Ever felt a little lost looking at your blood test results? You’re not alone. Blood tests sound like a foreign language with all those numbers and medical terms that make very little sense. But understanding what those numbers mean can give you a snapshot of your general health and thus help you make more informed decisions about your well-being. Let’s break down some of the common blood tests and what your results might tell you.
Blood tests hence can measure a lot of different components, including RBCs, WBC, platelets, and a myriad of different molecules used as biomarkers to point out the way that your body is functioning, whether you may be anemic, diabetic, or have thyroid issues.
Probably one of the most common tests for this would be the complete blood count, which is a test for several different components of blood:
- RBCs: They constitute the cellular fraction which carries oxygen to all parts of your body. The normal ranges for this are between 4.2 and 5.9 million per cubic millimeter.
- WBCs: They are, in effect, your body’s defense system and work against infections. Normal counts would range from 4,300 to 10,800 cells per cubic millimeter.
- Hemoglobin: It is a protein in your RBCs that carries oxygen. Optimal levels are 13–18 grams per deciliter for men, and 12–16 grams per deciliter for women.
- Platelets: These small cells are responsible for blood clotting. Normal counts normally range from 150,000 to 450,000 platelets per microliter.
A Basic Metabolic Panel measures a few different substances in your blood as well, such as:
- Glucose: This is your blood sugar level, a very important determinant of diabetes. The normal levels are 65–99 milligrams per deciliter of blood, mg/dL.
- Calcium: This very essential mineral is required for bone health and proper muscle functioning; normal levels are 8.5–10.2 mg/dL.
- Creatinine: This waste product is filtered out by your kidneys. The normal range for this is between 0.7–1.3 mg/dL for men and 0.6–1.1 mg/dL for women.
- Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN): This is a measure of kidney function. A normal range is from 6–20 mg/dL.
The Comprehensive Metabolic Panel also further breaks down liver function tests and protein tests:
- ALT and AST: These are enzymes of the liver. The normal range for ALT is 8–37 units per liter, while values for AST are normally measured at 10–34 units per liter.
- Total protein: This is a test carried out to determine the total protein content in your blood. The value normally falls between 6.0 and 8.3 grams per deciliter.
- Albumin: It’s one of the proteins that perform major functions in your body. That is, maintaining fluid balance. Normal levels fall between 3.5–5.0 grams per deciliter.
Another critical set of tests, especially if you have been having some inkling of thyroid problems, would be the Thyroid Panel:
- TSH: This is a hormone that will regulate the production of the thyroid hormones. Normal levels are within the 0.5–4.59 μIU/mL.
- Free T4 and Free T3: These two hormones directly conceal your metabolism. Abnormal levels can either hint at hypo- or hyperthyroidism.
Speaking of cholesterol, a Lipid Panel can also give you some priceless data on the condition of your heart:
- Total cholesterol: Desirable levels fall between 125–200 mg/dL. Low-density lipoproteins (LDL): This is “bad cholesterol,” with levels supposed to be below 110 mg/dL. High-density lipoproteins (HDL): This is “good cholesterol,” with levels supposed to be above 45 mg/dL. Triglycerides: These are fats that supply energy. The normal range is below 150 mg/dL.
Another very important test is that of Hemoglobin A1c, which measures the average level of blood sugar over the past three months. It is one of the most important tests in making a diagnosis and monitoring diabetes. Normal levels should be below 5.7%, while higher levels will indicate either pre-diabetes or diabetes.
Equally empowering is knowing these numbers, but more importantly, when and how you can get your results. Sometimes results can be communicated over the phone call or via an online patient portal for routine tests. Otherwise, you might need to follow up again to discuss abnormal results. This prevents misconceptions and allows your health professional to explain in exact terms what the results actually mean, and what further testing or treatment will be needed.
For instance, when a patient is suffering from a known chronic condition such as Diabetes or Hypertension, attending regular follow-up appointments is very vital. These visits will allow for checking up on progress or changes in the treatment plan where appropriate. Sometimes, telehealth may be convenient to discuss the results, especially for conditions like COVID19, where in-person visits have to be limited as much as possible.
Remember to always ask your health care provider about how and what time of the test results. It’s a way to empower you as a patient to become more proactive on your health matters and ensure that nothing falls through the crack.
Knowing your blood test results can tell you a lot about your health and can, therefore, help you and your healthcare provider in making informed decisions. Therefore, the next time you look over a blood test report, you will be better aware of what the numbers entail and perhaps what you may want to do in order to become healthy or optimize your health.
