How to Read Blood Test Results

Understand how all test results are formatted and presented. All blood test results, including CBC and others, must include some basic information such as: your name and medical code, date of completion and printing of results, name of the test, laboratory and the doctor ordered, the actual results, the normal values of the tested numbers, the abnormal parameters (highlighted) and of course, lots of acronyms and units of measure. ^[2] To those outside of the healthcare field, every blood test result can seem the same and confusing. However, let’s take some time and define all of these basics, how they are arranged between rows and columns.

• Once you are familiar with the presentation of test results, you can quickly skim and spot any abnormalities (if any) highlighted. Usually, too low is represented by the letter “L” and “H” is used for too high.
• You don’t have to remember the normal values of any measurement components because they are always included in the test results for reference.

Distinguish between normal blood cells and what an abnormal result may show. As shown above, the main cells in the blood include red blood cells and white blood cells. Red blood cells contain hemoglobin, the protein that carries oxygen to every tissue in the body. White blood cells are part of the immune system and are responsible for destroying disease-causing microorganisms such as viruses, bacteria, and parasites. ^[3] Low red blood cell count can be a sign of anemia (leading to insufficient oxygen supply to the body), too many red blood cells (erythrocytosis syndrome) can be a sign of kidney disease. bone marrow. ^[4] Low white blood cell count (leukopenia) can also be a sign of a bone marrow problem or a side effect of taking medications, especially chemotherapy. On the other hand, a high white blood cell count (leukocytosis) usually indicates that the body is fighting an infection. Some medications, especially steroids, can increase the number of white blood cells in the blood.

• Normal red blood cell count is not the same in men and women. Men usually have 20-25% more red blood cells because they are usually larger with more muscle tissue and therefore need more oxygen than women.
• HCT – red blood cell volume (percentage of red blood cell volume to blood volume) and MCV (mean red blood cell volume) are two measures of red blood cells and, in general, they are both higher in men because they need more oxygen.

Identify the function of other basic components in the blood. The two components that have been mentioned in the CBC test are platelets and hemoglobin. As noted above, hemoglobin is the iron-based molecule that transports oxygen from the lungs through the circulatory system, while platelets are part of the body’s clotting system, helping to prevent excessive blood loss. often injured. ^[5] Insufficient hemoglobin (due to iron deficiency or a bone marrow problem) leads to anemia. A low platelet count (thrombocytopenia syndrome) can be a sign of a bone marrow problem or serious infection.

• The concentration of red blood cells and hemoglobin is closely related because hemoglobin is a molecule located in red blood cells. However, there are also cases of malformed red blood cells that do not contain hemoglobin (sickle cell anemia).
• Many compounds have a “thinning” effect on the blood, meaning they inhibit platelet adhesion and prevent blood from clotting. Common compounds include: alcohol, many medications (ibuprofen, aspirin, heparin), garlic, and parsley.
• The CBC also includes testing for eosinophils (Eos), polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN), mean hemoglobin (MCH), mean erythrocyte volume (MCV) and ratio mean hemoglobin in red blood cells (MCHC).