What do your blood test results mean? A toxicologist explains the basics of how to interpret them

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As part of my work, I rely on various health-related biomarkers, many of which are measured using conventional blood tests.

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https://theconversation.com/what-do-your-blood-test-results-mean-a-toxicologist-explains-the-basics-of-how-to-interpret-them-216341https://theconversation.com/what-do-your-blood-test-results-mean-a-toxicologist-explains-the-basics-of-how-to-interpret-them-216341
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Tuesday, February 6, 2024
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Glycated hemoglobin, Thyroid, BMP, Physical examination, Disorder, Hypothyroidism, Cell, BUN, Immune system, History, RBC, Heart, Blood urea nitrogen, Diabetes, Biomarker, Blood, Patient, Kidney, Triiodothyronine, Temperature, HB, TSH, Anemia, Nutrient, A1C, Disease, Thyroid hormones, Brain, Hematocrit, Fatigue, Waste, Health, HCT, Hormone, Plasma, Woman, Medical imaging
Summary
Key Points: 
  • As part of my work, I rely on various health-related biomarkers, many of which are measured using conventional blood tests.
  • Understanding what common blood tests are intended to measure can help you better interpret the results.
  • If you have results from a recent blood test handy, please follow along.

Normal blood test ranges

  • This range is essentially the upper and lower limits within which most healthy people’s test results are expected to fall.
  • To determine how your test results compare with the normal range, you need to check the reference interval listed on your lab report.
  • If you have results for a given test from different labs, your clinician will likely focus on test trends relative to their reference intervals and not the numerical results themselves.

Interpreting your blood test results

  • There are numerous blood panels intended to test specific aspects of your health.
  • These include panels that look at the cellular components of your blood, biomarkers of kidney and liver function, and many more.
  • This results from either lower than normal levels of red blood cells or a decrease in the quantity or quality of hemoglobin, the protein that allows these cells to transport oxygen.
  • A complete blood count panel measures various components of the blood to provide a comprehensive overview of the cells that make it up.
  • Low values of red blood cell count, or RBC, hemoglobin, or Hb, and hematocrit, or HCT, would indicate that the patient is suffering from anemia.
  • Providing additional information is the basic metabolic panel, or BMP, which measures the amount various substances in your blood.


With results from each of these panels, the health professional would assess the patient’s values relative to their reference intervals and determine which condition they most likely have. Understanding the purpose of blood tests and how to interpret them can help patients partner with their health care providers and become more informed about their health.
Brad Reisfeld does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

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