Blood Test Results

 Blood test results explained

 Abbreviations
 Components
 Complete blood count (CBC)
 Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP)
 Lipid panel

Blood test results explained

A blood test – sometimes referred to as a blood panel – is a laboratory examination of a blood sample used to check for
a variety of things, including the functioning of certain organs (such as the liver, kidneys, thyroid and heart), infections and
certain genetic disorders, as well as to assess an individual’s general health. 1

After the sample has been analyzed in the lab and the results compiled, a blood test report will in most cases be supplied
to the testee. The report details the various components in the blood and at what level they are present. For those from non-
medical backgrounds, the reports provided following blood tests can be complex and difficult to decipher.

Blood test abbreviations

Blood test results generally use the metric system of measurement and various abbreviations, including: 2

 cmm: cells per cubic millimeter

 fL (femtoliter): fraction of one-millionth of a liter
 g/dL: grams per deciliter
 IU/L: international units per liter
 mEq/L: milliequivalent per liter
 mg/dL: milligrams per deciliter
 mL: milliliter
 mmol/L: millimoles per liter
 ng/mL: nanograms per milliliter
 pg (picograms): one-trillionth of a gram

Blood test results components

A blood test is typically composed of three main tests: a complete blood count, a metabolic panel and a lipid
panel.3 Each test for different things, which can be understood through a detailed analysis of the results.

Confusingly, it is likely that the results of the three tests will not be differentiated from each other and, instead, will be listed
under one large column, often labelled “Test Name”. Within each are various sub-tests, which altogether give a broad
picture of an individual’s health.

Complete blood count (CBC)

The complete blood count (CBC) concentrates on the three types of blood cells: white blood cells (WBCs), red blood
cells (RBCs) and platelets. By measuring the volume of blood cells, the CBC allows a doctor to evaluate an individual’s
overall health, as well as check for underlying conditions such as leukemia and anemia.4
 People worried about their health can also use the free Ada app to carry out a symptom assessment.

The subtests within the CBC are:

White blood cell (WBC) count

Also known as leukocytes, white blood cells are a major component of the body’s immune system. A high white blood cell
count can indicate the presence of infection, while a low count can point towards various conditions, including HIV/AIDS and
lupus.5

Read more about a White Blood Cell Count »

Differential white blood cell count

The lab tests the five main components of white blood cells and their proportion to each other. If the components are out of
balance, this could indicate an infection, as well as a variety of medical conditions. Healthy proportions for each are:

 Neutrophils: 40 to 60 percent of the total

 Lymphocytes: 20 to 40 percent
 Monocytes: 2 to 8 percent
 Eosinophiles: 1 to 4 percent
 Basophils: 0.5 to 1 percent

Red blood cell (RBC) count

Red blood cells (RBCs) carry oxygen to tissues throughout the body, making them important to its healthy functioning. A red
blood cell count estimates the volume of RBCs within an individual – if the results show a count above or below normal
levels this can indicate various medical conditions to a doctor. However, this form of testing is unable to pinpoint the root
causes of any irregularities, meaning, if this is the case, further tests will be necessary. 6

Hematocrit (Hct) test

Tests what proportion of the blood is made up of RBCs. It is useful in diagnosing anemia, among other medical conditions.

Hemoglobin (Hgb) test

Hemoglobin is a protein contained within red RBCs that sends oxygen from the lungs to the body’s tissues. The hemoglobin
test is also useful in diagnosing anemia, with many practitioners preferring this test over the hematocrit test. 7

Read more about Hemoglobin and Hemoglobin Levels »

Mean corpuscular volume (MCV) test

The average volume of RBCs, or the space each red blood cell fills, is measured through this test. Results outside of the
normal range can be a sign of anemia or chronic fatigue syndrome, among other medical conditions.

Mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) test

The lab tests the average amount of hemoglobin present in each red blood cell. High levels are a possible indicator
of anemia and low levels a possible sign of malnutrition.

Red cell distribution width (RDW or RCDW) test

Tests the distribution of RBCs, not their actual size. Levels outside of the normal range can indicate conditions such
as anemia, malnutrition and liver disease.
Platelet count

Platelets are small cells that help the blood to clot. This test measures the amount of platelets present in the blood. If testing
highlights a high count, this can indicate anemia, cancer or infection, while a low count can prevent wounds from healing
and result in severe bleeding.89

Mean platelet volume (MPV)

Tests the volume of platelets in the blood. A low platelet volume can cause irregularities with bleeding, while a high platelet
volume can increase an individual’s risk of heart attack or stroke.

Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP)

The comprehensive metabolic panel test, also known as a chemistry panel, measures the body’s glucose levels, fluid and
electrolyte balance, as well as liver and kidney function.10 It consists of a number of sub-tests:

Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) test

Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) is an enzyme mostly produced by liver cells. 11 High levels can be an indication of liver
damage.

Albumin test

Albumin is a protein produced by the liver. Its volume within the organ can be measured via this test. Abnormal levels can be
caused by liver or kidney problems.

Total protein test

The lab tests the ratio of two types of proteins: albumin and globulin. Low protein levels can indicate various conditions,
including liver and kidney disorders and malnutrition, while high levels can be a sign of inflammation, infection or bone
marrow disorder.12

Alkaline phosphatase test

Alkaline phosphatase is an enzyme typically produced in liver and bone cells. Results outside of the normal levels can signal
liver damage and bone problems such as rickets or bone tumors.13

Aspartate aminotransferase test

Aspartate aminotransferase is an enzyme usually found in RBCs and muscle tissue, as well as the heart, pancreas, liver and
kidneys. This test measures the levels of this enzyme in the body, with results above the healthy range indicating a variety of
conditions, including some types of cancer, as well as liver, heart or kidney damage. 14

Bilirubin test

The lab tests for kidney and liver dysfunction which is useful in diagnosing conditions such as neonatal
jaundice, anemia and liver diseases.15

Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) test

This test measures the volume of nitrogen in the blood. High levels can be caused by kidney damage or disease, while low
levels may be a sign of malnutrition or severe liver damage.16

Calcium test
This test measures the levels of calcium in the blood. If testing indicates low levels, this can indicate cancer,
hyperparathyroidism, tuberculosis and other conditions, while high levels can indicate conditions including malnutrition,
rickets and hypoparathyroidism.17

Chloride test

This test measures the body’s chloride levels. An increased level of chloride can indicate dehydration as well as kidney
disorders and adrenal gland dysfunction.

Creatinine test

Creatinine is a chemical waste molecule that is important for creating muscle energy. Increased levels of creatinine can be a
sign of kidney dysfunction.

Fasting blood sugar test

Blood sugar levels are easily affected by recent food or drink intake. The fasting blood sugar test is therefore done after a
minimum of six hours of fasting. Abnormal results can indicate diabetes, among other medical conditions.

Phosphorus test

The lab tests the amount of phosphorus in the blood. Elevated levels can indicate problems with the kidneys and parathyroid
glands, and they may be a sign of malnutrition or alcohol abuse.

Potassium test

Potassium aids the communication between nerves and muscles, regulates the heart and maintains muscle function.
Diuretics (a substance or medication used to increase urination) can cause potassium levels to fall.

Sodium test

Sodium is a mineral that aids nerve impulses and muscle contractions, as well as balancing water levels. Irregularities are a
possible indication of dehydration, adrenal gland disorders, corticosteroids, and kidney or liver disorders.

Lipid panel
The lipid panel consists of various tests used to measure the different types of triglycerides (fats) and cholesterol in the
blood.

Total cholesterol test

This test measures the overall levels of LDL (bad) and HDL (good) cholesterol in the blood.

Triglycerides test

Tests for triglycerides, a fat found in the blood. Irregularities are a possible risk factor for heart disease and other medical
conditions.

HDL cholesterol test

HDL cholesterol, also known as high-density lipoprotein (or goodcholesterol), is useful in protecting against heart disease.
Low levels can increase the risk of heart problems.

LDL cholesterol test

LDL cholesterol, also known as low-density lipoprotein (or bad cholesterol), is linked to heart disease and clogged arteries.

Total cholesterol to HDL ratio test

Calculating this ratio can help determine an individual’s risk of developing a heart disease. It is worked out by dividing HDL
cholesterol into total cholesterol. High levels are a possible indicator of heart problems. 18 If you are concerned that you or a
loved one is showing symptoms of high cholesterol, get a free symptom assessment with the Ada app