Biomarker guides

Plain-English guides to the markers in your blood test: what each one measures, what a high or low result can mean, and when to see a GP.

Every guide is reviewed by a doctor on our clinical team. Want to see which tests include a marker? Use the biomarker explorer.

Heart and cholesterol

CholesterolA cholesterol test measures the fats in your blood that affect your risk of heart attack and stroke. It reports total cholesterol,...Read the guide
Lp(a) and ApoBLp(a) (lipoprotein little a) and ApoB (apolipoprotein B) give a more detailed picture of heart and stroke risk than a standard cholesterol...Read the guide
CRPCRP (C-reactive protein) is made by your liver when there is inflammation in your body. A CRP blood test shows whether inflammation...Read the guide

Diabetes and metabolism

Liver

Kidneys

eGFR and creatinineCreatinine is a waste product from your muscles that your kidneys filter out of the blood. eGFR (estimated glomerular filtration rate) is...Read the guide

Thyroid and hormones

Iron and vitamins

Blood count and prostate

These guides explain what a result can mean. They're not a diagnosis. Your results report shows the laboratory's own range for each marker, with a doctor's comments.