Helpful tips / 10/05/2019

What should you know about blood test results?

“Don’t jump to conclusions,” warns Dr. Salamon. “Blood test results can vary a little bit, depending on the lab. And many people are consistently on one side or the other of the normal range, and for them, that’s healthy,” says Dr. Salamon.

What happens if there is a mix up in a blood test?

Although mix-ups of blood test samples are rare, they do happen. How your blood sample is handled before it’s analyzed can affect results, too. For example, if the sample is collected in the wrong container, shaken inappropriately, or stored for too long or at the wrong temperature, you may get an erroneous result.

What does it mean when your blood test results are abnormal?

Abnormal Results May Not Be Due to a Disease A test result outside the normal range of expected lab values does not necessarily mean you have a disease or disorder. Test results can be abnormal for other reasons.

What can a CBC blood test tell you?

The CBC test is the most commonly requested lab test and is often included in any routine checkup. It can detect blood diseases and disorders, such as anemia (lack of healthy red blood cells or hemoglobin), infections, clotting problems, blood cancers, and immune disorders. This test measures many parts of your blood.

What happens if your blood work results are abnormal?

Abnormal results could alert your doctor to a variety of medical conditions including kidney failure, breathing problems, diabetes, or side effects from medications. Arterial blood gas tests (ABG) use blood from an artery to check for severe breathing problems and lung disease.

How long does it take for blood work results to come in?

How long the results take to come in can depend on the type of tests that are being performed. The results of a complete blood count, basic metabolic panel, or lipid panel test could be in your Doctor’s hands in as little as 24-hours.

What does a number above normal mean on a blood test?

In our BUN example, a number just above the normal range might actually be a sign of a bleeding ulcer in the stomach or small intestine, not failing kidneys. “It depends on the person, the symptoms, and the other conditions that are present,” she says.

Why does my Blood Show ↓Ed bleeding notthin?

↑ed Bleeding NotThin: Blood viscosity is primarily due to surface adhesiveness of red blood cells. Blood viscosity is ↓ed in anemia (RBCs farther apart), but this is not healthy. All the agents commonly referred to as “thinners” either ↓ blood clotting or stimulate blood clot destruction proteins.

What does Bun mean in a blood test?

“Blood test results can vary a little bit, depending on the lab. And many people are consistently on one side or the other of the normal range, and for them, that’s healthy,” says Dr. Salamon. Take, for example, a routine measure of blood urea nitrogen (BUN), a waste product created as your body breaks down the protein in your diet.

What’s the good news about my blood test results?

1. What’s the Good News About My Blood Test Results? Routine blood tests are generally done to look for problems, so if your CBC, blood chemistry, and cholesterol results fall within normal ranges, the doctor’s office may not reach out to you about your report. Or they may send you a copy with little or no explanation.

What does it mean when your blood test results are outside the normal range?

A test result outside the normal range of expected lab values does not necessarily mean you have a disease or disorder. Test results can be abnormal for other reasons.

What does it mean when your blood test results are low?

This test measures the average amount of hemoglobin in the typical red blood cell. Results that are too high could signal anemia, while those too low may indicate a nutritional deficiency.

Why do blood test results vary from lab to lab?

Test Values Can Be Different From Lab to Lab. Lab technicians’ reports compare your blood test results with a range that is considered normal for that laboratory. The lab’s reference range is based on test results from many people previously tested in that lab.

When to get results of blood chloride test?

You should be able to get the results of your test within a few days. It may be sooner if your doctor has ordered that the results be checked at once. The normal range for chloride in your blood is between 96 and 106 milliequivalents per liter (MEq/L).

Can you order your own blood test without insurance?

It’s possible to order your own blood tests without a doctor or even health insurance, but it’s not recommended. You may end up paying the full cost by not going through an insurance plan, which can be expensive. And some blood testing facilities may not give you accurate results.

What does a high hematocrit mean on a blood test?

A high hematocrit level might mean you’re dehydrated. A low hematocrit level might mean you have anemia. The normal range for men is between 41.5% and 50.4%. For women the range is between 36.9% and 44.6%. Mean corpuscular volume (MCV).