Lab Results & Test Interpretation
Understanding your blood test and lab results can be confusing, with unfamiliar abbreviations, numbers and reference ranges. Our free lab result interpreter tools help you see where a result falls within commonly used reference ranges and what that generally means — clearly and without jargon. These tools are for education only: reference ranges vary between laboratories, results are interpreted together rather than alone, and your doctor is the one who interprets your results in the context of your health.
BMR Calculator
Calculate your Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR) — the number of calories your body burns at complete rest to keep you alive. The foundation for understanding your energy needs.
HbA1c to Average Glucose Converter
Convert your HbA1c percentage to estimated average blood glucose (eAG), or work backwards from your average glucose to HbA1c. Shows results in both mmol/L and mg/dL.
Cholesterol Ratio Calculator
Calculate your total cholesterol to HDL ratio — a strong predictor of cardiovascular risk that doctors use alongside individual cholesterol numbers.
eGFR Calculator (Kidney Function)
Estimate your kidney function (eGFR) from your creatinine level, age and sex using the CKD-EPI 2021 equation used in clinical practice worldwide.
TSH Level Interpreter
Understand where your thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) result falls within general reference ranges.
Vitamin D Level Interpreter
Understand where your vitamin D blood result falls within general reference ranges.
Liver Enzyme (ALT) Interpreter
Understand where your ALT liver enzyme result falls within general reference ranges.
Haemoglobin Level Interpreter
Understand where your haemoglobin result falls within general reference ranges for anaemia screening.
Ferritin Level Interpreter
Understand where your ferritin result falls within general reference ranges. Ferritin reflects the body's iron stores.
Vitamin B12 Level Interpreter
Understand where your vitamin B12 result falls within general reference ranges. B12 is essential for red blood cells and nerve health.
Folate Level Interpreter
Understand where your serum folate result falls within general reference ranges. Folate is essential for making red blood cells and for pregnancy.
How to read your lab results
Most blood test reports follow a similar layout: each test is listed with your result, the unit of measurement, and a reference range — the span of values considered typical for that test. Results outside the range are often flagged with an H (high) or L (low). Our interpreter tools above help you see where your own value falls within these commonly used ranges.
The most important thing to understand is that a result outside the reference range does not automatically mean something is wrong, and a result inside it does not always mean everything is fine. Reference ranges are statistical averages for a healthy population, and individuals vary. This is exactly why your doctor interprets results in the context of your symptoms, history and other tests — never a single number alone.
What the common tests measure
Each tool here focuses on a widely ordered test. The TSH interpreter relates to thyroid function, helping show whether the thyroid may be overactive or underactive. The haemoglobin interpreter relates to anaemia screening, as haemoglobin carries oxygen around the body. The vitamin D interpreter helps you understand vitamin D status, important for bones and muscles.
The liver enzyme (ALT) interpreter relates to liver health, the blood sugar interpreter helps with glucose and diabetes screening, and the cholesterol ratio calculator relates to cardiovascular risk. The eGFR calculator estimates kidney function. Each tool pairs with a detailed condition guide, so you can read more about what a particular result might relate to.
Why reference ranges vary
Reference ranges depend on the methods and equipment a particular laboratory uses, so two labs may quote slightly different ranges for the same test. Ranges also vary by sex (for example, haemoglobin ranges differ between men and women), by age, and by circumstances such as pregnancy. This variation is normal and expected.
Because of this, the range printed on your own report is the one that applies to your result. Our tools use widely cited general ranges to help you get oriented, but they consistently point you back to your own report and your doctor for what your result actually means for you.
Using these tools safely
Our lab result interpreters are educational reference tools, not diagnostic ones. They help you understand and prepare for a conversation with your doctor — not replace it. Avoid drawing firm conclusions from a single number, which can cause unnecessary worry or false reassurance.
If you have results you do not understand, that have been flagged, or that were arranged because of symptoms, the best step is to discuss them with the doctor or service that arranged the test. They can explain what your results mean for you, in the full context of your health. For a complete overview, read our guide to understanding your blood test results, linked below.
Frequently asked questions
What does it mean if my result is outside the reference range?
A result outside the reference range does not automatically mean something is wrong — ranges are statistical averages, and some healthy people fall slightly outside. It simply flags a value worth a closer look in context. Your doctor interprets it alongside your symptoms, history and other results to decide whether it matters and whether any action is needed.
Are these lab interpreter tools a diagnosis?
No. These tools are for general education only. They show where a value falls within commonly used reference ranges and explain what that typically means, but they do not diagnose any condition. Your results must be interpreted by a doctor who considers your full picture, including your symptoms, history and your laboratory's specific reference range.
Why do reference ranges differ between laboratories?
Reference ranges depend on the methods and equipment each laboratory uses, so two labs may quote slightly different ranges for the same test. Ranges can also vary by sex, age and circumstances like pregnancy. This is why you should read your result against the range printed on your own report rather than relying on general figures alone.
Which lab test should I use which tool for?
Use the TSH interpreter for thyroid results, the haemoglobin interpreter for anaemia screening, the vitamin D interpreter for vitamin D status, the liver (ALT) interpreter for liver enzymes, the blood sugar interpreter for glucose and HbA1c, the cholesterol ratio calculator for lipids, and the eGFR calculator for kidney function. Each links to a related condition guide.