In short: Blood test reports use abbreviations to save space. Some of the most common are FBC (full blood count), U&E (urea and electrolytes, a kidney check), LFT (liver function tests), TFT (thyroid function tests), HbA1c (average blood sugar over about 2 to 3 months), CRP (a marker of inflammation) and lipids (cholesterol). Each laboratory sets its own reference ranges, so a result slightly outside the range is not always a problem and should be interpreted by a clinician.

This guide, written by a Ready Health prescribing pharmacist in Standish, explains what the common abbreviations on UK blood test reports mean.

Why are blood tests useful?

To investigate symptoms such as tiredness, weight change, breathlessness or unexplained pain
To monitor long-term conditions such as diabetes, thyroid disease or kidney disease
To check how medicines are affecting the body, for example liver or kidney function
To assess risk factors such as cholesterol and blood sugar

What do common blood test abbreviations mean?

Full blood count (FBC)

Abbreviation	Meaning	What it can show
Hb	Haemoglobin	Oxygen-carrying protein; low levels indicate anaemia
RBC	Red blood cell count	Number of red cells
Hct / PCV	Haematocrit / packed cell volume	Proportion of blood made up of red cells
MCV	Mean cell volume	Red cell size; small cells can suggest iron deficiency, large cells can suggest low B12 or folate, alcohol or other causes
MCH	Mean cell haemoglobin	Amount of haemoglobin in each red cell
WBC / WCC	White blood cell count	Infection, inflammation or bone marrow conditions; subtypes include neutrophils and lymphocytes
Plt	Platelets	Cells that help blood clot

Kidney, liver and bone tests

Abbreviation	Meaning	What it can show
U&E	Urea and electrolytes	Kidney function and salt balance, including sodium (Na) and potassium (K)
Creat	Creatinine	Waste product cleared by the kidneys
eGFR	Estimated glomerular filtration rate	An estimate of how well the kidneys filter blood, calculated from creatinine
LFT	Liver function tests	A group including ALT, ALP, bilirubin and albumin
ALT / AST	Liver enzymes	Raised levels can suggest liver inflammation, for example from fatty liver, alcohol or some medicines
ALP	Alkaline phosphatase	Liver or bone activity
GGT	Gamma-glutamyl transferase	Liver enzyme that can be raised by alcohol and some medicines
Bili	Bilirubin	Breakdown product of red cells; high levels can cause jaundice
Alb	Albumin	Protein made by the liver
Ca / PO4	Calcium / phosphate	Bone health and other conditions (bone profile)

Hormone, sugar, cholesterol and other tests

Abbreviation	Meaning	What it can show
TFT	Thyroid function tests	Usually TSH and FT4 (free thyroxine), sometimes FT3
TSH	Thyroid stimulating hormone	Raised in an underactive thyroid, low in an overactive thyroid
HbA1c	Glycated haemoglobin	Average blood sugar over about 2 to 3 months; used to diagnose and monitor diabetes
TC, LDL, HDL, TG	Total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein, high-density lipoprotein, triglycerides	Cholesterol profile used in heart disease risk assessment; non-HDL cholesterol is also often reported
CRP	C-reactive protein	Inflammation or infection
ESR	Erythrocyte sedimentation rate	A less specific marker of inflammation
Ferritin	Iron store protein	Low levels indicate iron deficiency; can be raised by inflammation
B12 / Folate	Vitamin B12 and folic acid	Deficiencies can cause anaemia, tiredness and nerve symptoms
Vit D (25-OH D)	25-hydroxy vitamin D	Vitamin D status
PSA	Prostate specific antigen	Can be raised by prostate cancer but also by an enlarged prostate, infection or recent exercise
CK	Creatine kinase	Muscle damage, including after intense exercise
INR	International normalised ratio	How long blood takes to clot; used to monitor warfarin

How should I read my blood test results?

Reference ranges vary: each laboratory sets its own, and ranges can differ by age and sex.
Slightly out of range is common: about 1 in 20 healthy people will have a result just outside a typical reference range for any given test.
Context matters: hydration, recent exercise, alcohol, illness, time of day and medicines can all affect results.
Trends are useful: a change over time often tells a clinician more than a single value.

How do I prepare for a blood test?

Follow any fasting instructions; most tests do not need fasting.
Drink water beforehand unless told otherwise, which also makes the sample easier to take.
Avoid strenuous exercise for 24 to 48 hours before tests such as CK or PSA.
Tell the clinician about medicines and supplements; high-dose biotin can affect some results.

Frequently asked questions

What is included in a routine blood test?

There is no single routine test. A common general panel includes FBC, U&E, LFT, HbA1c and a cholesterol profile, with other tests added based on symptoms.

What does a high CRP mean?

It indicates inflammation somewhere in the body, often from infection. It does not show the cause, so it is interpreted with symptoms and other tests.

What HbA1c level means diabetes?

In the UK, an HbA1c of 48 mmol/mol or above is consistent with type 2 diabetes, and 42 to 47 mmol/mol indicates a higher risk (sometimes called prediabetes). A diagnosis is made by a clinician, often after a repeat test.

Can I discuss my results with a clinician?

Yes. Whether your test was done privately or through the NHS, it is best to go through results with a clinician who knows your history.

Key takeaways

FBC, U&E, LFT, TFT, HbA1c, lipids and CRP are among the most common blood test abbreviations.
Reference ranges vary between laboratories; a slightly abnormal result is not always significant.
Results should be interpreted with your symptoms, history and medicines.

Sources and further reading

Last reviewed: October 2026 by Shamir Patel, Independent Prescribing Pharmacist, Ready Health. This article is general information and does not replace advice from your own clinician.

Need a blood test or help understanding results? Ready Health in Standish, near Wigan, Chorley and Bolton, offers blood sample collection and a range of health tests and checks, and you can book an appointment to talk through your results.

Blood Test Abbreviations Explained: FBC, U&E, LFT and More