Understanding blood tests blood tests blood panels, are used to determine physiological and biochemical states, such as disease, electrolyte content, drug effectiveness, and how various organs e. Laboratory test results are usually reported as a quantity in relation to a reference range of normal results. Measures the total number of white blood cells, which defend the body against infection. Blood testing is usually partially or fully covered by insurance. A 24hour urine sample is a creatinine clearance test. The only way to tell if your blood counts are normal is to get a blood test. Blood tests with abbreviations are taken to determine a range of medical conditions. Complete blood count and white blood cell differential. Academy of acute care physical therapy apta task force on lab values. Understanding your lab test results american cancer society. Kidney function tests usually require a 24hour urine sample and a blood test.
The cbc measures the essential components of blood. 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 individuals general health. The coulter method accurately counts and sizes cells by. Blood test results can mean many different things and are often analyzed by healthcare providers in the. Measures essential components of the blood substance what it is reference ranges what a low number may mean what a high number may mean usa ukeu australiacanada white blood cell count wbc measures the total number of white blood cells, which defend the body. A blood test or blood work uses your blood to find out many things about your health. Understanding your test results booklet outlines the various tests that are used to diagnose and monitor myeloma, and to detect response and relapse. For starters, different labs use different reference ranges. Schilling test oral administration of radioactive cobalaminlabeled vitamin b12 8. In many blood test results, the first list under the test name column shows the results of the cbc, or complete blood count.
Blood tests allow a doctor to see a detailed analysis of any disease markers, the nutrients and waste products in your blood as well as how various organs e. Ordering tests through your medical provider ensures that youre not paying too much. Laboratory tests interpretation nurses learning network. Often, they are used to see if certain drugs are present in a patients body, or if medications taken for a specific illness are effective, or if there are any imbalances of minerals in the body and if all the organs are functioning well. Blood can be analyzed for a number of different tests. Blood and urine tests key points on laboratory test reports reference ranges. A blood test is when a sample of your blood is taken. The ultimate guide to decoding your blood test results. You can better understand and cope with your myeloma if you familiarize yourself with the tests used to assess your status throughout the disease course.