Interpreter of laboratory results is small

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Interpreter of laboratory results is small
Interpreter of laboratory results is small
Anonim

For most people, the result after blood tests is just a list of abbreviations and numbers, the interpretation of which exceeds the knowledge of the average person, so they are forced to wait until a competent doctor analyzes the result. So that you are not tormented by curiosity until then, we have summarized what the laboratory findings mean, as well as what diseases the lower and higher values may indicate.

Contents of the general laboratory examination

The contents of the package, known in everyday parlance as a small routine, may vary from lab to lab, but it usually includes the following: blood count, urine, liver and kidney function, parameters of sugar and fat metabolism, iron and parameters characterizing iron balance. In order to monitor the state of he alth, it is recommended to have a general laboratory test - the measurement of blood sugar and cholesterol levels - every five years between the ages of 21 and 39, every two years among the 40-65 year olds, and annually over the age of 65. However, in most cases, the laboratory test is more it is targeted, depending on the symptoms or the existing underlying disease. In this case, you have to look at the parameters that help answer the question.

The reference range is not uniform

Those who have had a lab done in several places know that there are almost as many different normal ranges as there are clinics, to which the person's values are compared. "The normal range is called the reference range, which often depends on gender and age, and also largely depends on the methodology, instrument and reagent," says the laboratory doctor.

According to the expert, this is also why every finding has the reference range on it, since every lab publishes the reference values for its own tests. However, for the small routine, the results of the different laboratories can typically be compared, the really big differences, e.g. may be due to hormones. However, it would be a mistake to draw far-reaching conclusions based solely on laboratory results. The specialist always interprets the numbers in accordance with the symptoms and/or other test results.

The data below are only guidelines

"We do not recommend that patients interpret their own findings on the basis of this, especially if they have specific complaints. The interpretation of laboratory findings is always individualized, so the values included in it can only provide a clue as to what direction is necessary to change your lifestyle" - warns the laboratory doctor.

The most common codes and their interpretation

VVT, RBC: shows the amount of red blood cells. A low value may indicate anemia, blood loss, or a tumor affecting the bone marrow, in which case the oxygen supply decreases, so the patient becomes pale and fatigued. If its level is higher, it can indicate heart and lung problems, but also low fluid intake, as the blood thickens.

FVS, WBC: in the lab, these abbreviations indicate the number of white blood cells in the body, these cells fight pathogens. If this value is higher than normal, it may indicate a bacterial infection or hyperthyroidism, if it is exceptionally high, it may indicate leukemia. However, if it is lower than the reference numbers, it may be a consequence of chemotherapy or radiation treatment, or the result of a viral infection.

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Blood sugar: its value measured on an empty stomach ranges between 3.9-6.1 mmol/l. It is important to note here that only the stress blood glucose test is suitable for screening for insulin resistance, which is unfortunately increasingly common these days. The disease is also referred to as the anteroom of type 2 diabetes. There is an index, the HOMA index, which can be calculated from fasting glucose and insulin values. All-time rating of this:

≤1normal

2 suspected insulin resistance

2, 5 insulin resistance probable (adult)

3, 2 insulin resistance probable (child and adolescent)

5, 0 T2 diabetes

LDL: shows the level of "bad" cholesterol. The increased value, like the higher blood sugar level, mostly appears as a result of lack of exercise and inadequate nutrition. In addition, there may be familial hypercholesterolemia, when it is higher due to an enzyme defect, or hypothyroidism can raise it.

Uric acid: its higher value is also genetically determined, in addition, eating a lot of meat can lead to an increase in uric acid levels. If you are overweight, have high blood pressure and cholesterol, or have diabetes, the value may also be elevated. High uric acid levels can lead to joint disease, gout, and kidney disease. The interaction can be true back and forth; therefore, in addition to high uric acid levels and gout, the development of high blood pressure is ten times more common, while at the same time, in the case of hypertension or coronary artery disease, gout occurs three times more often.

CRP: an elevated value indicates inflammation in the body. This could be a recent runny nose, as well as an existing inflammatory disease at the time of the examination. It is also interesting that the CRP level is also raised by a diet with excessive fat and sugar. Incorrect eating can therefore cause a permanent inflammatory state in the body.

MCV: shows the average volume of red blood cells. This can be determined from one or two milliliters of blood with a simple laboratory blood count machine. If the value is small, it most often indicates an iron deficiency, if it is high, it indicates a deficiency of folic acid or vitamin B12.

Crea, Cre: indicates the level of creatinine, which is a breakdown product of a protein called creatine from muscles. It is filtered by the kidney, so the difference in its value shows the disorder of this organ. If it is higher than normal, it indicates kidney failure or low fluid intake. A lower value is usually measured after pregnancy or greater muscle loss, so this is not a cause for great concern.

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