Important Lab Values

Question 1

WBC

Answer 1

White Blood Cells (5,000-10,000 cells)

These cells help prevent infection.

An elevated WBC (above 10,000) can indicate an infection. A WBC below 5,000 may indicate a disease of the immune system. Leukopenia- Below 5,000.

Question 2

RBC

Answer 2

Red Blood Cells (4-5.2 million/mL of blood)

RBCs carry hemoglobin which carries oxygen. How much oxygen your body tissues get depends on how many RBCs you have and how well they work.

Question 3

Platelets

Answer 3

(150,000-300,000)

Platelets help the blood to clot. A low platelet count (Thrombocytopenia below 150,000) would put a person at risk of hemorrhaging (bleeding excessively) and a too high platelet count makes a person at risk of developing thrombi (blood clots).

Question 4

Hgb

Answer 4

Hemoglobin (found in RBCs) 12-16g/dL)

Hgb contains iron which functions to carry oxygen to the body tissues where it then exchanges the oxygen for carbon dioxide; a waste product. The RBC then takes the carbon dioxide to the lungs and exchanges it for oxygen. A person who has a low Hgb has a type of anemia.

Question 5

Hct

Answer 5

Hematocrit (35-45%) (measurement of the percentage of whole blood that is made up of RBCs)

Hct is usually about 3x that of the Hgb.

Question 6

Sodium

Answer 6

(135-145meq/L)

Question 7

Magnesium

Answer 7

Abbreviated Mg (1.8-2.7mg/dL)

-Helps maintain normal muscle and nerve function

-keeps the bones strong

-controls the heartbeat

-helps regulate blood pressure and much more.

Question 8

Phosphate

Answer 8

(2.5-4.5mg/dL)

Kidney, liver, and certain bone diseases can cause abnormal phosphorus levels in the blood.

Question 9

Potassium

Answer 9

(3.5-5meq/L)

Abbreviated K

-Help with activity of nerves and muscles especially in the heart
-Small changes with levels either too high or too low can lead to heart irregularities which can be life threatening.

Question 10

Calcium

Answer 10

Blood calcium Level (8.5-10.5mg/dL)

Abbreviated Ca

-Mesures the amount of calcium in the bloodstream. not in the bone.

-Calcium affects many areas of the body. It is found in bones and teeth

-Also responsible for nerve conduction

-Blood clotting

-Heart function

Question 11

PT

Answer 11

Prothrombin time (11-12.5 seconds)

-This is part of a group of blood tests that determines the clotting ability of blood.

Question 12

PTT

Answer 12

Partial thromboplastin time (25-35 seconds)

Also part of the group of blood tests that determines the clotting ability of blood.

Question 13

INR

Answer 13

International Normalized Ratio(<1.2)

The PT and the INR are used to monitor the effectiveness of the anticoagulant warfarin (Coumadin).

Question 14

BUN

Answer 14

Blood Urea Nitrogen. (10-20mg/dL)

Urea is a waste product of protein which is made in the liver.

Question 15

Serum Creatinine

Answer 15

(1.2mg/dL)

Creatinine is a waste product of the breakdown of creatine in the body. Creatinine is excreted by the kidneys. If kidney function is compromised, Serum Creatinine levels will rise.

Question 16

Urine Specific Gravity

Answer 16

(1.01-1.03g/mL)

This test measures the concentration of urine.

A high specific gravity indicates concentrated urine which would indicate dehydration.

A low specific gravity indicates dilute urine which would indicate a person is well hydrated or over hydrated.

Question 17

Serum glucose

Answer 17

(70-110mg/dL)

A low serum glucose (blood sugar) indicates hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).

A high serum glucose occurs after eating a meal, however if it does not return to a normal level within a certain amount of time can indicate diabetes.

Question 18

Serum Albumin

Answer 18

(3.5-5.5g/dL)

albumin is a protein made by the liver.

A serum albumin level measures the amount of this protein in the plasma (clear portion of the blood).