The haematocrit blood test measures the percentage of red blood cells in your blood. Red blood cells are essential for carrying oxygen throughout your body, and their concentration can reveal vital information about your overall blood health. A normal haematocrit range for men is typically 40-54%, and for women, it’s 36-48%. Abnormal levels may indicate conditions like anemia (low haematocrit) or polycythemia (high haematocrit). This test is crucial for diagnosing various blood disorders and understanding your body's ability to transport oxygen effectively, ensuring proper organ function and overall health.

The estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) is a blood test that evaluates kidney function by estimating how well your kidneys filter waste and toxins from your blood. eGFR is calculated using your blood creatinine levels, age, gender, and race. A normal eGFR is typically 90 or higher. Values between 60 and 89 may indicate mild kidney damage, while values below 60 suggest more significant impairment, potentially leading to chronic kidney disease (CKD). The eGFR test is crucial for early detection and management of kidney health issues, helping to prevent further damage and complications.

The normal HbA1c range for non-diabetic individuals is typically between 4% and 5.6%. HbA1c, or glycated hemoglobin, reflects the average blood glucose levels over the past two to three months. It’s an essential marker for diagnosing and managing diabetes. Levels between 5.7% and 6.4% indicate prediabetes, while an HbA1c level of 6.5% or higher suggests diabetes. Regular HbA1c monitoring is crucial for diabetes management, as it helps assess how well blood sugar is controlled and reduces the risk of long-term complications such as heart disease and kidney problems.

Chronic diseases, such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and chronic kidney disease, pose significant long-term health risks and are leading causes of death worldwide. Effective management of these conditions often requires ongoing monitoring to ensure that disease progression is controlled and complications are avoided. Blood tests play a crucial role in this management process by providing healthcare providers with valuable information on a patient’s internal health. They allow physicians to track how well a patient is responding to treatment and whether adjustments need to be made.