Plain language
Health terms, explained simply.
From FBC to genotype to turnaround time, a quick-reference glossary for the words you see on a lab report or hear from a clinician.
Biopsy
A small tissue sample taken for laboratory analysis.
Usually collected during a procedure such as endoscopy, then examined under a microscope (histopathology) to diagnose or rule out disease.
Blood group (ABO/Rh)
Your blood type: A, B, AB or O, positive or negative.
Determines which donated blood you can safely receive in a transfusion, and matters in pregnancy where Rhesus incompatibility between mother and baby needs early management.
Blood group and genotype guideBlood screening
Testing donated blood and donors for safety before transfusion.
Confirms blood group and Rhesus status, then tests for infections including HIV, hepatitis B, hepatitis C and syphilis, before a unit is cleared for transfusion.
What blood screening meansEndoscopy
A camera procedure to examine the digestive tract.
Gastroscopy examines the upper digestive tract, colonoscopy the lower. Both allow biopsies and, often, treatment during the same procedure.
When to consider endoscopyFasting test
A test that requires no food or drink except water beforehand.
Fasting blood sugar and lipid profiles are the two most common fasting tests, usually requiring 8 to 12 hours without food. Water is permitted and encouraged.
How to prepare for a medical testFBC (Full Blood Count)
A single test measuring red cells, white cells and platelets.
The most commonly ordered laboratory test. It screens for anaemia, infection, inflammation and clotting problems by measuring haemoglobin, red and white cell counts, and platelets, all from one blood sample.
Understanding your full blood countGenotype
Your inherited haemoglobin type (AA, AS, SS, AC and others).
Describes the type of haemoglobin your red blood cells carry. AA is the normal type. AS and AC are carrier traits. SS and SC are forms of sickle cell disorder. Genotype is fixed for life and matters most when planning a family.
Blood group and genotype guideGenotype compatibility
Whether two partners' genotypes carry inherited risk for children.
When both partners carry the sickle cell trait (AS), each pregnancy independently carries a one in four chance of a child with sickle cell disorder (SS). Testing before marriage lets couples plan with full information.
Blood group and genotype guideHaemoglobin (Hb)
The oxygen-carrying protein in red blood cells.
Low haemoglobin means anaemia. Common causes in Nigeria include iron deficiency, malaria, chronic infection, sickle cell disorder and blood loss.
HbA1c
A blood sugar test showing your average glucose over three months.
Unlike a fasting blood sugar test, which is a single snapshot, HbA1c reflects average blood glucose control over the preceding two to three months, making it central to diagnosing and monitoring diabetes.
Lipid profile
Measures cholesterol and cardiovascular risk.
A panel covering total cholesterol, LDL ('bad' cholesterol), HDL ('good' cholesterol) and triglycerides, used to assess cardiovascular risk.
Liver function test (LFT)
Assesses how well the liver is working.
A panel of enzymes and proteins that indicate liver health, often ordered when investigating fatigue, jaundice, or monitoring medication that affects the liver.
PCV (Packed Cell Volume)
The proportion of your blood made up of red blood cells.
Also called haematocrit. It moves closely with haemoglobin and helps confirm anaemia or, less commonly, an abnormally high red cell count.
Pre-employment medical
A fitness-to-work assessment before starting a job.
Confirms a candidate can safely perform a specific role, establishes a health baseline at hire, and identifies any reasonable workplace adjustment needed.
Pre-employment medicals in NigeriaTurnaround time (TAT)
How long from sample collection to result.
Varies by test. Many routine tests are completed the same day, often within 1 to 4 hours. Specialised investigations such as cultures or hormonal assays take longer.
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