Free guide by Dr. Bhavini Furia
Blood Report Decoder
Your report says 'normal'… but is it really?
A plain-language guide to the 8 tests most Indian families get done: sugar, thyroid, vitamins, haemoglobin and cholesterol.
- 8common tests explained
- 3colour bands: usual · borderline · outside
- 1rule: always ask your doctor
How to read this guide
Three colours, one rule
- Usual range
- Borderline · discuss soon
- Outside range · see a doctor
- Every lab prints its own reference range. Check the range on your report first.
- Ranges differ in pregnancy, children, older adults and some conditions.
- Never start, stop or change a medicine based on a number alone.
Blood sugar
HbA1c & fasting sugar
| Test | Value | What it usually means |
|---|---|---|
| HbA1c | Below 5.7% | Usual range |
| HbA1c | 5.7 – 6.4% | Prediabetes range |
| HbA1c | 6.5% or above | Diabetes range |
| Fasting sugar | Below 100 mg/dL | Usual range |
| Fasting sugar | 100 – 125 mg/dL | Prediabetes range |
| Fasting sugar | 126 mg/dL or above | Diabetes range |
Thyroid & vitamins
TSH, Vitamin D, B12
| Test | Value | What it usually means |
|---|---|---|
| TSH | About 0.4 – 4.0 | Common adult range |
| TSH | Above / below | Ask your doctor |
| Vitamin D | 30 ng/mL or above | Usually sufficient |
| Vitamin D | 20 – 29 ng/mL | Insufficient |
| Vitamin D | Below 20 ng/mL | Deficient |
| Vitamin B12 | Above 300 pg/mL | Usually fine |
| Vitamin B12 | 200 – 300 pg/mL | Borderline |
| Vitamin B12 | Below 200 pg/mL | Low |
Blood & heart
Haemoglobin & cholesterol
| Test | Usual / target | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Haemoglobin (women) | 12 g/dL or above | Lower = possible anaemia |
| Haemoglobin (men) | 13 g/dL or above | Lower = possible anaemia |
| Total cholesterol | Below 200 mg/dL | Usual target |
| LDL ('bad') | Below 100 mg/dL* | Usual target |
| HDL ('good') | Women 50+ · Men 40+ | Higher is better |
| Triglycerides | Below 150 mg/dL | Usual target |
*With diabetes or heart risk, your doctor may set a lower LDL target. TSH ranges vary by lab and are different in pregnancy.
Don't wait if…
When to call your doctor
- Values are marked 'critical', 'H' or 'L' far outside the range
- Sugar is very high and you feel very thirsty, tired or unwell
- Haemoglobin is low and you feel breathless or dizzy
- Your numbers have changed a lot since your last test
- You are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or on long-term medicines
Number confusing laga?
Report lekar aao. Dr. Bhavini samjhayengi.
Dr. Bhavini Furia, physician: diabetes fellowship (UK) · obesity physician (World Obesity Federation) · member, Indian Menopause Society.
Follow @furiaclinic for the next free guide.
Educational guide. Reference ranges vary by lab, age and health conditions. Always discuss your report with your doctor.