2024-04-07 17:00:00
Reference values allow you to know if the levels displayed on your blood test are correct. The CBC, which appears on each report, evaluates the state of blood cells. Ferritin, blood sugar or cholesterol levels can be analyzed, depending on the type of assessment requested.
To diagnose a possible health problem, to monitor an illness or for a simple check-up, your doctor can order a blood test. If the result is then eagerly awaited by the patient, it is not uncommon to find themselves a little helpless, as the medical language used can seem strange. Here is some practical information to understand the results of your blood test.
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What do the reference values represent?
Next to each result obtained, often on the right of the document, the word VR is normally written. It corresponds to the reference value, which is a result standard. It varies depending on “dosing techniques used, gender and age”, we can read on the Ameli.fr website. It assures you that your rate obtained for the analysis carried out is correct, as long as it is included in this standard. In the event of an anomaly, the problematic data is generally indicated in bold. However, if the number entered is lower or higher than the limits set, this does not necessarily mean that you have an illness or health problem. It is best to contact your doctor to inform him of this result, so that he can provide you with further details.
CBC or blood count
On the results document of your blood test, the complete blood count, also called the complete blood count (CBC), is displayed. This data counts and analyzes the different blood cells. Among them, red blood cells, often listed under the name red blood cells, which serve to transport oxygen from the lungs to the tissues. This assessment makes it possible in particular to detect polycythemia, if the level is too high, or anemia, if the level is too low. The evaluation of red blood cells is divided into several analyses: hemoglobin, hematocrit, mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin content (TCMH) and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (CGMH).
Platelets are also part of this analysis since evaluating their level can help diagnose a possible infection, a coagulation problem or the presence of blood clots. Finally, white blood cells, also called leukocytes, are analyzed. An abnormally low or high level may indicate an allergy, or a viral, bacterial or parasitic infection.
Ferritin and blood sugar
Ferritin measurement is commonly included in a blood test. This is the rate of iron storage in the blood. If the level displayed is lower than the reference value, this means that you have an iron deficiency, also called anemia. Conversely, a level that is too high can have several causes, such as a genetic anomaly, a chronic illness or alcoholism.
A blood sugar test involves measuring the level of glucose in the blood. This analysis is often carried out on an empty stomach, or after consuming a liquid containing a large quantity of glucose, when it is a check or suspicion of diabetes. If the level displayed on your report is lower than the reference value, you are in hypoglycemia. Conversely, if the level is higher than the norm, you are hyperglycemic and therefore, likely, facing diabetes.
ESR and CRP
The erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein (CRP) are the data that appear in an inflammatory blood test. Sedimentation rate “corresponds to the quantity of blood coagulated in a tube after one or two hours”, explains Health Insurance on its website. ESR thus makes it possible to diagnose acute or chronic inflammation. C-reactive protein, produced by the liver, indicates an infection or inflammation when the level is higher than the norm.
Cholesterol and creatinine
If you take a blood test to assess your cholesterol, you will see several lines appear on your results document: the total cholesterol level, the LDL cholesterol, also called “bad cholesterol”, and the HDL cholesterol, which is the “good cholesterol”. Here again, the reference values indicated on your balance sheet allow you to know if your rates are correct. Note that for LDL cholesterol, the standard differs depending on the cardiovascular risk factors of each patient, specifies Health Insurance.
Analyzed in the case of a renal check, creatinine comes from the breakdown of creatine by the kidneys. Creatine is a substance present in muscles, used to produce energy. The normal level of creatinine produced by your body depends on your muscle mass. When your levels are higher than they normally should be, it may be due to a kidney problem.
Liver enzymes
If you have liver disease or a suspected abnormality, a liver test may be prescribed. Liver enzymes are then studied. They are broken down into two large families: transaminases and cholestasis enzymes. For transaminase analysis, alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (ASAT) are examined. Abnormally high levels can thus reveal hepatitis A, B, C, cirrhosis, or even a muscular or cardiac condition.
Please note that, from one laboratory to another, the results of your blood test may vary slightly. This is due “using different dosing techniques”, explains Health Insurance. In the event of control or monitoring, it is therefore advisable to carry out all of your analyzes in the same laboratory.
Chloe BENOIST pour TF1 INFO
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