Do lab tests scare you? Do they send you into an endless spiral of thoughts? With all those numbers, abbreviations, and reference ranges, it may seem quite unfamiliar and scare you. However, this is not the case; with the right guidance, understanding lab test reports at home becomes a lot easier and more relieving for the patient as well as the family members.
Here’s a detailed blood report reading guide to decode lab test results like a pro.
What is a lab test?
A lab test is a medical procedure that serves as a diagnostic marker of your health, revealing your current health status and helping you identify areas that require attention.
A lab test can include the analysis of blood, urine, and tissues as a marker of good health or for diagnosis. It can also be done to know the status of an existing health condition or gather more information about a potential health condition.
What are the most common types of lab tests?
The most common types of lab tests include:
Blood test: Done to check the overall health of an individual, to detect the reason for excessive weakness, to track inflammation, vitamins, and oxygen through reports, and to count red blood cells, white blood cells, hemoglobin, and platelets.
Lipid profile: Done to check fat and cholesterol levels in the body to reduce the risk of heart disease, blocked arteries, and stroke.
Urine Analysis: Done to check the overall urinary tract for infections, kidney function, diabetes, liver function, and elevated protein levels in the urine.
Blood Sugar Test: Done to check the status of diabetes (prediabetes, type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes), to monitor the glycemic index, and to manage blood sugar levels.
Thyroid Function Test: Done to check the thyroid hormone levels in the body, to check if the thyroid gland is overactive (hyperthyroidism) or underactive (hypothyroidism), and to measure TSH, T3, and T4 levels.
Hormone Test: Done to check hormone levels in the body to diagnose infertility, PCOS, thyroid disorders, menopause, and male and female reproductive health.
Why do I need a lab test?
Lab tests don’t always mean there is a potential health crisis; it can also be a generic marker of good health. Below are a few reasons why you should book a lab test for yourself or your family member:
- Early Detection
- Better Diagnosis
- Health Monitoring
- Basic health check
- Organ function test
What is the lab test range?
A lab test result range, or a reference range, is considered a healthy range for the majority of the population. The reference range shows the high and low markings on a particular test that denote you are healthy if you fall within the range.
The lab test normal range is explained in the report, and the detailed guide about lab tests presents a brief view of the health, what needs to be worked upon and controlled, and what requires immediate medical attention.
Most confusing lab terms in a medical report
Here are the most confusing lab terms in the medical report:
EGFR—Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate, a test to check how well the kidneys filter the waste and how well the kidneys function.
ESR & CRP – Erthrocyte Sedimentation Rate and C-Reactive Protein blood tests that tell about inflammation. CRP, a protein made by the liver, showcases inflammation within hours, and ESR has a slow rise rate but remains steady for a longer period of time.
SGOT/ SGPT/ ALP/ GCT – Key markers of liver function; unstable levels often indicate liver damage.
HbA1C –The HbA1C test tells about the average level of blood glucose over a period of 2 to 3 months.
LDL, HDL, VLDL – These are lipoproteins (good cholesterol) essential for health. High LDL and VLDL can lead to the risk of heart disease; however, HDL levels, when in control, protect against heart disease.
Triglycerides – A type of fat, a lipid in blood, a more common type of fat that stores energy from extra calories. High triglycerides can lead to high fat buildup in the arteries and lead to blockage.
Bilirubin, albumin, and globulin – Key blood components used to check liver health, kidney health, and immunity.
Also Read: Top 7 Vitamin Deficiencies in India & How to Prevent Them—Understand how timely nutrition and lifestyle changes can correct them.
Why is home healthcare diagnostic awareness important?
Home healthcare diagnostic awareness helps reduce the panic in the minds of the patient as well as the family members. These health markers help take the correct route to health, help focus on areas that need immediate attention and stay in optimum health when the reports come out right.
Keeping a routine check on health through lab test reports can help manage health, way before complications arise.
Conclusion:
Diagnostic reports are not very hard to decipher; everything is clearly mentioned in the reports: the highs, the lows, and the healthy range in between.
However, every report comes with a line, “Results need clinical correlation.” It is always best to show your reports to your health practitioner, home healthcare service provider, or doctor and seek medical advice accordingly.
The diagnostic report tips can help you analyze the key findings; however, the medical expert with the correct clinical experience and knowledge is the best guide for all health conditions.
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