the report blood test

Blood Work Results

Written by Ada’s Medical Knowledge Team

Updated on October 10, 2022 at 10:00 PM UTC

Blood test results explained

A blood test – sometimes referred to as a blood panel – is a laboratory examination of a blood sample used to check for a variety of things, including the functioning of certain organs (such as the liver, kidneys, thyroid and heart), infections and certain genetic disorders, as well as to assess an individual’s general health. 1

After the sample has been analyzed in the lab and the results compiled, a blood test report will in most cases be supplied to the testee. The report details the various components in the blood and at what level they are present. For those from non-medical backgrounds, the reports provided following blood tests can be complex and difficult to decipher.

Blood test abbreviations

Blood test results generally use the metric system of measurement and various abbreviations, including:

• cmm: cells per cubic millimeter
• fL (femtoliter): fraction of one-millionth of a liter
• g/dL: grams per deciliter
• IU/L: international units per liter
• mEq/L: milliequivalent per liter
• mg/dL: milligrams per deciliter
• mL: milliliter
• mmol/L: millimoles per liter
• ng/mL: nanograms per milliliter
• pg (picograms): one-trillionth of a gram

People worried about their health can also use the free Ada app to carry out a symptom assessment. Or find out more about how our symptom checker works before you try it for yourself.

Blood test results components

A blood test is typically composed of three main tests: a complete blood count, a metabolic panel and a lipid panel. 2 Each test for different things, which can be understood through a detailed analysis of the results.

Confusingly, it is likely that the results of the three tests will not be differentiated from each other and, instead, will be listed under one large column, often labelled “Test Name”. Within each are various sub-tests, which altogether give a broad picture of an individual’s health.

Complete blood count (CBC)

The complete blood count (CBC) concentrates on the three types of blood cells: white blood cells (WBCs), red blood cells (RBCs) and platelets. By measuring the volume of blood cells, the CBC allows a doctor to evaluate an individual’s overall health, as well as check for underlying conditions such as leukemia and anemia . 3

The subtests within the CBC are:

White blood cell (WBC) count

Also known as leukocytes, white blood cells are a major component of the body’s immune system. A high white blood cell count can indicate the presence of infection, while a low count can point towards various conditions, including HIV , leukemia, hepatitis and arthritis. 4

Read more about a White Blood Cell Count »

Differential white blood cell count

The lab tests the five main components of white blood cells and their proportion to each other. If the components are out of balance, this could indicate an infection, as well as a variety of medical conditions. Healthy proportions for each are:

• Neutrophils: 40 to 60 percent of the total
• Lymphocytes: 20 to 40 percent
• Monocytes: 2 to 8 percent
• Eosinophiles: 1 to 4 percent
• Basophils: 0.5 to 1 percent

Red blood cell (RBC) count

Red blood cells (RBCs) carry oxygen to tissues throughout the body, making them important to its healthy functioning. A red blood cell count estimates the volume of RBCs within an individual – if the results show a count above or below normal levels this can indicate various medical conditions to a doctor. However, this form of testing is unable to pinpoint the root causes of any irregularities, meaning, if this is the case, further tests will be necessary. 3

Hematocrit (Hct) test

Tests what proportion of the blood is made up of RBCs. It is useful in diagnosing anemia, among other medical conditions.

Hemoglobin (Hgb) test

Hemoglobin is a protein contained within red RBCs that sends oxygen from the lungs to the body’s tissues. The hemoglobin test is also useful in diagnosing anemia , with many practitioners preferring this test over the hematocrit test. 5

Read more about Hemoglobin Levels » .

Mean corpuscular volume (MCV) test

The average volume of RBCs, or the space each red blood cell fills, is measured through this test. Results outside of the normal range can be a sign of anemia or chronic fatigue syndrome, among other medical conditions.

Mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) test

The lab tests the average amount of hemoglobin present in each red blood cell. High levels are a possible indicator of anemia and low levels a possible sign of malnutrition.

Red cell distribution width (RDW or RCDW) test

Tests the distribution of RBCs, not their actual size. Levels outside of the normal range can indicate conditions such as anemia, malnutrition and liver disease.

Platelet count

Platelets are small cells that help the blood to clot. This test measures the amount of platelets present in the blood. If testing highlights a high count, this can indicate anemia, cancer or infection, while a low count can prevent wounds from healing and result in severe bleeding.

Mean platelet volume (MPV)

Tests the volume of platelets in the blood. A low platelet volume can cause irregularities with bleeding, while a high platelet volume can increase an individual’s risk of heart attack or stroke .

Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP)

The comprehensive metabolic panel test, also known as a chemistry panel, measures the body’s glucose levels, fluid and electrolyte balance, as well as liver and kidney function. 6 It consists of a number of sub-tests:

Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) test

Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) is an enzyme mostly produced by liver cells. 7 High levels can be an indication of liver damage.

Albumin test

Albumin is a protein produced by the liver. Its volume within the organ can be measured via this test. Abnormal levels can be caused by liver or kidney problems .

Total protein test

The lab tests the ratio of two types of proteins: albumin and globulin. Low protein levels can indicate various conditions, including liver and kidney disorders and malnutrition, while high levels can be a sign of inflammation, infection or bone marrow disorder. 8

Alkaline phosphatase test

Alkaline phosphatase is an enzyme typically produced in liver and bone cells. Results outside of the normal levels can signal liver damage and bone problems such as rickets or bone tumors. 8

Aspartate aminotransferase test

Aspartate aminotransferase is an enzyme usually found in RBCs and muscle tissue, as well as the heart, pancreas, liver and kidneys. This test measures the levels of this enzyme in the body, with results above the healthy range indicating a variety of conditions, including some types of cancer, as well as liver, heart or kidney damage. 8

Bilirubin test

Bilirubin is a biomarker to test for kidney and liver dysfunction which is useful in diagnosing conditions such as neonatal jaundice , anemia and liver diseases. 8

Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) test

This test measures the volume of nitrogen in the blood. High levels can be caused by kidney damage or disease, while low levels may be a sign of malnutrition or severe liver damage. 8

Calcium test

This test measures the levels of calcium in the blood. If testing indicates low levels, this can indicate under-active parathyroid glands, insufficient calcium in your diet, or Vit D insufficiency , and other less common conditions.

High levels can indicate conditions including over-active parathyroid glands, excessive Vit D supplementation, kidney problems as well as more concerning causes that usually require further investigation. Proper interpretation of calcium levels often requires testing of other parameters such as total serum protein and albumin. 9

Chloride test

This test measures the body’s chloride levels. An increased level of chloride can indicate dehydration as well as kidney disorders and adrenal gland dysfunction.

Creatinine test

Creatinine is a chemical waste molecule that is important for creating muscle energy. Increased levels of creatinine can be a sign of kidney dysfunction.

Fasting blood sugar test

Blood sugar levels are easily affected by recent food or drink intake. The fasting blood sugar test is therefore done after a minimum of six hours of fasting. Abnormal results can indicate diabetes , among other medical conditions.

Phosphorus test

The lab tests the amount of phosphorus in the blood. Elevated levels can indicate problems with the kidneys and parathyroid glands, and they may be a sign of malnutrition or alcohol abuse.

Potassium test

Potassium aids the communication between nerves and muscles, regulates the heart and maintains muscle function. Diuretics (a substance or medication used to increase urination) can cause potassium levels to fall.

Sodium test

Sodium is a mineral that aids nerve impulses and muscle contractions, as well as balancing water levels. Irregularities are a possible indication of dehydration, adrenal gland disorders, corticosteroids, and kidney or liver disorders.

Lipid panel

The lipid panel consists of various tests used to measure the different types of triglycerides (fats) and cholesterol in the blood.

Total cholesterol test

This test measures the overall levels of LDL (bad) and HDL (good) cholesterol in the blood.

Triglycerides test

Tests for triglycerides , a fat found in the blood. Irregularities are a possible risk factor for heart disease and other medical conditions.

HDL cholesterol test

HDL cholesterol , also known as high-density lipoprotein (or good cholesterol), is useful in protecting against heart disease. Low levels can increase the risk of heart problems.

LDL cholesterol test

LDL cholesterol , also known as low-density lipoprotein (or bad cholesterol), is linked to heart disease and clogged arteries.

Total cholesterol to HDL ratio test

Calculating this ratio can help determine an individual’s risk of developing a heart disease. It is worked out by dividing HDL cholesterol into total cholesterol. High levels are a possible indicator of heart problems. 10

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• Complete blood count (CBC)

A complete blood count (CBC) is a blood test. It's used to look at overall health and find a wide range of conditions, including anemia, infection and leukemia.

A complete blood count test measures the following:

• Red blood cells, which carry oxygen
• White blood cells, which fight infection
• Hemoglobin, the oxygen-carrying protein in red blood cells
• Hematocrit, the amount of red blood cells in the blood
• Platelets, which help blood to clot

A complete blood count can show unusual increases or decreases in cell counts. Those changes might point to a medical condition that calls for more testing.

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Why it's done

A complete blood count is a common blood test done for many reasons:

• To look at overall health. A complete blood count can be part of a medical exam to check general health and to look for conditions, such as anemia or leukemia.
• To diagnose a medical condition. A complete blood count can help find the cause of symptoms such as weakness, fatigue and fever. It also can help find the cause of swelling and pain, bruising, or bleeding.
• To check on a medical condition. A complete blood count can help keep an eye on conditions that affect blood cell counts.
• To check on medical treatment. A complete blood count may be used to keep an eye on treatment with medicines that affect blood cell counts and radiation.

More Information

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• Cyclothymia (cyclothymic disorder)
• Depression (major depressive disorder)
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• Gilbert syndrome
• Hairy cell leukemia
• Heart disease
• High blood pressure in children
• Illness anxiety disorder
• Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP)
• Kawasaki disease
• Median arcuate ligament syndrome (MALS)
• Multiple myeloma
• Myelodysplastic syndromes
• Myelofibrosis
• Personality disorders
• Polycythemia vera
• Post-vasectomy pain syndrome
• Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Tetralogy of Fallot
• Thalassemia
• Thrombocytosis
• Tonsillitis
• Uterine fibroids

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How you prepare

If your blood sample is being tested only for a complete blood count, you can eat and drink as usual before the test. If your blood sample also will be used for other tests, you might need to fast for a certain amount of time before the test. Ask your health care provider what you need to do.

What you can expect

For a complete blood count, a member of the health care team takes a sample of blood by putting a needle into a vein in your arm, usually at the bend in your elbow. The blood sample is sent to a lab. After the test, you can return to your usual activities right away.

The following are expected complete blood count results for adults. The blood is measured in cells per liter (cells/L) or grams per deciliter (grams/dL).

Not a definitive test

A complete blood count, also called a CBC , usually doesn't give all the answers about a diagnosis. Results outside the expected range may or may not need follow-up. A health care provider might need to look at the results of other tests as well as the results of a CBC .

For example, results slightly outside the typical range on a CBC might not be of concern for someone who's healthy and has no symptoms of illness. Follow-up might not be needed. But for someone having cancer treatment, the results of a CBC outside the expected range might signal a need to change the treatment.

In some cases, for results that are way above or below the expected ranges, a health care provider might ask you to see a doctor who treats blood disorders, called a hematologist.

What the results may indicate

Results in the following areas above or below the typical ranges on a complete blood count might point to a problem.

Red blood cell count, hemoglobin and hematocrit. The results of these three are related because they each measure a feature of red blood cells.

Lower than usual measures in these three areas are a sign of anemia. Anemia has many causes. They include low levels of certain vitamins or iron, blood loss, or another medical condition. People with anemia might feel weak or tired. These symptoms may be due to the anemia itself or the cause of anemia.

A red blood cell count that's higher than usual is known as erythrocytosis. A high red blood cell count or high hemoglobin or hematocrit levels could point to a medical condition such as blood cancer or heart disease.

White blood cell count. A low white blood cell count is known as leukopenia. A medical condition such as an autoimmune disorder that destroys white blood cells, bone marrow problems or cancer might be the cause. Certain medicines also can cause a drop in white blood cell counts.

A white blood cell count that's higher than usual most commonly is due to an infection or inflammation. Or it could point to an immune system disorder or a bone marrow disease. A high white blood cell count also can be a reaction to medicines or hard exercise.

• Platelet count. A platelet count that's lower than usual is known as thrombocytopenia. If it's higher than usual, it's known as thrombocytosis. Either can be a sign of a medical condition or a side effect from medicine. A platelet count that's outside the typical range will likely lead to more tests to diagnose the cause.

Your health care provider can tell you what your complete blood count results mean.

• Butte MJ. Laboratory evaluation of the immune system. https://www.uptodate.com/contents search. Accessed Oct. 20, 2022.
• CBC with differential, blood. Mayo Medical Laboratories. http://www.mayomedicallaboratories.com/test-catalog/Clinical+and+Interpretive/9109. Accessed Oct. 20, 2022.
• Understanding blood counts. Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. https://www.lls.org/treatment/lab-and-imaging-tests/understanding-blood-counts. Accessed Oct. 20, 2022.
• Understanding your complete blood count (CBC) tests. American Society of Clinical Oncology. https://www.cancer.net/navigating-cancer-care/diagnosing-cancer/reports-and-results/understanding-your-complete-blood-count-cbc-tests. Accessed Oct. 20, 2022.
• Hoffman R, et al. Resources for the hematologist: Interpretive comments and selective reference values for neonatal, pediatric and adult populations. In: Hematology: Basic Principles and Practice. 7th ed. Elsevier; 2018. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed Oct. 20, 2022.
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How to Understand Your Lab Results

What is a laboratory test.

A laboratory (lab) test checks a sample of your blood , urine (pee), or other body fluid or tissue to learn about your health. The sample is sent to a lab where health care professionals test it to see if it contains certain substances and, if so, how much.

Some lab tests can clearly show whether you do or don't have a specific health condition. For example, a pregnancy test can show whether or not a person is pregnant.

Other lab tests provide more general information about your health and possible problems. Test results that aren't normal give your health care provider clues about the type of health problems you may have. The results help your provider decide whether you need more tests and which ones will be most useful for diagnosing or ruling out certain conditions.

Lab tests are an important part of your health care. But they don't provide a complete picture of your health. Even though you may get your test results in your electronic health record (EHR), it's still important to talk with your provider to find out what your results really mean for you .

To get a full picture of your health, your provider will use your test results along with information from your physical exam, health history, family health history , and sometimes imaging tests, such as x-rays . In most cases, combining that information leads to a more accurate diagnosis than the results from any one lab test.

Why do I need a lab test?

Lab tests are used in different ways, including to help:

Diagnose or rule out a specific disease or condition. Tests to diagnose health problems are done when you have signs or symptoms of a certain disease or condition. Sometimes more than one test is needed to confirm a diagnosis.

A strep A test is an example of a diagnostic test. If you're sick with a bad sore throat and other symptoms, this test can show you whether you're infected with the bacteria that causes strep throat .

• Tell you if you have a high risk for getting a specific disease. This alerts you to take steps to lower your risk. For example, a cholesterol test measures the amount of cholesterol in a sample of your blood. The results can help you understand your risk for heart disease .

Suggest whether you need more testing to check for a condition or disease. These screening tests look for signs that you may have a health problem so that you can have more testing to find out for sure. For example, one type of screening test for colon cancer looks for blood in your stool (poop). If blood is found, it could be a sign of cancer. So, your provider may order a colonoscopy to find out for sure whether you have cancer.

Monitor a disease and/or treatment. If you've already been diagnosed with a disease, you may need lab tests to see if your condition is getting better, worse, or staying the same. Tests can also show if your treatment is working.

A blood glucose test is an example of a monitoring test. It's used to monitor diabetes and diabetes treatment. It may also be used to diagnose the disease.

Plan your treatment. Certain tests can help show which treatments are likely to be most effective for a specific disease.

Tumor marker tests are an example of testing to find out which treatments are likely to work to fight certain types of cancer.

What is a reference range?

Lab test results are reported in different ways. Some results are a number. But how do you know what that number means?

To answer that question, your lab report tells you whether your test result is in a normal range called a reference range or "normal values."

A reference range is a set of numbers that are the high and low ends of the range of results that's considered to be normal. The ranges are based on the test results from large groups of healthy people. A test may have different reference ranges for different groups of people. For example, there may be separate ranges for children and adults.

Reference ranges are a general guide to "normal." If your test result is higher or lower than the range that applies to you, it may be a sign of a health problem, but not always. It's common for healthy people to sometimes have results outside the reference range. And people with health problems can have results in the normal range, too.

If your results are outside of the reference range, your provider will look at other information about your health to understand what may have affected your results. You may need more testing if your result is higher or lower than the reference range, or if you have a normal result even though you have symptoms.

When looking at your lab test results, it's helpful to know that:

• To find out how your test results compare with the normal range, you need to check the reference range listed on your lab report. You can't compare your results to references ranges that you might find elsewhere. This is why our Medical Test information cannot provide normal reference ranges for most tests.
• You can't compare test results from different labs.
• If you're looking for trends in your test results over time, it's important to try to use the same lab for testing.
• Mcg/dL = micrograms per deciliter
• Micromole/L = micromoles per liter
• Pg/mL = picograms per milliliter

What do negative, positive, and inconclusive results mean?

Some test results tell you whether a certain substance, germ, type of cell, or gene was or wasn't found in your test sample. On your test report, you may see these terms:

• Negative or normal. This means "No, the test didn't find what it was looking for." So, you're unlikely to have the health problem you were tested for. But you may need more tests.
• Positive or abnormal. This means, "Yes, the test found what it was looking for." The germ, substance, or gene being tested was in your sample. So, you may have a disease or infection. In certain cases, you may need more tests to confirm a diagnosis.
• Inconclusive or uncertain. This means "not sure." Your test wasn't clearly positive or negative. There are many reasons why this may happen. If you get an uncertain result, you will probably be tested again.

Tests for the COVID-19 virus are an example of tests that tell you whether or not a specific germ was found in your sample.

What are false positive and false negative results?

Tests results are usually accurate, but no test is perfect.

• A false positive result means your test shows you have a disease or condition, but you don't really have it.
• A false negative result means your test shows you don't have a disease or condition, but you really do.

These incorrect results don't happen often, but they are more likely with certain of types tests, or if testing wasn't done right. If your provider thinks your test result may be inaccurate, you may need to have another test.

What can affect my results?

The accuracy of certain test results may be affected by what you eat, medicines you take, and even how your feel when you provide your test sample. Common things that affect tests include:

• Eating and drinking certain foods and drinks
• Taking certain medicines or supplements
• Exercising hard before your test
• Having a menstrual period at the time of your tested

Your provider will let you know if you need to prepare for your test. Follow your provider's instructions carefully. That will help make sure your test results are as accurate as possible. Before your test, let your provider know about all the prescription and over-the-counter medicines you take as well as vitamins and other supplements.

What if I do a home test?

At-home test kits are available for many types of lab tests. The kits provide everything you need to collect a sample of body fluid or cells to send to a lab. At-home tests should never replace testing that your provider orders. Ask your provider or pharmacist to recommend a test you can trust. And talk with your provider about your results, even if they're normal.

• AARP [Internet]. Washington D.C.: AARP. Your Lab Results Decoded; [cited 2022 Jul 25]; [about 9 screens]. Available from: https://www.aarp.org/health/doctors-hospitals/info-02-2012/understanding-lab-test-results.html
• FDA: U.S. Food and Drug Administration [Internet]. Silver Spring (MD): U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; Tests Used In Clinical Care; [updated 2018 Sep 27; cited 2022 Jul 25]; [about 2 screens]. Available from: https://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/ProductsandMedicalProcedures/InVitroDiagnostics/LabTest/default.htm
• MyHealthfinder.gov. [Internet]. Washington D.C.: Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion; National Health Information Center; Doctor Visits: Get Screened; [updated 2022 Jul 28; cited 2022 Jul 28]; [about 3 screens]. Available from: https://health.gov/myhealthfinder/doctor-visits/screening-tests/get-screened
• Middlesex Hospital [Internet]. Middletown (CT): Middlesex Hospital c2022. Common Lab Tests; [cited 2022 Jul 25]; [about 5 screens]. Available from: https://middlesexhealth.org/laboratory-services/common-lab-tests
• National Cancer Institute [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; Understanding Laboratory Tests; [updated 2013 Dec 11; cited 2022 Jul 25]; [about 6 screens]. Available from: https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/diagnosis-staging/understanding-lab-tests-fact-sheet#q1
• National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; Blood Tests; [updated 2022 Mar 24; cited 2022 Jul 25]; [about 7 screens]. Available from: https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/blood-tests
• O'Kane MJ, Lopez B. Explaining laboratory test results to patients: what the clinician needs to know. BMJ [Internet]. 2015 Dec 3 [cited 2022 Jul 25]; 351(h):5552. Available from: https://www.bmj.com/content/351/bmj.h5552
• Testing.com [Internet]. Seattle (WA): OneCare Media; c2022. Deciphering Your Lab Report; [modified 2021 Jan 27; cited 2022 Jul 25]; [about 7 screens]. Available from: https://www.testing.com/articles/how-to-read-your-laboratory-report/
• Testing.com [Internet]. Seattle (WA): OneCare Media; c2022. Reference Ranges and What They Mean; [modified 2021 Nov 9; cited 2022 Jul 25]; [about 13 screens]. Available from: https://www.testing.com/articles/laboratory-test-reference-ranges/
• UW Health [Internet]. Madison (WI): University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics Authority; c2022. Health Information: Understanding Lab Test Results; [current 2021 Dec 27; cited 2022 Jul 26]; [about 5 screens]. Available from: https://patient.uwhealth.org/healthwise/article/en-us/zp3409
• UW Health [Internet]. Madison (WI): University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics Authority; c2022. Lab Test Results: Units of Measurement [updated 2021 Dec 27; cited 2022 Jul 25]; [about 5 screens]. Available from: https://patient.uwhealth.org/healthwise/article/en-us/zd1440

The information on this site should not be used as a substitute for professional medical care or advice. Contact a health care provider if you have questions about your health.

Complete Blood Count (CBC) Test and Results

• Medical Author: Siamak N. Nabili, MD, MPH
• Medical Editor: Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD

What Is a Complete Blood Count (CBC) Test?

How to perform a complete blood count procedure, what are components of complete blood count, what is an analysis of the complete blood count, what are values for components of complete blood count, what is a function of cells in a complete blood count, why are complete blood count tests used.

The complete blood count (CBC) test is one of the most commonly ordered blood tests. To understand this test, it is important to know that blood consists of two major parts: plasma and cellular elements. The plasma is the part of the blood that is liquid which allows the blood to flow easily. The other part of the blood consists of blood cells.

The major cells in the blood are white blood cells (WBC), red blood cells (RBC), and platelets. Each of these types of cells carries out specific and important functions.

The complete blood count test measures the quantity of all the different types of cells in the blood. It also provides some valuable information on other parameters related to each type of blood cell.

The complete blood count may be done in many different healthcare settings including doctors' offices, clinics, urgent care facilities, emergency rooms, hospitals, and outpatient medical laboratories.

The complete blood count test is performed by drawing a few milliliters (one to two teaspoons) of blood from a vein. Most commonly, the sample is obtained from a vein that is visible from the skin, such as a vein on the back of the hand or the inner angle of the elbow (antecubital fossa).

A tourniquet is usually applied to the area proximal to the vein (closer to the center of the body than the vein itself). This technique will make the vein more visible and plump by limiting the blood from the vein going back toward the heart. The tourniquet is only applied for a brief period of time (a few minutes at the most) and it is removed as soon as the blood is drawn.

The skin overlying the vein is cleaned using an alcohol pad, and then a needle is inserted through the area of cleansed skin into the vein below where the tourniquet is applied. The blood is then pulled from the vein via the needle by gently pulling the plunger on the syringe or by a connection of the needle to a special vacuum vial that collects the blood.

This sample is then taken to the laboratory for analysis, and the complete blood count results may be available within hours after collection. Prompt delivery of the blood sample to the laboratory for analysis is important. A sample that is not delivered in a timely manner may yield inaccurate results.

The complete blood count measures many important values pertaining to the blood cells. The complete blood count interpretation is done by doctors who review the results of the testing.

The complete blood count generally includes the following components:

• White blood cell count (WBC or Leukocyte count)
• WBC differential count
• Red blood cell count (RBC or erythrocyte count)
• Hematocrit (Hct)
• Hemoglobin (Hbg)
• Mean corpuscular volume (MCV)
• Mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH)
• Mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC)
• Red cell distribution width (RDW)
• Platelet count
• Mean platelet volume (MPV)

The main components are the blood cells such as white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets. The other components represent additional information about these cells including their size, color, function, and maturity.

The white blood cell (WBC) differential refers to the number of the different types of white blood cells seen in the blood. The different types of WBCs that have specific functions that are routinely reported in a complete blood count are neutrophils, lymphocytes, basophils, eosinophils, and monocytes.

The blood sample drawn for a complete blood count is analyzed in a medical laboratory. The complete blood count analysis is routinely and reliably done by automated machines in most laboratories. A small sample of the blood drawn from a person is fed into the machine and within a few minutes, the values of the components of the complete blood count are displayed and printed for review. This is called an automated cell count and differential.

The conventional method to analyze these data is to obtain a small sample of the collected blood and place it on a glass slide for visual review under a microscope. This is usually done by a trained laboratory technologist or a doctor. This method is still widely used when results of a complete blood count need further review to confirm certain abnormal values, or a doctor wants to see how the blood cells look (for example, if any abnormal features are present which would not be reported by an automated complete blood count). This is called the manual differential analysis.

The complete blood count values are usually reported based on the number of cells in a specific volume of blood. The normal values may differ slightly based on the reference range and the machine used in the laboratory and, therefore, the results may be slightly different from one laboratory to the next. The normal reference range is typically provided and printed with the results of the complete blood count for accurate interpretation. Different laboratories may report slightly different reference ranges.

The following lists some of the typical values of the components of the complete blood count:

• WBC (white blood cell) count signifies the number of white blood cells in the blood and usually ranges between 4,300 and 10,800 cells per cubic millimeter (cmm).
• RBC (red blood cell) count measures the number of red blood cells in a volume of blood and usually ranges between 4.2 to 5.9 million cells per cmm.
• Hemoglobin (Hbg) measures the amount of the hemoglobin molecule in a volume of blood and normally is 13.8 to 17.2 grams per deciliter (g/dL) for men and 12.1 to 15.1 g/dL for women.
• Hematocrit (Hct) signifies the percentage of the whole blood occupied by red blood cells and usually ranges between 45%-52% for men and 37%-48% for women.
• Mean corpuscular volume (MCV) is the measurement of the average size or volume of a typical red blood cell in a blood sample and usually ranges between 80 to 100 femtoliters (a fraction of one-millionth of a liter).
• Mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) measures the amount of hemoglobin in an average red blood cell and usually ranges between 27 to 32 picograms (a small fraction of a gram).
• Mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) measures the average hemoglobin concentration in a volume of blood, and it usually ranges between 32%-36%.
• Red cell distribution width (RDW) measures the variability in the red blood cells' size and shape and usually ranges between 11 to 15.
• Platelet count measures the number of platelets in a volume of blood and usually ranges between 150,000 to 400,000 per cmm.
• Mean platelet volume (MPV) measures the average size of platelets in a volume of blood. The normal range is between 6 to 12 femtoliters (a very small fraction of a liter).

The cells in a complete blood count serve very important functions in the body.

The white blood cells are an important component of the immune system which fights against infections in the body. They are made in the bone marrow and undergo a complex series of steps to gain functional maturity at which time they are released into the bloodstream to perform their function. An elevated WBC count typically indicates some kind of infection or inflammation in the body. Each of the cells in the WBC differential also has specific functions that are important to note when analyzing the results of a complete blood count. For example, eosinophils may be involved in allergic reactions. Neutrophils are usually more suggestive of a bacterial infection whereas lymphocytes typically suggest a viral infection. Physicians will sometimes refer to a left shift on the differential which means that the neutrophils are elevated or they may refer to a right shift which indicates that the lymphocytes are elevated.

Red blood cells are a vital part of the oxygen transport system in the body. The hemoglobin molecule is a complex protein structure that exists within the red blood cells and is the physical carrier of oxygen from the lungs to all other parts of the body. Decreases in the red blood cell count or the hemoglobin level may interfere with the oxygen carrying capacity of the red blood cells. A diagnosis of anemia indicates a low number of RBCs or a low level of Hgb.

Platelets are an important part of the blood clotting system. They are not complete cells, but fragments of larger cells called megakaryocytes. Platelets become activated when there is any evidence of bleeding or injury somewhere in the body. They clump together at the site of bleeding (called platelet aggregation) in an attempt to plug up the bleeding site. This is done in concert with other components of the clotting system which includes some specific proteins such as thrombin.

Uses of the complete blood count are extensive. In general, the complete blood count can be done as part of a routine health exam and general screening by a doctor. It may be ordered if an infection or anemia is suspected. It may also be ordered to evaluate abnormal bleeding.

As mentioned earlier, an elevation of the white blood cell count or an abnormality of the white blood cell differential may be suggestive of an infection or inflammation. A high or a low white blood cell count could also be a sign of underlying cancer such as leukemia or lymphoma .

A low red blood cell or hemoglobin count typically indicates anemia (low blood). Anemia, typically seen as low hemoglobin or low hematocrit on the complete blood count, is a sign of an underlying disease and it is not a disease itself. Anemia can have many causes including blood loss, bone marrow problems, nutritional deficiencies, genetic hemoglobin structural or functional problems (sickle cell or thalassemia), or kidney failure . These are only the most common causes of anemia, and the list of all causes of anemia is very extensive. Anemia found in a complete blood count may be suggestive of ongoing slow blood loss and, therefore, can be used to detect cancers, such as colon cancer . If anemia is detected, usually the MCV and RDW give some additional clues as to the possible causes of anemia.

A low platelet count ( thrombocytopenia ) may also be detected in the complete blood count. This may be due to bone marrow problems, some medications or excessive alcohol use, immunologic or genetic problems, advanced liver disease , or cancers such as leukemia . The MPV may indicate how rapidly platelets are made in the bone marrow and released into the bloodstream. A high platelet count may also be suggestive of an inflammation or blood malignancy, such as leukemia and lymphoma .

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How to Read Blood Test Results

Last Updated: January 24, 2024 Fact Checked

This article was medically reviewed by Mandolin S. Ziadie, MD . Dr. Ziadie is a board certified Pathologist in South Florida. She specializes in renal, transplant, and pediatric Pathology and has over 12 years of experience. She earned her medical degree from the University of Miami School of Medicine in 2004 and completed her fellowship in Pediatric Pathology at Children’s Medical Center in 2010. There are 16 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 141,530 times.

At some point in their lives, almost everybody gets their blood taken by a health professional and has it analyzed in a laboratory. The most common blood test performed is a complete blood count (CBC), which measures all the different types of cells and formed elements in your blood, such as red blood cells (RBC), white blood cells (WBC), platelets and hemoglobin. [1] X Trustworthy Source National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute Research and education center within the National Institutes of Health Go to source Other test components can be added to the CBC, such as a cholesterol panel and blood glucose test. To best understand your health parameters and not have to completely rely on your doctor's interpretations, it's a good idea to learn to read your blood test results. Be sure to return to the doctor for follow-up discussions about test results when necessary.

Understanding the Basic CBC

• Once you're familiar with how blood tests are presented, you can quickly scan the page for the flagged abnormal results (if there are any), which will be labelled as either "L" for too low, or "H" for too high.
• You don't need to memorize the normal ranges of any measured component because they will always be printed alongside your test results as a handy reference.

• Normal RBC ranges are different between men and women. Men typically have 20-25% more RBCs because they tend to be larger and have more muscle tissue, which requires more oxygen.
• Hematocrit (the percentage of your blood made up by RBCs) and mean corpuscular volume (average volume of RBCs) are two ways of measuring RBCs and both values are normally higher in men because of their higher oxygen needs.

• Levels of both RBCs and hemoglobin are connected because hemoglobin is carried inside RBCs, although it's possible to have malformed RBCs without hemoglobin (termed sickle cell anemia).
• Many compounds "thin" the blood, which means that they inhibit platelet stickiness and prevent blood clotting. Common blood thinners include: alcohol, many types of drugs (ibuprofen, aspirin, heparin), garlic and parsley.
• A CBC also includes levels of eosinophil (Eos), polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), and mean cell hemoglobin concentration (MCHC).

Understanding Other Profiles and Tests

• HDL removes excess cholesterol from the blood and carries it to the liver for recycling. Desirable levels are above 50 mg/dL (ideally above 60 mg/dL). [10] X Research source Your HDL level is the only one that you want to be high on this type of blood test.
• LDL deposits excess cholesterol in blood vessel in response to injury and inflammation, which can trigger atherosclerosis (clogged arteries). Desirable levels are less than 130 mg/dL (ideally less than 100 mg/dL).

• People at serious risk for diabetes (often classified as "prediabetic") typically have blood glucose levels between 100-125 mg/dL.
• Other causes of high blood glucose include: severe stress, chronic kidney disease, hyperthyroidism and an inflamed or cancerous pancreas.
• Not enough blood glucose (less than 70 mg/dL) is called hypoglycemia and characteristic of taking too much insulin medication, alcoholism and organ failure (liver, kidneys, heart).

• Sodium is an electrolyte required for regulating fluid levels in the body and allowing nerves and muscles to work properly, but too much can lead to hypertension (high blood pressure) and increase your risk of heart attack. Normal levels are between 135-145 mEq/L. Other electrolytes, such as potassium, can be included in this section. [15] X Trustworthy Source University of California San Francisco Health Center Research hospital associated with UCSF, a leading medical university, providing innovative patient care and public health resources Go to source
• Liver enzymes (ALT and AST) become elevated in the blood due to liver injury or inflammation — often the result of consuming too much alcohol and/or drugs (prescription, over-the-counter and illicit), or from an infection such as hepatitis. Bilirubin, albumin and total protein can be included in this section.
• If your blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine levels are too high, that likely indicates problems with your kidneys. BUN should be between 7-21 mg/dL, [16] X Trustworthy Source University of Rochester Medical Center Leading academic medical center in the U.S. focused on clinical care and research Go to source whereas creatinine should be between 0.8-1.4 mg/dL. [17] X Trustworthy Source University of Rochester Medical Center Leading academic medical center in the U.S. focused on clinical care and research Go to source
• Other elements in a CMP include albumin, chloride, potassium, calcium, total protein, and bilirubin. Low or high levels of these elements can indicate the presence of disease.

Expert Q&A

• Remember that there are many factors that can skew the results of blood tests (advancing age, gender, stress levels, altitude / climate of where you live), so don't jump to any conclusions until you've had a chance to talk with your doctor. Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0
• You can learn all the units of measurement if you like, but it isn't needed as the number itself compared to the normal range is the important thing. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

• Understanding what your blood test results mean in relation to normal values is important for you to decipher, but only health professionals are qualified to interpret the results and use them as a guide for making an accurate diagnosis.

You Might Also Like

• ↑ https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/blood-tests
• ↑ https://labtestsonline.org/understanding/features/lab-report/
• ↑ https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/red-blood-cell-rbc-count/
• ↑ https://cancer.ca/en/treatments/side-effects/low-white-blood-cell-count
• ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diagnostics/17704-high-white-blood-cell-count
• ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/14430-thrombocytopenia
• ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/13350-thrombocytosis
• ↑ https://labtestsonline.org/understanding/analytes/lipid/tab/test/
• ↑ https://medlineplus.gov/cholesterollevelswhatyouneedtoknow.html
• ↑ https://labtestsonline.org/understanding/analytes/glucose/tab/test
• ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9815-hyperglycemia-high-blood-sugar
• ↑ https://labtestsonline.org/understanding/analytes/cmp/tab/test
• ↑ https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/comprehensive-metabolic-panel-cmp/
• ↑ https://www.ucsfhealth.org/medical-tests/sodium-blood-test
• ↑ https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/encyclopedia/content.aspx?contenttypeid=167&contentid=urea_nitrogen_serum
• ↑ https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/encyclopedia/content.aspx?ContentTypeID=167&ContentID=creatinine_serum

About This Article

Medical Disclaimer

The content of this article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, examination, diagnosis, or treatment. You should always contact your doctor or other qualified healthcare professional before starting, changing, or stopping any kind of health treatment.

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To read blood test results, scan the results and look for anything labeled "L," which means it's too low, or "H," which means it's too high. If you have a low red blood cell count, it could mean that you have anemia, whereas a high red blood cell count could indicate bone marrow disease. If you have a low white blood cell count, it could be because of a bone marrow issue or it could be a side effect of medications. A high white blood cell count could mean that your body is fighting an infection. To learn how to interpret other elements that are on blood test results, scroll down! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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Oncquest Blog- Your Health Guide

How to Read a Blood Test Report? 

Ever picked up your blood test report and felt like you were holding a puzzle without the picture? We get it – those numbers and terms can be a bit overwhelming. But fear not! This blog is your compass through the world of blood test reports, and we promise, no medical jargon will stand in your way. We’re here to break it down into plain and simple language, helping you grasp what those results mean for your well-being. So, let’s embark on this journey together, as we unravel the secrets behind those numbers and empower you to take control of your health narrative!

• 1 What is a Blood Test Report? 
• 2 Importance of Blood Test Report
• 3 Why do I Need to Get a Blood Test? 
• 4 Blood Test Abbreviations
• 5 Blood Test Results Components
• 6 Types of Blood Test
• 7 What is a Good Reading for a Blood Test? 
• 8 What is Unhealthy Blood Level? 
• 9 Why to Choose Oncquest Lab for Blood Test? 

What is a Blood Test Report? 

A blood test report is a document that provides detailed information about various components in your blood. It includes measurements of different blood cells, chemicals, and other substances, offering insights into your overall health and specific aspects such as cholesterol levels, blood sugar, and organ function. Doctors use these reports to assess your health, diagnose conditions, and monitor the effectiveness of treatments. Understanding the information in a blood test report helps individuals make informed decisions about their well-being and take proactive steps toward maintaining good health.

Importance of Blood Test Report

A blood test report holds significant importance in healthcare for several reasons:

1. Disease Detection and Diagnosis : Blood tests can detect various health issues, including infections, anemia, diabetes, and liver or kidney problems. They provide crucial information that aids in diagnosing diseases and conditions at an early stage.

2. Monitoring Health Conditions : For individuals with chronic conditions, regular blood tests help monitor the progression of diseases like diabetes, hypertension, or thyroid disorders. This allows healthcare professionals to adjust treatment plans as needed.

3. Risk Assessment : Blood test results can indicate the risk of developing certain health problems. For example, cholesterol levels can predict the risk of heart disease, while blood sugar levels are crucial for assessing diabetes risk.

4. Guiding Treatment : Blood test reports guide healthcare providers in determining appropriate treatments. Chemotherapy effectiveness, medication dosages, and the impact of interventions can be assessed through blood markers.

5. Nutritional Insights : Blood tests reveal levels of essential nutrients such as iron, vitamins, and minerals. This information helps in identifying nutritional deficiencies and enables appropriate dietary or supplement recommendations.

6. Liver and Kidney Function : Blood tests assess the functioning of vital organs like the liver and kidneys. Abnormalities in liver enzymes or kidney function markers can indicate potential issues that require attention.

7. Overall Health Monitoring : Blood tests provide a comprehensive overview of an individual’s health. By assessing factors like red and white blood cell counts, doctors can evaluate the body’s ability to fight infections and maintain overall well•being.

8. Preventive Health Measures : Regular blood tests contribute to preventive healthcare. Identifying potential health risks early allows for proactive measures to prevent the development or progression of diseases.

In essence, blood test reports serve as essential tools for both diagnosis and ongoing health management, playing a pivotal role in maintaining and improving overall well•being.

Why do I Need to Get a Blood Test? 

Getting a blood test is crucial for various reasons, helping you understand and monitor your overall health. Here are some key reasons why you might need to get a blood test:

1. Disease Detection : Blood tests can identify early signs of various diseases and conditions, including diabetes, anemia, infections, and liver or kidney problems. Early detection allows for prompt treatment and better outcomes.

2. Health Screening : Routine blood tests serve as a preventive measure to assess your overall health. They can reveal risk factors for conditions like heart disease, enabling you to make lifestyle changes or receive early interventions.

3. Monitoring Chronic Conditions : If you have a chronic condition such as diabetes or hypertension, regular blood tests help monitor your condition, evaluate the effectiveness of treatments, and adjust medications or lifestyle as needed.

4. Medication Management : Blood tests are often used to monitor the levels of medications in your system. This is crucial for medications with a narrow therapeutic range, ensuring that you are receiving the right dosage for optimal effectiveness.

5. Nutritional Assessment : Blood tests can reveal levels of essential nutrients, such as vitamins and minerals. This information helps identify nutritional deficiencies and guides dietary adjustments or supplementation.

6. Routine Health Check-ups : Even if you feel healthy, regular blood tests as part of routine check•ups provide a comprehensive picture of your health. They can catch potential issues before symptoms arise, allowing for early intervention.

7. Screening for Specific Conditions : Depending on your age, gender, and risk factors, healthcare providers may recommend specific blood tests for conditions such as cholesterol levels, thyroid function, or cancer markers.

8. Preventive Health Measures : Blood tests contribute to preventive healthcare by identifying risk factors and allowing you to make informed decisions about lifestyle changes, diet, and exercise to maintain or improve your health.

Overall, blood tests are valuable tools that empower you to take charge of your well-being. They provide insights into your health status, enabling timely interventions and proactive measures for a healthier and more fulfilling life.

Blood Test Abbreviations

Blood test results often use the metric system of measurement and various abbreviations, including:

• cmm: cells per cubic millimeter
• fL (femtoliter): fraction of one-millionth of a liter
• g/dL: grams per deciliter
• IU/L: international units per liter
• mEq/L: milliequivalent per liter
• mg/dL: milligrams per deciliter
• mL: milliliter
• mmol/L: millimoles per liter
• ng/mL: nanograms per milliliter
• pg (picograms): one-trillionth of a gram

When examining blood test reports, you may come across various abbreviations representing different components and measurements. Here are some common abbreviations and their meanings:

1. CBC: Complete Blood Count : Includes measurements of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.

2. WBC: White Blood Cell count : Indicates the number of white blood cells, crucial for the immune system.

3. RBC: Red Blood Cell count : Measures the number of red blood cells, responsible for carrying oxygen throughout the body.

4. Hb or Hgb: Hemoglobin : Represents the amount of oxygen-carrying protein in red blood cells.

5. Hct: Hematocrit : Indicates the percentage of blood volume occupied by red blood cells.

6. MCV: Mean Corpuscular Volume : Measures the average volume of red blood cells.

7. MCH: Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin : Indicates the average amount of hemoglobin in a red blood cell.

8. MCHC: Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin Concentration : Represents the concentration of hemoglobin in a red blood cell.

9. PLT or Platelets: Platelet count : Measures the number of platelets, essential for blood clotting.

10. MPV: Mean Platelet Volume : Indicates the average size of platelets.

11. CMP or Chem 7: Comprehensive Metabolic Panel : Includes measurements of electrolytes, glucose, kidney function, and liver function.

12. BUN: Blood Urea Nitrogen : Assesses kidney function by measuring the amount of nitrogen in the blood.

13. Cr or SCr: Creatinine : Another marker for kidney function, measuring waste elimination from the muscles.

14. ALT: Alanine Aminotransferase : Evaluates liver health by measuring an enzyme released during liver damage.

15. AST: Aspartate Aminotransferase : Another liver enzyme that helps assess liver function.

16. LDL: Low-Density Lipoprotein : Measures the amount of “bad” cholesterol in the blood.

17. HDL: High-Density Lipoprotein : Measures the amount of “good” cholesterol in the blood.

18. TG or Trig: Triglycerides : Assesses the level of fats in the blood.

Keep in mind that specific abbreviations may vary, and your blood test report might include additional markers based on the tests ordered by your healthcare provider. Always consult with your healthcare professional for a thorough interpretation of your blood test results.

Blood Test Results Components

Blood test results typically include various components that provide insights into different aspects of your health. Here are some common components and what they represent:

1. Complete Blood Count (CBC)

• Red Blood Cell (RBC) Count: Measures the number of red blood cells, which carry oxygen.
• White Blood Cell (WBC) Count: Indicates the number of white blood cells, crucial for the immune system.
• Hemoglobin (Hb or Hgb): Measures the amount of oxygen-carrying protein in red blood cells.
• Hematocrit (Hct): Indicates the percentage of blood volume occupied by red blood cells.
• Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV): Measures the average volume of red blood cells.
• Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin (MCH): Indicates the average amount of hemoglobin in a red blood cell.
• Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin Concentration (MCHC): Represents the concentration of hemoglobin in a red blood cell.
• Platelet Count: Measures the number of platelets, essential for blood clotting.

2. Blood Chemistry (Comprehensive Metabolic Panel – CMP):

• Glucose: Measures blood sugar levels.
• Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN): Assesses kidney function.
• Creatinine (Cr or SCr): Another marker for kidney function, measuring waste elimination from the muscles.
• Sodium, Potassium, Chloride: Electrolytes essential for various bodily functions.
• Calcium: Important for bone health and other physiological processes.
• Liver Enzymes (ALT, AST): Evaluate liver health.
• Total Protein, Albumin: Measures protein levels in the blood.

3. Lipid Panel:

• Total Cholesterol, LDL, HDL: Assess levels of different types of cholesterol.
• Triglycerides: Measures the level of fats in the blood.

4. Thyroid Function Tests:

• TSH (Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone): Evaluates thyroid function.
• Free T3, Free T4: Measures levels of thyroid hormones.

5. Hormone Levels: Testosterone, Estrogen, Progesterone: Assess reproductive hormone levels.

6. Inflammatory Markers: C•reactive Protein (CRP): Indicates inflammation in the body.

7. Vitamin and Mineral Levels: Vitamin D, B12, Ferritin, Iron: Measures levels of essential nutrients.

8. Kidney Function Markers: Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR): Assesses kidney function.

These are just a few examples, and the components included in your blood test may vary based on the tests ordered by your healthcare provider. Always consult with your healthcare professional for a thorough interpretation of your blood test results and any necessary follow-up actions.

Types of Blood Test

There are various types of blood tests, each designed to assess specific aspects of your health. Here are some common types of blood tests:

1. Complete Blood Count (CBC): Provides information about red and white blood cells, hemoglobin, and platelets.

2. Blood Chemistry (Comprehensive Metabolic Panel – CMP): Evaluates kidney function, liver function, blood sugar levels, electrolyte balance, and protein levels.

3. Lipid Panel: Measures cholesterol levels, including total cholesterol, LDL (low-density lipoprotein), HDL (high-density lipoprotein), and triglycerides.

4. Thyroid Function Tests: Assesses the functioning of the thyroid gland, including TSH (Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone), Free T3, and Free T4.

5. Blood Glucose Test: Measures the level of glucose (sugar) in the blood to assess for diabetes or prediabetes.

6. Hemoglobin A1c: Provides an average of blood sugar levels over the past few months, useful in managing diabetes.

7. Iron Studies: Assesses iron levels in the blood, including serum iron, total iron-binding capacity (TIBC), and ferritin.

8. Vitamin and Mineral Tests: Measures levels of essential nutrients like Vitamin D, Vitamin B12, and folate.

9. Coagulation Panel: Evaluates the blood’s ability to clot, including tests like PT (Prothrombin Time) and INR (International Normalized Ratio).

10. Hormone Tests: Measures levels of hormones such as testosterone, estrogen, and progesterone.

11. Inflammatory Markers: Includes tests like C-reactive protein (CRP) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) to assess inflammation.

12. Liver Function Tests: Assesses the health of the liver through markers like ALT (Alanine Aminotransferase) and AST (Aspartate Aminotransferase).

13. Kidney Function Tests: Includes markers like BUN (Blood Urea Nitrogen) and creatinine to evaluate kidney function.

14. Immunoglobulin Tests: Measures levels of immunoglobulins, important components of the immune system.

15. Genetic Tests: Identifies genetic markers associated with certain conditions or susceptibility to diseases.

16. Allergy Tests: Determines allergic reactions by measuring specific antibodies in the blood.

These are just a few examples, and the specific blood tests recommended for you may depend on your health history, symptoms, and the goals of your healthcare provider. Always consult with your healthcare professional to determine the most relevant tests for your specific situation.

What is a Good Reading for a Blood Test? 

“Good” readings for blood test results can vary depending on the specific test and individual health factors. Here are some general reference ranges for common blood tests:

1. Complete Blood Count (CBC):

• Red Blood Cell Count (RBC): 4.5 to 5.5 million cells/mcL
• White Blood Cell Count (WBC): 4,000 to 11,000 cells/mcL
• Hemoglobin (Hb or Hgb): 13.8 to 17.2 grams/dL (for adult males), 12.1 to 15.1 grams/dL (for adult females)
• Platelet Count: 150,000 to 450,000 platelets/mcL

2. Blood Chemistry (Comprehensive Metabolic Panel-CMP):

• Glucose: 70 to 100 mg/dL (fasting)
• Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN): 7 to 20 mg/dL
• Creatinine: 0.84 to 1.21 mg/dL
• Sodium: 135 to 145 mmol/L
• Potassium: 3.5 to 5.1 mmol/L
• Calcium: 8.6 to 10.3 mg/dL
• ALT (Alanine Aminotransferase): 7 to 56 units/L
• AST (Aspartate Aminotransferase): 5 to 40 units/L
• Total Cholesterol: Less than 200 mg/dL
• LDL (Low-Density Lipoprotein): Less than 100 mg/dL
• HDL (High-Density Lipoprotein): 40 mg/dL or higher (for males), 50 mg/dL or higher (for females)
• Triglycerides: Less than 150 mg/dL
• TSH (Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone): 0.4 to 4.0 mIU/L
• Free T3: 2.3 to 4.2 pg/mL
• Free T4: 0.8 to 1.8 ng/dL

5. Blood Glucose: Fasting Glucose: 70 to 100 mg/dL

It’s important to note that reference ranges may vary slightly between laboratories. Additionally, individual health conditions and factors can influence what is considered a “good” reading for a specific person. Always consult with your healthcare provider for a thorough interpretation of your blood test results and to discuss any necessary actions or adjustments based on your unique health situation.

What is Unhealthy Blood Level? 

Unhealthy blood levels can vary depending on the specific component being measured and individual health factors. Here are examples of blood levels that may be considered unhealthy:

• Low Hemoglobin (Hb) or Anemia: Below the lower limit of the reference range.
• High White Blood Cell (WBC) Count: Above the upper limit of the reference range may indicate infection or inflammation.
• Elevated Blood Glucose: Fasting glucose levels consistently above the normal range may indicate diabetes or prediabetes.
• Elevated Liver Enzymes (ALT, AST): Higher than the reference range may suggest liver damage or disease.
• Abnormal Kidney Function Markers (BUN, Creatinine): Values outside the reference range may indicate kidney dysfunction.
• High Total Cholesterol: Above the recommended range may be a risk factor for cardiovascular disease.
• High LDL (Low-Density Lipoprotein): Elevated levels are associated with an increased risk of heart disease.
• Low HDL (High-Density Lipoprotein): Below the recommended range may be a risk factor for heart disease.
• High Triglycerides: Above the normal range may be associated with an increased risk of heart disease.
• Elevated TSH (Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone): May indicate hypothyroidism.
• Abnormal Free T3 or Free T4: Values outside the normal range may suggest thyroid dysfunction.

5. Blood Glucose: Elevated Fasting Glucose: Consistently above the normal range may indicate diabetes.

It’s important to note that what is considered unhealthy can vary based on individual health conditions, age, and other factors. Reference ranges for blood tests are established to identify values outside the typical range for a general population. If your blood test results indicate levels outside the reference range, it is crucial to consult with your healthcare provider for a thorough evaluation and appropriate guidance based on your specific health situation.

Why to Choose Oncquest Lab for Blood Test? 

Choosing Oncquest Lab for your blood tests can be a prudent decision for several reasons, as highlighted by its reputation as one of the best pathology labs in India:

1. Accreditations and Trustworthiness: Oncquest Lab’s recognition as a leading pathology lab in India may be attributed to its accreditations and certifications, instilling confidence in the accuracy and reliability of its diagnostic services.

2. Extensive Test Offerings: As one of the best pathology labs, Oncquest Lab likely offers a comprehensive array of blood tests and diagnostic services. This diversity ensures that individuals can access a wide range of tests to meet their specific health needs.

3. Cutting-Edge Technology: The lab’s commitment to using advanced technology and modern diagnostic equipment reflects its dedication to providing precise and technologically advanced testing services.

4. Efficient Turnaround Time: Oncquest Lab’s reputation may include a commitment to delivering efficient and prompt test results. Quick turnaround times can be crucial for individuals seeking timely information for their health assessments.

5. Accessibility and Convenience: Being recognized as one of the best pathology labs implies that Oncquest Lab likely offers convenient locations or services, making it easily accessible to individuals. Home sample collection services, if available, add to the convenience factor.

6. Stringent Privacy Measures: The lab’s commitment to maintaining high standards of privacy and confidentiality is fundamental. Ensuring the security of personal health information is a key aspect of its professional service.

7. Transparent Pricing and Insurance Compatibility: Transparent pricing practices and clarity on insurance coverage can make the testing process more straightforward for individuals, allowing them to plan for their healthcare expenses effectively.

8. Positive Customer Experiences: Being regarded as the best pathology lab often comes from positive customer experiences. Reviews, testimonials, and recommendations from satisfied patients can attest to the lab’s reliability and the quality of its services.

Choosing Oncquest Lab for your blood tests aligns with the lab’s established reputation for excellence in pathology services. However, individual preferences and needs vary, so it’s always advisable to consult with your healthcare provider for personalized guidance on selecting the most suitable lab for your specific health requirements.

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Comprehensive guide to interpret blood test results [with stats].

Interpreting your blood test results can be a complicated business. Many factors need to be taken to account, such as what you ate or drank before the test, any medicines you may have been taking, and even the time of day your sample was collected. When you go to see your doctor with your results, she will help guide you through them, but if you’re still left scratching your head in confusion, don’t worry – we’re here to help!

Interpret Blood Test Results: High Cholesterol Levels

Your doctor will examine your blood test results and may recommend a lipid panel. This tests for things like total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL (bad) cholesterol, HDL (good) cholesterol, and others. If these numbers are outside of normal limits, you might be at risk for heart disease. According to some studies, up to 75 percent of people who develop heart disease have normal cholesterol levels when they receive their first screening. The term for high cholesterol that doesn't show up on a test is silent or subclinical hypercholesterolemia.

Read More: Comprehensive Guide To Testing Cholesterol

The normal range for total cholesterol is between 100 and 200 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL). The optimal range is between 160 and 190 mg/dL. Levels above 240 mg/dL are generally associated with heart disease risk but can vary depending on a person's overall health status. Triglycerides should be less than 150 mg/dL; anything higher than that puts you at risk for heart disease. LDL should be below 130 mg/dL for men and below 100 mg/dL for women; HDL is best at 60 mg/dL or above, but should not be lower than 40mg/dl in those who smoke.

For example, a total cholesterol level of 200 mg/dL is considered borderline high if you're 60 years old. If you're 40 years old and have a total cholesterol level of 180 mg/dL, your doctor would consider it high and recommend lifestyle changes to bring it down. A triglyceride level below 150 mg/dL is best for heart health. A healthy ratio of LDL to HDL should be less than 4 to 1.

Read More: Top 10 Foods To Lower Cholesterol

People in the United States Are Making Progress on High Cholesterol

About two-thirds of U.S. adults say they have had their cholesterol checked within the last 5 years.4

Most healthy adults should have their cholesterol checked every 4 to 6 years. Some people, such as people who have heart disease or diabetes or who have a family history of high cholesterol, need to get their cholesterol checked more often.

Top 3 Types Of Cholesterol & Function

Interpret Blood Test Results: Blood Test Abbreviations

Blood test results generally use the metric system of measurement and various abbreviations, including:

cmm: cells per cubic millimeter

fL (femtoliter): fraction of one-millionth of a liter

g/dL: grams per deciliter

IU/L: international units per liter

mEq/L: milliequivalent per liter

mg/dL: milligrams per deciliter

mL: milliliter

mmol/L: millimoles per liter

ng/mL: nanograms per milliliter

pg (picograms): one-trillionth of a gram

umol/L: micromoles per liter

Biomarkers for blood are vast in amount and can vary from lab to lab. However, here are a few common biomarkers for reference.

Red Blood Cell Count (RBC)

Hematocrit (Hc)

Hemoglobin (Hg)

Red Cell Distribution Width (RDW)

White Blood Cell Count (WBC)

Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV)

Mean Hemoglobin Volume (MHV)

High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL)

Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL)

High-Sensitivity C-reactive Protein (hs-CRP)

Total Cholesterol (TC)

Hemoglobin A1C (A1C)

• Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH)
• Free T3 (Triiodothyronine)
• Free T4 (Thyroxine)
• TPOab (Thyroid Peroxidase Antibody)

Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA)

There are many more and in no way is this an exhaustive list.

Liver Function - Interpret Blood Test Results

Traditional testing of liver function relies on serum biomarkers such as alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT), and total bilirubin (TBIL).

Elevated levels of ALT (alanine aminotransferase) and AST (aspartate aminotransferase) are commonly seen in people with liver disease. In fact, levels higher than 40 IU/L for either enzyme are considered abnormal. Elevated levels may indicate an acute (temporary) or chronic (long-term) hepatitis infection, a fatty liver condition known as steatohepatitis, or acute or chronic alcoholic liver disease.

This test may also be performed on people taking drugs that could damage their livers, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen, and other NSAIDs.

To help interpret your blood test results, it’s a good idea to have a basic understanding of how your liver works. This means knowing what these four key tests are designed to measure: The ALT and AST liver function tests check for an enzyme found in red blood cells called transaminases. It also checks for bilirubin, which is a byproduct of dead red blood cells that must be removed from your body by your liver.

These enzymes can become elevated if there’s damage or disease in your liver – but not always! Your body will naturally produce higher levels of both enzymes when you’re ill with any illness that causes fever, including influenza or pneumonia.

The serum bilirubin test checks for liver function and a red blood cell component called bilirubin.

Bilirubin can appear in your bloodstream as you age because our livers have less capacity to remove it from circulating blood. Bilirubin levels that are higher than normal may be seen in people with severe liver disease or a blockage of bile flow from your gallbladder (cholestasis). In some cases, especially early on in cholestasis, elevated levels may also be due to fatty deposits within your bile ducts (fatty cholestasis), even if there’s no evidence of true disease.

Chronic Liver Disease Stats In The USA

Number of adults with diagnosed liver disease: 4.5 million

Percent of adults with diagnosed liver disease: 1.8%

Source: Summary Health Statistics Tables for U.S. Adults: National Health Interview Survey, 2018

Number of deaths: 51,642

Deaths per 100,000 population: 15.7

Source: National Vital Statistics System – Mortality Data (2020) via CDC WONDER

Morbidity refers to an illness or disease. Mortality refers to death .

Kidney Function - Interpret Blood Test Results

Understanding your kidney function test results can help you learn about what’s going on with your kidneys. This can be a scary diagnosis, but keep in mind that most cases of kidney disease are treatable, and some even reversible. On average, you can expect to live two more decades after being diagnosed with end-stage renal disease. Still, it’s important to know how to interpret blood test results when it comes to your kidneys and overall health.

Biomarkers of kidney function can be used to estimate the severity and qualities of kidney injury. Conventional biomarkers for kidney function include serum creatinine (SCr), urine output (shifts in which may forego biochemical changes), and urine microscopy.

Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is often used to estimate how well your kidneys are functioning. GFR measures how much blood your kidneys filter, or remove, from your blood every minute. In simple terms, it’s a rough way of determining how much urine is being produced by your kidneys each day. Your doctor can use GFR results to estimate how long you might live with end-stage renal disease and to compare levels between healthy individuals and those who have kidney problems.

When you purchase a Lab Me Executive Health Test - your eGFR is automatically calculated and displays where you stand in terms of kidney disease.

Kidney function is measured in different ways, and each test result is expressed differently. Your kidney function can be measured by glomerular filtration rate (GFR), or how much of your blood is filtered by your kidneys each minute. It can also be estimated by calculating serum creatinine, which measures a waste product that's produced when muscle tissue breaks down due to physical activity. Both GFR and serum creatinine are used as estimates for how well your kidneys are functioning overall. Lowered GFR indicates a loss of kidney function and decreased ability to remove wastes from your blood.

Kidney function can be measured by one of three blood tests: serum creatinine, GFR, or urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio. These are not diagnostic but can suggest whether further testing is necessary and what that testing should look for. That’s why it’s important to get tested if you have symptoms such as protein in your urine and swelling in your legs, belly, or face.

Kidney Disease Statistics In The USA

Chronic kidney disease (CKD)

• According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Chronic Kidney Disease in the United States, 2021 External link report
• CKD is slightly more common in women (14%) than men (12%).
• CKD is more common in non-Hispanic Black adults (16%) than non-Hispanic white adults (13%) or non-Hispanic Asian adults (13%).
• About 14% of Hispanic adults have CKD.
• CKD is most common among people ages 65 or older (38%), followed by people ages 45 to 64 (12%) and people ages 18 to 44 (6%).

In 2018, adjusted mortality was more than twice as high among Medicare beneficiaries ages 66 years or older with CKD (96.0 per 1,000) compared with those without CKD (41.0 per 1,000).

Adjusted mortality dropped by nearly 15% in patients receiving hemodialysis and by nearly 20% in patients receiving peritoneal dialysis between 2009 and 2018.

Adjusted mortality is significantly lower in patients with a kidney transplant (48.9 per 1,000) compared with patients receiving dialysis (160.8 per 1,000).

*The United States Renal Data System 2020 Annual Data Report

Thyroid Function - Interpret Blood Test Results

A recent study in Italy showed that only half of the patients with thyroid disease had normal TSH levels, indicating that other thyroid hormone measures should be used when evaluating patients with possible hypothyroidism. Checking thyroid antibodies, for example, can help differentiate between Hashimoto’s disease and subclinical hypothyroidism. Patients with an elevated TSH and a negative anti-thyroid peroxidase antibody test are more likely to have subclinical hypothyroidism rather than Hashimoto’s disease.

One of these abnormalities is Hashimoto’s disease. This disorder is characterized by anti-thyroid peroxidase (anti-TPO) and/or anti-thyroglobulin (anti-Tg) antibodies, an elevated TSH, a suppressed or low total triiodothyronine (T3), and an elevated reverse T3.

A second condition, called subclinical hypothyroidism, is diagnosed when a patient has a low or normal TSH and slightly elevated serum T4 levels. This disorder should be suspected in patients with nonspecific symptoms such as fatigue and weight gain.

Inadequate thyroid hormone levels, or hypothyroidism, are diagnosed by an elevated TSH and low levels of both total T4 and free T4. This condition is frequently associated with fatigue, depression, weight gain, constipation, high cholesterol, and other symptoms. The most common cause of hypothyroidism is Hashimoto’s disease. It’s thought that as many as 90 percent of people with Hashimoto’s disease have a goiter.

Hyperthyroidism is usually due to an overactive thyroid gland. Causes include Graves’ disease, toxic nodular goiter, multinodular goiter, and subacute thyroiditis. Treatments may include medication (antithyroid drugs), radioactive iodine treatment, or surgery to remove part of or all of the thyroid gland.

TSH normal values are 0.5 to 5.0 mIU/L. Pregnancy, a history of thyroid cancer, a history of pituitary gland disease, and older age are some situations when TSH is optimally maintained in different ranges as guided by an endocrinologist. FT4 normal values are 0.7 to 1.9ng/dL.

T3 is typically only checked in patients with suspected hyperthyroidism or for a patient suspected of having thyroid cancer. T3 levels are normal if less than 100ng/dL. T4 normal values are 4.0 to 12ng/dL, and free T4 is 0.8 to 2ng/dL.

Test your thyroid at home using Lab Me . It includes the following biomarkers:

• TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone)

If you are looking for a more comprehensive at-home thyroid test, consider the Lab Me Comprehensive Thyroid test which includes:

• Thyroxin (T4)
• Free T3 – Triiodothyronine
• Thyroglobulin (Tgbn)
• Free Triiodothyronine (fT3)
• Free Thyroxin (fT4)
• Thyroid Peroxidase Antibodies (TPOab)

The Lab Me at home comprehensive thyroid test allows you to see if you have too little, or too much, iodine and selenium, and/or exposure to the iodine/selenium antagonists bromine, arsenic, and mercury; full assessment of thyroid health, including screening for hypo or hyperthyroidism, determines Free T4 and Free T3 levels, testing for autoimmune thyroid disease, and monitoring thyroid replacement dosages.

Further Lab Testing

A number of other tests are also frequently ordered, including Complete blood count (CBC): Used to determine if you have anemia or infection and to monitor your overall health. Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP): A test used to detect several medical conditions, including diabetes, kidney disease, high cholesterol, and fatty liver. Lipid panel: An evaluation of your cholesterol levels. Liver function tests: A screening of your liver's health. Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) test: An evaluation of thyroid health. Autoimmune panels (such as anti-thyroid antibodies or antinuclear antibodies) may be performed if autoimmune disease is suspected.

In addition to your disease-focused blood test results, you may also receive information about other lab values, such as Normal range is a statistical measure of typical health in a population. It can be used for estimating your risk for certain diseases or conditions and for comparing different populations (such as men versus women).

If your lab value falls outside of the normal range, it doesn't necessarily mean that you have an abnormal condition. However, it does mean that there is reason to further investigate and consider treatment options. The reference range is a medical term referring to ranges defined by laboratory tests based on a large number of previous patient samples or volunteers with specific characteristics that may not match yours exactly.

Understanding your test results is a team effort. It’s important to work with your healthcare provider and/or lab to understand what you can do to improve your health and what steps to take next. Your healthcare team will help you assess your results, discuss which options are right for you, and guide you in finding new or better treatment options as they become available. If you're experiencing any health problems or have specific concerns about your health, it's always a good idea to speak with a medical professional.

A family doctor or other general practitioner is an excellent resource for general medical advice, managing symptoms, and staying healthy on a day-to-day basis.

Complete Blood Counts (CBC) - Interpret Blood Test Results

A complete blood count (CBC) is a routine test used to check for a variety of things, including red and white blood cell counts, platelet count, hemoglobin levels, and hematocrit levels.

Complete blood counts are most commonly used to test for anemia, which is when your red blood cells aren’t carrying enough oxygen. Your doctor may also order a CBC to help diagnose or monitor other conditions, including infections, leukemias, and other cancers, liver problems, kidney diseases, bleeding disorders, and various inflammatory conditions. A CBC with different tests on it – such as a complete blood count with differential – can give you more information about your blood cell makeup and health status. In some cases, you may need more than one CBC in order to get all of that information. Read More: Lymphocytes May Predict Early Death

What Are Red Blood Cells Made Of? (Hint: It's not just hemoglobin) ​

Red blood cell normal ranges are given as a percentage. Hemoglobin, RBC count, and hematocrit values may be given in units of grams per deciliter (g/dL) or as a percentage. The most common cause of abnormal RBC counts is Iron-Deficiency Anemia - Interpret Blood Test Results: You may have iron deficiency anemia if you have a low red blood cell count, especially if you also feel tired, dizzy, or lightheaded. This type of anemia is sometimes called iron deficiency anemia because it's often caused by having too little iron in your body. Anemic just means that you don't have enough red blood cells.

A normal range in adults is generally considered to be 4.35 to 5.65 million red blood cells per microliter (mcL) of blood for men and 3.92 to 5.13 million red blood cells per mcL of blood for women. In children, the threshold for high red blood cell count varies with age and sex.

What does a low red blood count mean?

A low red blood cell count means you have anemia, a condition that could be caused by a variety of factors like blood loss, genetic disorders, cancer treatments, and other causes. Discovering anemia is often the starting point to diagnosing an underlying condition. Red blood cells carry oxygen in the blood.

What happens if the RBC count is high?

What is a high red blood cell count? A high red blood cell count is a condition called polycythemia vera. If you have this medical condition, it means that your bone marrow is producing too many red blood cells. This can result in thickening of the blood, slow flow of blood, and eventually blood clots.

White blood cell (WBC) count

Also known as leukocytes, white blood cells are a major component of the body’s immune system. A high white blood cell count can indicate the presence of infection, while a low count can point towards various conditions, including HIV/AIDS and lupus.

What is a low white blood cell count? Low levels of white blood cells can be due to multiple reasons, including lifestyle choices, certain medications, or underlying infections. Many diseases, such as HIV infection and lymphoma, have lower WBC counts as a symptom.

A condition called reactive hypogammaglobulinemia might also explain low WBC counts if you have experienced recurrent infections. As in the case of anemia, most of these conditions are diagnosed based on results from other tests (e.g., HIV/AIDS may be detected via a combination of CD4+ T-cell counts and viral load).

The CBC tests the five main components of white blood cells and their proportion to each other. If the components are out of balance, this could indicate an infection, as well as a variety of medical conditions. Healthy proportions for each are:

• Neutrophils: 40 to 60 percent of the total
• Lymphocytes: 20 to 40 percent
• Monocytes: 2 to 8 percent
• Eosinophils: 1 to 4 percent
• Basophils: 0.5 to 1 percent

Lab Me is the first company in the world to provide an at-home CBC with a differential. Learn more here .

Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP) - Interpret Blood Test Results

The comprehensive metabolic panel test, also known as a chemistry panel, measures the body’s glucose levels, fluid and electrolyte balance, as well as liver and kidney function. It consists of a number of sub-tests:

Albumin test

Normal: 3.4 to 5.4 g/dL (34 to 54 g/L)

Albumin is a protein produced by the liver. Its volume within the organ can be measured via this test. Abnormal levels can be caused by liver or kidney problems.

Total protein test

Normal: 6.0 to 8.3 g/dL (60 to 83 g/L)

The lab tests the ratio of two types of proteins: albumin and globulin. Low protein levels can indicate various conditions, including liver and kidney disorders and malnutrition, while high levels can be a sign of inflammation, infection or bone marrow disorder.

Alanine aminotransferase (ALT)

Normal: 4 to 36 U/L

Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) is an enzyme mostly produced by liver cells. High levels can be an indication of liver damage.

Normal: 0.1 to 1.2 mg/dL (2 to 21 µmol/L)

The lab tests for kidney and liver dysfunction which is useful in diagnosing conditions such as neonatal jaundice, anemia, and liver diseases.

Blood urea nitrogen (BUN)

Normal: 6 to 20 mg/dL (2.14 to 7.14 mmol/L)

This test measures the volume of nitrogen in the blood. High levels can be caused by kidney damage or disease, while low levels may be a sign of malnutrition or severe liver damage.

Calcium test

Normal: 8.5 to 10.2 mg/dL (2.13 to 2.55 mmol/L)

This test measures the levels of calcium in the blood. If testing indicates low levels, this can indicate under-active parathyroid glands, insufficient calcium in your diet, or Vit D insufficiency, and other less common conditions.

High levels can indicate conditions including overactive parathyroid glands, excessive Vit D supplementation, kidney problems as well as more concerning causes that usually require further investigation. Proper interpretation of calcium levels often requires testing of other parameters such as total serum protein and albumin.

Alkaline phosphatase

Normal: 20 to 130 U/L

Alkaline phosphatase is an enzyme typically produced in liver and bone cells. Results outside of the normal levels can signal liver damage and bone problems such as rickets or bone tumors.

Aspartate aminotransferase

Normal: 8 to 33 U/L

Aspartate aminotransferase is an enzyme usually found in RBCs and muscle tissue, as well as the heart, pancreas, liver, and kidneys. This test measures the levels of this enzyme in the body, with results above the healthy range indicating a variety of conditions, including some types of cancer, as well as liver, heart, or kidney damage.

Normal: 96 to 106 mEq/L (96 to 106 mmol/L)

This test measures the body’s chloride levels. An increased level of chloride can indicate dehydration as well as kidney disorders and adrenal gland dysfunction.

Normal: 0.6 to 1.3 mg/dL (53 to 114.9 µmol/L)

Creatinine is a chemical waste molecule that is important for creating muscle energy. Increased levels of creatinine can be a sign of kidney dysfunction.

Fasting blood sugar

Normal: 70 to 100 mg/dL (3.9 to 5.6 mmol/L)

Blood sugar levels are easily affected by recent food or drink intake. The fasting blood sugar test is therefore done after a minimum of six hours of fasting. Abnormal results can indicate diabetes, among other medical conditions.

Normal: 2.8 to 4.5 mg/dL

The lab tests the amount of phosphorus in the blood. Elevated levels can indicate problems with the kidneys and parathyroid glands, and they may be a sign of malnutrition or alcohol abuse.

Potassium test

Normal: 3.7 to 5.2 mEq/L (3.70 to 5.20 mmol/L)

Potassium aids the communication between nerves and muscles regulates the heart and maintains muscle function. Diuretics (a substance or medication used to increase urination) can cause potassium levels to fall.

Sodium test

Normal: 135 to 145 mEq/L (135 to 145 mmol/L)

Sodium is a mineral that aids nerve impulses and muscle contractions, as well as balancing water levels. Irregularities are a possible indication of dehydration, adrenal gland disorders, corticosteroids, and kidney or liver disorders.

All in all, a comprehensive metabolic panel is just one way to analyze your body’s unique chemistry and biomarkers to learn more about your wellness journey. There are no perfect CMP results for everyone. Instead, it’s best to think of a CMP as a learning experience you can use to improve the effects of your future workouts, dieting plans, and supplement choices.

Interested in beta-testing Lab Me's at home CMP? Contact us and let us know.

Testing Your Blood At-Home With Lab Me

Lab Me is a convenient and affordable way to run a blood test from home. You can get your lab results back online or with a phone call. LabMe offers the most comprehensive and affordable at-home blood tests available. You can buy a package deal on their website for an additional discount. Prices vary depending on what test you need to be done; in most cases, each test costs less than $70!

Lab Me is the first in the world to offer tests such as the CBC with differential , CMP, Neurotransmitters , and more.

Lab Me will ship you a test kit in 2-3 business days. After you collect your sample, follow the instructions to place it in a prepaid box and mail it back. Lab Me may take up to 7 days to process results after they receive your package. However, typically results are published 48 hours after the sample is received by the lab.

Learn more about Lab Me's accuracy and labs here.

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Lab Test Results: What to Expect

If you’re waiting for lab test results to come back or you’re trying to figure out what they mean, the process and all those medical terms and numbers can be confusing.

There are thousands of lab tests, and their results can mean different things. But a few general guidelines can help shed some light.

How do doctors use lab tests?

Nobody likes to get poked with a needle or pee in a cup. But lab tests are important tools, and doctors use them in a few different ways:

• To check on how you’re doing generally, like cholesterol or blood sugar tests when you have a physical
• To answer a specific question, like “Do you have strep throat ?”
• To track an ongoing condition or see how treatment is working

How long does it take to get results?

That depends on the test. Some can be done right in the office or a nearby lab, so you may have the results that day or the next. Other tests may take days or weeks, especially if they have to be sent to a specific kind of lab.

Before you leave your doctor’s office, ask when you’ll know the results. And ask the office staff to let you know when they’re in. (Some offices might not call if you don’t request it, especially if the results are in the normal range. Some offices also have options to allow access to your lab results on patient portals)

What do my results mean?

Here are a few things to look for:

Positive vs. Negative. Some lab tests answer yes-or-no questions like whether you’re pregnant or have certain kinds of infections. These results are usually written as “positive” or “negative.” In this case, positive doesn’t necessarily mean “good” and negative doesn’t necessarily mean “bad.” Instead:

• Positive: The lab found whatever your doctor was testing for. So if you had a test for strep throat, testing positive means you do have strep throat.
• Negative: The lab didn’t find whatever you were tested for. A negative result for strep throat means that the lab didn’t find any strep bacteria in the sample, so you probably don’t have it.

Sometimes, the result might be “inconclusive.” That means the lab doesn’t have a clear yes or no answer based on your sample. Your doctor may want you to do the test again or have another kind of test.

Reference Ranges. A lot of lab test results don’t give clear answers. Instead, they’re shown as a number -- like your cholesterol levels .

These numbers don’t mean anything on their own, so you have to see how yours compare to a healthy range called your “reference range” or “reference value.” You’ll see this range on the lab test results.

Are lab test results always right?

While they do have to meet very high standards, they can be wrong sometimes. For example, you might get a false positive (the results say you have the condition you were tested for, but you really don’t) or a false negative (the results say you don’t have a condition, but you really do).

Lots of things can affect certain lab test results, like:

• Fasting vs nonfasting
• Being well hydrated vs dehydrated
• Medications
• Intense physical activity
• Some foods (like avocados , walnuts, and licorice)
• Colds or infections
• Some medications or drugs

When you get your results, ask your doctor how accurate the test is. If your doctor thinks your results may not be right, they may recommend that you do the test again or take a different test.

What if my lab results aren’t “normal”?

It’s easy to be concerned if you see words like “abnormal” on your results. But that’s not all that unusual. For example, if your results are just outside the reference range, it may not necessarily be a problem.

If you’re worried about any of your results or have any questions, call your doctor’s office. You can talk to a nurse or schedule an appointment with your doctor to talk about them. They can help you understand what your results mean for you.

Lab Test Tips

Always keep a copy of your results. This can be useful in case you switch doctors, need to show them to a specialist, or just want to look at them again later.

Remind your doctor if you take medications or have a health condition that can affect your results. That should be in your record, but it’s still a good idea to mention it.

Be honest if you didn’t follow the instructions. With some lab tests, you’re supposed to fast (not eat), or not do certain activities, eat certain foods, or take certain drugs. If you forget and mess up, don’t worry -- just tell your doctor before you do the test. It’s not a big deal to reschedule, and it’s a waste of time to get the test if the results won’t be right.

Make sure your doctor always uses the same lab to do your tests if possible. It can be hard to compare results from different labs because they may approach the test differently. For example, one lab might have different ranges for “normal” and “abnormal” than another.

Ask your doctor questions about your results like:

• Why did I need this test?
• What exactly does this test result mean?
• How accurate is this test?
• When will I need to do this test again?
• Based on my results, do I need treatment or other tests?

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cholesterol health center / cholesterol a-z list / cholesterol test article

Cholesterol Test

• Medical Author: Benjamin Wedro, MD, FACEP, FAAEM
• Medical Editor: Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD

What is cholesterol?

What does a cholesterol test measure, how do i prepare for a cholesterol test, do i need to call my doctor for my test results.

Cholesterol is a naturally occurring fat that the body needs to produce important structures and chemicals. It is one of the main components of cell membranes, the outer lining that protects the internal structures that make body cells work and function properly. Cholesterol is also a building block for many of the hormones in the body including mineralocorticoids that control electrolyte levels in the body, glucocorticoids involved in carbohydrate metabolism , and sex hormones including testosterone, estrogen , and progesterone . Cholesterol is one of the building blocks that assists in forming vitamin D in the body. Vitamin D is responsible for calcium metabolism in the body.

There are two important types of cholesterol, high density lipoprotein (HDL ) and low density lipoprotein (LDL) . LDL is the bad cholesterol that deposits in arteries when too much is present. HDL is considered the good cholesterol because it can bind to LDL cholesterol and return it to the liver where it can be removed from the body.

While most of the cholesterol in the body is obtained through the foods we eat, it is also produced in the liver to meet the body's demands. The body attempts to regulate the amount of total cholesterol, but when too much cholesterol is present, the excess can be deposited in arteries throughout the body. This leads to artery narrowing and increases the risk of heart attack , stroke , and peripheral vascular disease . Elevated LDL levels increase the risk of these diseases, and elevated HDL levels decrease the risk.

Cholesterol tests are blood tests that measure the amount of cholesterol in the body. The health care professional may order only a cholesterol test with results showing:

• The total cholesterol,
• LDL levels.

In addition to cholesterol level, the health-care professional also may order a lipid profile test.  The lipid profile test will also measure triglyceride levels and another fatty substance found in the blood.

For the best and most accurate results, it is important to fast for many hours before the cholesterol blood test is taken. Each laboratory has its own guidelines for not eating, and the fast may range from 9-16 hours. It is acceptable to drink water.

It usually takes a day or two from the time the blood is drawn until your health care professional receives the results of the cholesterol test. Ideally, the health care professional will contact you with those results and explain their significance. However, if you have not been contacted in a short period of time, it is reasonable to contact your health care professional and ask for the test results.

There are home cholesterol test kits available that have been U.S. FDA approved, but their accuracy is not necessarily as good as that of a certified laboratory. These tests usually measure total cholesterol only, but some also can measure HDL, LDL, and cholesterol. If you use one of the home kits, it is wise to discuss the results with your health-care professional.

The purpose of the cholesterol blood test is to determine whether treatment is needed for high cholesterol . That treatment may include dietary and lifestyle modifications, medications, or both to control cholesterol levels and decrease the risk of heart disease , stroke , and peripheral vascular disease .

How do I interpret my cholesterol test results?

Cholesterol levels are but one of the risk factors for heart disease , stroke , and peripheral vascular disease . It is important to control cholesterol levels to minimize risk just as it is important to control diabetes , high blood pressure , and avoid smoking .

Guidelines for cholesterol levels have been developed by many health organizations including the American Heart Association. It is important to remember that tests may need to be repeated over time to help monitor treatment and disease risk prevention . 

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Blood tests

A blood test is often done to check your health, or to find out why you're having certain symptoms. It involves having a small amount of your blood taken for testing.

Why a blood test is done

There are lots of reasons why you may need a blood test.

A blood test may be done to:

• check your general health
• find out if symptoms you're having are caused by certain conditions
• find out if you're more likely to get a condition
• find out how well a condition is being treated or managed

How to get a blood test

If a healthcare professional such as a GP, nurse or a specialist thinks you need a blood test they will tell you how to book one.

Preparing for a blood test

The GP, nurse, or specialist should tell you if you need to do anything to prepare for a blood test.

For example, for a short time before some tests, you may need to:

• not eat or drink anything other than water (fast)
• stop taking certain medicines, such as medicines to help prevent blood clots (anticoagulant medicines)

What happens at a blood test

A blood test is usually done at a GP surgery or hospital. The test usually takes about 10 minutes.

A healthcare professional will take a small amount of blood, usually from the inside of your elbow, using a needle. Sometimes blood may be taken from your wrist, or your finger (called a finger-prick test).

A soft strap (tourniquet) may be put around your arm first. This helps to make taking blood easier.

You’ll feel a scratch as the needle goes in, which may be a bit uncomfortable. Your blood will be collected in a small tube which will be sent to a lab for testing.

After the test, you'll usually be given some cotton wool or a plaster to cover the area where the blood was taken.

You may get some bruising or swelling around the area where your blood was taken, but this should go away after a few days.

If you're worried about needles

Tell the healthcare professional doing your blood test if you're worried about needles. They can help you feel more comfortable during the test.

You can also bring someone with you to the blood test to support you.

Getting your blood test results

You may get your blood test results after a few days, and usually within a few weeks.

If you do not hear anything after a few weeks, contact the GP surgery or specialist.

The GP, nurse, or specialist should talk to you about your results and explain what happens next.

If your results do not show anything, you may not need to do anything else. Sometimes you may need other tests, depending on why you had the blood test.

Ask to talk to a healthcare professional if you have questions about your results, or do not understand them.

View your results online

Results of tests you had at your GP surgery, and results that have been shared with your GP surgery, may be available in your online GP health record.

View test results in your GP health record

Find out more

• Find out more about types of blood tests from the Lab Tests Online UK website

Page last reviewed: 02 November 2023 Next review due: 02 November 2026

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Our Expert Explains How To Understand Your Blood Reports?

Blood tests are the one of the first things that doctors suggest when one is suffering from any kind of sickness or disease..

Blood tests are helpful in diagnosing diseases and infections in the body

• Blood tests are helpful in diagnosing most diseases and infections.
• Experts suggest that blood tests should be interpreted only by doctors.
• Repeated blood tests leads to dual treatment of patients.

Blood tests are something which we might have had at a very young age. Most conditions are diagnosed via a blood test report, including any kidney-related problems or checking for diseases like dengue and chikungunya. Blood tests, sometimes called blood panels, are one of a physician's most basic tools. A doctor can see a detailed report about the nutrients, blood sugar levels and also how various organs like kidney and liver are functioning. However, in case of emergencies, one must be acquainted with the technical know-how of a blood report, because we can never estimate an odd situation coming our way.

In order to give us a detailed analysis of a blood test reports, what all it diagnoses and the do's of and don'ts of getting a blood test done, Dr. Satya Prakash Yadav, , shares his expertise:

What all does a basic blood test report state?

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The most common kind of blood test is called "Complete Blood Count (CBC)". This type of blood test is advised to people who are not feeling well, have fever etc. The test is used for checking haemoglobin (Hb) levels, white blood cells and platelets. It is a very useful, simple and fast test.

Things to check in a blood report

Usually, a blood test report will tell you in H (High) or L (Low) of your haemoglobin, blood sugar levels, etc. If your Hb is low, it means that you have anaemia and you need medical treatment to improve it.

Check for thalassemia

Thalassemia is a common problem in north India. Some people who are generally healthy and have 11-12 units of Hb, too can have thalassemia. Thalassemia is a condition of low haemoglobin and red blood cells (RBCs) which are small in size, and are decreasing in number. In cases with low Hb and small RBCs which are increasing in size, it means they have thalassemia minor.

Thalassemia patients have smaller RBCs (but more in number than people who are iron deficient). A child of two thalassemia minor patients results in a thalassemia major baby. Thalassemia major is a condition in which the child is dependent on blood transfusion for his entire life. The child has to get blood transfusions every month to survive.

However, having such kind of a child is totally preventable. CBC can be done during pregnancy and if both parents are diagnose of having thalassemia minor, they should probably avoid child birth. The reason behind this is that huge amount of money which goes in regular blood transfusions.

White blood cells (WBCs)

If the blood test report shows increase/decrease in WBC, then there are chances of infections, and other diseases. One must seek medical help in this case.

Low number of platelets is a cause of concern. In case the report shows below 10,000 platelets count, a special test needs to be done to diagnose the real problem.

Also, an increase in the number of platelets, is indicative of anaemia, or some infection in the chest or brain. High platelets ascertain that there can be some serious disorder and need to be further diagnosed.

What are the key areas that need to be checked in a blood test report?

One should check for Hb levels, or any other iron or vitamin deficiency. Normal values of these are mentioned in the report. If there is anything above or below normal level, they need further attention of the doctor to intervene.

For instance, there are times when you have increased Hb. You have high fever for four days and you get a blood test done. In case your haemoglobin comes down to 16, normally which is 13 and 14, there are chances of you having dengue. In dengue, your blood vessels become leaky. If one appears very red physically and has high haemoglobin, it means that their blood pressure (BP) is soon going to drop and they will soon begin to feel very weak. One should seek medical help immediately.

Whereas, usually in dengue, people think that platelet count is a big trouble. But more than that, one has to focus on Hb. Also read our expert advice:  What do high levels of TLC and DLC mean?

How often must one get a blood test done?

Anyone who is above 40 must get a blood test done at least once a year, in which a complete blood count is done. Also, patients suffering from diabetes, kidney or liver problems must also get regular blood tests done. Also read:  What Do High TLC And DLC Levels On A Blood Test Report Mean?

When must one avoid blood tests?

In dengue fever, for instance, people have a block in their minds that their platelet count is going to tell about their well-being, and that's why they get blood tests done repeatedly. As mentioned above, platelets are not required to be checked unless they fall below 10,000, and Hb is the main cause of concern. Repeated blood tests lead to leads to dual treatment of patients, which can have many side effects.

However, blood test report must always be checked by a doctor, recommends our expert Dr. Gita Prakash. "One must show their blood test report to a doctor because how one interprets a blood test report may or may not be correct. And if one interprets it wrong, then it is like deliberately putting yourself in a question mark situation. You may not know the reason behind the results. Maybe it is an allergy or maybe it is much more than that, but you can never be sure of it. So you must get your blood test report

(Dr. Gita Prakash is a family physician at Max Multi Speciality Hospital, Panchsheel Park)

(Dr. Satya Prakash Yadav is director, department of haemotology and medical oncology, Medanta)

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Understanding Your MPV Blood Test Results

This test measures mean platelet volume in your blood

• What It Reveals
• How to Prepare
• What to Expect
• Influencing Factors

The mean platelet volume (MPV) blood test measures the average size of your  platelets , the cells responsible for forming blood clots to slow blood loss, prevent infection, and promote healing.

A healthcare professional may want to check your MPV levels if you have symptoms of a bleeding or bone marrow disorder, such as prolonged bleeding or small red/purple spots on the skin. MPV blood test results cannot confirm a diagnosis but are considered alongside other measures to help reach one.

This article discusses what to expect with an MPV blood test and how MPV levels are interpreted. It also covers conditions associated with high and low MPV results.

TEK IMAGE/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY / Getty Images

What Does an MPV Test Tell You?

The MPV blood test measures the average size of your platelets. This measurement, along with other testing, is used to diagnose or monitor a number of blood-related conditions.

When platelets are not functioning as they should, they interfere with hemostasis (stopping of blood flow) and thrombosis (clotting).

How to Prepare for an MPV Blood Test

Typically, you don't have to do anything to prepare for an MPV blood test.

An MPV blood test may be run on its own or as part of a complete blood count (CBC), which measures MPV and other components of your blood.

If you are having other blood work done at the same time as your MPV test, your healthcare provider may want you to fast (avoid eating or drinking anything but water) for several hours beforehand. Your healthcare team will let you know if this is necessary.

If you're not sure, ask so you can avoid having to be re-tested.

What to Expect During an MPV Blood Test

All that's needed for an MPV test is a sample of your blood. A healthcare professional will use a small needle to draw blood from a vein in your arm into a test tube.

Once the blood is drawn, your provider will place a bandage on your arm. The whole thing usually takes less than five minutes. You may have slight pain or bruising at the spot where the needle was put in.

The blood is sent to a lab, where your MPV is evaluated. Your healthcare provider will get a report with the results and communicate them to you.

How MPV Is Written on Your Lab Results

The size of your platelets is written with a measurement called femtoliters. A normal MPV is 7.5 to 12 femtoliters.

Should I Worry About High MPV?

A high MPV (more than 12 femtoliters) is usually a sign that there are more young platelets circulating in your bloodstream.

One reason for this is blood loss due to trauma or a procedure , such as major surgery. In these instances, your body uses up platelets to repair the wound and stop the blood loss. In response, your bone marrow makes more megakaryocytes , cells that become young, large platelets, and your MPV rises.

But blood loss isn't the only possible cause for high MPV, which is why additional investigation is needed. In particular, MPV results are considered alongside platelet count .

A high MPV with the following platelet counts can suggest associated conditions:

• Low platelet count and high MPV  occurs when platelets are destroyed, usually by antibodies, an infection, or toxins. For example,  immune thrombocytopenic purpura  (ITP) is a platelet deficiency caused by the destruction of platelets without a known cause.
• High platelet count and high MPV  can occur when the bone marrow makes too many platelets, typically due to a genetic mutation or cancer.
• Normal platelet count and high MPV  suggests conditions such as hyperthyroidism or chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML), a type of cancer.

A normal platelet count is 150,000 to 450,000 platelets per microliter of blood.

Conditions that may be associated with an elevated MPV and variable platelet counts include:

• Genetic conditions like Bernard-Soulier disease (giant platelet syndrome)
• Diabetes mellitus
• Heart disease , artificial heart valves, and heart arrhythmia like atrial fibrillation
• Hyperthyroidism
• Non-alcoholic liver disease
• Sickle cell disease
• Pre-eclampsia (toxemia of pregnancy) and  HELLP syndrome
• Sepsis and septic shock
• Ulcerative colitis

Research studies have found links between elevated MPV and other causes, including:

• Respiratory diseases including chronic sinusitis and tuberculosis
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Digestive cancers (gastric, colorectal, liver, pancreas)
• Vitamin D deficiency

What Does It Mean When Your MPV Is Low?

Low MPV levels (less than 8 femtoliters) generally suggest that most of your platelets are older and that your bone marrow has slowed down production of these cells.

Here too, your total platelet count can help provide insight about the cause.

Illustration by Laura Porter for Verywell Health

A low MPV with the following platelet counts can suggest related conditions:

• Low platelet count and low MPV  points toward bone marrow disorders that slow down or decrease the production of platelets, such as  aplastic anemia .
• High platelet count and low MPV  often signifies an infection, inflammation, or cancer.
• Normal platelet count and low MPV  is common with chronic kidney failure.

Conditions that may be associated with a low MPV and variable platelet counts include:

• Appendicitis
• Gallbladder disease
• Alcohol use disorder

Platelet destruction is common in people diagnosed with HIV/AIDS . Changes to MVP also can occur in people with iron deficiency anemia, or those treated with chemotherapy medications.

MPV as a Cancer Biomarker

Mean platelet volume (MPV) is increasingly used as a biomarker in cancer care, including breast cancer , lung cancer, thyroid cancer, bladder cancer , and multiple myeloma . While MPV changes do occur with cancer, study results have been mixed and more research is needed to understand the significance of MPV levels.

Other Factors That Can Affect MPV Test Results

It's possible for MPV results to be high or low due to factors unrelated to disease or a specific condition. Platelet volume (and count) can be affected by factors such as:

• Those who live at high altitudes may have a high MPV, which may be a possible risk factor for heart disease. Mean platelet count has been shown to be higher in people living at altitude than they are among people living at lower altitudes.
• Smoking and high glucose levels (without a diagnosis of diabetes) have all been associated with a high MPV.
• Oral contraceptives, though the results are mixed on how they affect MPV
• Certain medications can affect platelet count

Information about your health history, lifestyle, and environment should be carefully considered when a practitioner is interpreting MPV results. Be sure to share any such information with them so they can take it into account.

A mean platelet volume (MPV) test is done using a sample of blood. It shows how big your platelets are. If the cells are smaller than usual, you have a low MPV. If they are larger than usual, this is a high MPV.

Various health conditions and diseases can result in abnormal MPV levels. However, MPV results alone cannot diagnose a disease. To do this, you will need additional testing.

MedlinePlus. MPV blood test .

Korniluk A, Koper-Lenkiewicz OM, Kamińska J, Kemona H, Dymicka-Piekarska V. Mean platelet volume (MPV): New perspectives for an old marker in the course and prognosis of inflammatory conditions . Mediators Inflamm . 2019 Apr 17;2019:9213074. doi:10.1155/2019/9213074

Arshad A, Mukry SN, Shamsi TS. Clinical relevance of extended platelet indices in the diagnosis of immune thrombocytopenia . Acta Clin Croat . 2021 Dec;60(4):665-674. doi:10.20471/acc.2021.60.04.14

Xu P, Han S, Hou M, Zhao Y, Xu M. The serum lipid profiles in immune thrombocytopenia: Mendelian randomization analysis and a retrospective study . Thromb J . 2023 Oct 13;21(1):107. doi:10.1186/s12959-023-00551-x

Detopoulou P, Panoutsopoulos GI, Mantoglou M, Michailidis P, Pantazi I, Papadopoulos S, et al. Relation of mean platelet volume (MPV) with cancer: A systematic review with a focus on disease outcome on twelve types of cancer . Curr Oncol . 2023 Mar 14;30(3):3391-3420. doi:10.3390/curroncol30030258

Yan K, Ding B, Huang J, Dai Y, Xiong S, Zhai Z.  Normal platelet counts mask abnormal thrombopoiesis in patients with chronic myeloid leukemia .  Oncol Lett . 2015;10(4):2390–2394. doi:10.3892/ol.2015.3502

Johns Hopkins Medicine. What are platelets and why are they important?

Bhadra D, Chakraborty S. Bernard-Soulier syndrome (BSS) with uncontrollable menorrhagia . Asian J Transfus Sci . 2020 Jan-Jun;14(1):93-95. doi:10.4103/ajts.AJTS_61_18

Schmoeller D, Picarelli MM, Paz Munhoz T, Poli de Figueiredo CE, Staub HL.  Mean platelet volume and immature platelet fraction in autoimmune disorders .  Front Med (Lausanne) . 2017;4:146. doi:10.3389/fmed.2017.00146

Choi DH, Kang SH, Song H. Mean platelet volume: a potential biomarker of the risk and prognosis of heart disease . Korean J Intern Med. 2016 Nov;31(6):1009-1017. doi:10.3904/kjim.2016.078. Epub 2016 Oct 24. PMID: 27776204

Pogorzelska K, Krętowska A, Krawczuk-Rybak M, Sawicka-Żukowska M. Characteristics of platelet indices and their prognostic significance in selected medical condition - a systematic review . Adv Med Sci . 2020 Sep;65(2):310-315. doi:10.1016/j.advms.2020.05.002

Talebzadeh A, Ghaffari H, Ghaffari K, Yazdanpanah S, Yousefi Goltappeh B, Eslami M, et al. The effect of vitamin D deficiency on platelet parameters in patients with COVID-19 . Front Cell Infect Microbiol . 2024 Mar 8;14:1360075. doi:10.3389/fcimb.2024.1360075

Awamura T, Nakasone ES, Gangcuangco LM, Subia NT, Bali AJ, Chow DC, Shikuma CM, Park J. Platelet and HIV interactions and their contribution to non-AIDS comorbiditie s. Biomolecules . 2023 Nov 2;13(11):1608. doi:10.3390/biom13111608

Prabhakar A, Chatterjee T, Bajaj N, Tyagi T, Sahu A, Gupta N, et al . Venous thrombosis at altitude presents with distinct biochemical profiles: a comparative study from the Himalayas to the plains . Blood Adv . 2019 Nov 26;3(22):3713-3723. doi:10.1182/bloodadvances.2018024554

Algahtani FH, AlQahtany FS, Al-Shehri A, Abdelgader AM. Features and incidence of thromboembolic disease: A comparative study between high and low altitude dwellers in Saudi Arabia . Saudi J Biol Sci. 2020 Jun;27(6):1632-1636. doi: 10.1016/j.sjbs.2020.03.004. 

By Julie Scott, MSN, ANP-BC, AOCNP Scott is an Adult Nurse Practitioner and freelance health writer with experience in oncology and hematology.

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Weekly Group O Blood Supply Report

July 02, 2024

The latest data from AABB’s weekly Group O blood supply report  is available. Blood donations are needed to ensure blood availability. AABB encourages those who are eligible to donate blood or blood components regularly to ensure that this lifesaving resource is available for patients in need. 

The blood supply report uses the individual days of supply reported by America’s Blood Centers, the American Red Cross and Blood Centers of America to estimate the total labeled inventory collected by blood centers in the United States. The estimate is weighted using data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Blood Collection and Utilization Survey. Most hospital-based blood centers are not part of this analysis.

AABB will update this report every Tuesday afternoon. It is intended to complement AABB’s biweekly Blood Products Availability, which utilizes data from AABB’s National Blood Exchange to estimate the supply of red blood cells, platelets and frozen products.

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New Blood Test for Predicting Parkinson’s Disease With A.I. Shows Promise, Study Suggests

In preliminary research, scientists identified eight protein anomalies in the blood of patients with Parkinson’s, which they say can help diagnose the disease up to seven years before symptoms appear

Christian Thorsberg

Daily Correspondent

Preliminary testing of a newly developed, A.I.-enhanced blood test has shown promise in being able to accurately predict if someone will develop Parkinson’s disease in the coming years.

In research published last week in the journal Nature Communications , a team of scientists in Europe identified eight blood-based biomarkers that might alert doctors to a high potential for Parkinson’s development in a patient—up to seven years before the onset of symptoms.

The test, while still in its early stages, offers hope for a disorder that has no cure, affects nearly nine million people worldwide, kills more than 300,000 people annually and is becoming more prevalent, according to the World Health Organization . The disease is caused by protein buildup in certain dopamine-producing neurons in the brain, which ultimately kills off the cells.

Currently, treatment for Parkinson’s tends to be reactive, focused on controlling symptoms—which include tremors, slow movements, stiffness and a loss of balance—after a diagnosis is made.

“At the moment, we’re shutting the stable door after the horse has bolted,” senior author Kevin Mills , a biochemist at University College London’s Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, tells the Guardian ’s Ian Sample. “We need to get to people before they develop symptoms. It’s always better to do prevention rather than cure.”

With this goal in mind, the team began their work by collecting blood samples from 99 people who have Parkinson’s disease and 36 people who do not. Analyzing a selection of 70 percent of these samples, a machine learning algorithm identified eight proteins that appeared in different concentrations in the blood of those with the disease.

This pattern “could provide a diagnosis with 100 percent accuracy,” according to a statement from University College London. In a follow-up evaluation, the algorithm was given the remaining 30 percent of blood samples that it hadn’t been trained on—30 from people currently with Parkinson’s disease and 11 from people without it. The tool aced the test, correctly diagnosing every patient.

“This means that drug therapies could potentially be given at an earlier stage, which could possibly slow down disease progression or even prevent it from occurring,” Michael Bartl , a neurologist at University Medical Center Goettingen in Germany and the co-first author of the study, says in the statement .

In another trial, the researchers worked long-term with 54 people who currently have isolated rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder (iRBD), a neurological disorder that tends to precede Parkinson’s disease, foreshadowing a diagnosis of Parkinson’s or a similar condition between 75 percent and 80 percent of the time . They took one to five blood samples from each patient and tested for the eight biomarkers.

Based on their protein patterns, the tool found that 79 percent of the iRBD patients had blood profiles consistent with someone who would go on to develop Parkinson’s disease. Following up with the patients over a ten-year period, the researchers found 16 of them have been diagnosed with Parkinson’s.

The team correctly predicted these diagnoses, on average, 3.5 years before symptoms presented themselves, with the earliest prediction coming 7.3 years before symptom onset. They’re continuing to check in with the other iRBD patients to confirm the blood test’s accuracy.

“We’ve seen tremendous progress in the development of exciting new tests for Parkinson’s in the last year alone,” Katherine Fletcher , research communications lead at the nonprofit Parkinson’s U.K. who was not involved in the study, tells Live Science ’s Michael Schubert. “We are hopeful that these new tests will start being used within the next few years.”

Still, some scientists point out the challenges that remain.

“Parkinson’s is not a single disease but a syndrome and can present in various different ways,” Ray Chaudhuri , the medical director of the Parkinson Foundation International Center of Excellence who was also not involved with the research, tells the Guardian. “As such, management differs and one size does not fit all. The prediction is unlikely to signpost these subgroups at this stage.”

What is crucial about early diagnosis, researchers say, is that it can allow patients to enroll in experimental trials of preventative treatments for Parkinson’s disease as a proactive measure.

“People are diagnosed when neurons are already lost,” Jenny Hällqvist , a biochemist at University College London and a co-author of the study, tells BBC News ’ Philippa Roxby. “We need to protect those neurons, not wait till they are gone.”

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Christian Thorsberg | READ MORE

Christian Thorsberg is an environmental writer and photographer from Chicago. His work, which often centers on freshwater issues, climate change and subsistence, has appeared in Circle of Blue , Sierra  magazine, Discover  magazine and Alaska Sporting Journal .

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Preeclampsia can be fatal for pregnant people and babies. New blood tests aim to show who’s at risk

This Nov. 2005 file photo shows future parents awaiting the arrival of their first child in Carlsbad, Calif. When you’re expecting a baby, you hope nothing goes wrong. But at least one in 20 pregnant patients develops a scary complication called preeclampsia, a high blood pressure disorder that kills 70,000 women and 500,000 babies worldwide every year. New blood tests promise to help doctors predict and manage the condition. (AP Photo/Julie Busch, file)

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When you’re expecting a baby, you hope nothing goes wrong. But at least one in 20 people who are pregnant develop a scary complication called preeclampsia, a high blood pressure disorder that kills 70,000 women and 500,000 babies worldwide every year.

There was no way to know when it might strike — until now. New blood tests may help doctors predict and manage this dangerous condition.

“When something bad happens in pregnancy, you want to catch it early so you can avoid adverse outcomes for the mom and the baby,” said Dr. S. Ananth Karumanchi with Cedars-Sinai in Los Angeles.

What is preeclampsia?

The condition affects both the mother and baby and can occur in the second half of pregnancy or the postpartum period. The exact causes aren’t known.

Besides high blood pressure, other signs of preeclampsia include protein in the urine, severe headaches, changes in vision, nausea and sudden swelling in your face and hands. It’s generally diagnosed by checking for protein in the urine, measuring blood pressure and following up with other tests if warranted.

Once you have preeclampsia, it can progress rapidly and cause organ damage, stroke, preterm birth, slow growth in the baby and other problems.

To prevent the condition, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends pregnant patients get low-dose aspirin if they have one or more particular risk factors , such as chronic high blood pressure, Type 1 or 2 diabetes before pregnancy or kidney disease.

This article is part of AP’s Be Well coverage, focusing on wellness, fitness, diet and mental health. Read more Be Well.

The primary treatment for preeclampsia is to deliver the baby or manage the condition until the baby can be delivered. People with severe preeclampsia are usually hospitalized and may be given medicines to lower blood pressure, prevent seizures and help the fetus’ lungs develop.

How do the new tests work?

The tests measure “biomarkers” for preeclampsia in the blood, objective measures that show what’s happening in an organism at any given moment.

At this point, there are only a few tests on the market.

One, by Labcorp, is designed to be performed between 11 and 14 weeks gestation on any pregnant patient. It measures four early pregnancy biomarkers that, combined with other factors, help determine the risk of developing preeclampsia before 34 weeks of pregnancy.

Two other tests — another by Labcorp and one from Thermo Fisher Scientific — are used in the second and third trimesters on hospitalized patients to assess whether they are at risk of progressing to severe preeclampsia within a couple of weeks. More tests by other companies are in the pipeline .

“They absolutely represent an exciting advancement, especially when you look at the field of preeclampsia and the fact that there’s been very little new introduced to the field in decades,” said Eleni Tsigas, CEO of the nonprofit Preeclampsia Foundation. She lost one baby and also nearly died because of undiagnosed preeclampsia about two decades ago, and developed it again in her second pregnancy and gave birth to a son who spent time in neonatal intensive care.

The new blood tests augment but don’t replace a doctor’s judgment, she added, “basically giving them insight that they haven’t had before. And that’s particularly useful in cases where things are in the gray zone,” such as when you have preexisting health problems such as chronic high blood pressure or obesity.

Should you ask for a test?

“If I were pregnant today then I absolutely would,” Tsigas said.

Though “there’s no therapy right at the moment,” Karumanchi said, doctors can closely watch those at higher risk and do more follow-ups with them. For patients shown to be at low risk, the tests offer reassurance.

The tests could also help speed up the development of new treatments, he said, because researchers can identify patients at risk who might be willing to join studies.

Still, some OB-GYNs may not offer the tests immediately because they are so new, Tsigas said. But she figures: Why wait?

“You just have to look at the mortality and morbidity rates related to preeclampsia to know that clearly we have work to do,” she said. “So I don’t think there’s a downside to adding tools to a nearly empty toolbox.”

The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Science and Educational Media Group. The AP is solely responsible for all content.