Once you’re familiar with how blood tests are presented, you can quickly scan the page for the flagged abnormal results (if there are any), which will be labelled as either “L” for too low, or “H” for too high. You don’t need to memorize the normal ranges of any measured component because they will always be printed alongside your test results as a handy reference.
Normal RBC ranges are different between men and women. Men typically have 20-25% more RBCs because they tend to be larger and have more muscle tissue, which requires more oxygen. Hematocrit (the percentage of your blood made up by RBCs) and mean corpuscular volume (average volume of RBCs) are two ways of measuring RBCs and both values are normally higher in men because of their higher oxygen needs.
Levels of both RBCs and hemoglobin are connected because hemoglobin is carried inside RBCs, although it’s possible to have malformed RBCs without hemoglobin (termed sickle cell anemia). Many compounds “thin” the blood, which means that they inhibit platelet stickiness and prevent blood clotting. Common blood thinners include: alcohol, many types of drugs (ibuprofen, aspirin, heparin), garlic and parsley. A CBC also includes levels of eosinophil (Eos), polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), and mean cell hemoglobin concentration (MCHC).
HDL removes excess cholesterol from the blood and carries it to the liver for recycling. Desirable levels are above 50 mg/dL (ideally above 60 mg/dL). [10] X Research source Your HDL level is the only one that you want to be high on this type of blood test. LDL deposits excess cholesterol in blood vessel in response to injury and inflammation, which can trigger atherosclerosis (clogged arteries). Desirable levels are less than 130 mg/dL (ideally less than 100 mg/dL).
People at serious risk for diabetes (often classified as “prediabetic”) typically have blood glucose levels between 100-125 mg/dL. Other causes of high blood glucose include: severe stress, chronic kidney disease, hyperthyroidism and an inflamed or cancerous pancreas. Not enough blood glucose (less than 70 mg/dL) is called hypoglycemia and characteristic of taking too much insulin medication, alcoholism and organ failure (liver, kidneys, heart).
Sodium is an electrolyte required for regulating fluid levels in the body and allowing nerves and muscles to work properly, but too much can lead to hypertension (high blood pressure) and increase your risk of heart attack. Normal levels are between 135-145 mEq/L. Other electrolytes, such as potassium, can be included in this section. [15] X Trustworthy Source University of California San Francisco Health Center Research hospital associated with UCSF, a leading medical university, providing innovative patient care and public health resources Go to source Liver enzymes (ALT and AST) become elevated in the blood due to liver injury or inflammation — often the result of consuming too much alcohol and/or drugs (prescription, over-the-counter and illicit), or from an infection such as hepatitis. Bilirubin, albumin and total protein can be included in this section. If your blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine levels are too high, that likely indicates problems with your kidneys. BUN should be between 7-21 mg/dL,[16] X Trustworthy Source University of Rochester Medical Center Leading academic medical center in the U. S. focused on clinical care and research Go to source whereas creatinine should be between 0. 8-1. 4 mg/dL. [17] X Trustworthy Source University of Rochester Medical Center Leading academic medical center in the U. S. focused on clinical care and research Go to source Other elements in a CMP include albumin, chloride, potassium, calcium, total protein, and bilirubin. Low or high levels of these elements can indicate the presence of disease.
