ABNORMALITIES
Explains the common abnormalities you might see with your blood, urine and stool tests and what these abnormalities might mean.
full blood count (FBC) – test for anaemia
From Patient info
Explains what a full blood count (FBC) checks for and then gives an overview of anaemia, a particular abnormality of a FBC with links to common causes of anaemia.
- Full Blood Count and Blood Smear Full Blood Count (FBC) | Blood Smear Test | Normal Values | Patient
- Anaemia Anaemia (Anemia) | Patient
FULL BLOOD COUNT (FBC) ABNORMALITIES
From the NHS, Patient info and NICE
Iron deficiency anaemia
- Iron deficiency anaemia – NHS
- Iron-deficiency Anaemia | Patient
- Anaemia – iron deficiency | Health topics A to Z | CKS | NICE
Ferrous sulfate: medicine used for treating iron deficiency anaemia (whatever the cause)
- Ferrous sulfate: medicine for treating iron deficiency anaemia – NHS
- Vitamins and minerals – Iron – NHS
- Iron supplements | Patient
Vitamin B12 or folate deficiency anaemia
- Vitamin B12 or folate deficiency anaemia – Symptoms – NHS
- Hydroxocobalamin: vitamin to treat and prevent vitamin B12 deficiency anaemia – NHS
- Folic Acid Deficiency Anaemia | Patient
- Vitamin B12 Deficiency and Pernicious Anaemia | Patient
- Anaemia – B12 and folate deficiency | Health topics A to Z | CKS | NICE
From Patient info and NICE
- Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP) | Patient
- Thrombophilia Thrombophilia | Causes and Treatment | Patient
- Platelets – abnormal counts and cancer Platelets – abnormal counts and cancer | Health topics A to Z | CKS | NICE
From NICE
Polycythaemia/erythrocytosis Polycythaemia/erythrocytosis | Health topics A to Z | CKS | NICE
THE FBC AND ANAEMIA TESTS EXPLAINED IN MORE DETAIL
From Lab tests online UK
- Full Blood Count (FBC) Full Blood Count – Understand the Test
- Haemoglobin Haemoglobin Test- Understand the Test
- Red Cell Indices Red Cell Indices
- White Blood Cell Count White Blood Cell Count | Lab Tests Online-UK
- White Blood Cell Differential Count WBC Differential Count
- Platelet Count Platelet Count
From Lab tests online UK
Tests for specific types of anaemia
- Ferritin Test Ferritin
- TIBC, UIBC and Transferrin TIBC, UIBC & Transferrin
- Vitamin B12 and Folate Vitamin B12 & Folate
kidney test (U&Es)
From Patient info
- Routine Kidney Function Blood Test Routine Kidney Function Blood Test | Patient
- Dietary Potassium Dietary Potassium | Which foods contain potassium? | Patient
- Dietary Salt and Sodium Dietary Salt and Sodium | How much salt should we eat? | Patient
From Kidney Research UK
Understanding test results Understanding test results – Kidney Research UK
From Lab tests online UK
- U&E U&E
- Potassium Test Potassium
- Sodium Test Sodium
- Creatinine Creatinine
From Patient info
Intended for clinicians
- Hyperkalaemia in Adults Potassium excess, treatment of hyperkalaemia. | Patient
- Hypokalaemia Hypokalaemia | Doctor | Patient
- Hypernatraemia Information about Hypernatraemia | Patient
From Patient info and NICE
Hyponatraemia
Liver function tests (LFTS)
From the British Liver Trust
Liver blood tests (formally known as liver function tests – LFTs) Liver blood tests (formally known as liver function tests – LFTs) – British Liver Trust
From Patient info
- Abnormal Liver Function Tests Abnormal Liver Function Tests | Patient
- Jaundice Jaundice | Symptoms, Causes and Treatment | Patient
From Lab tests online UK
- Liver Blood Tests Liver Function Tests – Understand the Test
- Bilirubin Bilirubin
- Gamma-Glutamyl transferase (GGT) Test GGT
- Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) Test Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) Test
- Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP) Test Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP)
From Patient info
Intended for clinicians
Abnormal Liver Function Tests Abnormal Liver Function Tests | Doctor | Patient
From Patient info and NICE
Jaundice in adults
GILBERT’S SYNDROME
From the NHS and Patient info
as NHS choices suggests
“You may not realise you have Gilbert’s syndrome until tests for an unrelated problem are carried out. Around 1 in 3 people with Gilbert’s syndrome do not experience any symptoms at all. If the test results show you have high levels of bilirubin in your blood, but your liver is otherwise working normally, a confident diagnosis of Gilbert’s syndrome can usually be made.”
Gilbert’s Syndrome
CHOLESTEROL AND TRIGLYCERIDES
From Heart UK
Understanding your cholesterol test results Results
From the British heart foundation
- Why should you have your cholesterol levels tested? Why should you have your cholesterol levels tested? | BHF
- Help and support (“Speak to one of our Cardiac Nurses. They can give you information and support about heart and circulatory diseases, and their risk factors.” (cholesterol is one of the important risk factors) High Cholesterol – Causes, Symptoms & Treatments | BHF
From Lab tests online UK
- Cholesterol Test Cholesterol
- Triglycerides Triglycerides
- HDL Cholesterol Test HDL Cholesterol
- LDL Cholesterol Test LDL Cholesterol
From Patient info and NICE
Statins and other Lipid-lowering Medicines
- Statins | Lipid-lowering Medicines | Patient
- Lipid modification – CVD prevention | Health topics A to Z | CKS | NICE
From NICE
Hypercholesterolaemia – familial Hypercholesterolaemia – familial | Health topics A to Z | CKS | NICE
How to tackle high cholesterol
There is more information on how you can tackle a high cholesterol including your heart disease risk in
thyroid function tests (TFTS)
From Lab tests online UK
- Thyroid Function Tests Thyroid Function Tests- Understand the Test
- Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone (TSH) TSH
From Patient info
Thyroid Function Tests Thyroid Function Tests | What is a thyroid function test? | Patient
From Patient info
Intended for clinicians
Thyroid Function Tests Thyroid Function Tests. About TFTs endocrine test. | Patient
From NICE
- Hypothyroidism (includes subclinical hypothyroidism) Hypothyroidism | Health topics A to Z | CKS | NICE
- Hyperthyroidism Hyperthyroidism | Health topics A to Z | CKS | NICE
inflammatory markers (ESR AND CRP)
From Patient info
Blood Tests to Detect Inflammation Inflammation Blood Tests | ESR, CRP and PV Values | Patient
From Lab tests online UK
- Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR) ESR (Erythrocyte sedimentation rate) – Understand the Test
- C-Reactive Protein (CRP) C-Reactive Protein – Understand the Test
prostate cancer test (PSA)
From Lab tests online UK
Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) PSA
From Patient info
Intended for patients
PSA Test PSA Test (Prostate Specific Antigen) | Patient Leaflet | Patient
From Patient info
Intended for clinicians
Prostate Specific Antigen Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) | Patient
URINE ANALYSIS
GP practice clinicians can check urine for a possible urine infection, glucose, protein and blood.
From Patient info
Urine Dipstick Test Urine Dipstick Test | Patient Leaflet | Patient
From Lab tests online
Urinalysis Urinalysis
URINE CULTURE
A urine culture confirms an infection and also what antibiotics will be effective if there is an infection.
From Lab tests online UK
Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)
How to collect a good urine sample
From Patient info
Midstream Specimen of Urine Midstream Specimen of Urine (MSU) | Urine Analysis Test | Patient
INFECTIVE CAUSEs FOR DIARRHOEA
From Lab tests online UK
Stool Culture Stool Culture
VITAMIN D AND CALCIUM
You do not routinely need a vitamin D test to find out if you should take Vitamin D (as most people should already be taking vitamin D during autumn and winter) though your GP may do a vitamin D test in certain circumstances.
As the NHS suggests:
Advice for adults and children over 4 years old
As it can be difficult “for people to get enough vitamin D from food alone, everyone (including pregnant and breastfeeding women) should consider taking a daily supplement containing 10 micrograms of vitamin D during the autumn and winter.” Vitamins and minerals – Vitamin D – NHS
You can buy Vitamin D from your local pharmacist without a prescription.
From Lab tests online UK
From Patient info
Calcium-rich Diet Calcium-rich Diet | How much calcium do we need? | Patient
From Patient info
Intended for clinicians
Hypercalcaemia Hypercalcaemia. About Hypercalcaemia & High calcium levels | Patient
From NICE
- Vitamin D deficiency in adults Vitamin D deficiency in adults | Health topics A to Z | CKS | NICE
- Vitamin D deficiency in children Vitamin D deficiency in children | Health topics A to Z | CKS | NICE
- Hypercalcaemia Hypercalcaemia | Health topics A to Z | CKS | NICE
Some conditions commonly monitored in general practice
The diagnosis and monitoring of some conditions is explained in this section.
diabetes BLOOD TESTS
From Diabetes UK
What is hba1c? What is HbA1c? | Blood Test | Target Levels | Diabetes UK
From Lab tests online UK
- Glucose Tests Glucose Tests
- HbA1c Test HbA1c – Understand the Test
- Diabetes Diabetes
From the NHS and Patient info
Low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia)
- Low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia) – NHS
- Dealing with Hypoglycaemia (Low Blood Sugar) | Health | Patient
From Patient info
Intended for clinicians
Glycated Haemoglobin Hba1c Glycated Haemoglobin (HbA1c). Test information; diabetes | Patient
From NICE
Interpreting HbA1c results Diagnosis in adults | Diagnosis | Diabetes – type 2 | CKS | NICE
diabetic URINE TESTS
How is protein in the urine measured accurately (proteinuria) in diabetes?
From Lab tests online UK
Urine Albumin to Creatinine Ratio or ACR Urine Albumin
From Patient info
Intended for clinicians
Proteinuria Free medical information about Proteinuria | Patient
Cardiac (heart) blood tests
From Lab tests online
Covers potentially relevant blood tests with monitoring cardiac conditions
- Cardiac Risk Assessment Cardiac Risk Assessment
- Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) CVD
- Congestive Heart Failure CHF
- Hypertension (High Blood Pressure) Hypertension
- Diabetes Diabetes
KIDNEY DISEASE blood tests
From NICE
Scenario: Management of chronic kidney disease Scenario: Management of chronic kidney disease | Management | Chronic kidney disease | CKS | NICE
From the UK Kidney Association
The UK eCKD Guide The UK eCKD Guide | The UK Kidney Association
From Lab tests online UK
Kidney Disease Kidney Disease
kidney disease URINE TESTS
How is protein in the urine measured accurately (proteinuria) in chronic kidney disease?
From Lab tests online UK
Urine Albumin to Creatinine Ratio or ACR Urine Albumin
From Patient info
Intended for clinicians
Proteinuria Proteinuria. Free medical information about Proteinuria | Patient
drug monitoring: disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDS)
See answer to “High risk medicines monitoring and shared care protocols – including DMARDs” in section “Understanding your medication” under
URATE AND GOUT
From Lab tests online UK
Uric Acid Test Uric Acid
From NICE
Scenario: Preventing gout Scenario: Preventing gout | Management | Gout | CKS | NICE
monoclonal gammopathy of unknown significance (MGUS)
From Blood Cancer UK
MGUS – includes a helpline: MGUS (monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance) | Blood Cancer UK
From Macmillan Cancer Support
MGUS MGUS (monoclonal gammopathy of unknown significance) – Macmillan Cancer Support
From Lab tests online UK
Protein Electrophoresis and Immunofixation Electrophoresis Electrophoresis
OTHER FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
CALPROTECTIN stool test AND INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASE
From Lab tests online UK
Calprotectin Calprotectin
FAECAL IMMUNOCHEMICAL stool TEST AND BOWEL CANCER
From Lab tests online UK
Faecal Immunochemical Test Faecal Occult Blood Test and Faecal Immunochemical Test
From Patient info
Intended for clinicians
Faecal Occult Blood Test Faecal Occult Blood Test. Investigation of blood disorders in gut | Patient
SPERM ANALYSIS
From the NHS
Low sperm count Low sperm count – NHS
From Lab tests online UK
Semen Analysis Semen Analysis
glandular fever
From Lab tests online UK
Epstein-Barr Virus Antibodies EBV Antibodies
heart failure
From Lab tests online UK
B-Type Natriuretic Peptide (BNP) Test BNP
From Patient info
Intended for clinicians
Brain Natriuretic Peptide Brain Natriuretic Peptide. BNP information. Patient | Patient
