Blood Tests Explained

If you have been asked to attend for routine blood tests the invite may have mentioned one or more of the below tests.  Here is an explanation of what some of the common blood tests we perform are for. You will have been invited in for any that are currently due based on your medical history, the medications you take and your previous results. 

 If you have further questions, please do ask when you attend for your test.

Self-Book Appointments

If we have sent you a text message invite to book a blood test, we may have included a link for you to book your appointment yourself, without needing to phone the surgery.

This is called a self-book link.

Once you receive the link it will be active for 7 days before expiring. If you cannot use the link for any reason, please call the practice and we will be happy to arrange your appointment over the phone.

Cholesterol

This looks at the cholesterol levels in your blood. High cholesterol levels increase the risk of heart attacks and stroke so it is important to monitor these levels if you have a past history of or are at increased risk of these conditions. We may also request this test to check if your cholesterol lowering medication is working.

FBC – Full Blood Count

This is a common test to check the red and white blood cells in your blood. It helps to check for signs of infection or inflammation as well as anaemia. It is a useful guide when monitoring many long-term conditions.

HbA1c – Haemoglobin A1C

This is a test which looks at how good your sugar levels have been over the preceding few months. It is important to monitor in those with diabetes or pre-diabetes as well as those with cardiovascular conditions who might be at increased risk if they were to develop diabetes.

LFT – Liver Function Test

This looks at your liver health. It is mainly used to monitor people on medications that might have an effect on the liver.

Lithium Monitoring

If you are taking lithium you will be invited in for intermittent testing of the drug level in your blood so that we can ensure you are taking the appropriate dose of the medication.

We also check your calcium, U&E and TSH levels as lithium can effect this.

PSA – Prostate Specific Antigen

This is a test for a marker that can be raised in prostate cancer. It is mainly used to monitor people who have had a diagnosis of prostate cancer or a previously raised PSA level.
Serum Testosterone and SHBG – Sex hormone binding globulin

These tests are used to monitor Testosterone levels and are usually carried out for people who are on hormone therapy.

Testosterone and Sex Hormone Binging Globulin (SHBG)

These tests are used to monitor testosterone levels -  usually in patients receiving hormonal therapy.

TSH – Thyroid Stimulating Hormone

This checks your thyroid gland function and is important to monitor in people who take thyroid medications.

U&E – Urea and Electrolytes or eGFR – Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate

These are a measure of how well your kidneys are functioning. This is important to measure in some people with blood pressure or cardiovascular conditions and also to check the impact on kidneys of certain medications. The eGFR  measures how efficiently your kidneys filter your blood and it is normal for this to reduce with age. People with low eGFRs may have Chronic Kidney Disease which requires annual monitoring.

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