Reference

Lab test reference

What's behind the numbers on your report: reference ranges, why a marker runs high or low, and when a deviation is worth acting on. Every entry is reviewed by a doctor.

Lab results are not a verdict or a diagnosis โ€” they are data that need to be read correctly. The same marker can fall outside its reference range for a dozen reasons, from how you prepared for the draw to the lab's own methodology. This reference covers markers one at a time: what the test measures, which values count as normal, why a result runs high or low, and which steps are worth discussing with your doctor.

The reference is growing. If the marker you need isn't here yet, browse the Analyses & Diagnostics category for in-depth guides by marker group.

Unit converter (mg/dL โ†” mmol/L) ยท Glossary โ†’

Markers

Markers by group

Each marker is a standalone explainer: what the test measures, the reference range, why it runs high or low. Pick a group and open the marker you need.

Complete Blood Count

Hemoglobin, red and white cells, platelets, ESR โ€” the baseline picture of your blood.

Blood Biochemistry

Liver and kidney markers, proteins, uric acid โ€” how your internal organs are working.

Glucose & Carbohydrate Metabolism

Glucose, HbA1c, insulin and insulin-resistance indices.

Lipid Panel

Cholesterol and its fractions, triglycerides โ€” cardiovascular risk assessment.

Iron & Anemia

Ferritin, serum iron, TIBC, transferrin โ€” iron stores and transport.

Thyroid

TSH, free T3 and T4, TPO antibodies โ€” thyroid function.

Hormones

Sex hormones, cortisol, prolactin โ€” hormonal balance and reproductive health.

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin D, B12, folate, magnesium and other common deficiencies.

Inflammation & Autoimmunity

C-reactive protein, procalcitonin, IL-6 โ€” markers of acute inflammation and infection; rheumatoid factor, anti-CCP, ASO โ€” autoimmune and post-infection tests.

Coagulation

Fibrinogen, aPTT, INR, D-dimer โ€” the blood-clotting system.

Tumor Markers

PSA, CA-125 and others โ€” when they are informative and when they only cause worry.

Urinalysis

Urinalysis and its markers โ€” the kidneys and urinary tract.

Guides

In-depth topic guides

Longer reads on how to interpret your labs: marker groups, common pre-test mistakes, reference ranges.

Frequent Colds in Adults: Which Lab Tests Actually Help

Frequent Colds in Adults: Which Lab Tests Actually Help

Frequent colds: which lab tests help โ€” CBC, immunoglobulins, HIV, glucose, TSH โ€” the red flags for an immunologist, and why an immune panel...

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Levothyroxine: Which Lab Tests to Monitor and How Often

Levothyroxine: Which Lab Tests to Monitor and How Often

Levothyroxine and lab tests: when to check TSH after starting or changing a dose, when free T4 is needed, the risks of too much,...

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Night Sweats: Which Lab Tests to Run and When to Worry

Night Sweats: Which Lab Tests to Run and When to Worry

Night sweats: which lab tests actually help โ€” TSH, glucose, CRP, HIV and TB screening โ€” and which symptom combinations mean you need a...

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Metformin: Which Lab Tests to Monitor and How Often

Metformin: Which Lab Tests to Monitor and How Often

Metformin and lab tests: HbA1c, creatinine with eGFR, vitamin B12, and the risk of lactic acidosis โ€” what to check, how often, and when...

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Brittle Nails and Dry Skin: Which Lab Tests to Run

Brittle Nails and Dry Skin: Which Lab Tests to Run

Brittle nails and dry skin can signal iron deficiency, thyroid trouble, or low vitamin D or B12 โ€” here are the lab tests to...

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Itchy Skin Without a Rash: Liver, Kidney or Blood? Which Tests

Itchy Skin Without a Rash: Liver, Kidney or Blood? Which Tests

Generalized itchy skin with no rash can point to your liver, kidneys, thyroid, iron or blood. Learn which lab tests to run and the...

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Night Leg Cramps: Which Lab Tests Reveal the Cause

Night Leg Cramps: Which Lab Tests Reveal the Cause

Night leg cramps waking you at 2 a.m.? See which lab tests โ€” magnesium, electrolytes, kidney, thyroid and glucose โ€” reveal the cause, plus...

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Numbness in Hands and Feet: Which Tests โ€” B12, Sugar, Thyroid

Numbness in Hands and Feet: Which Tests โ€” B12, Sugar, Thyroid

Numbness or tingling in the hands and feet? See which lab tests โ€” B12, blood sugar, thyroid โ€” find the cause, plus the red...

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Swelling in Legs and Face: Which Lab Tests Find the Cause

Swelling in Legs and Face: Which Lab Tests Find the Cause

Swelling in the legs or face can point to kidney, heart, thyroid or low-protein problems. See which lab tests find the cause, plus the...

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Wizey

Understand your own results

Upload your report โ€” Wizey explains each marker in plain language, flags what deserves attention, and helps you prepare questions for your doctor. It's not a substitute for a consultation, just a way to show up prepared.

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