You have just received your health check-up results from the laboratory, and the report is filled with abbreviations, numbers, and reference ranges that can feel overwhelming. Understanding what these values mean is an important step toward taking charge of your health — especially in Kenya, where non-communicable diseases (NCDs) now account for 45% of all deaths, up from 35% in 2003. The 2015 Kenya STEPwise Survey, the country's first nationally representative NCD risk factor survey, revealed that over 75% of Kenyans carry four to six NCD risk factors simultaneously. This guide breaks down the most common tests included in a standard health check-up and explains what each result tells you about your body.

Complete Blood Count (CBC)

The complete blood count is one of the most commonly ordered blood tests. It measures several components of your blood and provides a snapshot of your overall health.

Key CBC Components

  • Haemoglobin (Hb) – Measures the oxygen-carrying protein in red blood cells. Normal range for men is typically 13.5-17.5 g/dL and for women 12.0-16.0 g/dL. Low levels may indicate anaemia, while high levels could suggest dehydration or other conditions.
  • White Blood Cell Count (WBC) – Reflects your immune system's activity. The normal range is approximately 4,500-11,000 cells per microlitre. Elevated WBC can indicate infection or inflammation, while low counts may suggest immune deficiency.
  • Platelet Count – Platelets help with blood clotting. Normal range is 150,000-400,000 per microlitre. Abnormal platelet counts can affect your body's ability to stop bleeding.
  • Haematocrit (HCT) – The percentage of blood volume occupied by red blood cells. Normal values are approximately 38-50% for men and 36-44% for women.

Blood Sugar (Glucose) Levels

Blood glucose testing helps screen for diabetes and pre-diabetes, conditions that are increasingly common in Kenya. Diabetes accounts for 12% of NCD deaths nationally, and prevalence ranges from 2.7% at the national level to as high as 8.7% in some rural study populations, with an additional 9.1% of cases remaining undiagnosed.

  • Fasting Blood Sugar (FBS) – Taken after 8-12 hours of fasting. Normal is below 5.6 mmol/L (100 mg/dL). Levels between 5.6-6.9 mmol/L suggest pre-diabetes, while 7.0 mmol/L or above on two separate tests indicates diabetes.
  • HbA1c (Glycated Haemoglobin) – Provides an average of your blood sugar over the past 2-3 months. Normal is below 5.7%. A result of 5.7-6.4% indicates pre-diabetes, and 6.5% or above suggests diabetes.
Understanding your blood sugar levels early can help prevent the progression from pre-diabetes to type 2 diabetes through lifestyle changes alone.

Lipid Profile (Cholesterol Panel)

The lipid profile assesses your risk for cardiovascular disease — a critical concern in Kenya, where cardiovascular disease accounts for 59% of all NCD deaths. Hypertension affects 28.6% of the Kenyan population, yet only 29.4% are aware of their condition, and just 6.5% are on medication. The lipid profile includes several measurements:

  • Total Cholesterol – Desirable level is below 5.2 mmol/L (200 mg/dL). Levels above 6.2 mmol/L (240 mg/dL) are considered high.
  • LDL Cholesterol (Bad Cholesterol) – Optimal is below 2.6 mmol/L (100 mg/dL). High LDL increases the risk of plaque build-up in arteries.
  • HDL Cholesterol (Good Cholesterol) – Higher is better. For men, above 1.0 mmol/L (40 mg/dL) is desirable; for women, above 1.3 mmol/L (50 mg/dL).
  • Triglycerides – Normal is below 1.7 mmol/L (150 mg/dL). Elevated triglycerides often accompany unhealthy diet and lifestyle factors.

Liver Function Tests (LFTs)

These tests evaluate how well your liver is working and can detect liver damage or disease.

  • ALT (Alanine Aminotransferase) – Normal range is 7-56 U/L. Elevated levels may indicate liver inflammation or damage.
  • AST (Aspartate Aminotransferase) – Normal range is 10-40 U/L. Like ALT, elevated levels can suggest liver problems, though AST is also found in the heart and muscles.
  • ALP (Alkaline Phosphatase) – Normal range is 44-147 U/L. High levels may indicate bile duct problems or bone disorders.
  • Bilirubin – Normal total bilirubin is 0.1-1.2 mg/dL. Elevated levels cause jaundice and may indicate liver disease or bile duct obstruction.
  • Albumin – Normal range is 3.5-5.5 g/dL. Low albumin can indicate chronic liver disease or malnutrition.

Kidney Function Tests

These tests assess how effectively your kidneys are filtering waste from your blood.

  • Creatinine – Normal range is approximately 0.7-1.3 mg/dL for men and 0.6-1.1 mg/dL for women. Elevated levels suggest the kidneys may not be functioning optimally.
  • BUN (Blood Urea Nitrogen) – Normal range is 7-20 mg/dL. High levels can indicate kidney disease, dehydration, or a high-protein diet.
  • eGFR (Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate) – An eGFR above 90 mL/min is considered normal. Values below 60 mL/min sustained over three months may indicate chronic kidney disease.

Thyroid Function Tests

Thyroid tests help detect conditions such as hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) and hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid).

  • TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) – Normal range is 0.4-4.0 mIU/L. High TSH suggests an underactive thyroid; low TSH may indicate an overactive thyroid.
  • Free T4 (Thyroxine) – Normal range is 0.8-1.8 ng/dL. This hormone regulates metabolism, energy, and body temperature.

Urinalysis

A urinalysis examines the physical, chemical, and microscopic properties of your urine. Key things your doctor looks for include:

  • Protein – Should not be present in significant amounts. Protein in urine can indicate kidney problems.
  • Glucose – Should not be present. Glucose in urine may suggest uncontrolled diabetes.
  • Blood – Trace blood in urine may indicate urinary tract infection, kidney stones, or other conditions.
  • pH and Specific Gravity – These values help assess hydration status and kidney function.

When to Follow Up with Your Doctor

While this guide helps you understand your results, it is not a substitute for professional medical advice. You should schedule a follow-up consultation if:

  1. Any of your results fall outside the normal reference range
  2. You have persistent symptoms such as fatigue, unexplained weight loss, or frequent infections
  3. Your doctor has flagged specific results for further investigation
  4. You have a family history of chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, or kidney disease
  5. It has been more than 12 months since your last comprehensive check-up
Regular health check-ups are not just for when you feel unwell. Preventive screening helps catch potential problems early, when they are most treatable.

Health Screening Costs and Coverage in Kenya

Since October 1, 2024, Kenya's Social Health Authority (SHA) replaced NHIF. The new Primary Healthcare Fund (PHF) under SHA now covers basic diagnostic tests and health screenings for all citizens regardless of contribution status, making preventive care more accessible than ever.

For comprehensive screening packages in Nairobi, typical costs range from KES 7,000 for a basic antenatal or diabetes screening, KES 11,000–11,500 for gender-specific wellness packages (including AMH for women and PSA for men), to KES 24,000 for a comprehensive wellness check covering thyroid function, cancer markers, and ECG. Home sample collection is also available, with fees ranging from KES 500 to KES 2,000 depending on your location within Nairobi. See our full price comparison guide for details.

Get Your Health Check-Up at CA Medlynks

At CA Medlynks, we offer comprehensive health check-up packages that include all the tests described above and more. Our KENAS-accredited laboratory ensures accurate, reliable results, and our medical team is available to help you understand what your numbers mean and what steps to take next.

Preventive health is an investment in your future. Book your health screening today and take the first step toward a healthier you.