A practical reference for common words you may see on a laboratory request, medical report or test result.
This glossary is for general education. Your clinician or laboratory team should explain results in the context of your own health.
A biopsy can be collected during procedures such as endoscopy or by other methods. A pathology laboratory examines the tissue to provide information that helps the treating clinician investigate or diagnose a condition.
ABO groups are A, B, AB and O, while Rh status is commonly reported as positive or negative. Blood group information is important for transfusion compatibility and can also matter during pregnancy.
Blood group and genotype guideBlood donation screening includes blood group testing and screening for specified transfusion transmissible infections according to applicable protocols. Screening is one part of a wider blood safety system designed to reduce transfusion risk.
What blood screening meansGastroscopy examines the upper digestive tract and colonoscopy examines the large bowel. Depending on the procedure and findings, the clinician may take a biopsy or perform another appropriate intervention.
When to consider endoscopyPreparation is test specific. If fasting or any fluid restriction is required, follow the exact instructions provided for your requested investigation rather than applying one rule to every blood test.
How to prepare for a medical testA full blood count provides several measurements from one blood sample, including haemoglobin and blood cell counts. Clinicians use the pattern of results alongside symptoms and other information when assessing concerns such as anaemia, infection, inflammation or platelet disorders.
Understanding your full blood countHaemoglobin genotype describes inherited forms of haemoglobin. Some patterns are carrier traits and others are associated with sickle cell disease or other haemoglobin disorders. A documented result can be useful for personal records and genetic counselling.
Blood group and genotype guideFor example, when both biological parents have the sickle cell trait (AS), each pregnancy has a one in four chance of an SS genotype, a one in two chance of AS and a one in four chance of AA. Genetic counselling can help couples understand individual results and options.
Blood group and genotype guideHaemoglobin is one of the measurements reported in a full blood count. A low value can be associated with anaemia, while a high value can have several possible causes. Interpretation depends on the complete blood count and clinical context.
HbA1c is used in diabetes assessment and monitoring. It gives a longer term view than a single glucose reading, although some medical conditions can affect interpretation and your clinician should place the result in context.
A lipid profile commonly includes total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol and triglycerides. Results are interpreted with factors such as age, blood pressure, diabetes status, smoking history and other clinical information.
Liver panels can help clinicians look for patterns associated with liver injury or altered liver function. No single value provides a complete diagnosis, so results are interpreted together and in clinical context.
Also called haematocrit. PCV is interpreted with haemoglobin, red cell indices and the clinical picture when assessing anaemia, dehydration or an unusually high red cell concentration.
The scope depends on the role, workplace risks and the organisation's agreed requirements. It may include a medical history, examination and selected investigations, with appropriate attention to confidentiality and applicable workplace policies.
Pre-employment medicals in NigeriaTurnaround varies by investigation, sample type, collection time and whether additional review or confirmatory work is needed. The team can confirm the expected timing for your specific request.