Blood Tests Decoded: What Your Reports Really Mean

Dr.Ankush Singhal, 3 mins read

If you have ever gone for a blood test, you must have the anxiety of waiting for the results. Have you ever thought about what all those numbers and abbreviations actually mean? It is very common to feel overwhelmed when you look at your blood test reports, especially if you are not familiar with medical terms. But understanding your reports doesn’t have to be complicated. 

In this blog, we will explore some of the most common blood tests and explain what they really mean, so that you can get a clearer picture of your health.

Common blood test abbreviations

• 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

1. Complete Blood Count (CBC)

One of the most common blood tests is the Complete Blood Count (CBC). It helps to check the overall health of your blood. It tells us the number of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. Red blood cells carry oxygen, white blood cells fight infections, and platelets help with clotting.

• A high number of red blood cells could indicate dehydration or a disorder like polycythemia.
  
• Low number of red blood cells can be a sign of anemia, which can cause fatigue and weakness.
  
• Low number of white blood cells may indicate a weakened immune system.
  
• High platelet count can signal inflammation or an infection.
  
  

2. Lipid Profile

The lipid profile is meant to measure your cholesterol levels, including HDL (good cholesterol), LDL (bad cholesterol), and triglycerides. High levels of LDL cholesterol and triglycerides, or low levels of HDL, can increase your risk of heart disease.

• High LDL and Triglycerides can lead to clogged arteries.
  
• Low HDL means you have less "good" cholesterol to protect your heart.
  

3. Blood Sugar (Glucose Test)

This test helps to check your blood sugar levels and can help diagnose conditions like diabetes. A higher-than-normal level may indicate pre-diabetes or diabetes, while a lower-than-normal level could suggest hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), which can cause dizziness and weakness.

4. Kidney Function Tests

These tests check how well our kidneys are filtering waste from our blood. The tests include  creatinine and blood urea nitrogen (BUN). If theirlevels are high, it might indicate kidney problems. Regular kidney function tests are especially important for people with high blood pressure or diabetes, as both can affect kidney health.

5. Liver Function Tests

Liver function tests measure the levels of enzymes like ALT and AST in your blood. These enzymes are released when the liver is damaged. High levels can indicate liver diseases like fatty liver disease, hepatitis, or cirrhosis.

6. Thyroid Function Test

The thyroid test measures levels of thyroid hormones, which helps in regulating metabolism. If the levels are too high or too low, it can affect your energy, weight, and mood.

• High TSH could indicate an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism).
  
• Low TSH could mean an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism).
  

Conclusion

Blood tests are a valuable tool for monitoring your health. While the numbers might seem confusing at first, understanding what they mean can give you important insights into your well-being. If you ever feel unsure about your results, don’t hesitate to consult our doctors at Aakash Healthcare, Dwarka. We have experts who can guide you toward the next steps for better health. Schedule a consultation today.