If you’ve ever had a blood test and been told everything is ‘normal’—yet you still feel far from your best—you’re not alone. The truth is, normal isn’t the same as optimal when it comes to health. Standard pathology reference ranges are based on population averages rather than what’s ideal for you. This is where a clinical nutritionist can step in to help.

How Standard Pathology Reference Ranges Are Calculated

Most pathology reference ranges are derived from the general population, including individuals with varying degrees of health issues (and for the most part unhealthy individuals, as healthy people generally don’t get their blood tested!). These established ranges represent statistical averages, not optimal levels, which are derived from studying healthy people. Therefore, just because your results fall within these ranges doesn’t mean your body is functioning at its best. For example, a lab might consider a ferritin level of 15 ug/L ‘normal,’ but many people experience fatigue, brain fog, and poor immune function at this level.

In addition, every lab operates different equipment, which can translate to different results, thus impacting the reference ranges they report on. Key takeout here? Get your blood test done at the same lab each time for accurate comparison.

Tell Me More About a Functional Pathology Assessment

A functional approach considers what levels support optimal energy, cognitive function, and overall health. Most importantly, a functional approach looks at the big picture. This includes;

• Looking at past results, and asking is there a trend emerging?
• What do the results mean in combination?
• Undertaking a full clinical assessment*

How a Clinical Nutritionist Can Help

As a clinical nutritionist, I take a root-cause approach to your blood test results. Instead of only looking at whether your markers fall within standard ranges, I assess whether they align with optimal health markers. 

After reviewing your results, I may recommend:

• Therapeutic-grade supplementation to correct deficiencies in key vitamins and minerals like iron, B12, magnesium, or vitamin D.
• Dietary modifications to support your body’s ability to absorb and utilise nutrients effectively.
• Lifestyle modifications such as sleep hygiene, stress management, or exercise changes that influence nutrient metabolism and overall well-being.

Preparing for a Blood Test: What You Need to Know

To ensure accurate pathology results, proper preparation is crucial. Here’s what you should do:

Before Your Test:

• Continue taking prescribed medications as usual.
• Stop all nutritional supplements (vitamins, minerals, and herbal remedies) 4–5 days prior to prevent skewed results.

On the Morning of the Test:

• Fast for at least 8–12 hours (unless otherwise directed by your doctor).
• Stay hydrated with water (avoid coffee, tea, and juice).
• Avoid vigorous exercise beforehand, as it can temporarily alter certain markers.
• Schedule your test in the morning, as some markers fluctuate throughout the day.
• Don’t forget to breath away any stress, as a shift into your ‘fight or flight’ mode (hello sympathetic nervous system!) can also influence certain markers.

Haven’t done a blood test recently? Here’s What to Do

If it’s been a while since your last check-up and you’re unsure which blood tests to request, don’t worry. In a 1:1 Clinical Nutrition Consultation, we’ll assess your symptoms, health history, and lifestyle factors to determine which tests (if any!) may be beneficial.

As part of this consultation process, I can prepare a referral request to help guide your discussions with your GP. Keep in mind that your doctor will order only the tests they feel are necessary, and this is at their discretion. Also, you must return to them for a follow up visit in order to get access to your results. 

Alternatively, if you prefer to avoid the back and forth, I can arrange the necessary pathology request form which you can take to your local pathology lab. 

Once you have your results ready, book in a Pathology Analysis Consultation, upload your results to your patient file, and get ready for us to so to review your results together. 

Ready to Take Charge of Your Health?

Understanding your blood test results beyond the ‘normal’ ranges is the first step toward achieving optimal wellness. If you’re ready to uncover what’s really going on in your body and build a personalised health plan, let’s get started.

Still Have Questions?

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