Understanding Blood Lab Tests

When a patient falls sick and has laboratory work done, many do not fully understand exactly what the lab results mean. This article will help you better understand of the basic lab tests that are drawn.

Complete Blood Count (CBC) - this test studies the various components of blood, such as red blood cells, platelets and white blood cells.

White Blood Cells (WBC) - counts the total number of leukocytes (WBC) in the blood. Elevated WBC can be an indication of infection, inflammation, trauma, and stress or tissue necrosis. While a decrease in WBC can be an indication of an auto immune disorder, viral infection, leukemia, or a bone marrow disease.

Differential - this test further looks at the five types of WBC's.

• Granulocytes: neutrophils, basophils and eosinophils

• Nongranuloycets: lymphocytes and moncytes

Red Blood Cells (RBC) - this test counts the complete number of the circulating red blood cells. One of the components of RBC's carries oxygen this component is called hemoglobin.

• Hemoglobin (Hgb) - as stated above hemoglobin is the component of the RBC that carried oxygen. Increased Hgb can be an indication of COPD, dehydration, severe burns, or polycythemia vera. While a decrease may be in indicator of dietary deficiency, hemorrhage, lymphoma, anemia or sickle cell anemia.

• Hematocrit (Hct) - measures the total percentage of blood volume made up of RBC's. Increased HCT may indicate dehydration, pulmonary fibrosis, or polycythemia vera. Decreased values may indicate anemia, hemorrhage, leukemia, over hydration, renal failure, advanced cancer or dietary deficiency.

Understanding further into the components to the red blood cells is as follows:

MCH - measures average weight

MCV- measures average size

RDW- variation of sizes

MCHC- measures average concentration of Hgb in each RBC's

Platelets - platelets are necessary for blood coagulation. Blood coagulation is important as it tells us is your blood is clotting properly. Further blood tests can be done to see how long your clotting time is. This test is necessary when it comes to patients on blood thinners or patients that will be undergoing surgery.

When you request a copy of your labs you will notice numbers next to each test. These numbers are your levels. A good website that can help you to find out if your levels are within a normal range is Global RPH. Keep in mind that sometimes for labs to mean anything there is a combination of labs that result in a diagnosis, meaning if some lab is slightly elevated or decreased it may not mean there is anything is wrong. It's always best to consult with your family medical provider if you have any questions about your lab results.

Sources: Nurses Training