what is the proper way to dress when working in the lab

Blood tests (aka claret work) can show us, apparently, what's in our claret. (And, by extension, what's in our bodies). That's because blood gives the states insight into what we can't run across from the exterior.

In this article nosotros outline how it works and what you lot need to know.

What is blood work?

Blood is a transport organization for the body. We conduct all kinds of things in the approximately 5 litres of claret that circulates constantly through our arrangement.

Blood tests, aka blood work, tin can testify us what's in our claret — and past extension, what'due south in our bodies. Blood tin can besides bear witness united states changes in our bodies that we might non exist able to run across from the exterior — such as our blood sugar levels or nutritional status.

Thus, we tin use blood work to assess overall health, and it can give the states a much more than accurate and objective snapshot of wellness than "Gee, I recollect I had some veggies yesterday" or "I feel fatty today".

How is blood work done?

We get blood for testing from:

• Capillary skin puncture (finger stick)
• Stale blood samples
• Blood drawn from an artery
• Claret drawn from a vein (most mutual)
• Bone marrow aspiration

What happens to blood subsequently it'southward drawn?

Blood is analyzed in a lab. The blood is put into a centrifuge and spun until it separates.

Reference ranges

And then, technicians compare results to a "reference range." The reference range is the range of expected values for each test listed.

Expected ranges used in lab analyses include 95% of the "healthy" population. And then, 95% of healthy people would take lab values within these ranges. This range varies depending on the lab, region (e.chiliad. US vs Eu) and type of claret component.

A number higher up or below this reference range can give valuable diagnostic information well-nigh body systems. High and low values are especially useful when taken in context with other symptoms, lifestyle factors, and tests.

Variation in results and ranges

Lab values vary for each person and must be assessed relative to other factors. While reference ranges are established afterward testing a big number of healthy people, everyone is slightly different.

Blood analyses vary based on:

• Fourth dimension of year
• Posture/positioning
• Nutrient/fluid intake
• Stress
• Medication/supplement apply
• Alcohol
• Smoking
• Exercise/physical activity
• General tests

Claret work: the tests

The bones test

A general lab ordered by a md is typically called SMAC-20, SMA-twenty, or Chem-xx.

This basic test looks at 20 unlike parts of the blood including levels of certain minerals, proteins, etc. This examination is standard and should exist done, although it's not very telling of ane'due south overall wellness profile.

Across the basic SMAC-20, at that place are many different claret tests you tin request. Highlighted below are some of the well-nigh useful tests.

Cardiovascular tests

Test	What it is	Higher with	Lower with
Total cholesterol	Cholesterol is necessary for edifice brain and nervus cells, forth with various hormones.Also much of it floating around the blood is associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD). Some experts claim that if you keep this under 150 mg/dL – you'll be "heart attack resistant."	Cholestasis, nephritic syndrome, chronic renal failure, hypothyroidism, alcoholism, a diet high in cholesterol and fat, obesity, pregnancy.	Myeloproliferative affliction (e.g., polycythemia vera, thrombocytosis, myelofibrosis, chronic myelogenous leukemia), hyperthyroidism, malnutrition, some lung diseases, warmer months, sitting (versus standing), sure drugs, estrogen medications.
Depression density lipoprotein (LDL)	This chemical compound carries cholesterol to body cells from the liver. Pocket-sized, dumbo LDL levels take a strong clan to CVD.	Overeating (and most folks overeat candy fats, sugars, and refined grains), hypothyroidism, nephrotic syndrome, multiple myeloma, hepatic obstruction, anorexia nervosa, diabetes, renal failure, porphyria, pregnancy, androgen use.	Tangier affliction, hyperthyroidism, anemia, Reye's syndrome, inflammatory joint disease, estrogen employ.
Apoplipoprotein A & B	These are surface proteins of lipoprotein particles. Apo A is the primary component of HDL. Apo B is the main component of LDL.	Apo A: Not significant.Apo B: Diabetes, hypothyroidism, renal failure, hepatic disease, Cushing'south syndrome.	Apo A: Diabetes, renal failure, diets very loftier in polyunsaturated fat, smoking, some drugs, genetic diseases.Apo B: Malnutrition, plant-based diets, high polyunsaturated fat diets, some drugs, genetic diseases.
Lipoprotein (a) (Lp(a))	This is some other sub-fraction of cholesterol. High levels of this are associated with premature heart affliction.	Mail service-menopausal women, African-American race, renal failure/affliction, estrogen depletion, hypothyroidism, diabetes.	Not significant – levels might be slightly lower with niacin apply.
Loftier density lipoprotein (HDL)	This compound carries cholesterol from cells back to the liver. At that place is a strong relationship between HDL and CVD. The ratio of total cholesterol to HDL is considered a better predictor of center disease than full cholesterol or LDL. The goal is to have a ratio of five:1 or lower in men; four.4:1 in women. An optimum ratio is iii.5:1 or lower in men, 3.4:one or lower in women.	Lots of exercise for many years, estrogen use, low levels of alcohol consumption.	Diabetes, cholestasis, renal failure, obesity, sedentary beliefs, certain drugs, insulin resistance.
Triglycerides	Fat in the blood levels predict the body's ability to metabolize fat.  When triglycerides are under 100, the LDL adding is usually inflated. The triglyceride to HDL ratio might be the unmarried best predictor of center affliction risk.  A ratio above 4:1 is cause for concern. The goal is a ratio of 2:one; the lower the amend.	CVD, liver disease, alcoholism, renal illness, hypothyroidism, pregnancy, birth command medications, smoking, obesity, diabetes, gout, anorexia nervosa, a contempo meal with fat.	Malnutrition, hyperthyroidism, some lung diseases, strenuous practise, a lean body.
C-reactive protein (CRP)	A marker for depression grade inflammation. Useful in predicting CVD.	Pain, fever, infection, inflammatory bowel disease, arthritis, autoimmune disease.	Not meaning – can be an indication that inflammation is decreasing.
Homocysteine	An amino acid found in modest amounts in the blood resulting from the synthesis of cysteine from methionine. Simply cleared from the body with adequate blood levels of vitamin B12, B6 and folate. Elevations of homocysteine are associated with CVD.	Folic acid deficiency, vitamin B12 deficiency, vitamin B6 deficiency, heredity, older age, kidney illness, male gender, certain medications.	Non pregnant.

Liver function tests

Test	What information technology is	College with	Lower with
Alkaline phosphatase	If the bile duct is blocked (cholestasis), this enzyme gets backed up and spills into the bloodstream. Values can assist to evaluate bone health since elevated levels show active bone growth or inflammation due to damaged or healing basic. If elevated in conjunction with GGT, nosotros have a liver upshot.	Younger age, fatty liver, pregnancy, obstructive jaundice, liver affliction, diabetes, booze consumption, eating a fatty meal, gallbladder conditions, os growth, damaged bones, Paget's disease, vitamin D deficiency.	Non pregnant. May betoken celiac disease, malnutrition, scurvy, or magnesium/zinc deficiency.
GGT	A cholestatic liver enzyme. If the bile duct is blocked (cholestasis), this enzyme gets backed up and spills into the blood stream. Evaluates liver and gallbladder office, simply is also found in kidneys. Helpful when alkaline metal phosphatase levels are elevated.	High alcohol intake, diverse liver disorders, stress, excess torso fat, exercise, some drugs.If GGT and alkaline phosphatase are elevated, information technology's probable a liver disorder.	If GGT is low and alkaline phophatase is elevated, it's likely a os disorder (instead of a liver disorder). Otherwise, low GGT isn't significant.
AST/SGOT	An enzyme found mainly in the liver, middle, and muscles – organs with high metabolic activity.	Liver damage, centre harm, muscle damage, high body fat, diabetes, mononucleosis, pregnancy, hypothyroidism, shock, some drugs.	Azotemia, dialysis, vitamin B6 deficiency.
ALT/SGPT	Enzyme found mainly in the liver.	Damage to the liver from alcohol, inflammation, increased trunk fatty, mononucleosis, some drugs, heart attack, aspirin, strenuous exercise.	Not significant.
Bilirubin	This is a normal, yellow fluid metabolic by-production of cerise claret prison cell breakdown that must be cleared by the liver.	Bile menses harm, carcinoma, liver disease, loftier levels of red blood cell breakdown, prolonged fasting, anorexia nervosa, niacin supplementation, some forms of anemia.Note: Exposing a blood sample to 1 hour of sunlight can decrease bilirubin.	Rare and non pregnant.Note: Foods with lots of orange color (carrots, yams) can increase the yellow hue in serum and falsely increment bilirubin levels if tested with a spectrophotometer.
Ammonia	The end product of protein metabolism. The liver normally removes ammonia via portal vein circulation with conversion to urea. Levels in our blood dramatically influence acid/base balance and brain part.	Reye's syndrome, liver illness, gut hemorrhage, renal disease, inborn errors of metabolism, excessive poly peptide intake, some drugs, intense exercise, smoking, alcohol, constipation, gut infection.	Non pregnant.

Kidney function tests

Test	What information technology is	Higher with	Lower with
Creatinine	This is a metabolic past-product of muscle metabolism that must be filtered by the kidneys. Since musculus creatine breaks down into creatinine, someone with more muscle will have abundant creatine and potentially college creatinine levels. When in that location is disordered kidney function, the ability to excrete creatinine diminishes.	Impaired kidney function (forth with high BUN), obstruction of the urinary tract, musculus illness, daze, center failure, dehydration, rhabdomyolysis, high meat diet, hyperthyroidism.	Decreased muscle mass, inadequate protein intake, pregnancy. Depression levels usually aren't cause for concern.
BUN (blood urea nitrogen)	Urea is a waste production of poly peptide metabolism eliminated from the body through urine, feces, and perspiration. BUN is a measure for kidney function because if filtration in the kidneys can't keep upwards with elimination, kidney role is likely macerated.	Various kidney diseases, heart failure, urinary tract obstruction, gut hemorrhage, diabetes with ketoacidosis, steroid use, circulatory disorders, high animal protein intake, intense exercise, salt or water depletion from sweating, diarrhea, airsickness.	Pregnancy, liver failure, acromegaly, Celiac affliction, syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone (SIADH), malnutrition.
Creatinine/BUN ratio	This provides more than information about potential kidney issues.	Increased ratio with normal creatinine occurs in: Salt depletion, dehydration, heart failure, catabolic states, gut hemorrhage, loftier animal protein intake.Increased ratio with elevated creatinine occurs in: Obstruction of the urinary tract, ketoacidosis, prerenal azotemia.	Decreased ratio with decreased BUN occurs in: Tubular necrosis, malnutrition, dialysis, SIADH, pregnancy.Decreased ratio with elevated creatinine occurs in: Some drug use, rhabdomyolysis, muscular folks who are developing kidney failure.

Thyroid tests

Test	What information technology is	Higher with	Lower with
TSH	The thyroid has large hormone storage potential and a slow rate of turnover. TSH is secreted by the pituitary gland and stimulates thyroid gland function, leading to the release of T3 and T4. TSH secretion is regulated by T3 and T4 (feedback inhibition) and is stimulated by thyrotropin-releasing hormone (released from the hypothalamus). This test is the nigh sensitive for chief hypothyroidism.	An nether-active thyroid, advanced age, amphetamine abuse.	An overactive thyroid, corticosteroid use, likewise much thyroid replacement medication. TSH tends to become down later in the twenty-four hour period.
Free T3 (triiodothyronine)	The fraction of T3 that exists unbound in the blood.	Hyperthyroidism, high altitude, T3 toxicosis.	Hypothyroidism, tardily phase pregnancy.
Total T3 (triiodothyronine)	T3 has three iodine atoms attached and more metabolic activity than T4, but the effect is short lived. This examination is helpful for diagnosing T3 toxicosis and hyperthyroidism. Non useful for diagnosing hypothyroidism.	Hyperthyroidism, T3 toxicosis, thyroid medication use, heroin apply, estrogen apply, pregnancy, iodine deficiency goiter.	Hypothyroidism, anabolic steroid utilise, aspirin, niacin use, fasting, malnutrition.
Costless T4 (thyroxine)	This only makes up a small fraction of total T4. Free T4 is unbound and bachelor to tissues. It's metabolically active.	Hyperthyroidism, heparin apply, hypothyroidism treated with T4.	Hypothyroidism, chronic illness, pregnancy.
Total T4 (thyroxine)	T4 has four atoms of iodine attached. This test shows the total amount of T4, consisting of T4 jump to carrier proteins and unbound T4 available to cells. Bound T4 is inactive.	Hyperthyroidism, loftier estrogen levels from pregnancy, birth control use, estrogen replacement, hepatitis, lymphoma, heroin use, excessive iodine intake.	Steroid use, liver disease, hypothyroidism, aspirin, nephritic syndrome.
rT3 (reverse T3)	If the body is nether stress it may convert T4 into rT3 (reverse T3), an inactive course of T3. rT3 can as well bind to T3 receptors, blocking actual T3. This allows the body to "plow down" energy levels. T3 and rT3 have an inverse relationship, when at that place is more of i, there is less of the other. rT3 test results tin can be indicative of Wilson's Syndrome.

Reproductive function tests

Exam	What it is	College with	Lower with
Testosterone	Responsible for the development of male person secondary sex characteristics and sex drive (in both men and women). Secreted by testes, ovaries and adrenal glands. Exists in serum as both unbound (free) and spring. Unbound is active testosterone. Levels are subject to diurnal variation with a peak in the early on morning.	For men: Anabolic steroid use, cancer of the testes.For women: Hyperthyroidism, adrenal tumors, androgen resistance, ovarian tumors, hirsutism, polycystic ovaries, some drugs, virilization, hilar cell tumors.	For men: Hypogonadism, Klinefelter'southward syndrome, hypopituitarism, liver disease, some drugs, downwardly syndrome, avant-garde age, alcohol abuse, some drugs.For women: Menopause, ovarian failure.
IGF-ane	A growth factor produced past the liver and muscles directly in response to growth hormone. IGF-ane can help evaluate pituitary function and diagnose situations related to growth hormone production.	Increased growth hormone production, puberty, pregnancy, pituitary tumors, obesity.	Deficiency or insensitivity to growth hormone, decreased pituitary function, advancing age, anorexia nervosa, malnutrition, diabetes, kidney disease, liver illness, high dose estrogen.
Growth hormone (GH)	A hormone secreted by the pituitary gland in response to exercise, deep sleep, hypoglycemia, glucagon, insulin and vasopressin. GH is essential to the growth process and metabolism.	Gigantism, acromegaly, uncontrolled diabetes, diabetes, fasting, anorexia nervosa, do.	Dwarfism, hypopituitarism, obesity, malnutrition, certain drugs/supplements, stress.
DHEA/DHEAs	An androgen that can be metabolized into testosterone or estrogen. Released mainly by the adrenal glands – it can also be released by the testes and ovaries. Controlled by ACTH from the pituitary gland.	Adrenal tumors, PCOS, puberty.	Adrenal dysfunction, pituitary dysfunction.
Estradiol	An important estrogen involved with sexual development. Produced mainly in the ovaries, but also in the adrenal glands and testes. Levels vary in menstruating women. Useful for diagnosing the reason behind amenorrhea.	Puberty, gynecomastia, ovarian tumor.	Turner syndrome, ovarian failure, rapid weight loss, low body fat, anorexia nervosa, malnutrition.
PSA (for men)	A screening recommended for males 40 years or older. PSA is produced by the prostate gland. Normal PSA levels don't rule out prostate cancer. Nearly 25% of prostate cancers are missed past this lab solitary.	Prostate cancer, prostate enlargement.	Not significant.

Carbohydrate tolerance tests

Test	What it is	Higher with	Lower with
Fasted insulin	Insulin is a hormone secreted by the pancreas in response to increases in blood saccharide, usually following a meal.	Pancreatic tumors, type ii diabetes, acromegaly, Cushing's syndrome, obesity (nearly mutual cause), diabetes medications, birth control medications.	Type 1 diabetes, hypopituitarism, diabetes medications.
Fasted glucose	Blood sugar. Loftier values volition occur if someone isn't fasted. Beyond that, a true high fasted claret sugar indicates insulin resistance. If y'all are fasted, and your blood glucose is above 126 mg/dL, you accept diabetes.	Diabetes, Cushing's disease, stress, acromegaly, pituitary adenoma, hemochromatosis, pancreatitis, glucagonoma, liver disease, renal illness, vitamin B deficiency, pregnancy, catabolic steroid use, pregnancy, diuretics, obesity, sedentary habits, alcohol use, aspirin apply, smoking.	Insulinomas, Addison's disease, ACTH deficiency, starvation, liver disease, enzyme deficiency disease, reactive hypoglycemia, exercise, anabolic steroid use, acetaminophen use, high hematocrit.

Protein status tests

Test	What it is	Higher with	Lower with
Albumin and globulin	These are proteins fabricated in the liver and released into the claret. They are useful for evaluating overall wellness and nutrition condition. Globulin fights disease. Albumin makes upward nearly 2/3 of the total protein in the body and keeps water inside blood vessels.	Albumin: Dehydration.Globulin: Astringent liver illness, infectious disease, claret disease, autoimmune disease, tuberculosis, multiple myelomas.	Albumin: Malnutrition, overhydration, liver affliction, kidney affliction, bone fractures, severe injury, inflammation, infection, Crohn's affliction, middle failure, thyroid dysfunction, slow haemorrhage, pregnancy, bed rest, certain medications.Globulin: Malnutrition, overhydration.

Vitamin, mineral, acid/base status tests

Exam	What it is	College with	Lower with
25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D]	The amount of vitamin D that has been produced in the torso from sun, food and supplements. The half-life is fifteen days. This lab can assist indicate bone defects. Depression levels are associated with immune disorders, CVD and some cancers.	Excessive supplementation or consumption from nutrient.	Dietary insufficiency.
one,25 (OH)2D	This lab is not a proficient indicator of vitamin D status, equally it has a brusk half life of only fifteen hours and levels in the blood are regulated tightly by hormones and minerals. i,25 (OH)second only starts to decline when a astringent deficiency of vitamin D is present.
Vitamin B-12	Also known as anti-pernicious anemia factor. Necessary for cherry blood cell production, tissue repair, Deoxyribonucleic acid synthesis, nervous system development.	Leukemia, renal failure, liver illness, polycythemia vera, center failure, diabetes, obesity, COPD, high supplemental intake.	Pernicious anemia, inflammatory bowel affliction, tapeworm, hypothyroidism, Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, bacterial overgrowth, dietary insufficiency, malabsorption, increased losses, aging, smoking, alcohol use, pregnancy, nativity command medications, loftier supplemental doses of vitamins A and C.
Folic acrid	Needed for normal cell part. It is formed past leaner in the intestines and is stored in the liver. It's also in foods like greenish leafy vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds, whole grains, legumes, and eggs. Folic acid levels in the blood tin increase with vitamin B12 deficiency.	Bacterial overgrowth, dietary backlog, vitamin B12 deficiency.	Dietary insufficiency, malabsorption, pregnancy, hypothyroidism, megaloblastic anemia, liver disease, celiac affliction, vitamin B6 deficiency, carcinomas, inflammatory bowel diseases, anticonvulsant Rx, antimalarial Rx, antacid Rx, birth command Rx.
Calcium and phosphorus	Ii elements tightly regulated in the body by the parathyroid gland, kidney and vitamin D. Measures can be abnormal with blood and bone illness, kidney disease, hormonal imbalances, intestinal disorders, excessive intake of vitamin C.
Sodium	An electrolyte necessary for fluid balance and cellular activity. Regulated by kidneys and adrenal glands.	Aridity.	Vomiting, diarrhea, sweating, fluid overload disorders.
Potassium	Electrolyte important for muscles. Very low and very high levels are associated with middle rhythm abnormalities.	Kidney failure, excessive intake of high potassium foods/supplements.	Fluid loss from medications (diuretics), diarrhea, airsickness.
Chloride	Electrolyte regulated by the kidneys and adrenal glands. A loftier or depression level usually corresponds to a high or low level of sodium or potassium.
Iron	This mineral is necessary for red claret cells and is the footing of hemoglobin. Iron can be lost through the intestinal and urinary tract, and through the menstrual cycle. Lost atomic number 26 must exist replaced in the diet. Iron losses in men and mail-menopausal women are very depression. All atomic number 26 claret test results can be contradistinct by alcohol consumption, estrogens, birth command, antibiotics, aspirin, and testosterone. Levels likewise alter with the time of day.	Hemolytic anemia, iron poisoning, iron overload syndromes, hemochromatosis, transfusions, excessive supplementations, liver damage, vitamin B6 deficiency, lead poisoning, leukemia, nephritis.	Iron deficiency anemia, blood loss, infections, pregnancy, progesterone nascence control pills, pernicious anemia remission, inadequate iron absorption, catamenia, dietary insufficiency, chronic inflammatory diseases.
Transferrin	A transport protein largely synthesized by the liver that regulates atomic number 26 absorption.	Iron deficiency anemia, pregnancy, estrogen therapy.	Microcytic anemia, protein deficiency, infection, liver affliction, renal disease, iron overload.
Total Atomic number 26 Binding Capacity (TIBC)	Correlates with transferrin. And fe test without TIBC and transferrin is of express value.	Iron deficiency, pregnancy, blood loss, hepatitis.	Poly peptide deficiency, hemochromatosis, non-iron-deficiency anemia, liver cirrhosis, renal diseases, hyperthyroidism.
Ferritin	Reflects trunk iron stores and is the well-nigh reliable indicator of total trunk iron status (other than testing bone marrow). May also be a marking of inflammation if elevated.	Iron overload, iron supplements, inflammatory disease, liver disease, leukemia, hyperthyroidism, renal diseases, age, meat consumption.	Iron deficiency anemia.
Carbon dioxide	This reflects the acid status of claret.	Lung disease, Cushing's syndrome, Conn'south syndrome.	Increased acidity from uncontrolled diabetes, kidney disease, metabolic disorders, chronic hyperventilation, Addison's disease, diarrhea, aspirin overdose.

White blood cell tests

Examination	What it is	Higher with	Lower with
White blood cells (WBC)	These come up in many dissimilar shapes and sizes. They take a part in the immune response. When the body is damaged, they increase. WBCs produce, transport, and distribute antibodies every bit well. Alone, a WBC count doesn't tell you much.	Acute infection, leukemia, tissue injury, cancerous neoplasms, uremia, drug use, hemorrhage, post-splenectomy, polycythemia vera, tissue necrosis, steroid therapy (ACTH), afternoon/evening hours.	Viral infections, bacterial infections, hypersplenism, os marrow depression, bone marrow disorders, pernicious anemia, AM hours, improper blood draw (hemoconcentration).
Neutrophils	The most abundant white claret cells that destroy bacteria in the body.	Bacterial infection, inflammation, metabolic intoxications, drugs, hemorrhage, hemolytic anemia, myeloproliferative illness, cancerous neoplasms, stress, labor, menstruation, steroid apply.	Stem cell disorder, infections, drug use, anemia, chemotherapy, some drugs, temperature changes.
Basophils	Involved in parasitic infections and some allergic disorders.	Leukemia, Hodgkin'south disease, myeloproliferative disorders, hypothyroidism, flu, polycythemia vera, hemolytic anemia.	Infection, hyperthyroidism, stress, steroids, chemotherapy, radiation.
Eosinophils	Ordinarily involved with allergic disorders and parasitic infections.	Allergies, asthma, tapeworm, endocrine disorders, myeloproliferative disorders, infections, skin diseases, GI diseases, aspirin sensitivity, poisons, stress, PM hours.	Cushing's syndrome, drugs, infections, AM hours.
Lymphocytes	Involved with viral infections like measles, chickenpox and mononucleosis.	Leukemia, mononucleosis, viral diseases, tuberculosis, Crohn'southward affliction, Addison's disease, thyrotoxicosis, African-American race, exercise, stress, menstruation.	Chemotherapy, radiation, steroid treatment, aplastic anemia, malignancies, allowed disorders, tuberculosis, renal failure, heart failure.
Monocytes	Help to combat astringent infections.	Bacterial infection, tuberculosis, syphilis, leukemia, sure carcinomas, lymphomas, Gaucher's disease, trauma, ulcerative colitis, sprue, certain poisons.	Prednisone, hairy cell leukemia, HIV, bone marrow injury.

Red claret jail cell tests

Test	What it is	College with	Lower with
Cherry blood cells	These are the virtually common cells found in blood. They carry oxygen from the lungs to body cells and transfer carbon dioxide from the cells to the lungs. They lack a nucleus, which allows more room to store hemoglobin, the oxygen binding protein.Anemia is a condition in which there is a reduction of circulating red blood cells, the amount of hemoglobin, or the book of packed cells (hematocrit).	Polycythemia vera, renal disease, tumors, high altitude, cardiovascular disease and dehydration, pregnancy, some drugs.	Anemia, lymphomas, myeloproliferative disorders, hemorrhage, Addison's affliction, infections, recumbent positioning during blood draw, advanced age.
Hemoglobin	Gives cerise blood cells their color. Necessary for transferring oxygen and carbon dioxide.	Polycythemia vera, heart failure, COPD, pregnancy, contempo blood transfusions, changes in fluid intake, high altitude, lots of exercise.	Anemia (iron deficiency, pernicious, etc.), liver disease, hypothyroidism, hemorrhage, reactions to drugs, smoking, various illnesses.
Hematocrit	The percentage of ruby claret cells in relation to full claret book.	Erythrocytosis, polycythemia vera, shock, altitude, pregnancy, dehydration.	Anemia, leukemia, lymphoma, adrenal insufficiency, blood loss, hemolytic reactions.
Mean corpuscular volume (MCV)	Determines cell size and can help to classify anemia. Microcytic anemias are usually due to disorders of iron metabolism, heme synthesis, and globin synthesis. Macrocytic anemias are usually due to vitamin B12 or folate deficiency.
Hateful corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC)	Measures boilerplate concentration of hemoglobin in crimson blood cells. Helps with monitoring therapy for anemia.	Spherocytosis.	Iron deficiency, blood loss.
Mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH)	Measures average weight of hemoglobin per cerise blood prison cell. Helps to diagnose severely bloodless patients. High claret lipids and high WBC counts tin falsely elevate MCH.
Cherry-red cell size distribution width (RDW)	Indicates the caste of red claret prison cell size variations. This test is of no value if yous don't have anemia. This test can be altered with alcohol consumption.	Iron deficiency, vitamin B12 deficiency, folate deficiency.	Not significant.
Platelets	These are the smallest of the formed elements in blood. They aid to stop bleeding by forming clots and assist in vessel integrity. A hateful platelet book (MPV) tin assist determine bleeding disorders.	Leukemia, polycythemia vera, splenectomy, iron deficiency anemia, asphyxiation, rheumatoid arthritis, infections, lymphomas, inflammatory bowel disease, renal failure, altitude, do, birth control medications, winter, lots of excitement.	Pernicious anemia, blood transfusions, infections, heart failure, thrombopoietin deficiency, chemotherapy, HIV, booze, renal insufficiency, earlier period, pregnancy.

Miscellaneous tests

Exam	What it is	Higher with	Lower with
Cortisol	A glucocorticosteroid of the adrenal cortex that influences metabolism of proteins, fats, and carbs.	AM hours, hyperthyroidism, stress, carcinoma, Cushing'due south syndrome, adrenal adenoma, obesity, pregnancy, sure drugs.	Adrenal hyperplasia, Addison's illness, pituitary destruction, hypothyroidism.
LDH	An enzyme found in many organs and tissues. When cells are growing or membranes are damaged, this enzyme tin leak into circulation. Anything that damages the blood sample tin can increase this value (including improper handling of the blood specimen). Monitored after a heart attack.	Growing/healing tissues, cellular damage, anemia, liver disease, myocardial or pulmonary infarction, some drugs, practice, skin disease, alcohol utilize, stroke, kidney disease, liver affliction.	Non significant – sometimes noticed with high supplemental doses of vitamin C.
Uric acrid	Cease product of purine metabolism. Transported by plasma from liver to kidney, then filtered and by and large excreted (70% of it). What remains goes to GI tract and is degraded.	Gout, kidney disease, alcoholism, down syndrome, lead poisoning, leukemia, lymphomas, weight loss, metabolic acidosis, liver affliction, obesity, altered thyroid/parathyroid office, psoriasis, glycogen storage affliction, loftier creature protein nutrition.	Fanconi's syndrome, Wilson'south Disease, SIADH, xanthinuria.

Mishaps with blood draws

• If blood is drawn from your arm afterward the tourniquet is on for several minutes, values can be skewed because cells will concentrate in the lower arm.
• If the needle used is too minor, it can cause cherry blood cells to intermission, leading to a skewed analysis.
• If the puncture site isn't sanitized – infection can result.
• If y'all tense up excessively during a blood draw, you tin experience extensive bruising at the site.

Summary and recommendations

Getting annual blood work with a physician is a skilful thought for preventative health. This way yous can discover trends and catch potential wellness issues earlier they spiral out of command.

Note: If you want to runway your health trends over time, make certain to request a copy of your lab results and proceed them in a file somewhere.

References

Click hither to view the information sources referenced in this article.

Medical Tests Sourcebook. Third Edition. Health Reference Serial. 2008.

Fischbach F. A manual of laboratory and diagnostic tests. 7th Ed. Lippincott Williams and Wilkins. 2004.

Lab Tests Online.

Mahan & Escott-Stump. Krause's Food, Nutrition, & Nutrition Therapy. 2004. Elsevier.

Ingelsson Due east, et al. Clinical utility of different lipid measures for prediction of coronary eye disease in men and women. JAMA. 2007  +Aug fifteen;298(7):776-85.

Natarajan Due south, et al. Cholesterol measures to identify and treat individuals at hazard for coronary heart disease. Am J Prev Med. 2003 Jul;25(1):50-vii.

Lemieux I, et al. Total cholesterol/HDL cholesterol ratio vs LDL cholesterol/HDL cholesterol ratio as indices of ischemic heart disease take a chance in men: the Quebec Cardiovascular Written report. Curvation Intern Med. 2001 + Dec ten-24 ;161(22):2685-92.

Kinosian B, et al. Cholesterol and coronary center disease: predicting risks by levels and ratios. Ann Intern Med. 1994  + November 1 ;121(ix):641-7.

Making sense of cholesterol tests. http://www.health.harvard.edu/centre-health/making-sense-of-cholesterol-tests

da Luz PL, et al. High ratio of triglycerides to HDL cholesterol predicts all-encompassing coronary disease. Clinics (Sao Paulo). 2008 Aug;63(4):427-32.

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