lab values 6-10

red blood cells (erythrocytes)

most common blood cell, principle oxygen delivering cell

white blood cells (leukocytes)

cells of the immune system that defend against pathogens, indicator of infection

hemoglobin (HGB)

iron-containing oxygen transport protein component of RBC’s

hematocrit (HCT)

percentage of RBCs in the blood

platelets (PLT)

fundamental role in hemostasis and clot formation

hemoglobin a1c (HbA1c)

indicates overall plasma glucose levels for last 3 months. use to diagnosis and manage diabetes

APTT (activated partial thromboplastin timer)

how long it takes blood to clot, assess intrinsic pathway of coagulation ie. damage to blood vessels

PT (prothrombin time)

how long it takes blood to clot, assess extrinsic pathway of coagulation ie. external tissue damage

INR (international normalized ratio)

assesses the risk of bleeding or clotting status of patient, useful in monitoring patients who take blood thinners

serum triglycerides (TG)

needed for formation of other lipids and fatty acids

total cholesterol (TC)

needed for cell wall, steroid, and bile acid production

low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL)

must be measured in fasting state, “bad“ cholestrol

high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL)

“good“ cholestrol, acts as an anti-atherogenic factor

specific gravity

pH

used to determine the acidity or alkalinity of the urine. average is around 6. alkaline can be infectious. acidic can be diabetic metabolic issues or DM

blood

if present can indicate urinary tract damage

bilirubin

if present can be a sign of liver damage

leukocyte esterase

if present can indicate infections or inflammation of the urinary tract

nitrites

gram negative bacteria can convert nitrates to nitrites, if present may be due to a gram negative infection