How to Interpret a Lab Test Result
Lab-test results are a key component of diagnosing an illness or other medical condition. Depending on the specific test, the results can indicate conditions such as a vitamin deficiency or an infection, or they may indicate that you are perfectly healthy. Some common tests include cholesterol tests and complete blood cell (CBC) counts, which includes your red and white blood cell counts, hematocrit levels and hemoglobin levels. Your best resource for interpreting a lab test result is always your doctor. He can explain what the numbers mean and conduct further tests, if needed, for a diagnosis.
Instructions
-
Specific Ranges
-
1
Compare your white blood cell (WBC) count to the normal range. A normal value is between 4,500 to 1,000 per cubic millimeter of blood. Stress, infections and certain medications can lower your WBC count.
-
2
Check your red blood cell (RBC) count, which will normally be in the range of 4.5 to 5.9 million per cubic millimeter or microliter (mcl) if you are a man, or between 4.0 to 5.3 million/mcl if you are a woman. Certain medications and illnesses can lower your RBC count, which may cause symptoms such as shortness of breath and fatigue.
-
-
3
Compare your hemoglobin level to the average range. Men will normally have a hemoglobin level between 14.0 to 18.0 g/dl and women should have a value between 12.0 to 16.0 g/dl.
-
4
Identify your mean cell volume (MCV), which measures the volume of your average red blood cell. Typically, it should be between 80 to 96, but it may be higher than this if you have a vitamin B-12 or folic acid deficiency.
-
5
Check your hematocrit value, which is an important component in a test to evaluate whether you might have anemia. A normal value for a woman is between 37 and 47 percent; for a man, a normal value is between 40 and 54 percent.
-
6
Examine your cholesterol levels. Ideally, your total cholesterol should be below 200 mg/dl, while your low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol should be less than 100 mg/dl, or below 70 mg/dl if you are at a high risk of heart disease. Your high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol should be above 60 mg/dl and triglycerides should be below 150 mg/dl.
Lab Test Basics
-
7
Scan your lab results for an asterisk or similar notation. This generally indicates a potentially dangerous abnormal result. When this appears on a lab test, the lab will notify your physician immediately so that he can explain to you what this means.
-
8
Look for the letters "H," "L" and "WNL" next to each test result. Not all lab reports will have these. "H" indicates a higher value than normal, whereas "L" indicates that your result is lower than normal. "WNL" indicates a normal value, or "within normal limits."
-
9
Look for any indication that there was a deviation from the standard testing procedures. For example, if you forgot to fast before a glucose fasting test, this will affect your results. The lab will note any deviations on the report. Consider having the test run again if there are any deviations.
-
10
Check for notes from the lab on the interpretation of the results. Not all labs will write what the results can indicate on the lab report, but some will.
-
1
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
