Hi all, Happy New Year etc!
I have finally managed to translate my blood test results and for anyone else out there who is also bemused, I am attaching a guide to help you understand the basics.
Ranges are often slightly different, or expressed differently in different countries or even clinics but really they should all be much the same.
The info enclosed is courtesy of Dr Google (sorry to you pedants out there) but say what you like, he or she has their place in life today.
So if anything is wrong, don't shoot the messenger!!
UNDERSTANDING YOUR BLOOD TEST RESULTS - FOR DUMMIES!!
Haemoglobin concentration (range 115 - 150)
Is used clinically to determine the presence of anemia, which is functionally defined as insufficient red blood cell (RBC) mass to adequately deliver oxygen to peripheral tissues.
Total white blood count (range 4 - 11)
A white blood count measures the number of white cells in your blood. White blood cells are part of the immune system. They help your body fight off infections and other diseases. When you get sick, your body makes more white blood cells to fight the bacteria, viruses, or other foreign substances causing your illness
Platelet count - observation(range 150 - 400)
A platelet count is a lab test to measure how many platelets you have in your blood. Platelets are parts of the blood that helps the blood clot. They are smaller than red or white blood cells.
Red blood cell count ( range 3.8 - 4.8)
A red blood cell (RBC) count is a blood test that tells you how many red blood cells you have. Red blood cells contain a substance called haemoglobin, which transports oxygen around the body.
Haematocrit (range 0.37 - 0.47)
A haematocrit (he-MAT-uh-krit) test measures the proportion of red blood cells in your blood. Red blood cells carry oxygen throughout your body. Having too few or too many red blood cells can be a sign of certain diseases. The haematocrit test, also known as a packed-cell volume (PCV) test, is a simple blood test.
Mean cell volume(range woman 80 -100)
MCV stands for mean corpuscular volume. There are three main types of corpuscles (blood cells) in your blood–red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. An MCV blood test measures the average size of your red blood cells, also known as erythrocytes.
An average MCV score is between 80 and 95. If the MCV goes up to an extreme of 125, it may indicate vitamin B12, folate deficiencies, or cold agglutinin disease. A higher MCV value indicates that the red blood cells are larger than the average size.
The MCV will be lower than normal when red blood cells are too small. This condition is called microcytic anemia. Microcytic anemia may be caused by: iron deficiency, which can be caused by poor dietary intake of iron, menstrual bleeding, or gastrointestinal bleeding.
Mean cell haemoglobin level (range 27 - 33)
You might hear your doctor talk about MCH levels when they explain the results of certain blood tests. MCH is short for "mean corpuscular hemoglobin." It's the average amount in each of your red blood cells of a protein called hemoglobin, which carries oxygen around your body.
High MCH scores are commonly a sign of macrocytic anemia. This condition occurs when the blood cells are too big, which can be a result of not having enough vitamin B12 or folic acid in the body.
A low mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) shows that someone's red blood cells do not have enough hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is an iron-rich protein, and a lack of it may indicate anemia.
Mean cell haemoglobin concentration(range 27 - 31)
Mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) is a lab value found on a complete blood count (CBC) that describes the average concentration of hemoglobin in a given volume of red blood cells. Hemoglobin is what gives red blood cells their color and that allows red blood cells to carry oxygen to tissues within your body.
Neutrophil count (range 1500 - 8000)
A neutrophil count is checked as part of a complete blood count (CBC). Levels of neutrophils less than 2500 are referred to as neutropenia, though the degree of decrease is important. An ANC less than 1000 is most serious, and can seriously predispose someone to infections.
Neutropenia is a blood condition characterized by low levels of neutrophils, which are white blood cells that protect your body from infections. Without enough neutrophils, your body can't fight off bacteria. Having neutropenia increases your risk for many types of infection.
Having a high percentage of neutrophils in your blood is called neutrophilia. This is a sign that your body has an infection. Neutrophilia can point to a number of underlying conditions and factors, including: infection, most likely bacterial.
Lymphocyte count(range 1000 - 4800]
Doctors refer to a blood test that counts how many lymphocytes are in the blood as a B and T cell screen. This test measures the levels of the main types of white blood cells in the body. Lymphocyte count is one part of a complete blood count (CBC), which is a larger whole blood test.
High lymphocyte blood levels indicate your body is dealing with an infection or other inflammatory condition. Most often, a temporarily high lymphocyte count is a normal effect of your body's immune system working. Sometimes, lymphocyte levels are elevated because of a serious condition, like leukemia.
Lymphocytopenia, also referred to as lymphopenia, occurs when your lymphocyte count in your bloodstream is lower than normal. Severe or chronic low counts can indicate a possible infection or other signficant illness and should be investigated by your doctor. Lymphocytes are a kind of white blood cell.
Monocyte count (range 200 - 800)
Absolute monocytes are a measurement of a particular type of white blood cell. Monocytes are helpful at fighting infections and diseases, such as cancer. Getting your absolute monocyte levels checked as part of a routine blood test is one way to monitor the health of your immune system and your blood.
When your monocyte level is high — known as monocytosis — it means your body is fighting something. Some conditions that can cause an increase in the monocytes in your blood are: viral infections, such as infectious mononucleosis, mumps, and measles. parasitic infections
A low number of monocytes (monocytopenia) can be caused by anything that decreases the overall white blood cell count, such as bloodstream infection, chemotherapy, or a bone marrow disorder. It's important to speak with your doctor about what this means and what recommendations he has for you based on your results
Eosinophil count (range less than 500)
An absolute eosinophil count is a blood test that measures the number of one type of white blood cells called eosinophils. Eosinophils become active when you have certain allergic diseases, infections, and other medical conditions.
Eosinophilia (e-o-sin-o-FILL-e-uh) is a higher than normal level of eosinophils. Eosinophils are a type of disease-fighting white blood cell. This condition most often indicates a parasitic infection, an allergic reaction or cancer.
An abnormally low eosinophil count can be the result of intoxication from alcohol or excessive production of cortisol, like in Cushing's disease. Cortisol is a hormone naturally produced by the body. Low eosinophil counts may also be due to the time of day.
Basophil count (range 0 - 0.1)
Normally, basophils make up less than 1 percent of your circulating white blood cells. A healthy range is 0 to 3 basophils in each microliter of blood. A low basophil level is called basopenia. It can be caused by infections, severe allergies, or an overactive thyroid gland.
If your basophil level is low, it may be due to a severe allergic reaction. If you develop an infection, it may take longer to heal. In some cases, having too many basophils can result from certain blood cancers. Your doctor can determine whether your white blood cell count falls within an acceptable range.
An abnormally high basophil level is called basophilia. It can be a sign of chronic inflammation in your body. Or it can mean that a condition is causing too many white blood cells to be produced in your bone marrow. Your doctor can check your levels of basophils by doing a blood test.
Nucleated red blood cell count (range 0)
Nucleated RBC are red blood cells with a nucleus. The nucleus, which contains DNA, should eject naturally as the cell develops in the bone marrow. When the nucleus has dissolved, the cell becomes more flexible. It will squeeze out of portholes in the bone marrow and enter the bloodstream.
Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (range 0 - 15)
Sed rate, or erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), is a blood test that can reveal inflammatory activity in your body. A sed rate test isn't a stand-alone diagnostic tool, but it can help your doctor diagnose or monitor the progress of an inflammatory disease.
A faster-than-normal rate may indicate inflammation in the body. Inflammation is part of your immune response system. It can be a reaction to an infection or injury. Inflammation may also be a sign of a chronic disease, an immune disorder, or other medical condition.
Sometimes the ESR can be slower than normal. A slow ESR may indicate a blood disorder, such as:
Polycythemia
Sickle cell anemia
Leukocytosis, an abnormal increase in white blood cells
If your results are not in the normal range, it doesn't necessarily mean you have a medical condition that requires treatment. A moderate ESR may indicate pregnancy, menstruation, or anemia, rather than an inflammatory disease. Certain medicines and supplements can also affect your results. These include oral contraceptives, aspirin, cortisone, and vitamin A. Be sure to tell your health care provider about any drugs or supplements you are taking.
Serum alanine aminotransferase level (range 0 - 35)
An alanine transaminase (ALT) blood test measures the amount of ALT in your blood. ALT levels in your blood can increase when your liver is damaged, so healthcare providers often use an ALT blood test to help assess the health of your liver.
High levels of ALT may indicate liver damage from hepatitis, infection, cirrhosis, liver cancer, or other liver diseases. Other factors, including medicines, can affect your results. Be sure to tell your health care provider about all the prescription and over-the counter medicines you are taking
Serum alkaline phosphatase level (range 30 - 100)
An alkaline phosphatase (ALP) test measures the amount of ALP in your blood. ALP is an enzyme found throughout the body, but it is mostly found in the liver, bones, kidneys, and digestive system. When the liver is damaged, ALP may leak into the bloodstream.
Serum total bilirubin level (range 0 - 17)
This test measures the amount of a substance called bilirubin. This test is used to find out how well your liver is working. It is often part of a panel of tests that measure liver function. A small amount of bilirubin in your blood is normal, but a high level may be a sign of liver disease.
Serum albumin level(range 35-48)
The serum albumin test looks at the levels of albumin in a person's blood. If the results indicate an abnormal amount of albumin, it may suggest a problem with the liver or kidneys. It may also indicate that a person has a nutrient deficiency. Albumin is one of the most abundant proteins found in the blood.
Serum sodium level (range 132 - 146)
A sodium blood test is a routine test that allows your doctor to see how much sodium is in your blood. It's also called a serum sodium test. Sodium is an essential mineral to your body. It's also referred to as Na+.
Serum potassium level (range 3.5 - 5)
Potassium balances the effects of sodium and helps keep fluid levels within a certain range. Your body should maintain a specific amount of potassium in the blood, ranging from 3.6 to 5.2 millimoles per liter (mmol/L).
Serum urea level (range 2.5 - 6.7)
The blood urea nitrogen test, which is also called a BUN or serum BUN test, measures how much of the waste product you have in your blood. If your levels are off the normal range, this could mean that either your kidneys or your liver may not be working properly.
Serum creatinine level(range 45 - 84)
Creatinine levels in the blood can provide your doctor with information about how well your kidneys are working..
GFR calculated abbreviated MDRD (range varies with age)
Your kidneys filter your blood by removing waste and extra water to make urine. The kidney's filtration rate, called the glomerular filtration rate (GFR), shows how well the kidneys are filtering.
Acute kidney injury warning stage (range < 1)
From April of this year primary care will start receiving Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) warning stage test results which are generated when a significant change in creatinine concentration is measured.
Serum C reactive protein level (range 0 - 9]
A c-reactive protein test measures the level of c-reactive protein (CRP) in your blood. CRP is a protein made by your liver. It's sent into your bloodstream in response to inflammation. Inflammation is your body's way of protecting your tissues if you've been injured or have an infection
Serum calcium level(range 2.2 - 2.6)
Serum calcium is a blood test to measure the amount of calcium in the blood. Serum calcium is usually measured to screen for or monitor bone diseases or calcium-regulation disorders (diseases of the parathyroid gland or kidneys).
Serum adjusted calcium concentration (range [2.2 - 2.6)
A calcium test measures the level of calcium in your blood. Abnormal calcium levels may indicate bone disease or other medical conditions
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