COMMON BLOOD TEST RESULTS EXPLAINED
An explanation of common blood test results you may find on your own report are listed below along with normal reference ranges. Deviations from the normal range do not necessarily indicate problems and are not cause for alarm. Healthy people often have variations from the ideal ranges. Ask your healthcare team to clarify what these tests mean for you.
A/G RATIO (Albumin-Globulin Ratio) A measure of the relationship of the albumin and globulin proteins. Normally, albumin is greater than globulin.(0.8- 2.0) -
ALBUMIN A blood protein manufactured by the liver. Marked changes may be related to liver abnormalities, poor diet or kidney disease. ( 3.5- 5.4g/dl)
ALKALINE PHOSPHATASE A material in the blood related to liver and bone. Can show bone injury, pregnancy, or skeletal growth. Younger peoplehave higher values. Adults (39- 117 U/L); Children (40-400 U/L)
ALT/SGPT/AST/SGOT (Serum Glutamic Pyruvate Transaminase, Serum Glutamic Oxaloacetic Transaminase) Materials found in liver and muscle cells.Damage to these cells will increase the values. ALT ( 0- 40 ), AST ( 0- 37 )
AMYLASE An enzyme present in the pancreas. It may be elevated shortly after an attack of pancreatic inflammation. (I -137 U/L)
APTT (ACTIVATED PARTIAL THROMBOPLASTIN TIME) A measure of one part of the clotting system known as the intrinsic pathway. Monitors anti-coagulant therapy. Related tests: PT, PTT, INR. (24 to 34 seconds)
B 12 (Cobalamin) One of the B vitamins the body needs to make blood cells and to maintain a healthy nervous system. (400- 900 pg/mL)
BASOPHILS and BASOPHIL COUNT Are WBC's usually involved in fighting parasitic infections. Known to carry histamine, heparin and serotonin.Increased levels found in allergic reactions. (0- 2%)
BICARBONATE/CO2 A body chemical, which is affected by a variety of medications. It reflects the acid-base balance in the body. ( 22- 29)
BILIRUBIN DIRECT A measure of liver or gallbladder abnormalities. ( 0.0 - 0.3 )
BILIRUBIN TOTAL An indicator of bile pigment in the blood. Increases may be associated with liver abnormalities or breakdown of red blood eel.ls.Slight increases may have no significance. ( 0.2 - 1.0)
BUN (BLOOD UREA NITROGEN) Measures the amount of nitrogen in your blood- that comes from the waste product urea. This test evaluates kidneyfunction. ( 6 - 20 mg/di )
BUN/CREATININE RATIO A derived measure of two tests reflecting kidney funct on, normally varying from I 0: I to 20: I.
CALCIUM A material in the blood and bone. Abnormalities of the parathyroid glands or of bone may increase values. Poor nutrition, kidneydisease or lack of vitamin D may decrease values. ( 8.8- 10.2 mEq/dl)
CHLORIDE A body salt, which usually follows the same pattern as sodium. Changes are very frequent in normal people. (96 - I 08mEq/L )
CHOLESTEROL A blood fat, which is in part, related to eating animal fats. Increased values may indicate a tendency to hardening of the arteries(atherosclerosis). Values of200 or lower are associated with decreased rate of heart attack. (< 200)
CO2 (Carbon Dioxide) Related to the respiratory exchange of carbon dioxide in the lungs. (20- 29 mEq/L)
CREATININE A waste product removed from the body by the kidneys. High values may be seen in muscle degeneration or kidney disease. (0.67- 1.17 mg/di)
DIGOXIN Reflects the level of heart medicine in the blood. (0.5- 2.0 ng/ml)
EOSINOPHILS A type of leukocyte (White Blood Cell) produced in bone marrow. These cells become active due to allergic reactions, infections and othermedical conditions. (0.5- 0.50 K/uL)
ESR (ERYTHROCYTE SEDIMENTATION RATE) Shows inflammatory activity in your body. (0- 22mm/hour- Males; 0-29 mm/hour - Females).
FOLIC ACID One of the many B vitamins needed to make red blood cells (RBC), white blood cells (WBC), platelets, DNA, and for normal growth. (2.7- 17.0ng/mL)
GGT (GAMMA-GLUT AMYL TRANSPEPTIDASE) lncreased levels may be found in liver disease, bile duct obstruction, magnesium ingestion andalcoholism. Female (0- 45U/L); Male (0- 65 U/L)
GLOBULIN A type of protein similar to albumin. The four major globulin groups are gamma, beta, alpha-2 and alpha-I. Globulins help fight infection and arerelated to immunity. Minor variations are common.
GLUCOSE .A blood sugar. High values are seen in diabetes, stress, and tests performed soon after a meal. (55- 110 mg/di)
GLYCATED HEMOGLOBIN (HgbAlC) A measure of sugar control for the past three months. (4.0- 6.0)
GRAN (GRANULOCYTES) Are a type of white blood cell. Often increases with bacterial infection -there are three types - Neutrophils, Eosinophils andBasophils.
GRAN-PERCENTAGE Is the percentage of these cells in relation to all white blood cells.
HDL (HIGH DENSITY LIPOPROTEIN) The "protective" fraction of cholesterol. Values in excess of50mg/dl are desirable. (A minimum 12-hour fast is requiredfor accurate determination).(>= 50)
HCT (HEMATOCRIT) Measures the percentage of red blood cells found in the whole blood. Low levels are associated with anemia. (38.3- 48.5%)
Hgb (HEMOGLOBIN) The protein molecule that carries oxygen from the lungs to the body's tissues. (12.5- 16.9 g/dl)
HTSH (HIGH SENSITIVITY THYROID HORMONE) the thyroid stimulating hormone level produced by the pituitary gland.
INR (INTERNATIONAL NORMALIZED RATIO) A test of blood clotting. It is used to regulate Coumadin or warfarin levels. Related tests: PT, PTT and APTT.(Recommended therapeutic range: 2.0-3.5)
LDL (LOW-DENSITY LIPOPROTEIN) The fraction of cholesterol that reflects the dangerous portion. Levels should be lower than 130. (A minimum 12- hourfast is required for accurate determination).(<= 100)
LDL/HDL A ratio of two cholesterol subfractions sometimes used as a risk factor measurement. (4.4- 7.1)
LEUKOCYTES White Blood Cells that are part of the immune system helping to defend the body against infection. There are five types of leukocytes that areproduced in the bone marrow.
LYMPHS (LYMPHOCYTES) a type of white blood cell often increased with viral infection. (0.09- 3.50) LYMPHS PERCENTAGE Thepercentage of lymphocytes in relation to all white blood cells. (18- 48%) MAGNESIUM A chemical in the blood that is often increased incertain kidney diseases. (1.4- 2.0)
MID (MID SIZE) Are white blood cells distinct from lymphs and granulocytes.
MID-PERCENTAGE the percentage of these cells in relation to all white blood cells.
MCH (MEAN CORPUSCULAR HEMOGLOBIN) A measure of red cell hemoglobin. (26.1- 33.7 pg)
MCHC (MEAN CORPUSCULAR HEMOGLOBIN CONCENTRATE) Measures the concentration of hemoglobin within the red cell. (32.2-35.1%)
MCV (MEAN CORPUSCULAR VOLUME) A measurement of red blood cell size. Higher ranges are found in newborns and infants. (79.5- 98.0 fl)
MONOCYTES -MONOCYTE COUNT Elevated levels are seen in tissue breakdown or chronic infections. (0- 9%) NEUTROPHILS AND NEUTROPHILCOUNT This is the main defender of the body against infection and antigens. (48- 73%) PLATELET COUNT Indicates one of the constituents of blood involvedin clotting. (117- 361 thous/mcl)
PHOSPHORUS Required by the body for bone and teeth function. An essential mineral in human nutrition. (2.7- 4.5)
POTASSIUM A chemical in the blood affected by kidney disease and intestinal disease. (3.3- 5.1 mEq/L)
PSA (PROSTATIC SPECIFIC ANTIGEN) A prostate test that is elevated in infections, enlargement, inflammation, or prostate cancer.(< 3 ng/mL)
PT (PROTHROMBIN TIME) Evaluates the bloods ability to clot properly. Measures the time it talces the plasma of your blood to clot and can be used to detectbleeding disorders. Related tests: APPT, PTT and INR. (11- 13.5 seconds)
PTH (PARATHYROIC HORMONE) Measures the level of parathyroid hormone in blood. Helps to identify hyper and hypoparathyroidism or to find thecauses of abnormal calcium levels. PTH controls calcium and phosphorus levels in the blood. (10- 55 pg/ml)
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PTH- INTACT Used in detecting parathyroid disease and for the differential diagnosis of calcium homeostasis disorders. Also used in monitoring individualswith renal disease. (15.0- 65.0)
PTT (PARTIAL THROMBOPLASTIN TIME) Used to measure the effect of anti-coagulant drugs on blood clotting. Related tests: PT, ATTP and INR. (30- 45seconds)
RED BLOOD CELLS, HEMOGLOBIN, HEMATOCRIT Measurements of the red blood cell count. Low values are seen with anemia. RBC (4.07- 5.74mill/mcl), Hemoglobin (12.5-16_-9 g/dl) Hematocrit (38.3- 48.5 %)
RHEUMATOID FACTOR Antibody measured in the blood that detects rheumatoid arthritis. High levels of Rh factor associated with more severe rheumatoiddisease. Also present in other conditions such as lupus, infectious hepatitis and tuberculosis(<= 14.0)
SED RATE (SEDIMENTATION RATE) or ESR (ERYTHROCYTE SEDIMENTATION RATE) Shows inflammatory
activity in your body. (0- 22mrn/hour- Males; 0-29 mm/hour - Females).
SODIUM A body salt. It functions in the body to maintain osmotic pressure, acid-base balance and to transmit nerve impulses. Kidney disease, certain diseases ofthe adrenal gland, or dehydration may cause abnormal values. (133- 145 mEq/L)
T4 TOTAL, T UPTAKE, FTI & HTSH Measures of thyroid function. The overall pattern is more important than any single value.
TOTAL CHOLESTEROL/HDL A ratio obtained by dividing total cholesterol by HDL. {Levels lower than 4.5:1 are desirable.)
TOTAL PROTEIN Indicates albumin and globulin, the two major protein types in the blood. Abnormalities may reflect a variety of illnesses. (6.6- 8.7g/dl)
TRIGLYCERIDES Blood fats related to total calorie intalce and consumption of starch and sweets. Alcohol will increase this value. (< = 200)
TSH (THYROID STIMULATING HORMONE) A pituitary hormone that stimulates the thyroid to produce more thyroid hormone. (0.5- 5.0) (T4 and T3 thyroidhormone levels are often performed with this test).
UREA NITROGEN (See BUN) A measure of kidney function. Elevated levels are seen with dehydration and some cases of intestinal bleeding.
URIC ACID A material that, in excessive amounts, may deposit in the kidneys, causing stones, or in the joints, causing gout. (Male Ranges 3.5- 7.5 mg/di); (Female Ranges 2.5- 7.5 mg/di).
VLDL (VERY LOW DENSITY LIPROPROTEIN) a fraction of cholesterol often related to tryglycerides and LDL, which may play a minor role in thedevelopment of coronary artery disease. (A minimum 12-hour fast is required for accurate determination.)
VITAMIN D-25 HYDROXY The most accurate way to measure how much vitamin Dis in your body. (30.0- 74.0 ng/mL)
WBC (WHITE BLOOD CELLS) A measure of the body's response to infection or nonspecific stress. Elevations are seen most commonly with bacterial infection.(4.8- 10.8 thous/mcl)
An explanation of some Diagnostic Exams that may be ordered by your doctor are listed below.
X-Rays are a form of electromagnetic radiation, just like visible light. X-ray technology lets doctors see straight through human tissue to examinebroken bones, cavities and swallowed objects with extraordinary ease.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)- is primarily a Magnetic imaging technique most commonly used in radiology to visualize the internal structure andfunction of the body. There is no radiation involved.
Bone density test, also called densitometry or DEXA scan, can determine if you have osteoporosis or are at risk of osteoporosis before you break any bones. A bone density test uses special X-rays to measure how many grams of calcium and other bone minerals are packed into asegment of bone.
CT scanning-sometimes called CAT scanning-is !3 noninvasive medical test that helps physicians diagnose and treat medical conditions. CTscanning combines special x-ray equipment with sophisticated computers to produce multiple images or pictures of the inside of the body.
Myelogram uses a special dye (contrast material) and X-rays (fluoroscopy) to make pictures of the bones and the fluid filled space (subarachnoidspace) between the bones in your spine (spinal canal). A myelogram may be done to find a tumor, an infection, problems with the spine, such as a herniated disc, or narrowing of the spinal canal caused by arthritis.
Discogram is an enhanced X-ray examination of the intervertebral discs. Dye is injected into the center of the injured disc(s). The dye makes the discclearly visible on X-ray film and on a fluoroscope (special X-ray TV screen).
Nuclear medicine specialists use safe, painless, and cost-effective techniques to image the body and treat disease. Nuclear medicine uses verysmall amounts of radioactive materials (radiopharmaceuticals) to diagnose and treat disease.
Vascular tests are used to diagnose vascular and arterial diseases. Vascular tests can help detect the presence, severity and general location ofarterial disease. Many vascular tests are performed in the non-invasive vascular laboratory.
Doppler ultrasound test uses reflected sound waves to evaluate blood as it flows through a blood vessel. It helps doctors evaluate blood flowthrough the major arteries and veins of the arms, legs, and neck.
Echocardiogram (Echo) is a painless test similar to X-ray, but without the radiation. A hand -held device called a transducer is placed on the chest and transmits high frequency sound waves {ultrasound). These sound waves bounce off the heart structures, producing images and soundsthat can be used to detect heart damage and disease.
Electroencephalogram (EEG) is a test that measures and records the electrical activity of your brain. Special sensors (electrodes) are attached to your head and hooked by wires to a computer that records your brain's electrical activity on the screen or on paper as wavy lines. Certain conditions, such as seizures, can be seen by the changes in the normal pattern of the brain's electrical activity.
Electromyogram (EMG) is a test that is used to record the electrical activity of muscles and nerves. EMG's can be used to detect abnormalelectrical activity of muscle and nerves that can occur in many diseases and conditions, including, inflammation of muscles, pinched nerves andneuropathy.
Physical therapy (physiotherapy in many English speaking countries) is a health care profession, which provides services to individuals andpopulations to develop, maintain and restore maximum movement and functional ability throughout life.
Tilt Table Test (TTT) is a medical procedure often used to detect symptoms of dizziness or lightheadedness, with or without a loss of consciousness(fainting), suspected to be associated with a drop in blood pressure or postural hypo tension. The patient will be strapped to a tilt table lying flat and then tilted or suspended completely or almost completely upright (as if standing). Most of the time, a patient is suspended at an angle of sixty toeighty degrees. Symptoms, blood pressure, pulse, electrocardiogram, and sometimes blood oxygen saturation are recorded.
