Blood Results Interpretation 17 September 2026

Pre course reading and preparation for webinar

This session introduces to key concepts in understanding how to interpret blood tests. Session by Dr Parmy Deol exploring a systematic approach to interpreting of blood results. This is an introductory session for clinicians new to understanding concepts. 

This session provides a practical, case-based approach to interpreting the full blood count in clinical practice. Participants will explore the key components of the FBC, including white cells and the differential count, haemoglobin and red-cell indices, and platelets. The session uses clinical cases to demonstrate how blood results should be interpreted alongside the patient’s history, examination and inflammatory markers rather than considered in isolation.

Particular attention is given to recognising different patterns of anaemia, abnormalities of white cells and platelets, and identifying results that may indicate significant infection, haematological disease or another serious underlying condition.

This session provides a structured approach to the interpretation of urea, electrolytes and renal function, with an emphasis on translating abnormal blood results into safe clinical decisions. Participants will consider creatinine and eGFR, sodium, potassium and bicarbonate alongside previous results, medicines, volume status, comorbidities and current symptoms.

The session covers recognition of AKI and CKD, hyponatraemia, hyperkalaemia and hypokalaemia, as well as medicines that require renal and electrolyte monitoring. A practical five-step approach encourages clinicians to check acuity, assess risk, review medicines, classify the abnormality and then act, document and safety-net appropriately.

This session provides a practical, evidence-based update on interpreting liver and thyroid function tests in the primary care setting. Using clinical scenarios and current guidelines, it helps clinicians understand the physiological basis of these tests, recognise patterns of abnormal results, and determine appropriate management or referral pathways. The session incorporates case studies and red flag identification, focusing on integrating results with patient history and symptoms.

This session provides a practical approach to understanding and interpreting HbA1c results in primary and community care. Participants will explore what HbA1c measures, its role in the diagnosis and monitoring of diabetes, and how results should be interpreted alongside the patient's clinical presentation and other investigations. The session also considers diagnostic thresholds for diabetes and pre-diabetes.

Particular attention is given to circumstances in which HbA1c may be misleading or inappropriate for diagnosis, including conditions affecting red-cell lifespan, anaemia, haemoglobinopathies, pregnancy, renal failure and recent blood transfusion. Alternative investigations, including glucose testing, fructosamine and more specialised diabetes tests, are also considered.

Using clinical scenarios, participants will consider not simply whether an HbA1c is "high or low", but whether the result is expected, reliable and appropriate for the individual patient, and what action should follow.

This session provides an overview of the interpretation of lipid profiles and their role in assessing cardiovascular risk in primary care. Participants will review the components of a lipid panel, understand how abnormal lipid levels contribute to cardiovascular disease, and explore how results guide risk assessment and management decisions. The session will also highlight the use of lipid results in conjunction with cardiovascular risk tools and current UK guidance for the prevention and management of cardiovascular disease.

This is a useful resource for interpreting TFT's.

This session discusses vitamin B12 and vitamin D deficienctand links it to common presentations in general practice.

This session provides a comprehensive update on the assessment, diagnosis, and management of vitamin B12 deficiency in adults. Learners will explore the physiological role of vitamin B12, recognise signs and symptoms of deficiency, and understand the differences between dietary and malabsorptive causes. The session covers clinical decision-making based on B12 levels, the use of Intrinsic Factor Antibody (IFAB) testing, appropriate routes of replacement (oral vs IM), and when to seek specialist advice. Key considerations for high-risk populations, including vegans, patients on metformin, and those with gastrointestinal surgery, are discussed. Case studies are used to highlight diagnostic challenges, neurological red flags, and patient-centred treatment strategies.