Blood Tests: A Guide to Types and Results.

The CBC is one of the most commonly performed blood tests. It measures the levels of different types of blood cells, including red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. Red blood cells carry oxygen throughout the body, white blood cells help fight infections, and platelets help with blood clotting.

The CBC can reveal several important indicators of a person’s health. For example, if the red blood cell count is low, it could indicate anemia, a condition in which the body does not have enough red blood cells to carry sufficient oxygen to the body’s tissues. Conversely, a high red blood cell count could indicate dehydration or a medical condition such as polycythemia vera.

The white blood cell count can also provide important information about a person’s health. An elevated white blood cell count can indicate an infection or inflammation in the body, while a low count could be a sign of a weakened immune system.

Finally, the platelet count can help identify conditions that affect blood clotting. A low platelet count can indicate a bleeding disorder, while a high platelet count can indicate a blood clotting disorder.

Here’s the typical range of results, although every laboratory may have its own range that varies slightly:

The BUN test measures the level of urea nitrogen in the blood, which can indicate how well the kidneys are functioning. Urea is a waste product produced by the liver that is filtered out of the body by the kidneys. If the kidneys are not functioning properly, urea can build up in the blood.

A high BUN level can indicate kidney disease or damage, while a low level can indicate malnutrition or liver disease. However, it is important to note that a high BUN level can also be caused by dehydration, so additional testing may be necessary to determine the underlying cause.

The CMP is a blood test that measures the levels of various substances in the blood, including electrolytes, glucose, and liver enzymes. It provides a comprehensive view of a person’s overall health and can reveal important information about organ function.

For example, the glucose level can indicate whether a person has diabetes, while the liver enzyme levels can indicate liver damage or disease. The CMP can also reveal whether a person is dehydrated or has an electrolyte imbalance, which can cause a range of health problems.

The TSH test measures the level of TSH in the blood, which is a hormone produced by the pituitary gland that stimulates the thyroid gland to produce thyroid hormones. Thyroid hormones are important for regulating metabolism and energy levels in the body.

A high TSH level can indicate an underactive thyroid gland (hypothyroidism), while a low TSH level can indicate an overactive thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism). Thyroid disorders can cause a range of symptoms, including fatigue, weight gain or loss, and changes in mood.

The MCV is a measurement of the average size of red blood cells in the blood. It can be used to help diagnose anemia and determine the underlying cause.

A high MCV level can indicate a deficiency in vitamin B12 or folic acid, which are necessary for red blood cell production. A low MCV level can indicate iron-deficiency anemia, a condition in which the body does not have enough iron to produce sufficient red blood cells.

The RDW is a measure of the variation in size of red blood cells in the blood. It can help identify different types of anemia and determine the underlying cause.

A high RDW level can indicate different types of anemia, including iron-deficiency anemia, vitamin B12 deficiency anemia, or folate deficiency anemia. It can also be used to monitor the effectiveness of treatment for these conditions.

The MCH test measures the average amount of hemoglobin in each red blood cell. Hemoglobin is the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen throughout the body.

A low MCH level can indicate iron-deficiency anemia or thalassemia, a genetic condition that affects the production of hemoglobin. A high MCH level can indicate a vitamin B12 or folate deficiency, or it could be a result of alcoholism or liver disease.

It is important to note that MCH is just one of many tests that are used to diagnose anemia and other blood disorders. A healthcare provider may order multiple tests, including the CBC, to get a complete picture of a person’s blood health.

Understanding the results of a blood test can be complex, and it is important to work with a healthcare provider to interpret the results and develop an appropriate treatment plan.

The MCHC test measures the concentration of hemoglobin in a given volume of red blood cells. It is used to determine the average concentration of hemoglobin in each red blood cell.

A low MCHC level can indicate iron-deficiency anemia, thalassemia, or other types of anemia. A high MCHC level is rare and may indicate spherocytosis, a condition where the red blood cells are abnormally shaped.

The ALT test measures the level of ALT, an enzyme found primarily in the liver. High levels of ALT in the blood can indicate liver damage or disease.

Some common reasons for high ALT levels include alcohol consumption, obesity, viral hepatitis, and certain medications. A healthcare provider may order an ALT test as part of a liver panel or to monitor the progression of liver disease.

The TSH test measures the level of TSH, a hormone produced by the pituitary gland that stimulates the thyroid gland to produce thyroid hormones.

A high TSH level can indicate an underactive thyroid gland, also known as hypothyroidism. A low TSH level can indicate an overactive thyroid gland, also known as hyperthyroidism.

The TSH test is often used to monitor thyroid function and to determine the appropriate dosage of thyroid hormone replacement therapy.

The MPV test measures the average size of platelets in the blood. Platelets are small, disc-shaped cells that play a critical role in blood clotting.

A high MPV level can indicate a condition known as thrombocytopenia, which is characterized by a low platelet count. A low MPV level can indicate a condition known as thrombocytosis, which is characterized by a high platelet count.

The CMP is a blood test that measures several different components of the blood, including electrolytes, glucose, and liver function tests.

The electrolyte panel measures the levels of sodium, potassium, chloride, and bicarbonate in the blood. These electrolytes are important for maintaining the body’s fluid balance, pH level, and nerve and muscle function.

The glucose test measures the level of glucose, or sugar, in the blood. High levels of glucose can indicate diabetes or other conditions that affect glucose metabolism.

The liver function tests measure the levels of several different enzymes and proteins produced by the liver. High levels of these enzymes and proteins can indicate liver damage or disease.

13. C-reactive protein test

C-reactive protein (CRP) is made by your liver when tissues in your body are inflamed. High CRP levels indicate inflammation from a variety of causes, including:

• bacterial or viral infection
• autoimmune diseases, such Lupus or rheumatoid arthritis
• inflammation related to diabetes
• inflammation related to physical trauma or from habits like smoking
• cancer

The higher the level, the higher the risk of heart disease:

• <0.3 mg/dL: normal
• 0.3 to 1.0 mg/dL: minor elevation can be associated with a person’s sex, body mass index (BMI), or with conditions like depression or insomnia
• 1.0 to 10.0 mg/dL: moderate elevation usually caused by systemic inflammation, such as from an autoimmune disease, bronchitis, heart attack, or cancer
• >10.0 mg/dL: marked elevation typically caused by a serious bacterial or viral infection, major trauma, or systemic vasculitis
• >50.0 mg/dL: severe elevation usually caused by an acute bacterial infection

Clinical organizations provide guidelines based on age for how often you should get a physical exam:

• If your age is between 18 and 39, you should get a physical exam at least every 5 years.
• For ages 40 and 49, you should get a physical exam every 2 to 3 years.
• And If you are 50 years or older, you should get a physical exam every 1 to 2 years.

During your physical exam, your doctor will decide if you need any blood tests.

In general, it is recommended to have a lipid test starting at age 20 and every 5 years after that for people with a low risk of heart disease.

For people at a higher risk of heart disease, more frequent lipid testing may be necessary.

If your blood pressure is continuously above 135/80, you should also get a glucose blood test. Additionally, people over age 50 should get a fecal occult blood test to screen for colorectal cancer annually.

However, some doctors may still suggest routine blood work during your yearly physical exam. In some cases, you may want to get additional testing if:

• You are experiencing unusual, persistent symptoms such as fatigue, abnormal weight gain, or new pain.
  
• You want to optimize your health by knowing levels of various blood components like HDL and LDL cholesterol, to allow you to tweak your diet or fitness plan to maximize healthy habits.
  
• You want to reduce your risk of disease or complications. Regular blood tests can catch warning signs of almost any disease early, and many heart, lung, and kidney conditions can be diagnosed using blood tests.

If you want to get certain tests done or have them done more often than once a year, talk with your doctor first.