Decoding Your Lab Results
After your blood work, you receive a report filled with numbers, ranges, and abbreviations. Understanding these results empowers you to take an active role in your health.
Common Blood Tests Explained
Complete Blood Count (CBC)
- White blood cells (WBC): Your immune system fighters. High counts may indicate infection; low counts may suggest immune issues.
- Red blood cells (RBC): Carry oxygen throughout your body. Low counts indicate anemia.
- Hemoglobin: The oxygen-carrying protein. Low levels are the most common indicator of anemia.
- Platelets: Help your blood clot. Abnormal levels can indicate various conditions.
Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP)
- Glucose: Your blood sugar level. Fasting glucose above 100 mg/dL may indicate prediabetes.
- BUN/Creatinine: Kidney function markers. Elevated levels may indicate kidney issues.
- Liver enzymes (ALT, AST): Elevated levels can indicate liver inflammation or damage.
- Electrolytes: Sodium, potassium, and others that keep your body functioning properly.
Lipid Panel
- Total cholesterol: Ideally below 200 mg/dL
- LDL ("bad" cholesterol): Lower is generally better
- HDL ("good" cholesterol): Higher is protective
- Triglycerides: Ideally below 150 mg/dL
Thyroid Panel
- TSH: The primary thyroid screening test. High TSH suggests underactive thyroid; low TSH suggests overactive.
Why Context Matters
A number outside the "reference range" doesn't automatically mean something is wrong. Your physician considers your individual history, trends over time, and the complete clinical picture.
This is where concierge medicine shines. We take the time to thoroughly review and explain every result, answer your questions, and develop actionable plans based on your labs.
View your results and notes in your patient portal, or call Dr. Ben directly to discuss.