Blood test results letter explained in plain English

What this kind of letter means

Your GP has checked your blood tests. Nothing urgent: your vitamin D is a bit low and your cholesterol is a little high, so they'd like you to book a routine check with the nurse in the next 6 weeks.

Vitamin D at 32 nmol/L is in the 'insufficient' band (25–50). The doctor suggests over-the-counter supplements as advised on the NHS website. Total cholesterol at 5.9 mmol/L is above the usual target of under 5.0. HDL ('good' cholesterol) at 1.4 is in a healthy range. HbA1c at 39 is normal, which means no sign of diabetes. A QRISK check estimates your chance of heart problems over the next 10 years, which helps decide whether any treatment is worthwhile. This is general information about what your results mean, not medical advice. Your GP or nurse can tell you what it means for you.

Things worth checking

• Your doctor says no urgent action is needed.
• Get help sooner if you have chest pain, sudden breathlessness or feel very unwell: call 111, or 999 in an emergency.

Your options

• Book the nurse check. By phone, the NHS App or your practice's online form.
• Ask about vitamin D. A pharmacist can advise which supplement suits you.
• Write down your questions. Letter Clear has drafted some for your appointment.

If you ignore it

Nothing urgent will happen, but your cholesterol won't be reviewed. The nurse check is the step the doctor has asked for.

The rules

• Letter Clear explains what your letter says. It doesn't diagnose. For advice about your results, contact your GP. For urgent help call NHS 111, or 999 in an emergency.
  England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland. Source: NHS 111

Rules last checked 13 November 2026.

Words you might see

• mmol/L: A unit for measuring how much of something is in your blood.
• HDL: 'Good' cholesterol, which helps clear other cholesterol from your blood.
• HbA1c: Your average blood sugar over the last 2–3 months.
• QRISK: A check that estimates your risk of heart problems over the next 10 years.

An example reply

From our worked example. Letter Clear writes one for your own letter, in your name.

Hello,

I've received my blood test results letter dated 12 November 2026. Dr Patel has asked me to book a routine heart health check (QRISK) with the practice nurse within the next 6 weeks.

Could you please book me in? I'm usually available [days and times].

Thank you,
[Your name]
[Date of birth]

Have a letter like this?

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