How do you read lab test results?

How do you read lab test results?

Lab results are often shown as a set of numbers known as a reference range. A reference range may also be called “normal values.” You may see something like this on your results: “normal: 77-99mg/dL” (milligrams per deciliter). Reference ranges are based on the normal test results of a large group of healthy people.

What does it mean to interpret lab results?

Interpretation of a laboratory result requires that the result can be related to a relevant reference value. This can be the same patient’s earlier results, if this is possible, or be done by comparing to data from a “normal” population.

What does WBC mean in a blood test?

A WBC count is a blood test to measure the number of white blood cells (WBCs) in the blood. WBCs are also called leukocytes. They help fight infections. There are five major types of white blood cells: Basophils.

What is CBC with differential WBC?

Listen to pronunciation. (… dih-feh-REN-shul) A measure of the number of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets in the blood, including the different types of white blood cells (neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, basophils, and eosinophils).

What should a normal CBC read?

Results

Red blood cell count Male: 4.35-5.65 trillion cells/L* (4.35-5.65 million cells/mcL**) Female: 3.92-5.13 trillion cells/L (3.92-5.13 million cells/mcL)
Hemoglobin Male: 13.2-16.6 grams/dL*** (132-166 grams/L) Female: 11.6-15 grams/dL (116-150 grams/L)
Hematocrit Male: 38.3-48.6 percent Female: 35.5-44.9 percent

What does RBC count mean?

A red blood cell (RBC) count is a blood test that tells you how many red blood cells you have. Red blood cells contain a substance called haemoglobin, which transports oxygen around the body.

What is a normal WBC count?

The normal number of WBCs in the blood is 4,500 to 11,000 WBCs per microliter (4.5 to 11.0 × 109/L). Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different labs.

What do you need to know about lab results?

How to Understand Your Lab Results. What is a laboratory test? A laboratory (lab) test is a procedure in which a health care provider takes a sample of your blood, urine, other bodily fluid, or body tissue to get information about your health. Some lab tests are used to help diagnose, screen, or monitor a specific disease or condition.

What do the numbers on my lab results mean?

What do my results mean? Lab results are often shown as a set of numbers known as a reference range. A reference range may also be called “normal values.” You may see something like this on your results: “normal: 77-99mg/dL” (milligrams per deciliter). Reference ranges are based on the normal test results of a large group of healthy people.

What is a reference range on a lab report?

Lab results are often shown as a set of numbers known as a reference range. A reference range may also be called “normal values.”. You may see something like this on your results: “normal: 77-99mg/dL” (milligrams per deciliter).

What does it mean if my lab results are outside normal?

Most lab results posted to a patient portal include both absolute values and reference ranges. A reference range gives you a high value and low value — anything between them is typically considered normal. If a result is outside the reference range, don’t panic.