How to Read Your Blood Work (For Beginners)

Getting blood test results back can feel overwhelming. All those numbers. All those abbreviations. It’s easy to wonder: "Is this normal? Should I be worried?"

At TellWell, we believe that understanding your health should feel empowering, not intimidating. While your doctor will always be your best guide for interpreting results, it’s helpful to have a basic understanding of what some common blood tests are checking — and what the numbers might mean.

Here’s a beginner-friendly guide to help you feel more confident the next time you review your blood work.

1. Complete Blood Count (CBC)

What it checks:
A CBC measures different types of cells in your blood — red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.

Key parts to know:

  • WBC (White Blood Cells): High levels may suggest infection; low levels could signal immune system issues.

  • RBC (Red Blood Cells): These carry oxygen. Low RBC can indicate anemia.

  • Hemoglobin and Hematocrit: Related to RBC; important for diagnosing anemia or dehydration.

  • Platelets: Help with clotting. Too low or too high may point to blood disorders or inflammation.

Tip:
Look for patterns rather than stressing over a single number slightly outside the range.

2. Lipid Panel (Cholesterol Test)

What it checks:
A lipid panel measures different fats in your blood, important for heart health.

Key parts to know:

  • Total Cholesterol: Overall cholesterol number.

  • LDL ("Bad" Cholesterol): High levels can lead to artery blockages.

  • HDL ("Good" Cholesterol): Higher is better; it helps clear bad cholesterol.

  • Triglycerides: Another type of fat; high levels can increase heart disease risk.

Tip:
Focus on the ratio between HDL and LDL — not just the total cholesterol.

3. Blood Sugar Tests

What it checks:
How your body manages blood sugar (glucose), crucial for spotting diabetes risk.

Key tests:

  • Fasting Blood Sugar: Measures sugar levels after fasting (no food) for 8 hours.

  • HbA1c (Hemoglobin A1c): Shows your average blood sugar over the past 2–3 months.

Tip:
An HbA1c below 5.7% is generally considered normal. Numbers between 5.7%–6.4% suggest prediabetes, and 6.5% or higher indicates diabetes.

4. Basic Metabolic Panel (BMP)

What it checks:
Electrolytes (like sodium and potassium), kidney function, and blood sugar.

Key parts to know:

  • Sodium and Potassium: Important for nerve and muscle function.

  • Creatinine and BUN (Blood Urea Nitrogen): Indicators of kidney health.

  • Glucose: Another snapshot of blood sugar.

Tip:
Dehydration can affect these numbers — sometimes it's a simple fix!

5. Thyroid Panel

What it checks:
Whether your thyroid (a gland that controls metabolism) is functioning properly.

Key parts to know:

  • TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone): High TSH can suggest an underactive thyroid; low TSH can suggest an overactive thyroid.

  • Free T4 and Free T3: Actual thyroid hormone levels — important for a fuller picture.

Tip:
If you have fatigue, unexplained weight changes, or mood swings, thyroid tests are worth paying attention to.

Quick Tips for Reading Your Blood Work

✅ Look for patterns over time. One slightly off result usually isn’t cause for panic. Trends matter more.
✅ Know your baseline. What’s "normal" for you might be slightly different from the textbook range.
✅ Context matters. Illness, medications, stress, or even how hydrated you are can impact results.
✅ Partner with your doctor. Always review your labs with a healthcare professional who can explain what matters for your unique situation.

TellWell’s Approach: Simplifying Your Health Insights

Understanding your blood work shouldn’t feel like decoding a secret language. At TellWell, we’re building tools to help you track important health metrics easily, spot trends over time, and stay confidently informed — so you can focus on what matters most: feeling your best.

✨ Knowledge is power — and your health journey should feel like a partnership, not a puzzle.

Stay tuned for the launch of our platform — we can't wait to make health simpler and more empowering for you!