She Strengthens

Decoding Your Blood Test Results: A Guide to Understanding Your Health

Your health shouldn’t be a mystery, and getting a regular checkup is an essential step in taking control of your well-being. But, navigating through the baffling list of medical terms on your blood test results can be overwhelming. Don’t worry; we’re here to help you crack the code.

Why Blood Work Results Matter

Think of your blood as both an oxygen delivery system and a waste removal mechanism. Your organs, such as your liver, kidneys, spleen, and lungs, act as processing stations. Normal values on a lab report indicate healthy organ function and fully operational systems. However, out-of-range test values aren’t necessarily a sign of imminent disease. Normal ranges are established by testing a large group of healthy people, but those ranges can be influenced by various factors, including age, sex, weight, medical history, medicines, and lifestyle.

How to Read Blood Test Results

For a routine checkup, a blood sample is usually examined with three main tests: a complete blood count (CBC), a comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), and a lipid panel (or profile). These tests return a number of specific results, but instead of grouping the results under each of the three tests, many reports simply present a single column of test results under “Test Name.” To better understand your lab report, it’s essential to recognize the relationship of the test results.

Complete Blood Count (CBC)

The CBC measures the essential components of blood: red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. It also measures the oxygen-carrying protein, hemoglobin, and checks the ratio of red blood cells to fluid (plasma). Blood test results help your doctor identify infections and allergies or diagnose potential diseases and conditions such as anemia and leukemia.

White Blood Cell (WBC) Count

The WBC count often appears first on the report. White blood cells, also called leukocytes, are a major component of your body’s immune system. Your body produces more WBCs when you have an infection or allergic reaction. There are five major types of WBCs, and many blood test result reports list each of these at the bottom of the CBC results.

Red Blood Cell (RBC) Count

Red blood cells often appear next on the report. RBCs deliver oxygen to tissues throughout your body. High RBC counts can be the result of dehydration, kidney problems, or a heart condition. Low RBC counts can indicate anemia, nutritional deficiencies, bone marrow damage, or kidney problems.

Hemoglobin, Hematocrit, and More

These test results often appear under the RBC section because they further examine the health and function of your red blood cells. Hemoglobin is the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen. Its measurement can help your doctor tell if your organs and tissues are getting enough oxygen.

Platelets and Mean Platelet Value (MPV)

These two tests usually appear next. Platelets are fragments of blood cells that help wounds heal and prevent excessive bleeding by forming clots. A low platelet count can indicate risk for excessive bleeding, while a high count may indicate a risk for blood clots.

Types of White Blood Cells

The results for the five types of white blood cells often appear below the list of red blood cell results. Measuring the amounts and health of these cells is helpful in identifying infections and allergies.

Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP)

The CMP provides a broader picture of your body’s chemical balance and metabolism. It measures electrolytes, minerals in your blood that affect the amount of water in your body, the acidity of your blood, and your muscle function.

Lipid Panel

The lipid panel measures two types of fat in your blood: triglycerides and cholesterol. Triglycerides are one of the major forms of fat produced in your liver. There are two types of cholesterol: HDL and LDL. HDL is often called the “good” cholesterol, because high levels of it are desirable and linked to a lower risk of cardiovascular disease. LDL is often called the “bad” cholesterol, because high levels of it are linked to an increased risk of heart and blood vessel disease.

Bottom Line

Your blood work results are an essential tool in maintaining a healthy lifestyle. By understanding the terms and objectives of your blood test, you can become a more active participant in your healthcare and a better custodian of your body. So, don’t be afraid to ask questions and take control of your health!