Blood Test Meanings
RF (Rheumatoid Factor) - This test detects and measures Rheumatoid Factor in blood. RF is an auto-antibody, an IgM (immunoglobulin M) protein that is produced by the body’s immune system. Auto-antibodies usually attack the patient’s own tissues, mistakenly identifying them as “foreign”. Although the role of RF is not well understood, it is not thought to directly cause joint damage, but to promote the body’s inflammation reaction, which in turn contributes to autoimmune tissue destruction. The RF test is sensitive but nonspecific. RA, autoimmune disorders, Sjogren’s syndrom, in some persistent bacterial and viral infections.
ALT (alanine aminotransferase) - test is part of an initial screen for liver disease. Proteins called enzymes help the liver build and break down proteins. ALT is one of these enzymes. It is found in particularly large amounts in the liver and plans an important role in metabolism, the process that converts food into energy.
AST (aspartate aminotransferase) - is a test to measure liver enzymes.
BUN (Blood Urea Nitrogen) - A common test that reveals important information about how well your kidneys and liver are working. A BUN test measures the amount of urea nitrogen in your blood. *Your liver produces ammonia, which contains nitrogen. After it breaks down proteins used by your body’s cells, the nitrogen combines with other elements, such as carbon, hydrogen and oxygen, to form urea. Urea is a chemical waste product. The Urea travels from your liver to your kidneys through your bloodstream. Healthy kidneys filter urea and remove other waste products from your blood. The filtered waste products leave your body through urine.
A BUN test can reveal whether your urea nitrogen levels are higher than normal, suggesting that your kidneys or liver may not be working properly.
ALT (alanine aminotransferase) - test is part of an initial screen for liver disease. Proteins called enzymes help the liver build and break down proteins. ALT is one of these enzymes. It is found in particularly large amounts in the liver and plans an important role in metabolism, the process that converts food into energy.
AST (aspartate aminotransferase) - is a test to measure liver enzymes.
BUN (Blood Urea Nitrogen) - A common test that reveals important information about how well your kidneys and liver are working. A BUN test measures the amount of urea nitrogen in your blood. *Your liver produces ammonia, which contains nitrogen. After it breaks down proteins used by your body’s cells, the nitrogen combines with other elements, such as carbon, hydrogen and oxygen, to form urea. Urea is a chemical waste product. The Urea travels from your liver to your kidneys through your bloodstream. Healthy kidneys filter urea and remove other waste products from your blood. The filtered waste products leave your body through urine.
A BUN test can reveal whether your urea nitrogen levels are higher than normal, suggesting that your kidneys or liver may not be working properly.
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CREATININE (eGFR) (Estimated glomerular filtration rate) - This test tells how well your kidneys are working. Creatinine is a waste that comes from your muscles. Healthy kidneys filter creatinine out of your blood. A normal eGRF is 60 or more. A low eGFR number may suggest kidney disease.
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ESR (Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate) aka SED RATE, Sedimentation Rate - An indirect measure of the degree of inflammation present in the body. It actuallymeasures the rate of fall (sedimentation) of erythorocytes (RBC) in a tall, thin tube of blood. Results are reported as how many millimeters of clear plasma are present at the top of the column after one hour. Normally, red cells fall slowly, leaving little clear plasma. Increased blood levels of certain proteins (such as fibrinogen or immunoglobulins, which are increased in inflammation) cause the RBCs to fall more rapidly, increasing the ESR.
MCHC (Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin Concentration) - A calculation of the average concentration of hemoglobin inside a red cell. Decreased MCHC values (hypochromia) are seen in conditions where the hemoglobin is abnormally diluted inside the red cells, such as in iron deficiency anemia and in thalassemia. Increased MCHC values (hyperchromia) are seen in conditions where the hemoglobin is abnormally concentrated inside the red cells, such as in burn patients and hereditary spherocytosis, a
relatively rare congential disorder.
MCH (Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin) - A calculation of the average amount of oxygen-carrying hemoglobin inside a red
blood cell. Macrocytic RBCs are large so tend to have a higher MCH, while microcytic red cells would have a lower value.
MCV (Mean Corpuscular Volume) - A measurement of the average size of your RBCs. The MCV is elevated when your RBCs
are larger than normal (Macrocytic), for example, in anemia caused by vitamin B12 deficiency, When the MCV is decreased, your RBCs are smaller than normal (microcytic) as seen in iron deficiency anemia or thalassemias.
Hgb (Hemoglobin Content) - Measures the amount of oxygen-carrying protein in the blood.
Hct (Hematocrit) - Measures the percentage of red blood cells in a given volume of whole blood.
CBC (Complete Blood Count) aka Hemogram, CBC with differential. The Complete Blood Count (CBC) test is an automated count of the cells in the blood. The standard CBC includes the following:
WBC (Number of White Blood Cells) - A count of the actual number of white blood cells per volume of blood. Both increases and decreases can be significant. The total white blood cell count determines the body’s ability to fight infection. Treatment for cancer kills healthy white cells as well as diseased ones.
To determine the WBC, an automated electronic device computes the number of white cells in a Liter of blood. If your lab sheet uses K/iL instead of mm3, multiply by 1000\ to get the value in mm3. For example, on the lab sheet in the example, the total WBC is 0.7 K/ul. Therefore 0.7 x 1000 = 700 mm3.
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RBC (Number of Red Blood Cells) - A count of the actual number of red blood cells per volume of blood. Both increases and decreases can point to abnormal conditions.
relatively rare congential disorder.
MCH (Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin) - A calculation of the average amount of oxygen-carrying hemoglobin inside a red
blood cell. Macrocytic RBCs are large so tend to have a higher MCH, while microcytic red cells would have a lower value.
MCV (Mean Corpuscular Volume) - A measurement of the average size of your RBCs. The MCV is elevated when your RBCs
are larger than normal (Macrocytic), for example, in anemia caused by vitamin B12 deficiency, When the MCV is decreased, your RBCs are smaller than normal (microcytic) as seen in iron deficiency anemia or thalassemias.
Hgb (Hemoglobin Content) - Measures the amount of oxygen-carrying protein in the blood.
Hct (Hematocrit) - Measures the percentage of red blood cells in a given volume of whole blood.
CBC (Complete Blood Count) aka Hemogram, CBC with differential. The Complete Blood Count (CBC) test is an automated count of the cells in the blood. The standard CBC includes the following:
WBC (Number of White Blood Cells) - A count of the actual number of white blood cells per volume of blood. Both increases and decreases can be significant. The total white blood cell count determines the body’s ability to fight infection. Treatment for cancer kills healthy white cells as well as diseased ones.
To determine the WBC, an automated electronic device computes the number of white cells in a Liter of blood. If your lab sheet uses K/iL instead of mm3, multiply by 1000\ to get the value in mm3. For example, on the lab sheet in the example, the total WBC is 0.7 K/ul. Therefore 0.7 x 1000 = 700 mm3.
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RBC (Number of Red Blood Cells) - A count of the actual number of red blood cells per volume of blood. Both increases and decreases can point to abnormal conditions.
RDW (Red Blood Cell Distribution Width) - This is a standard reported measure on a complete blood count (CBC) lab test. It measures the variability in red blood cell size. *In a normal state, red blood cells are continually being produced and removed from the blood at a steady rate. The young, immature red blood cells are larger than mature red blood cells. There are predictable proportions of large and small red blood cells, which can be plotted on a graph as the normal values. In certain forms of anemia, the RDW may be higher than normal because there are more immature or abnormal red blood cells skewing the statistical range of values. The RDW result is nonspecific. If a doctor suspects an unusual form of anemia, there are more sophisticated tests that can make the diagnosis.
Platelet Count - The number of platelets in a given volume of blood. Both increases an decreases can point to abnormal conditions of excess bleeding or clotting.
Platelet Count - The number of platelets in a given volume of blood. Both increases an decreases can point to abnormal conditions of excess bleeding or clotting.
There are different kinds of white blood cells: Lymphocytes and Neutrophils are the major types. Neutrophils are the first to arrive on the scene when there is acute infection from bacteria.
Neutrophil % - The test measures the amount of Neutrophils in blood. Neutrophils are a type of WBC. The test is used to evaluate and manage immune, blood, and cancer disorders. Adults: Normal Results: Relative: 40-70%
Lymphocytes % - Lymphocytes accumulate when there is chronic injury or irritation. White blood cells help fight infections. White blood cells, especially lymphocytes, are the cells that attack bacteria in the blood. The Lymph system is a major component of the body’s immune system. They also filter the lymph fluid and remove foreign material, such as bacteria and cancer cells. When bacteria are recognized in the lymph fluid, the lymph nodes produce more infection-fighting white blood cells, which causes the nodes to swell. The Lymphatic system includes the tonsils, adenoids, spleen and thymus.
Monocytes % - A white blood cell that has a single nucleus and can take in foreign material. Monocytes play an important role in killing some bacteria, protozoa, and tumor cells, releases substances that stimulate other cells of the immune system.
Eosinophils % - A type of white blood cell. Eosinophils often rise above the normal range due to allergic reactions and/or parasitic infections. The test (a Hematology Test) is used to diagnose allergy, drug reactions, parasitic infections, collagen disease, Hodgkins disease, Myelo-proliferative diseases. Normal Range 50 - 350/mm3
BASO - A type of white blood cell that contain (and can release) histamine and serotonin. They release histamine and other chemicals that act on the blood vessels when the immune response is triggered.
Absolute Count - The Absolute Count is the actual number for each of the 5 white blood cells in your test. This is based on the % of white blood cells in the body. For example, if your Total WBC is 5.4; this would mean there was a total of 5,400 white blood cells in your body for every 1000 millimeters of blood collected. If your Neutrophils are 53%, this means that 53% of your 5,400 white blood cells are made up of Neutrophils. So, to get the “absolute” or exact number of Neutrophils within the 5,400 white blood cells, you multiply 5,400 x 53% which gives you 2.9 or 2,900 “absolute” or actual Neutrophils. The can be done to get the “absolute” number for your Lymphs, Monocytes, EOS, and BASOS.
Neutrophil % - The test measures the amount of Neutrophils in blood. Neutrophils are a type of WBC. The test is used to evaluate and manage immune, blood, and cancer disorders. Adults: Normal Results: Relative: 40-70%
Lymphocytes % - Lymphocytes accumulate when there is chronic injury or irritation. White blood cells help fight infections. White blood cells, especially lymphocytes, are the cells that attack bacteria in the blood. The Lymph system is a major component of the body’s immune system. They also filter the lymph fluid and remove foreign material, such as bacteria and cancer cells. When bacteria are recognized in the lymph fluid, the lymph nodes produce more infection-fighting white blood cells, which causes the nodes to swell. The Lymphatic system includes the tonsils, adenoids, spleen and thymus.
Monocytes % - A white blood cell that has a single nucleus and can take in foreign material. Monocytes play an important role in killing some bacteria, protozoa, and tumor cells, releases substances that stimulate other cells of the immune system.
Eosinophils % - A type of white blood cell. Eosinophils often rise above the normal range due to allergic reactions and/or parasitic infections. The test (a Hematology Test) is used to diagnose allergy, drug reactions, parasitic infections, collagen disease, Hodgkins disease, Myelo-proliferative diseases. Normal Range 50 - 350/mm3
BASO - A type of white blood cell that contain (and can release) histamine and serotonin. They release histamine and other chemicals that act on the blood vessels when the immune response is triggered.
Absolute Count - The Absolute Count is the actual number for each of the 5 white blood cells in your test. This is based on the % of white blood cells in the body. For example, if your Total WBC is 5.4; this would mean there was a total of 5,400 white blood cells in your body for every 1000 millimeters of blood collected. If your Neutrophils are 53%, this means that 53% of your 5,400 white blood cells are made up of Neutrophils. So, to get the “absolute” or exact number of Neutrophils within the 5,400 white blood cells, you multiply 5,400 x 53% which gives you 2.9 or 2,900 “absolute” or actual Neutrophils. The can be done to get the “absolute” number for your Lymphs, Monocytes, EOS, and BASOS.
CRP (C-Reactive Protein) - is an acute phase reactant, a substance made by the liver and secreted into the bloodstream within a few hours after the start of an infection or inflammation. Increased levels are observed after a heart attack, in sepsis, and after a surgical procedure. Its rise in the blood can also precede pain, fever, or other clinical indications. The level of CRP can jump a thousand-fold in response to inflammation and can be valuable in monitoring disease activity.
Glucose - A blood Glucose test measure the amount of a type of sugar, called glucose, in your blood. Glucose comes from carbohydrate foods. It is the main source of energy used by the body. Insulin is a hormone that helps your body’s cells use the glucose. Insulin is produced in the pancreas and released into the blood when the amount of glucose in the blood rises.
Normally, your blood glucose levels increase slightly after you eat. This increase causes your pancreas to release insulin so that your blood glucose levels do not get too high. Blood glucose levels that remain high over time can damage your eyes, kidneys, nerves, and blood vessels.
Sodium (Na) - The sodium test checks how much sodium is in the blood. Sodium is both an electrolyte and mineral. It helps keep the water (the amount of fluid inside and outside the body’s cells) and electrolyte balance of the body. Sodium is also important in how nerves and muscles work. Low sodium levels are uncommon and are most often caused by heart failure, malnutrition, and diarrhea.
Potassium (K) - This test checks how much potassium is in the blood. Potassium is both an electrolytes and a mineral. It helps keep the water (the amount of fluid inside and outside the body’s cells) and electrolyte balance of the body. Potassium is also important in how nerves and muscles work. Potassium levels often change with sodium levels. When sodium levels go up, potassium levels go down, and when sodium levels go down, potassium levels go up. Potassium levels are also affected by a hormone called aldosterone, which is made by the adrenal glands. A potassium level that is too high or too low can be serious. Abnormal potassium levels may cause symptoms such as muscle cramps or weakness, nausea, diarrhea, frequent urination, dehydration, low blood pressure, confusion, irritability, paralysis, and changes in heart rhythm.
Chloride (CI) - This test measures the level of chloride in your blood or urine. Chloride is one of the most important electrolytes in the blood. It helps keep the amount of fluid inside and outside of your cells in balance. It also helps maintain proper blood volume, blood pressure, and pH of your body fluids. Tests for sodium, potassium, and bicarbonate are usually done at the same time as a blood test for chloride. Most of the chloride in your body comes from the salt (sodium chloride) you eat. Chloride is absorbed by your intestines when you digest food. Extra chloride leaves your body in your urine.
Glucose - A blood Glucose test measure the amount of a type of sugar, called glucose, in your blood. Glucose comes from carbohydrate foods. It is the main source of energy used by the body. Insulin is a hormone that helps your body’s cells use the glucose. Insulin is produced in the pancreas and released into the blood when the amount of glucose in the blood rises.
Normally, your blood glucose levels increase slightly after you eat. This increase causes your pancreas to release insulin so that your blood glucose levels do not get too high. Blood glucose levels that remain high over time can damage your eyes, kidneys, nerves, and blood vessels.
Sodium (Na) - The sodium test checks how much sodium is in the blood. Sodium is both an electrolyte and mineral. It helps keep the water (the amount of fluid inside and outside the body’s cells) and electrolyte balance of the body. Sodium is also important in how nerves and muscles work. Low sodium levels are uncommon and are most often caused by heart failure, malnutrition, and diarrhea.
Potassium (K) - This test checks how much potassium is in the blood. Potassium is both an electrolytes and a mineral. It helps keep the water (the amount of fluid inside and outside the body’s cells) and electrolyte balance of the body. Potassium is also important in how nerves and muscles work. Potassium levels often change with sodium levels. When sodium levels go up, potassium levels go down, and when sodium levels go down, potassium levels go up. Potassium levels are also affected by a hormone called aldosterone, which is made by the adrenal glands. A potassium level that is too high or too low can be serious. Abnormal potassium levels may cause symptoms such as muscle cramps or weakness, nausea, diarrhea, frequent urination, dehydration, low blood pressure, confusion, irritability, paralysis, and changes in heart rhythm.
Chloride (CI) - This test measures the level of chloride in your blood or urine. Chloride is one of the most important electrolytes in the blood. It helps keep the amount of fluid inside and outside of your cells in balance. It also helps maintain proper blood volume, blood pressure, and pH of your body fluids. Tests for sodium, potassium, and bicarbonate are usually done at the same time as a blood test for chloride. Most of the chloride in your body comes from the salt (sodium chloride) you eat. Chloride is absorbed by your intestines when you digest food. Extra chloride leaves your body in your urine.
Carbon Dioxide (Co2) (Bicarbonate) - This test measure the level of bicarbonate in a sample of blood from a vein. Bicarbonate is a chemical (buffer) that keeps the pH of blood from becoming too acidic or too basic. Carbon dioxide (Co2) is a gaseous waste product from metabolism. The blood carries Co2 to your lungs, where it is exhaled. More than 90% of Co2 in your blood exists in the form of bicarbonate (Hc03). The rest of the carbon dioxide is either dissolved Co2 or carbonic acid (H2CO3). Your kidneys and lungs balance the levels of Co2, Hc03, and H2CO3 in the blood. This test helps find and keeps track of conditions that affect blood bicarbonate levels, including many kidney diseases, some lung diseases, and metabolic conditions.
Anion Gap - An Anion Gap is the difference in the measured cations (positively charged ions) and the measured anions (negatively charged ions) in serum, plasma, or urine. The magnitude of this difference (gap) in the serum is often calculated in medicine when attempting to identify the cause of metabolic acidosis, a lower than normal pH in the blood. If the gap is greater than normal, then high anion gap metabolic acidosis is diagnosed.
GOT and GPT (Transaminases) - Markers of Necrosis (normal values are laboratory specific). They are enzymes that catalyze the transfer of an amino group from an amino acid to a ketoacid (oxalacetic acid) to generate glutamate. The amino group is then removed from glutamate, obtaining ammonia. Transaminases, removing amino group from amino acids, allow their utilization to produce energy. These enzymes are located into hepatocytes so, when liver cells are damaged or die, transamainases are released into the bloodstream, where they can be measured. They are therefore an index of liver injury.
Anion Gap - An Anion Gap is the difference in the measured cations (positively charged ions) and the measured anions (negatively charged ions) in serum, plasma, or urine. The magnitude of this difference (gap) in the serum is often calculated in medicine when attempting to identify the cause of metabolic acidosis, a lower than normal pH in the blood. If the gap is greater than normal, then high anion gap metabolic acidosis is diagnosed.
GOT and GPT (Transaminases) - Markers of Necrosis (normal values are laboratory specific). They are enzymes that catalyze the transfer of an amino group from an amino acid to a ketoacid (oxalacetic acid) to generate glutamate. The amino group is then removed from glutamate, obtaining ammonia. Transaminases, removing amino group from amino acids, allow their utilization to produce energy. These enzymes are located into hepatocytes so, when liver cells are damaged or die, transamainases are released into the bloodstream, where they can be measured. They are therefore an index of liver injury.
