Lab Tests — scientific infographic poster
Close-up of clinical laboratory blood draw for Lab Tests testing
Close-up of clinical laboratory blood draw for Lab Tests testing.
Microscopic view of biological markers measured in Lab Tests
Microscopic view of biological markers measured in Lab Tests.
Anatomical illustration of organ or tissue revealed by Lab Tests
Anatomical illustration of organ or tissue revealed by Lab Tests.

This visual reference helps you understand the most commonly ordered annual lab tests at a glance. Each marker includes a color-coded range bar showing where low, normal, and high values fall so you can quickly interpret your results and have more informed conversations with your doctor.


Table of Contents

1. Complete Blood Count (CBC) 2. Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP) 3. Lipid Panel 4. Thyroid Panel 5. Iron Panel 6. Diabetes Markers 7. Inflammatory Markers 8. Hormone Panel 9. Vitamins & Minerals 10. Urinalysis 11. Coagulation 12. Kidney Function 13. Other Important Tests 14. Specialized Cardiovascular & Hormonal Tests

How to Read the Range Bars

RED = LOW (below normal) GREEN = NORMAL (reference range) BLUE = OPTIMAL (functional/optimal) ORANGE = HIGH (above normal)

Each bar is divided into segments representing where your result falls. The numbers on each segment show the threshold values. Ranges shown are standard adult reference ranges; your lab may use slightly different values.


Complete Blood Count (CBC)

The CBC is the most frequently ordered blood test. It evaluates red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets to detect infections, anemia, clotting disorders, and immune system conditions.

WBC — White Blood Cells (×10³/µL)

LOW < 4.0
NORMAL 4.0 — 11.0
HIGH > 11.0

RBC — Red Blood Cells, Male (×10⁶/µL)

LOW < 4.5
NORMAL 4.5 — 5.5
HIGH > 5.5

RBC — Red Blood Cells, Female (×10⁶/µL)

LOW < 4.0
NORMAL 4.0 — 5.0
HIGH > 5.0

Hemoglobin, Male (g/dL)

LOW < 13.5
NORMAL 13.5 — 17.5
HIGH > 17.5

Hemoglobin, Female (g/dL)

LOW < 12.0
NORMAL 12.0 — 16.0
HIGH > 16.0

Hematocrit, Male (%)

LOW < 38
NORMAL 38 — 50
HIGH > 50

Hematocrit, Female (%)

LOW < 36
NORMAL 36 — 44
HIGH > 44

Platelets (×10³/µL)

LOW < 150
NORMAL 150 — 400
HIGH > 400

MCV — Mean Corpuscular Volume (fL)

LOW < 80
NORMAL 80 — 100
HIGH > 100

Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP)

The CMP is a group of 14 tests that evaluate kidney function, liver function, electrolyte balance, and blood sugar — providing a broad overview of your body's chemical balance and metabolism.

Glucose, Fasting (mg/dL)

LOW < 70
NORMAL 70 — 100
HIGH > 100

BUN — Blood Urea Nitrogen (mg/dL)

LOW < 7
NORMAL 7 — 20
HIGH > 20

Creatinine (mg/dL)

LOW < 0.6
NORMAL 0.6 — 1.2
HIGH > 1.2

eGFR — Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (mL/min)

LOW < 60
NORMAL ≥ 60

Sodium (mEq/L)

LOW < 136
NORMAL 136 — 145
HIGH > 145

Potassium (mEq/L)

LOW < 3.5
NORMAL 3.5 — 5.0
HIGH > 5.0

Calcium (mg/dL)

LOW < 8.5
NORMAL 8.5 — 10.5
HIGH > 10.5

Albumin (g/dL)

LOW < 3.5
NORMAL 3.5 — 5.0
HIGH > 5.0

Total Protein (g/dL)

LOW < 6.0
NORMAL 6.0 — 8.3
HIGH > 8.3

ALT — Alanine Aminotransferase (U/L)

NORMAL 7 — 56
HIGH > 56

AST — Aspartate Aminotransferase (U/L)

NORMAL 10 — 40
HIGH > 40

ALP — Alkaline Phosphatase (U/L)

LOW < 44
NORMAL 44 — 147
HIGH > 147

Bilirubin, Total (mg/dL)

NORMAL 0.1 — 1.2
HIGH > 1.2

Lipid Panel

The lipid panel measures fats and fatty substances in the blood to assess cardiovascular disease risk. It is one of the most important screening tests for heart health.

Total Cholesterol (mg/dL)

NORMAL < 200
BORDERLINE 200 — 239
HIGH > 240

LDL Cholesterol (mg/dL)

OPTIMAL < 100
NEAR OPTIMAL 100 — 129
HIGH > 130

HDL Cholesterol (mg/dL)

LOW < 40
NORMAL 40 — 60
OPTIMAL > 60

Triglycerides (mg/dL)

NORMAL < 150
BORDERLINE 150 — 199
HIGH > 200

VLDL Cholesterol (mg/dL)

NORMAL 2 — 30
HIGH > 30

Thyroid Panel

The thyroid panel evaluates how well your thyroid gland is functioning. Thyroid hormones regulate metabolism, energy, body temperature, heart rate, and many other vital processes.

TSH — Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone (mIU/L)

LOW < 0.4
NORMAL 0.4 — 4.0
HIGH > 4.0

Free T4 — Thyroxine (ng/dL)

LOW < 0.8
NORMAL 0.8 — 1.8
HIGH > 1.8

Free T3 — Triiodothyronine (pg/mL)

LOW < 2.3
NORMAL 2.3 — 4.2
HIGH > 4.2

Iron Panel

The iron panel measures how much iron is in your blood and how well your body stores and transports it. Iron is essential for oxygen delivery, energy production, and immune function.

Serum Iron (µg/dL)

LOW < 60
NORMAL 60 — 170
HIGH > 170

Ferritin, Male (ng/mL)

LOW < 30
NORMAL 30 — 400
HIGH > 400

Ferritin, Female (ng/mL)

LOW < 20
NORMAL 20 — 200
HIGH > 200

TIBC — Total Iron-Binding Capacity (µg/dL)

LOW < 250
NORMAL 250 — 370
HIGH > 370

Transferrin Saturation (%)

LOW < 20
NORMAL 20 — 50
HIGH > 50

Diabetes Markers

These markers assess blood sugar regulation and diabetes risk. HbA1c reflects your average blood sugar over the past 2-3 months, while fasting glucose and insulin provide a snapshot of current metabolic status.

HbA1c — Hemoglobin A1c (%)

NORMAL < 5.7
PREDIABETES 5.7 — 6.4
DIABETES > 6.5

Fasting Glucose (mg/dL)

NORMAL < 100
PREDIABETES 100 — 125
DIABETES > 126

Fasting Insulin (µIU/mL)

LOW < 2
NORMAL 2 — 20
HIGH > 20

Inflammatory Markers

Chronic low-grade inflammation is linked to heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and autoimmune conditions. These tests help identify hidden inflammation before it progresses to serious disease.

hs-CRP — High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein (mg/L)

LOW RISK < 1.0
AVERAGE 1.0 — 3.0
HIGH RISK > 3.0

ESR, Male — Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (mm/hr)

NORMAL 0 — 15
MILD 15 — 20
HIGH > 20

ESR, Female — Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (mm/hr)

NORMAL 0 — 20
MILD 20 — 30
HIGH > 30

Homocysteine (µmol/L)

NORMAL < 10
ELEVATED 10 — 15
HIGH > 15

Hormone Panel

Hormones regulate virtually every process in your body — from energy and mood to reproductive health and body composition. Imbalances can cause fatigue, weight gain, depression, and many other symptoms.

Testosterone, Male (ng/dL)

LOW < 300
NORMAL 300 — 1000
HIGH > 1000

Testosterone, Female (ng/dL)

LOW < 15
NORMAL 15 — 70
HIGH > 70

Estradiol, Premenopausal (pg/mL)

LOW < 30
NORMAL 30 — 400
HIGH > 400

Cortisol, Morning (µg/dL)

LOW < 6
NORMAL 6 — 23
HIGH > 23

DHEA-S, Male (µg/dL)

LOW < 80
NORMAL 80 — 560
HIGH > 560

DHEA-S, Female (µg/dL)

LOW < 35
NORMAL 35 — 430
HIGH > 430

Vitamins & Minerals

Nutrient deficiencies are surprisingly common and can cause wide-ranging symptoms — from fatigue and brain fog to nerve damage and bone loss. These tests identify the most critical nutritional gaps.

Vitamin D (25-OH) (ng/mL)

DEFICIENT < 20
INSUFFICIENT 20 — 29
NORMAL 30 — 100

Vitamin B12 (pg/mL)

LOW < 200
NORMAL 200 — 900
HIGH > 900

Folate (ng/mL)

LOW < 3
NORMAL 3 — 20
HIGH > 20

Magnesium (mg/dL)

LOW < 1.7
NORMAL 1.7 — 2.2
HIGH > 2.2

Urinalysis

A urinalysis checks the appearance, concentration, and content of urine. It can detect kidney disease, urinary tract infections, diabetes, and other metabolic conditions.

pH

ACIDIC < 5.0
NORMAL 5.0 — 8.0
ALKALINE > 8.0

Specific Gravity

LOW < 1.005
NORMAL 1.005 — 1.030
HIGH > 1.030

Protein

NORMAL — Negative
ABNORMAL — Positive

Glucose

NORMAL — Negative
ABNORMAL — Positive

Coagulation Panel

Coagulation tests measure how well your blood clots. They are essential before surgeries, for monitoring blood-thinning medications, and for diagnosing bleeding or clotting disorders.

PT — Prothrombin Time (seconds)

LOW < 11
NORMAL 11 — 13.5
HIGH > 13.5

INR — International Normalized Ratio (therapeutic on warfarin: 2.0–3.0)

LOW < 0.8
NORMAL 0.8 — 1.1
HIGH > 1.1

aPTT — Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time (seconds)

LOW < 25
NORMAL 25 — 35
HIGH > 35

Kidney Function (BUN, Creatinine, eGFR, Cystatin C)

BUN, creatinine, and eGFR appear on every Comprehensive Metabolic Panel and form the screening backbone for kidney function. Cystatin C is a muscle-mass-independent filtration marker that detects mild renal impairment earlier than creatinine and refines eGFR in non-standard body composition (frail elderly, athletes, amputees). Together they stage chronic kidney disease (CKD G1–G5) and detect acute kidney injury. Read the full Kidney Function guide →

Cystatin C (mg/L)

LOW < 0.5
NORMAL 0.5 — 1.0
HIGH > 1.0 (suggests reduced GFR)

eGFR — CKD Staging (mL/min/1.73 m²)

G4–G5 < 30 (severe)
G3 30–59 (moderate)
G1–G2 ≥ 60 (normal/mild)

Deep dives: BUN · Creatinine · eGFR · Cystatin C

Other Important Tests

These additional tests are frequently ordered during annual physicals and can reveal conditions such as gout, liver dysfunction, and prostate issues.

Uric Acid, Male (mg/dL)

LOW < 3.5
NORMAL 3.5 — 7.2
HIGH > 7.2

Uric Acid, Female (mg/dL)

LOW < 2.5
NORMAL 2.5 — 6.0
HIGH > 6.0

GGT — Gamma-Glutamyl Transferase (U/L)

NORMAL 0 — 51
ELEVATED > 51

PSA — Prostate-Specific Antigen, Male (ng/mL)

NORMAL < 4.0
ELEVATED > 4.0

Specialized Cardiovascular & Hormonal Tests

These tests go beyond the standard annual panel to provide deeper insight into inflammation, cellular omega-3 status, and reproductive hormone reserve — tools increasingly used in preventive cardiology, integrative medicine, and fertility planning.

hs-CRP — High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein (mg/L)

LOW RISK < 1.0
AVERAGE RISK 1.0 — 3.0
HIGH RISK > 3.0

The most clinically useful marker of low-grade chronic vascular inflammation and independent cardiovascular risk. Detects inflammation invisible to standard CRP. Target for optimal cardiovascular health: below 0.5 mg/L. Elevated by smoking, obesity, sleep apnea, periodontal disease, and metabolic syndrome. Read the full hs-CRP guide →

Omega-3 Index (EPA + DHA in red blood cell membranes) (%)

HIGH RISK < 4%
INTERMEDIATE 4% — 8%
DESIRABLE > 8%

Measures EPA + DHA as a percentage of total fatty acids in red blood cell membranes — reflecting true 3-month average omega-3 tissue status. Predicts sudden cardiac death risk, arrhythmia, depression, cognitive aging, and preterm birth. Most Americans fall in the high-risk 4–5% range. Target: above 8%, optimal above 10%. Read the full Omega-3 Index guide →

AMH — Anti-Müllerian Hormone (women, age 35) (ng/mL)

LOW RESERVE < 0.7
AVERAGE 0.7 — 2.0
GOOD RESERVE > 2.0

Primary marker of ovarian reserve — how many eggs remain. Stable across the menstrual cycle; can be drawn any day. Declines with age, smoking, endometriosis surgery, and chemotherapy. Elevated in PCOS (>4–5 ng/mL). Reference ranges are age-specific — an AMH of 1.0 ng/mL means very different things at 28 vs. 40. Read the full AMH guide →

Genetic, Cardiac Injury & Autoimmune Tests

These tests assess genetic methylation risk, acute heart muscle injury, and autoimmune intestinal damage — three areas where targeted testing can dramatically change clinical management.

MTHFR Gene Mutation (C677T / A1298C) (genotype)

WILD-TYPE — No variant
HETEROZYGOUS — 1 copy
HOMOZYGOUS — 2 copies (or compound het.)

Identifies inherited variants that reduce the MTHFR enzyme responsible for converting folate to its active form (methylfolate) and recycling homocysteine. Homozygous C677T or compound heterozygous carriers need methylated B vitamins (methylfolate, methylcobalamin) and should monitor homocysteine. Always test homocysteine alongside MTHFR genotyping to assess functional impact. Read the full MTHFR guide →

Cardiac Troponin I & T (hs-cTnI / hs-cTnT) (ng/L)

NORMAL (hs-cTnT) < 14 ng/L (F) / < 22 ng/L (M)
ELEVATED — Myocardial injury

The gold-standard marker of heart muscle injury. Elevated in acute myocardial infarction, myocarditis, heart failure, pulmonary embolism, and sepsis. High-sensitivity assays detect injury 10–100x earlier than conventional tests and enable 0h/1h rule-out protocols in emergency settings. A rising-and-falling pattern on serial measurements confirms acute MI. Read the full Cardiac Troponin guide →

Tissue Transglutaminase IgA (tTG-IgA) — Celiac Panel (U/mL)

NEGATIVE < 4 U/mL
WEAKLY POSITIVE 4–10 U/mL
POSITIVE > 10 U/mL

The first-line serological test for celiac disease. Must be drawn while the patient is eating a gluten-containing diet — a gluten-free diet normalizes antibodies and causes false negatives. Always include total IgA to detect IgA deficiency, which invalidates all IgA-based results. Positive serology in adults requires duodenal biopsy confirmation. Read the full Celiac Disease Panel guide →


Conventional vs. Functional/Optimal Ranges

Most lab reports use conventional reference ranges that are derived from population averages — which include many unhealthy individuals. Functional medicine practitioners often use narrower, optimal ranges based on healthy populations and peer-reviewed research. For example, a conventional TSH range might be 0.4–4.0, while a functional optimal range is 1.0–2.5. Similarly, conventional fasting glucose of 65–99 may be considered normal, but functional practitioners prefer 75–86.

If your results fall within conventional ranges but you still experience symptoms, consider asking your provider about functional/optimal ranges — early intervention at the "sub-optimal" stage can prevent progression to diagnosable disease.


IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER: This page is an educational reference to help you understand your lab results. It does NOT replace professional medical interpretation. Reference ranges may vary between laboratories. Always discuss your results with a qualified healthcare provider who can consider your complete health picture, symptoms, medications, and medical history.

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