How to Understand Blood Work

A complete blood panel gives you vital information about your health.

A complete blood panel is filled with a confusing array of information. Among this information, there are some important numbers for you to look for and understand. Your CBC gives you a good understanding of your current health, and an irregular result requires immediate treatment. Your A1C is your most important sign of health issues such as diabetes. Your cholesterol count shows how your lifestyle choices can affect your health. These numbers can be confusing, but knowing a little about what they mean can give you an edge when it comes to your health.

Things You'll Need

• Blood panel results

Instructions

1. Check your CBC (complete blood count). This test includes your RBC (red blood cell count), your WBC (white blood cell count), platelet count and plasma. An irregular reading on any of these tests is a strong indication that you may require additional treatment. A high reading on your WBC (above 11,000) indicates that your body is fighting an infection, although it does not tell you what the nature of the infection is. A low reading on your WBC (below 4,000) indicates a bone marrow problem. A high reading on your RBC (above 6.1 million) is a sign that you have a circulation problem. A low reading on your RBC (below 3.6 million) indicates a problem with your body's ability to create red blood cells. An increased platelet count (above 440) is a sign of potential blood clots and difficulties in your circulation. A lower platelet count (below 150) indicates that your body has trouble clotting and that any physical wound could put you at risk for significant bleeding issues.

2. Review your A1C results. If your A1C is lower than 7 percent, this is a good indication that your blood glucose levels have been well under control for the last few months. An A1C higher than this is an indication that you need to see your physician and get help to keep your glucose in control. Your A1C calculates your average glucose levels for the last few months. High levels can indicate diabetes.

3. Examine your cholesterol levels. A total cholesterol level of higher than 240 mg/dl (milligrams per deciliter of blood) is a health risk. Your HDL, often referred to as your good cholesterol, should be higher than 60 mg. Exercise raises your HDL, but you have to stick to a regular regimen. An LDL higher than 160 mg is a health risk. The only way to lower your LDL is through a healthy diet or medicine. Some blood tests will show a ratio of your LDL/HDL. This ratio is a good way of understanding your cholesterol health. If your ratio is higher than 3, speak to your physician about a plan to get your cholesterol under control.

References

• Aegis: Understanding Your Blood Work
• Clinical Diabetes: Your A1C Results: What Do They Mean?
• American Heart Association: Cholesterol Levels