Lab Results Guide
Understanding your laboratory results made simple
AI Lab Results Interpreter
Get instant, easy-to-understand explanations of your lab results using our AI-powered guide. Simply upload your results or enter test values to receive personalized insights.
Our AI tool helps you understand what your test results mean, but always consult with your healthcare provider for medical advice and treatment decisions.
Understanding Common Lab Tests
Complete Blood Count (CBC)
Blood Cell Analysis
The CBC is one of the most frequently ordered blood tests. It provides a comprehensive snapshot of your blood's cellular components, helping detect infections, anemia, blood disorders, and immune system function. Most doctors include it in routine checkups.
Why it's ordered: Often ordered for routine health screening, to diagnose conditions causing fatigue or weakness, before surgery, or to monitor treatment effects.
Red Blood Cells (RBC)
Transport oxygen from your lungs to every cell in your body. Low counts (anemia) can cause fatigue, weakness, and shortness of breath. High counts may indicate dehydration or blood disorders.
White Blood Cells (WBC)
Your body's defense system against infections and disease. Elevated levels often indicate infection or inflammation. Low counts can mean a weakened immune system or bone marrow problems.
Platelets
Essential for blood clotting and wound healing. Low counts increase bleeding risk; high counts may increase clotting risk. Important for those on blood thinners.
Hemoglobin (Hgb)
The protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen. The most accurate measure of anemia. Low hemoglobin is the most common blood abnormality worldwide.
Metabolic Panel (BMP/CMP)
Kidney, Liver & Metabolism
Evaluates how well your kidneys, liver, and metabolism are functioning. The Basic Metabolic Panel (BMP) includes 8 tests; the Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP) adds liver function tests. Critical for monitoring diabetes, kidney disease, and medication effects.
Why it's ordered: Commonly ordered for routine health monitoring, before surgery, to monitor chronic conditions like diabetes and kidney disease, or to check medication side effects.
Glucose (Blood Sugar)
Your body's primary energy source. Fasting levels help diagnose diabetes (≥126 mg/dL) and prediabetes (100-125 mg/dL). Essential for diabetics to monitor treatment effectiveness.
Creatinine
A waste product filtered by your kidneys. Rising levels indicate declining kidney function. Used to calculate eGFR, the best overall measure of kidney health.
eGFR (Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate)
Shows how efficiently your kidneys filter blood. Normal is ≥90. Below 60 indicates chronic kidney disease. Critical for medication dosing and kidney health monitoring.
Electrolytes (Sodium, Potassium, Chloride)
Essential minerals that regulate fluid balance, nerve signals, and muscle function. Imbalances can cause muscle cramps, confusion, or heart rhythm problems. Often affected by medications.
Lipid Panel (Cholesterol)
Heart Health Assessment
Measures fats in your blood to assess cardiovascular disease risk. High cholesterol typically has no symptoms but silently damages arteries over time. The American Heart Association recommends adults 20+ get tested every 4-6 years; more often if at higher risk.
Why it's ordered: Ordered for heart disease risk assessment, monitoring cholesterol-lowering medications (statins), and screening patients with family history of heart disease or high cholesterol.
Total Cholesterol
Sum of all cholesterol types. Desirable: <200 mg/dL. While useful, the breakdown between LDL and HDL matters more than total alone.
LDL Cholesterol ("Bad" Cholesterol)
Deposits cholesterol in artery walls, causing plaque buildup. Primary target for treatment. Optimal: <100 mg/dL; <70 for high-risk patients. Every 1% reduction lowers heart disease risk.
HDL Cholesterol ("Good" Cholesterol)
Removes excess cholesterol from arteries. Higher is better: ≥60 mg/dL is protective; <40 (men) or <50 (women) increases risk. Exercise is the most effective way to raise HDL.
Triglycerides
Fat stored from excess calories. Normal: <150 mg/dL. Very high levels (>500) risk pancreatitis. Strongly affected by recent meals, alcohol, and sugar/carb intake. Must fast for accurate results.
Thyroid Panel
Metabolism & Energy
Evaluates thyroid function, which controls your metabolism, energy, weight, mood, and more. Thyroid disorders are common, affecting about 20 million Americans, with women 5-8 times more likely to be affected than men. Most thyroid problems are treatable with medication.
Why it's ordered: Ordered when symptoms suggest thyroid problems (fatigue, weight changes, cold/heat intolerance), for routine monitoring of thyroid medication, or screening those with family history of thyroid disease.
TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone)
The most sensitive thyroid test and usually ordered first. High TSH = underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism); Low TSH = overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism). Normal range: 0.4-4.0 mIU/L.
Free T4 (Free Thyroxine)
The main thyroid hormone, measuring the active (unbound) portion. Low with high TSH confirms hypothyroidism. High with low TSH confirms hyperthyroidism.
T3 (Triiodothyronine)
The most active thyroid hormone, 4x more potent than T4. Useful for diagnosing hyperthyroidism when T4 is normal. May be low during illness without indicating thyroid disease.
Common Symptoms
Liver Panel (LFTs)
Liver Function Tests
Assesses liver health and function. Your liver performs over 500 vital functions including filtering toxins, producing proteins, and metabolizing medications. Liver problems often have no symptoms until significant damage occurs, making screening important.
Why it's ordered: Ordered to monitor medications that affect the liver, diagnose liver disease, evaluate symptoms like fatigue or jaundice, or monitor known liver conditions.
ALT (Alanine Aminotransferase)
The most specific liver enzyme. Elevated ALT strongly suggests liver cell damage. Common causes: fatty liver disease, hepatitis, medications (acetaminophen, statins), and alcohol.
AST (Aspartate Aminotransferase)
Found in liver, heart, and muscles. Less specific than ALT for liver problems. The AST:ALT ratio helps identify causes - ratio >2:1 suggests alcoholic liver disease.
ALP (Alkaline Phosphatase)
Elevated in bile duct obstruction and bone disorders. Normally higher in children (growing bones) and pregnancy. GGT test helps determine if elevation is liver-related.
Bilirubin
Yellow pigment from red blood cell breakdown. Elevation causes jaundice (yellow skin/eyes). Gilbert syndrome, a harmless genetic condition affecting 5% of people, causes mild elevation.
Diabetes Testing
Blood Sugar & Diabetes
Diagnoses and monitors diabetes, a condition affecting how your body processes blood sugar. Over 37 million Americans have diabetes, with many undiagnosed. Early detection and management significantly reduces complications like heart disease, kidney failure, and nerve damage.
Why it's ordered: Ordered for diabetes screening (especially if overweight, over 45, or family history), diagnosing symptoms like excessive thirst/urination, or monitoring blood sugar control in diabetics.
Fasting Glucose
Blood sugar after 8+ hours without eating. Normal: <100 mg/dL. Prediabetes: 100-125 mg/dL. Diabetes: ≥126 mg/dL (requires confirmation). A snapshot of current blood sugar.
Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c)
Reflects average blood sugar over 2-3 months. Normal: <5.7%. Prediabetes: 5.7-6.4%. Diabetes: ≥6.5%. No fasting required. For diabetics, target is typically <7%, with each 1% reduction lowering complication risk.
Fasting Insulin
Measures insulin levels, useful for detecting insulin resistance years before diabetes develops. High fasting insulin indicates your body needs more insulin to control blood sugar - an early warning sign.
Understanding Reference Ranges
Reference ranges represent the typical values for healthy individuals. However, what's normal can vary based on:
- •Age and gender
- •Medical history and current health conditions
- •Medications you're taking
- •Laboratory testing methods
Always discuss your results with your healthcare provider for proper interpretation and guidance.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get my results?
Most routine test results are available within 24-48 hours. Some specialized tests may take longer. You'll be notified when your results are ready through our patient portal.
How do I access my lab results?
You can access your results securely through our patient portal online or via our mobile app. You'll receive an email notification when new results are available.
What if my results are outside the normal range?
Results outside the reference range don't always indicate a problem. Many factors can affect test results. Contact your healthcare provider to discuss what your results mean for your specific situation.
Can I share my results with my doctor?
Yes! You can easily download and share your results from the patient portal. We can also send results directly to your healthcare provider if you provide their information.
Need Help Understanding Your Results?
Access your results or contact us with questions