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Blood Test Abbreviations: A Complete Reference Guide

Blood test reports are filled with abbreviations, acronyms, and codes that can seem opaque without a reference. This guide explains every common abbreviation you are likely to encounter — what each test measures, the units used, and the clinical context that determines how results are interpreted. Use the panel sections below to navigate by test type.

Medical note: This guide explains what blood test abbreviations mean in general terms. It does not provide personalised interpretation of your results. Always discuss flagged or concerning results with the healthcare professional who ordered your tests.

How to use this guide

Find the abbreviation from your report in the relevant panel section below. Each entry includes:

Full name — what the abbreviation stands for
What it measures — what the test actually quantifies in your blood
Unit — how the result is expressed (note that units vary internationally)
Clinical notes — context on what high or low values may suggest, and important caveats

A key principle: do not use reference ranges from this or any other website to interpret your specific result. Reference intervals are laboratory-specific and are printed on your own report. Use those ranges, not generic ones, for comparison.

Complete Blood Count (CBC)

The CBC is the most commonly ordered blood test. It measures the three major cell types in blood and a set of derived indices. See our full CBC interpretation guide for detailed guidance on reading this panel.

Abbreviation	Full name	What it measures	Unit	Clinical notes
RBC	Red blood cell count	Number of red blood cells per unit volume of blood	× 10¹²/L or 10⁶/μL	Low RBC = anaemia; high RBC = polycythaemia. Interpret with Hgb and Hct.
Hgb / Hb	Haemoglobin	Concentration of the oxygen-carrying protein in red cells	g/dL or g/L	Primary marker for diagnosing anaemia. Men: ~13.5–17.5 g/dL; Women: ~12.0–15.5 g/dL. Ranges vary by lab.
Hct / PCV	Haematocrit / Packed cell volume	Proportion of blood volume occupied by red cells	%	Closely mirrors Hgb. Affected by hydration status.
MCV	Mean corpuscular volume	Average size of a red blood cell	fL	Low = microcytic (small cells; think iron deficiency, thalassaemia). High = macrocytic (large cells; think B12, folate, alcohol, liver disease). Normal = 80–100 fL approximately.
MCH	Mean corpuscular haemoglobin	Average amount of haemoglobin in a single red cell	pg	Usually tracks with MCV. Low in iron deficiency (hypochromic); high in macrocytic states.
MCHC	Mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration	Haemoglobin concentration per unit volume of red cells	g/dL or g/L	Elevated MCHC (hyperchromia) is rare — seen in hereditary spherocytosis and with significant haemolysis.
RDW	Red cell distribution width	Variability in red cell size (anisocytosis)	%	High RDW + low MCV favours iron deficiency over thalassaemia trait. High RDW + high MCV with normal Hgb may indicate early B12/folate deficiency.
WBC	White blood cell count	Total number of white blood cells per unit volume	× 10⁹/L or 10³/μL	Interpret with the differential. Elevated in infection, inflammation, corticosteroids, stress. Low in some viral infections, certain medications, bone marrow disorders.
PLT	Platelet count	Number of platelet cell fragments per unit volume	× 10⁹/L or 10³/μL	Low (thrombocytopenia): bleeding risk if <50. High (thrombocytosis): often reactive (iron deficiency, inflammation). Very high may prompt haematology review.
Neut / ANC	Neutrophils / Absolute neutrophil count	Neutrophils — the main bacterial-fighting white cell	× 10⁹/L	High in bacterial infection, inflammation, corticosteroids. Low (neutropenia) increases infection susceptibility. Typical range: 1.8–7.5 × 10⁹/L.
Lymph	Lymphocyte count	Lymphocytes — key in viral immunity and antibody production	× 10⁹/L	High in viral infections (EBV, CMV, whooping cough), some leukaemias. Low in HIV, COVID-19, and some immunodeficiencies.
Mono	Monocyte count	Monocytes — phagocytic cells in chronic inflammation	× 10⁹/L	Elevated in chronic infections, inflammatory conditions, and post-infection recovery.
Eos	Eosinophil count	Eosinophils — active in allergy and parasitic infection	× 10⁹/L	Elevated in allergic conditions, asthma, eczema, drug reactions, and parasitic infections.
Baso	Basophil count	Basophils — rare WBCs involved in inflammatory reactions	× 10⁹/L	Rarely significantly elevated. Basophilia alongside other CBC abnormalities may indicate a myeloproliferative disorder.

Metabolic Panels (CMP / BMP)

Abbreviation	Full name	What it measures	Unit	Clinical notes
CBC	Complete blood count	Panel of tests measuring red cells, white cells, and platelets	—	The most commonly ordered blood test. Includes RBC, WBC, Hgb, Hct, MCV, MCH, MCHC, RDW, PLT, and often the WBC differential.
CMP	Comprehensive metabolic panel	14-marker panel: glucose, electrolytes, kidney markers, liver enzymes, calcium	—	Includes: Glucose, BUN, Creatinine, eGFR, Sodium, Potassium, Chloride, CO₂, Calcium, Total protein, Albumin, Bilirubin, ALT, AST.
BMP	Basic metabolic panel	8-marker panel: glucose, electrolytes, kidney markers (no liver enzymes)	—	A shorter version of the CMP, typically used for monitoring electrolytes and kidney function.
Na	Sodium	Main extracellular electrolyte; regulates fluid balance and nerve function	mmol/L or mEq/L	Low (hyponatraemia): vomiting, diuretics, heart failure, liver cirrhosis, SIADH. High (hypernatraemia): dehydration. Normal: approximately 135–145 mmol/L.
K	Potassium	Key electrolyte for muscle and heart function	mmol/L or mEq/L	Low (hypokalaemia): diuretics, vomiting, diarrhoea. High (hyperkalaemia): kidney disease, ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers, Addison's disease. Normal: approximately 3.5–5.0 mmol/L.
Cl	Chloride	Electrolyte that balances sodium and helps regulate acid-base status	mmol/L or mEq/L	Usually interpreted as part of the electrolyte panel rather than in isolation. Used to calculate the anion gap.
CO₂ / HCO₃	Carbon dioxide / Bicarbonate	Approximate bicarbonate level; reflects acid-base balance	mmol/L or mEq/L	Low in metabolic acidosis (diabetic ketoacidosis, kidney disease, diarrhoea). High in metabolic alkalosis (vomiting, diuretics). Normal: approximately 22–29 mmol/L.
BUN	Blood urea nitrogen	Waste product from protein breakdown, cleared by kidneys	mg/dL or mmol/L	Elevated with reduced kidney function, dehydration, high protein intake, GI bleeding. Interpret with creatinine.
Cr / Creat	Creatinine	Muscle waste product cleared by kidneys; marker of kidney filtration	mg/dL or μmol/L	Elevated creatinine indicates reduced kidney filtration. Varies with muscle mass — a creatinine of 1.1 mg/dL in a small woman may represent significant dysfunction. Always consider alongside eGFR.
Ca	Calcium (total)	Total calcium in blood, including protein-bound fraction	mg/dL or mmol/L	Always interpret corrected for albumin (low albumin falsely lowers total Ca). Low = tetany risk; high = may indicate hyperparathyroidism, malignancy, or vitamin D toxicity. Normal total Ca: approximately 8.5–10.5 mg/dL (2.1–2.6 mmol/L).

Electrolytes & Kidney Function

Abbreviation	Full name	What it measures	Unit	Clinical notes
eGFR	Estimated glomerular filtration rate	Estimated rate at which the kidneys filter blood	mL/min/1.73m²	Calculated from creatinine, age, sex, and (in some equations) race. eGFR ≥90 = normal; 60–89 = mildly decreased; 30–59 = moderate CKD; 15–29 = severe; <15 = kidney failure. Interpret with clinical context; a single eGFR of 58 in isolation does not diagnose CKD (requires confirmation at ≥3 months).
Phos / PO₄	Phosphate	Mineral important for bone health and energy metabolism	mg/dL or mmol/L	Elevated in kidney disease and hypoparathyroidism. Low in refeeding syndrome, malabsorption, hyperparathyroidism.
Mg	Magnesium	Mineral essential for muscle, nerve, and enzyme function	mg/dL or mmol/L	Commonly low in alcohol excess, diarrhoea, diuretic use, and malabsorption. Symptoms include muscle cramps and arrhythmia. Normal: approximately 1.7–2.2 mg/dL (0.7–0.9 mmol/L).

Liver Function Tests (LFTs)

Abbreviation	Full name	What it measures	Unit	Clinical notes
ALT / SGPT	Alanine aminotransferase	Enzyme present mainly in liver cells; leaks into blood when liver cells are damaged	U/L or IU/L	Most specific marker for hepatocellular damage. Elevated in hepatitis, fatty liver, alcohol, medication-induced liver injury. Normal: approximately 7–56 U/L, but ranges vary by lab and sex.
AST / SGOT	Aspartate aminotransferase	Enzyme found in liver, muscle, heart, and kidneys	U/L	Less specific than ALT for liver disease (also elevated in muscle injury and heart attack). ALT:AST ratio >2 in alcohol-related liver disease. Normal: approximately 10–40 U/L.
ALP / ALKP	Alkaline phosphatase	Enzyme in liver (bile ducts), bone, intestine, and placenta	U/L	Elevated in cholestatic liver disease (biliary obstruction, primary biliary cholangitis), bone disease (Paget's, bone metastases, fractures), and in normal pregnancy and growing children. Interpret alongside GGT to distinguish liver vs bone source.
GGT	Gamma-glutamyl transferase	Liver enzyme; sensitive marker of alcohol use and biliary disease	U/L	Elevated in alcohol use, cholestasis, fatty liver, and some medications. GGT + elevated ALP = biliary source likely. GGT can be elevated by medication (phenytoin, rifampicin) even without liver disease.
Bili / T.Bili	Bilirubin (total)	Yellow pigment from haemoglobin breakdown; processed by the liver	mg/dL or μmol/L	Elevated total bilirubin = jaundice. Conjugated (direct) bilirubin elevated in liver and biliary disease. Unconjugated elevated in haemolysis and Gilbert's syndrome (common, benign). Normal total: approximately 0.1–1.2 mg/dL (2–21 μmol/L).
TP	Total protein	Sum of albumin and globulins in the blood	g/dL or g/L	Low = malnutrition, liver disease, nephrotic syndrome. High = dehydration, chronic infection/inflammation (elevated globulins), paraprotein. Always interpret with albumin.

Lipid Panel (Cholesterol)

Abbreviation	Full name	What it measures	Unit	Clinical notes
TC	Total cholesterol	Sum of all cholesterol types in the blood	mg/dL or mmol/L	Used with LDL, HDL, and TG to assess cardiovascular risk. No single target applies to everyone — risk depends on other factors. Fasting usually preferred but non-fasting acceptable for initial screening.
LDL	Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol	Cholesterol carried in LDL particles ('bad' cholesterol)	mg/dL or mmol/L	Primary target in cardiovascular risk management. Target LDL varies significantly by individual risk category — <70 mg/dL (1.8 mmol/L) for very high risk; <100 mg/dL for high risk; discuss your target with your clinician.
HDL	High-density lipoprotein cholesterol	Cholesterol carried in HDL particles ('good' cholesterol)	mg/dL or mmol/L	Higher HDL is generally protective. Low HDL is a cardiovascular risk factor. Typical low thresholds: <40 mg/dL (1.0 mmol/L) in men; <50 mg/dL (1.3 mmol/L) in women — but these are guides, not firm targets.
TG / TRIG	Triglycerides	Blood fats measured after fasting; elevated by recent food, alcohol, and certain conditions	mg/dL or mmol/L	Significantly affected by fasting status. Elevated in insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome, alcohol excess, hypothyroidism, renal disease, some medications. Very high TG (>500 mg/dL) raises pancreatitis risk. Normal fasting: <150 mg/dL (<1.7 mmol/L).
Non-HDL-C	Non-HDL cholesterol	Total cholesterol minus HDL — includes LDL and VLDL	mg/dL or mmol/L	Increasingly used as a cardiovascular risk marker, particularly when triglycerides are elevated (making LDL calculation less reliable). Non-HDL = Total cholesterol − HDL.
Lp(a)	Lipoprotein (a)	Genetically determined lipoprotein that independently increases cardiovascular risk	mg/dL or nmol/L	Not routinely measured in all guidelines. High Lp(a) is a heritable risk factor largely unaffected by lifestyle. Currently no widely approved pharmacological treatment, though PCSK9 inhibitors reduce it modestly.

Thyroid

Abbreviation	Full name	What it measures	Unit	Clinical notes
TSH	Thyroid-stimulating hormone	Pituitary hormone that controls thyroid function; primary thyroid screening marker	mIU/L or μIU/mL	Primary screening test for thyroid dysfunction. High TSH = underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism). Low TSH = overactive (hyperthyroidism). Typical range: 0.4–4.0 mIU/L, but ranges and interpretation vary in pregnancy and with certain medications. Always interpret with symptoms.
FT4 / Free T4	Free thyroxine	The biologically active fraction of T4 hormone produced by the thyroid	pmol/L or ng/dL	Measured when TSH is abnormal or thyroid disease is suspected. Low FT4 with high TSH = primary hypothyroidism. Low FT4 with low TSH = central hypothyroidism. Interpret in context of TSH.
FT3 / Free T3	Free triiodothyronine	The most biologically active thyroid hormone	pmol/L or pg/mL	Not routinely ordered in primary screening. Used in suspected T3 thyrotoxicosis, monitoring thyroid disease, and after thyroidectomy. Levels can be suppressed in serious non-thyroidal illness ('sick euthyroid syndrome').
Anti-TPO	Anti-thyroid peroxidase antibodies	Antibodies against thyroid peroxidase enzyme; marker of autoimmune thyroid disease	IU/mL	Elevated in Hashimoto's thyroiditis and Graves' disease. Positive Anti-TPO with a normal TSH may indicate increased risk of future hypothyroidism. Not required for routine thyroid screening.

Diabetes & Glucose

Abbreviation	Full name	What it measures	Unit	Clinical notes
Glu / FBS	Glucose / Fasting blood sugar	Blood sugar concentration (usually measured fasting)	mg/dL or mmol/L	Fasting normal: 70–99 mg/dL (3.9–5.5 mmol/L). Prediabetes: 100–125 mg/dL. Diabetes: ≥126 mg/dL on two occasions. Post-meal (2h) targets differ. Interpret with HbA1c.
HbA1c / A1C	Glycated haemoglobin	Estimate of average blood glucose over the preceding approximately 8–12 weeks	% or mmol/mol (IFCC)	Used to diagnose and monitor diabetes. <5.7% (39 mmol/mol) = normal. 5.7–6.4% (39–47) = prediabetes. ≥6.5% (48) on two occasions = diabetes. Affected by conditions that alter red cell lifespan (haemolytic anaemia, recent blood transfusion can give falsely low values).
OGTT	Oral glucose tolerance test	Blood glucose measured fasting and 2 hours after a 75 g glucose drink	mg/dL or mmol/L	More sensitive than fasting glucose for detecting impaired glucose tolerance. Standard diagnostic test in pregnancy (gestational diabetes screening). Two-hour value ≥200 mg/dL (11.1 mmol/L) = diabetes.
Insulin / Fasting insulin	Fasting insulin	Level of insulin in blood after overnight fast	μIU/mL or pmol/L	Not a routine screening test but used to assess insulin resistance (often with fasting glucose in the HOMA-IR calculation). Elevated fasting insulin with normal glucose indicates insulin resistance before frank diabetes develops.

Iron Studies

See our detailed ferritin levels guide for a full explanation of how these tests work together.

Abbreviation	Full name	What it measures	Unit	Clinical notes
Fe / Serum iron	Serum iron	Iron currently circulating in blood, bound to transferrin	μg/dL or μmol/L	Varies significantly with time of day (highest in morning), recent meals, inflammation, and menstruation. A single low serum iron does not diagnose iron deficiency — interpret with TSAT and ferritin.
TIBC	Total iron-binding capacity	Total capacity of transferrin to carry iron	μg/dL or μmol/L	Elevated TIBC in iron deficiency (transferrin upregulated). Low TIBC in inflammation, liver disease, protein malnutrition. Used to calculate transferrin saturation.
TSAT	Transferrin saturation	Percentage of transferrin currently bound to iron	%	TSAT = (Serum iron ÷ TIBC) × 100. Low TSAT (<16–20%) with low ferritin = iron deficiency. Low TSAT with normal/high ferritin = anaemia of chronic disease. High TSAT (>45–50%) with high ferritin = possible iron overload (haemochromatosis).
Ferritin	Serum ferritin	Indirect estimate of total body iron stores	ng/mL or μg/L	Most useful marker for diagnosing iron deficiency (low ferritin is highly specific). However, ferritin is an acute-phase reactant — it rises with inflammation, infection, and liver disease, potentially masking true iron deficiency. See the ferritin guide for more detail.

Vitamins, Minerals & Inflammation

Abbreviation	Full name	What it measures	Unit	Clinical notes
Vit D / 25-OH-D	25-hydroxyvitamin D	The storage form of vitamin D; reflects overall vitamin D status	ng/mL or nmol/L	Deficiency <20 ng/mL (<50 nmol/L) by most guidelines. Insufficiency 20–29 ng/mL. Units differ: 1 ng/mL = 2.5 nmol/L. Note that 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D (the active form) is a different test and not routinely used to assess vitamin D status.
B12 / Cobalamin	Vitamin B12	Level of vitamin B12 in serum	pg/mL or pmol/L	Normal range varies (commonly 200–900 pg/mL). Serum B12 has significant variability. Low B12 is associated with macrocytic anaemia, neuropathy, and cognitive effects. Methylmalonic acid (MMA) and homocysteine are more sensitive markers of functional B12 deficiency when serum B12 is borderline.
Folate / Folic acid	Serum folate (or RBC folate)	B9 vitamin level in blood	ng/mL or nmol/L	Serum folate reflects recent intake; RBC folate reflects longer-term status. Deficiency causes macrocytic anaemia. Essential before and during pregnancy to prevent neural tube defects. Often low in alcohol excess and malabsorption.
CRP	C-reactive protein	Acute-phase protein produced by the liver in response to inflammation or infection	mg/L	Rises rapidly (within hours) and falls quickly when inflammation resolves. High-sensitivity CRP (hsCRP) is used in cardiovascular risk stratification. Elevated CRP is non-specific — it does not identify the cause of inflammation.
ESR	Erythrocyte sedimentation rate	Rate at which red cells settle in a test tube; indirect marker of inflammation	mm/hr	ESR is slower to rise and fall than CRP. Normal values increase with age. Often used alongside CRP in monitoring inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, polymyalgia rheumatica, and giant cell arteritis.
Uric acid / UA	Uric acid / Urate	End-product of purine metabolism excreted by the kidneys	mg/dL or μmol/L	Elevated in gout, renal impairment, high purine diet, alcohol, diuretics. A single elevated uric acid does not diagnose gout — clinical features (acute joint inflammation) are essential for diagnosis.
PSA	Prostate-specific antigen	Protein produced by prostate cells; marker used in prostate cancer screening and monitoring	ng/mL	Elevated PSA can result from prostate cancer but also from benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), prostatitis, and recent prostate manipulation. PSA screening decisions should be made with your clinician, considering individual risk and preferences.

Cardiac & Coagulation

Abbreviation	Full name	What it measures	Unit	Clinical notes
LDH	Lactate dehydrogenase	Enzyme found in many tissues; released when cells are damaged	U/L	Non-specific — elevated in haemolysis, liver disease, muscle injury, heart attack, and some cancers. Most useful in specific contexts: very high in haematological malignancies; elevated in haemolysis alongside other haemolysis markers.
CK / CPK	Creatine kinase / Creatine phosphokinase	Enzyme found predominantly in muscle cells; released in muscle damage	U/L	Elevated after strenuous exercise, muscle trauma, rhabdomyolysis, myocardial infarction (CK-MB isoform), or inflammatory myopathy. Exercise can significantly elevate CK for 24–72 hours.
Troponin	Troponin I or Troponin T	Heart muscle protein released into blood during myocardial cell death	ng/L or ng/mL	High-sensitivity troponin assays have largely replaced older tests. Elevated troponin in the context of chest pain strongly suggests myocardial infarction. Can also be elevated in myocarditis, pulmonary embolism, sepsis, and renal failure (chronic elevation).
INR	International normalised ratio	Standardised measure of how long blood takes to clot (extrinsic pathway)	ratio (unitless)	Normal INR for someone not on anticoagulants: approximately 0.8–1.2. Elevated in warfarin treatment (target typically 2–3), liver disease, vitamin K deficiency. A high INR in someone not on anticoagulants requires investigation.
aPTT / APTT	Activated partial thromboplastin time	Clotting time measuring the intrinsic coagulation pathway	seconds	Prolonged aPTT seen with heparin therapy, haemophilia A/B, and factor deficiencies. Often ordered with INR/PT as part of a coagulation screen.
D-dimer	D-dimer	Fibrin degradation product formed when a blood clot breaks down	mg/L FEU or ng/mL	Highly sensitive but not specific for clot (DVT, PE). A negative D-dimer in a low pre-test probability setting helps exclude clot. Elevated D-dimer is common in infection, inflammation, pregnancy, recent surgery, and cancer — does not confirm a clot.

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