Many people receive their blood test and only pay attention to a couple of values and rely on their doctor for the rest. Here is a more comprehensive way to take charge of your health by understanding what terms and variables on the blood test mean.
Pay attention to the definitions highlighted in green as they are the most important parameters to monitor in General!
Understanding Units of Measurement
cmm: cells per cubic millimeter
fL (femtoliter): fraction of one-millionth of a liter
g/dL: grams per deciliter
IU/L: international units per liter
mEq/L: milliequivalent per liter
mg/dL: milligrams per deciliter
mL: milliliter
mmol/L: millimoles per liter
ng/mL: nanograms per milliliter
pg (picograms): one-trillionth of a gram
Definitions and Normal Range
The complete blood count (CBC) concentrates on the three types of blood cells: white blood cells (WBCs), red blood cells (RBCs) and platelets. By measuring the volume of blood cells, the CBC allows a doctor to evaluate an individual’s overall health, as well as check for underlying conditions such as leukemia and anemia.
White blood cell (WBC) count (Range: 4.5-11.0x10^9/L)
Also known as leukocytes, white blood cells are a major component of the body’s immune system. A high white blood cell count can indicate the presence of infection, while a low count can point towards various conditions, including HIV, leukemia, hepatitis and arthritis.
Differential white blood cell count
The lab tests the five main components of white blood cells and their proportion to each other. If the components are out of balance, this could indicate an infection, as well as a variety of medical conditions. Healthy proportions for each are:
Neutrophils: 40 to 60 percent of the total
Lymphocytes: 20 to 40 percent
Monocytes: 2 to 8 percent
Eosinophiles: 1 to 4 percent
Basophils: 0.5 to 1 percent
Red blood cell (RBC) count (Range; M 4.4-5.8 F:3.9-5.2)
Red blood cells (RBCs) carry oxygen to tissues throughout the body, making them important to its healthy functioning. A red blood cell count estimates the volume of RBCs within an individual.
Hematocrit (Hct) test (Range; M:37-49% F:36-46%)
Tests what proportion of the blood is made up of RBCs. It is useful in diagnosing anemia, among other medical conditions.
Hemoglobin (Hgb) test (Range; M:13-18 g/dL F:12-16g/dL)
Hemoglobin is a protein contained within red RBCs that sends oxygen from the lungs to the body’s tissues. The hemoglobin test is also useful in diagnosing anemia, with many practitioners preferring this test over the hematocrit test.
Mean corpuscular volume (MCV) test (Range: 80-100 fL)
The average volume of RBCs, or the space each red blood cell fills, is measured through this test. Results outside of the normal range can be a sign of anemia or chronic fatigue syndrome, among other medical conditions.
Mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) test (Range: 25-35pcg/cell)
The lab tests the average amount of hemoglobin present in each red blood cell. High levels are a possible indicator of anemia and low levels a possible sign of malnutrition.
Red cell distribution width (RDW or RCDW) test (Range: 11.5%-14.5%)
Tests the distribution of RBCs, not their actual size. Levels outside of the normal range can indicate conditions such as anemia, malnutrition and liver disease.
Platelet count (Range: 130-400 x 10^3/uL)
Platelets are small cells that help the blood to clot. This test measures the amount of platelets present in the blood. If testing highlights a high count, this can indicate anemia, cancer or infection, while a low count can prevent wounds from healing and result in severe bleeding.
Mean platelet volume (MPV) (Range: 7.2-11.7 fL)
Tests the volume of platelets in the blood. A low platelet volume can cause irregularities with bleeding, while a high platelet volume can increase an individual’s risk of heart attack or stroke.
Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP)
The comprehensive metabolic panel test, also known as a chemistry panel, measures the body’s glucose levels, fluid and electrolyte balance, as well as liver and kidney function. It consists of a number of sub-tests:
Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) test (Range; M:10-55u/L, F:7-30u/L)
ALT is an enzyme mostly produced by liver cells. High levels can be an indication of liver damage.
Albumin test (Range: 3.1-4.3 g/dL)
Albumin is a protein produced by the liver. Its volume within the organ can be measured via this test. Abnormal levels can be caused by liver or kidney problems.
Total protein test
The lab tests the ratio of two types of proteins: albumin and globulin. Low protein levels can indicate various conditions, including liver and kidney disorders and malnutrition, while high levels can be a sign of inflammation, infection or bone marrow disorder.
Alkaline phosphatase test (Range: M:45-115u/L, W: 30-100)
Alkaline phosphatase is an enzyme typically produced in liver and bone cells. Results outside of the normal levels can signal liver damage and bone problems such as rickets or bone tumors.
Aspartate aminotransferase test (Range: 5-30 U/L)
Aspartate aminotransferase is an enzyme usually found in RBCs and muscle tissue, as well as the heart, pancreas, liver and kidneys. This test measures the levels of this enzyme in the body, with results above the healthy range indicating a variety of conditions, including some types of cancer, as well as liver, heart or kidney damage. It is heavily skewed by exercise at least 3 days before testing.
Bilirubin test (Range: 0.2-1.3 mg/dL)
Bilirubin is a biomarker to test for kidney and liver dysfunction which is useful in diagnosing conditions such as neonatal jaundice, anemia and liver diseases.
Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) test (Range: 8-21 mg/dL)
This test measures the volume of nitrogen in the blood. High levels can be caused by kidney damage or disease, while low levels may be a sign of malnutrition or severe liver damage.
Calcium test (Range 2-2.6 mmol/L)
This test measures the levels of calcium in the blood. If testing indicates low levels, this can indicate under-active parathyroid glands, insufficient calcium in your diet, or Vit D insufficiency, and other less common conditions.
High levels can indicate conditions including over-active parathyroid glands, excessive Vit D supplementation, kidney problems as well as more concerning causes
Chloride test (Range: 95-105 mmol/L)
This test measures the body’s chloride levels. An increased level of chloride can indicate dehydration as well as kidney disorders and adrenal gland dysfunction.
eGFR (Range: 60-116 mL/min/1.73m2) Estimated glomerular filtration rate is a measure of how well your kidneys are working. It is heavily skewed by exercise and creatine supplementation at least 3 days before testing. A Cystatin-C test is more accurate for measuring kidney function
Creatinine test (Range: 0.8-1.3mg/dL)
Creatinine is a chemical waste molecule that is important for creating muscle energy. Increased levels of creatinine can be a sign of kidney dysfunction. It is heavily skewed by exercise at least 3 days before testing.
Fasting blood sugar test (Range : 70-100 mg/dL)
Blood sugar levels are easily affected by recent food or drink intake. The fasting blood sugar test is therefore done after a minimum of six hours of fasting. Abnormal results can indicate diabetes, among other medical conditions.
HBA1C (Range: 4.5-5.6%)
Measures average glucose level over 3 months
Phosphorus test (Range: 0.8-1.5 mmol/L)
The lab tests the amount of phosphorus in the blood. Elevated levels can indicate problems with the kidneys and parathyroid glands, and they may be a sign of malnutrition or alcohol abuse.
Potassium test (Range: 3.5-5 mmol/L)
Potassium aids the communication between nerves and muscles, regulates the heart and maintains muscle function. Diuretics (a substance or medication used to increase urination) can cause potassium levels to fall.
Sodium test (Range: 135-145 mmol/L)
Sodium is a mineral that aids nerve impulses and muscle contractions, as well as balancing water levels. Irregularities are a possible indication of dehydration, adrenal gland disorders, corticosteroids, and kidney or liver disorders.
Lipid Panel
The lipid panel consists of various tests used to measure the different types of triglycerides (fats) and cholesterol in the blood.
Total cholesterol test (Range: 3-5.5mmol/L)
This test measures the overall levels of LDL (bad) and HDL (good) cholesterol in the blood.
Triglycerides test (Range: 50-150 mg/dL)
Tests for triglycerides, a fat found in the blood. Irregularities are a possible risk factor for heart disease and diabetes.
HDL cholesterol test (Range: 40-80 mg/dL)
HDL cholesterol, also known as high-density lipoprotein (or good cholesterol), is useful in protecting against heart disease. Low levels can increase the risk of heart problems.
LDL cholesterol test (Range: 85-125 mg/dL)
LDL cholesterol, also known as low-density lipoprotein (or bad cholesterol), is linked to heart disease and clogged arteries.
Total cholesterol to HDL ratio test (Range: under 3.5mmol/L as high as 5.1mmol/L)
Calculating this ratio can help determine an individual’s risk of developing a heart disease. It is worked out by dividing HDL cholesterol into total cholesterol. High levels are a possible indicator of heart problems.
Testosterone (Range; M:300-950 ng/dL, W:20-70ng/dL)
Involved in muscle building, fat loss, energy levels etc
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