Biometric Screening Results Explained: What Your Numbers Mean
A biometric screening measures key health indicators in a short clinical assessment. If you have just completed a screening and are looking at your results, this guide explains what each number means, what the healthy ranges are, and when you should follow up with your doctor.
Blood Pressure
Blood pressure is measured in two numbers: systolic (top number, pressure when heart beats) and diastolic (bottom number, pressure between beats). Measured in mmHg.
| Category | Systolic | Diastolic |
|---|---|---|
| Normal | Less than 120 | Less than 80 |
| Elevated | 120-129 | Less than 80 |
| High Blood Pressure Stage 1 | 130-139 | 80-89 |
| High Blood Pressure Stage 2 | 140 or higher | 90 or higher |
| Hypertensive Crisis | Higher than 180 | Higher than 120 |
Source: American Heart Association
What it means: High blood pressure increases your risk of heart disease, stroke, and kidney disease. It usually has no symptoms, which is why screening catches it early.
Total Cholesterol
| Level | Category |
|---|---|
| Less than 200 mg/dL | Desirable |
| 200-239 mg/dL | Borderline high |
| 240 mg/dL and above | High |
What it means: Cholesterol is a waxy substance in your blood. High total cholesterol increases heart disease risk. However, total cholesterol alone is less informative than the breakdown of HDL, LDL, and triglycerides.
HDL Cholesterol ("Good" Cholesterol)
| Level | Category |
|---|---|
| 60 mg/dL and above | Protective against heart disease |
| 40-59 mg/dL | Acceptable |
| Less than 40 mg/dL | Major risk factor |
What it means: HDL is the "good" cholesterol -- it helps remove other forms of cholesterol from your bloodstream. Higher is better.
LDL Cholesterol ("Bad" Cholesterol)
| Level | Category |
|---|---|
| Less than 100 mg/dL | Optimal |
| 100-129 mg/dL | Near optimal |
| 130-159 mg/dL | Borderline high |
| 160-189 mg/dL | High |
| 190 mg/dL and above | Very high |
What it means: LDL is the "bad" cholesterol -- it builds up in the walls of your arteries and increases heart disease risk. Lower is better.
Triglycerides
| Level | Category |
|---|---|
| Less than 150 mg/dL | Normal |
| 150-199 mg/dL | Borderline high |
| 200-499 mg/dL | High |
| 500 mg/dL and above | Very high |
What it means: Triglycerides are a type of fat in your blood. High levels are associated with increased risk of heart disease, especially when combined with high LDL or low HDL.
Fasting Glucose
| Level | Category |
|---|---|
| Less than 100 mg/dL | Normal |
| 100-125 mg/dL | Prediabetes |
| 126 mg/dL and above | Diabetes range |
Note: Non-fasting glucose levels are typically higher. Ask your screening provider whether your test was fasting or non-fasting.
Hemoglobin A1c
| Level | Category |
|---|---|
| Less than 5.7% | Normal |
| 5.7-6.4% | Prediabetes |
| 6.5% and above | Diabetes range |
What it means: A1c measures your average blood sugar over the past 2-3 months. Unlike glucose, it does not require fasting and provides a longer-term picture.
Body Mass Index (BMI)
| BMI | Category |
|---|---|
| Less than 18.5 | Underweight |
| 18.5-24.9 | Normal weight |
| 25.0-29.9 | Overweight |
| 30.0 and above | Obese |
What it means: BMI is calculated from height and weight. It is a rough indicator of body fat but does not distinguish between muscle and fat. Athletes and muscular individuals may have high BMI without excess body fat.
What to Do Next
- All values normal: Great. Continue healthy habits and get screened again next year.
- One or two values borderline: Note them and discuss with your doctor at your next visit. Small lifestyle changes (diet, exercise, stress management) can often bring borderline values back to normal.
- One or more values high risk: Schedule an appointment with your primary care physician. A single screening is not a diagnosis, but high-risk values warrant follow-up testing and clinical evaluation.
To learn more about the screening process itself, read our guide on what is a biometric screening.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a normal cholesterol level?
Total cholesterol below 200 mg/dL is considered desirable. 200-239 is borderline high. 240 and above is high. However, total cholesterol alone does not tell the full story -- HDL, LDL, and triglycerides matter more.
Should I fast before a biometric screening?
For the most accurate lipid panel (cholesterol and triglycerides), fasting for 9-12 hours is recommended. Fasting glucose tests also require fasting. Non-fasting screenings are common and still provide useful data, but triglycerides and glucose may be elevated after eating.
My results are outside the normal range. What should I do?
A single biometric screening is a snapshot, not a diagnosis. If any values are outside the normal range, schedule a follow-up with your primary care physician. They can order additional tests and evaluate your results in the context of your full medical history.
How often should I get a biometric screening?
Most employers offer annual biometric screenings. The American Heart Association recommends cholesterol testing every 4-6 years for adults over 20, and blood pressure checks at every healthcare visit. Annual screenings provide year-over-year trends that help identify changes early.
Clovi is biometric screening software that captures results digitally and delivers professional reports to participants and employers. No paper forms, no manual data entry.