Understanding Your Test Results
There are many types of tests, and the ones presented here are not necessarily the same ones found around the country. Some of the tests may differ. What may also differ is the "normal" range, and this causes the patient confusion. If you have any questions about these tests, simply ask your doctor to explain what is on your lab test or panel. If you want a specific one, or a panel, let's say, you can certainly request it.
The 1st column lists the test name. The 2nd column lists test results which are within normal range. An "H" by the number in the 3rd column indicates your test result is higher than normal range, and an "L" indicates a test lower than normal. The next column lists the reference or normal range for your sex and gage, and the last column lists the unit of measure for each test. If you have any test results that are outside of normal range, your test will be stamped, "Please review your test results with your physician."
__________________________________________________________________ Within Outside Reference Unit of Test Range Range Range Measure __________________________________________________________________
The reference range may also be referred to as the recommended range. For example, the recommended range for total cholesterol is less than 200; however, the "average" range, for American's, is higher than 200. "Average" does not mean "optimal."
On your Chem Panel test results, refer to the section marked "CHD risk group." This chart determines the calculated risk for developing coronary heart disease (CHD) based upon your "cholesterol/HDL" ratio.
The LDL cholesterol is the "bad guy" that clogs the arteries and the HDL cholesterol, or "helping" cholesterol helps to clean out the arteries. The total cholesterol to HDL ratio compares how much your total cholesterol is made up of the "good" or HDL cholesterol. The lower the ratio, the lower your risk of developing coronary heart disease. An HDL reading above 60 helps protect the heart and blood vessels and an HDL below 35 is an independent risk factor.
Look for your "CHOL/HDL RATIO" above and compare your numbers to the risk ratio below. The average risk for developing coronary heart disease based on total cholesterol is HDL is 5.0 for MEN and 4.4 for WOMEN. if your ratio is in the moderate, high, or highest level, you have a grater risk of developing heart disease based on cholesterol level. If you received a Lipid Profile only, your test will have a "percent HDL and CHD risk group." This risk is based on HDL alone. Refer to the "%HDL" reading above to see how you compare to the percent HDL for men and women.
If you have any abnormal readings, they will be printed in a box at the end of tests, listed as "values outside reference normal ranges."
Remember, cholesterol level is only one of many risk factors involved in determining your risk for developing heart disease. Work with your physician to help lower your risk by not smoking, following a low fat diet, exercising regularly and controlling diabetes and high blood pressure.
BUN/Creatinine Ratio
By comparing the BUN level in the blood to
the creatinine level, the doctor can determine if the high BUN level is
caused by a kidney problem or from something like blood loss.
Total Protein
This is a measure of the total amount of
protein in your blood. A low or high total protein does flat indicate a
specific disease, but it does indicate that some additional tests may be
required to determine if there is a problem.
Albumin
Approximately two-thirds of your blood
circulating in your blood is albumin. This important protein inside
your blood vessels. When your albumin level is too low, water
can leak out of your blood vessels into other parts of your body and
cause swelling. A low level of albumin in the blood can be caused by
malnutrition, too much water in the body, liver disease, kidney
disease, severe injury or major bone fractures, and slow bleeding over a
long period of time.
Globulin
This is the group of proteins in your blood
that helps to fight infections. It is actually comprised of about 60
different important proteins. Some of the proteins in this group play
an important role in blood clotting and unclotting. If your globulin
level is abnormal, your doctor may want to measure some of the individual
proteins that make up this group.
ALB/GLOB Ratio
A simple way to tell it the albumin or
globulin levels in the blood are abnormal is to compare the level of albumin
to the level of globulin in your blood.
Sodium
This element plays an important role in salt
and water balance in your body. A low level in the blood can be caused
by too much water intake, heart failure, or kidney failure. A lower
level can also be caused by loss of sodium in diarrhea, fluid, or
vomit. A high level can be caused by too much intake of salt or by not
enough intake of water.
Potassium
This element is found primarily inside of
cells and its role is to maintain water balance inside the cells and help in
the transmission of nerve impulses. Low or high levels in
the blood may be found in patients on diuretics or in patients not receiving
enough potassium. A low potassium level can cause muscle weakness and
heart problems. A high potassium level can be found in kidney disease
or in overuse of potassium supplements. Some "salt" substitutes
contain potassium instead of sodium, and an excessive use of these
substitutes can cause dangerously high levels of potassium in the blood.
Chloride
Chloride is probably the least important
element that is measured in the blood. It is almost never the only element
that is high or low. It is usually associated with a high or low level of
potassium or sodium. Borderline low
or high levels of chloride have very little significance.
Iron
The body must have iron to make hemoglobin
and to help transfer oxygen to the muscles. If the body is low in
iron, all body cells, particularly muscles in adults and brain cells in
children, do not function up to par. On the other hand, if there is
too much iron in the body, this can cause injury to the heart, pancreas,
joints, testicles, ovaries, etc.
TIBC (Total Iron Binding Capacity)
ron is transported in your blood bound to a
protein called transferrin. Transferrin transports the iron in your body
from the iron storage sites to where it is needed. It also transports
the iron when not needed back to the storage sites. A low TIBC
suggests malnutrition or iron excess. A high TIBC suggests and iron
deficiency.
AST (SGOT)
This indicates possible liver, heart or
muscle disease. Vigorous exercise can elevate this level, as always, consult
your physician with elevated results.
ALT (SGPT)
Liver function some as above. Confirmation
should be made with second blood test.
Transferrin Percent Saturation
This percent is obtained by comparing the
iron level to the TIBC level. It is a simple way to compare the amount
of iron in the blood to the capacity of the blood to transport iron.
Cholesterol
Cholesterol is an essential blood fat, but
too high a level of this blood fat has been shown to be associated with a
higher risk of heart disease and clogged blood vessels.
Cholesterol Percentile
This number helps to compare your cholesterol
level to others of your age and sex. It tells you what percent of your
peers have lower levels than you and provides some idea of the risk you have
in developing heart disease.
HDL Cholesterol
High density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol is
the "good" cholesterol. One of the imporant roles of HDL
cholesterol in your body is to carry cholesterol away from your arteries to
your liver. The more HDL cholesterol you have, the more cholesterol
can be carried away and not clog your arteries.
Cholesterol/HDL Ratio
This number is obtained by comparing the
total cholesterol level to the HDL cholesterol level. The higher this
number, the greater the risk of coronary heart disease. A high HDL
cholesterol level will result in a lower ratio, which means a lower risk.
This could be true even if the total cholesterol level may be high. It
is this ratio that appears to best measure the lipid associated risk of your
developing heart disease.
Triglycerides
This is a blood fat that may be related to a
higher risk of heart disease.
Magnesium
This element is found primarily inside the
cells of the body. A low magnesium level in the blood may indicate
severe malnutrition, severe diarrhea, alcoholism, or excessive use of
diuretics. A very low level of magnesium in the blood can cause your
muscles to tremble.
Total Bilirubin
Bilirubin is a pigment in the blood that
makes the plasma or serum part of your blood yellow. When the Bilirubin
level in the blood is very high for a period of time, the whites of your
eyes and your skin may become yellow....this is known as jaundice.
Bilirubin comes from the breakdown of old
red cells in the blood. A high Bilirubin level in the blood can be
caused by too many red cells being destroyed (hemolysis), by liver disease,
or by a blockage of bile ducts. Fasting can also cause a slight
increase in total Bilirubin.
Direct Bilirubin
This is a specific form a of Bilirubin that
is formed in the liver and excreted in the bile. Normally very little of
this form of Bilirubin is found in the blood. However, in liver disease some
of this form of Bilirubin leaks into the blood so even a slightly higher
level of direct Bilirubin indicates a problem with the liver cells.
Alkaline Phosphatase
Alkaline Phosphatase is an enzyme (an enzyme
is a catalyst that is needed for a specific chemical reaction to take place
in your body) that is found in all body tissue, but the most important sites
are bone, liver, bile ducts and gut. A high level of alkaline
Phosphatase in your blood may indicate bone, liver or bile duct
disease. Certain drugs may also cause high levels. Growing
children, because of bone growth, normally have a higher level than adults.
Gamma-Glutamyltansferase (GGT)
This is an enzyme that is primarily found in
the liver. Drinking too much alcohol, certain drugs, liver disease and
bile duct disease can cause high levels of GGT in the blood.
Transminase AST
The AST enzyme is found mainly in the heart,
liver and muscles. High levels of AST in the blood sugar suggest a
problem with either the heart, liver or muscles.
Transaminase, ALT
The ALT enzyme is found mainly in the
liver. If the level of ALT in your blood is high, your doctor may call
you back to have it repeated on another blood sample.
Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH)
LDH is an enzyme found in all tissues in the
body so that a high level in the blood can result from a number of different
diseases. Also, slightly elevated levels in the blood are common and
usually do not indicate disease. The most common sources of LDH are
the heart, liver, muscles and red blood cells.
BUN (Blood Urea Nitrogen)
BUN is a waste product derived from protein
breakdown in the liver. It is excreted by the kidneys. When your
kidneys are not working well, the level of BUN in the blood will rise.
Dehydration and blood loss can also cause a high BUN level. A low BUN
level may be a cause of liver disease, a low protein diet, or too much water
intake.
Creatinine
The blood concentration of creatinine depends
upon two things: the amount of muscle you have and the ability of your
kidneys to execute the creatinine. High levels of creatinine in the
blood usually indicate a deterioration in the kidney function.
Glucose
This is the chief source of energy for all
living organisms. A high blood glucose, in someone who has fasted for
12 hours, suggests diabetes, and the doctor may wish to do some further
testing. A low glucose level may mean too much insulin in your blood.
Protein Bound Glucose (PBG)
This new test measures the amount of glucose
that circulates in your blood bound to protein. PBG levels provide an
indication of your average blood glucose level over the preceding 7 to 15
days, and help to confirm the glucose
result you have today. The combination of the PBG result and the
glucose result provide a much better indication of your body's glucose
metabolism than either test alone.
Uric Acid
Uric acid is the end product of the breakdown
of purines in your body. Purines are an important component of
proteins. A high level of uric acid in your blood may cause gouty
arthritis or kidney stones. The level of uric acid in the blood is
affected by a rich diet of purines--food such as kidney, liver, pancreas and
sweetbreads (brains). Also, stress, alcohol and certain diuretics may
raise the level.
Phosphate
Phosphate is closely associated with calcium
in bone development. Therefore, most of the phosphate in the body is found
in the bones. But the phosphate level in the blood is very important
for muscle and nerve function. Very low levels of phosphate in the
blood can be associated with starvation of malnutrition and this can lead to
muscle weakness. High levels in the blood are usually associated with
kidney disease.
Calcium
Calcium is one of the most important
elements in the body. Nine-nine percent of the calcium in the body is in the
bones--only one percent is outside the bones. But that one percent is
very important for the proper function of nerves, enzymes, muscles, and
blood clotting. Low levels of calcium in the blood are association
with malnutrition. High levels can be caused by bone disease, excess
intake of antacids and milk (this is often seen in people with ulcers)
excess intake of Vitamin D, and hyperparathyroidism. The parathyroid
gland is in the main regulator of calcium in the body (and 4 pea size glands
sit within the thyroid gland in our neck region.
PSA - Understanding Your Prostate Specific Antigen Test Results
Example:
______________________________________________________________ Outside Within Reference Test Range Range Range
______________________________________________________________
Normal Prostate Specific 2.0 0.0 to 4.0 Reading Antigen
______________________________________________________________ Abnormal Prostate Specific Reading: Antigen 8.0 0.0 to 4.0 ______________________________________________________________
The prostate gland, found only in males, is a component of the male reproductive system. PSA is a protein unique to the prostate gland and is detected in the blood serum. High levels indicate problems w the prostate ranging from acute inflammation to prostate cancer. Abnormal low levels are not a problem.
If your test result is between the 0.0 to 4.0 range, then you fall in the "normal" or reference range and will appear in the pink column. The prostate specific antigen may be elevated due to a number of conditions. If your test result is elevated, be sure to follow up with your doctor.
Hypothyroid Panel
Thyroxine (T4)
T3 Uptake
FT1 (T7)
Also known as the "T3, T4, and T7" test. (For better understanding, also order the TSH test, a blood test, which tests the pituitary gland to see if it is putting out the hormone to trigger the thyroid to release its hormones. Both tests should be done.)
Thyroid Stim Hormone
This measures the level of a hormone which
stimulates the thyroid gland to produce thyroid.
T4 (Thyroxine)
Thyroxine is a thyroid hormone. This hormone
controls your rate of metabolism. A low level of thyroxine suggests
hypothyroidism or myxedema. A high level of thyroxine suggests
hyperthyroidism or thyrotoxicosis.
T3 Uptake
Evaluates the quantity of Thyroxine-binding
globulin CTGB present
in the serum and the quantity of T4 bound to it.
T7 index is simply a T4 plus T3.
If either your thyroid blood levels, or your thyroid stimulating hormone are outside of the reference range, please take your test to your physician for follow up.
Chempanel Test
Test Related to: _____________________________________________________________
Glucose Diabetes Triglyceride _____________________________________________________________ BUN Kidney function Creatinine Hypertension BUN/Creatinine Ratio Renal (Kidney) disease Potassium Sodium Chloride Phosphorus _____________________________________________________________ Alkaline Phosphatase Bone function Calcium _____________________________________________________________ GGTP Liver function SGOT SGTP Total Bilirubin Total Protein _____________________________________________________________ Albumin Nutritional status Globulin A/G ratio ______________________________________________________ Cholesterol Coronary risk Triglyceride Cardiovascular LDL Cholesterol Disease risk HDL Cholesterol VLDL Cholesterol Total Cholesterol: HDL Ratio Percent HDL Cholesterol ______________________________________________________ Iron Iron status
CBC - Complete Blood Count
The following lists explains the abbreviations of the CBC and the relation of each measure to specific conditions:
Related to: ___________________________________________________________________ WBC White blood count Infection/lowered immune system ___________________________________________________________________
RBC Red blood count Anemia
MCV Mean Corpuscular volume Red blood cell index
MCH Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin
MCHC Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin Concentration
RDW Random Distribution Width
___________________________________________________________________
Platelet Count Coagulation (clotting)
___________________________________________________________________
Neutrophils Infection
Lymphocytes
Monocytes
Eosinophils
Basophils
___________________________________________________________________
The CBC is a complex test and requires physician diagnosis for any specific conditions. If you have abnormal values, we recommend following up with your physician.
Diabetes Checklist
Adapted from ADA Medical Standards of care.
If you have diabetes, do you:
1. Have your had your EYES checked annually for
retinopathy?
2. Have your FEET checked at each physician's visit
(looking for poor
circulation, possible gangrenous condition
manifesting)?
3. Check your blood glucose levels at home regularly?
4. Have an updated individualized meal plan?
5. Have an exercise prescription?
6. Know your current A1C level?
If you answered NO to any of these questions you need to talk with your physician about the American Diabetes Association Standards of Medical Care.