Understanding Your Lab Results
Complete Blood Count (CBC)
WBC (White Blood Count)
White blood cells are the body’s primary defense system against illness. When a foreign invader such as bacteria enters your body, WBCs attack it, preventing the infection from “taking over”.
RBC (Red Blood Cell Count)
Red blood cells are responsible for carrying oxygen from the lungs to organs and tissues. This test measures the number of red blood cells available to carry this vital substance.
HGB (Hemoglobin)
Hemoglobin is a chemical compound involved with the transport of oxygen to, and carbon dioxide from, organs and tissues. HGB is inside red blood cells, giving them their red color. This test measures your body’s concentration of hemoglobin.
HCT (Hematocrit)
Hematocrit literally means “to separate”, dividing the red blood cells from whole blood. This test examines the amount of red blood cells per total volume of blood.
ANC (Absolute Neutrophil Count)
The number of white blood cells that are actually neutrophils. Neutrophils are key components in the system of defense against infection.
PLT (Platelet Count)
Platelets are the blood-clotting or coagulating mechanism in blood. They help protect your body against uncontrolled bleeding when a blood vessel is damaged or cut.
Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP)
Sodium-Potassium-Chloride-CO2
These four items are electrolytes in the blood that monitor pH balance (acid/base balance) as well as water balance.
Glucose
This test measures the level of sugar in the blood. High values are associated with diabetes.
BUN (Blood Urea Nitrogen)
Urea is the main waste product produced by the liver during the breakdown of proteins. More than 90% of the urea is excreted by the kidneys. This test is used to help detect a variety of kidney and liver diseases. Results may be affected by the amount of protein and liquid in the diet, fever, stress and some forms of medications.
Creatinine
Creatinine is a by-product in the breakdown of creatine, a substance produced by muscles. It is normally produced at a constant rate depending upon muscle mass and is removed from the body by the kidneys. For this reason, the creatinine test is frequently used to assess kidney function.
Calcium
This test is related to bone function and hormones that influence bone function.
Total Protein—Albumin
These tests measure the amount and type of protein in the blood. They are a useful index of overall health and nutrition.
TOT BILI (Total Bilirubin)
Bilirubin is the primary pigment in bile. Although slight variations are generally not significant, high bilirubin values may indicate liver disease or other disorders such as gallstones which reduce the normal flow of bile.
ALK PHOS (Alkaline Phosphatase)
This is an enzyme found in body tissue which is used to detect bone diseases or liver diseases.
SGOT & SGPT
These are protein enzymes that aid in various chemical activities within cells. Injury to cells releases these enzymes into the blood. They are found in muscles (including the heart) and the liver. Damage from alcohol and a number of diseases are reflected in high values.
