diagnostics for lab

What does RBC, Hgb, and Hct tell you?

Oxygen-carrying capacity.
Low = anemia,
High Hct = dehydration,
Low Hct = anemia/fluid overload.

What does WBC count tell you?

Immune system activity.

High = bacterial infection/inflammation

Low = viral infection

What do platelets (PLT) indicate?

Ability to clot. low = Bleeding

What does ESR (Erythrocyte sedimentation rate) indicate?

Indirect measure of inflammation (nonspecific).
chronic

What does CRP (C-reactive protein) indicate?

Direct measure of inflammation
actue

What does PT/INR test for?

monitors warfarin.

What does aPTT/PTT test for?

monitors heparin.

What does Anti-Xa indicate?

how well heparin is thinning the blood (therapeutic = 0.6–1.0).

What does a BMP (basic metabolic panel) identify?

electrolytes + kidney function + glucose

1. Calcium (Ca++): 8.6–10.3 mg/dL

2. Bicarbonate (HCO₃): 23–29 mEq/L

3. Glucose (Glu): 70–100 mg/dL

4. BUN (Blood Urea Nitrogen): 8–20 mg/dL

5. Creatinine (Cr): 0.6–1.2 mg/dL

6. Sodium (Na⁺): 135–145 mEq/L

7. Potassium (K⁺): 3.5–5.0 mEq/L

8. Chloride (Cl⁻): 96–106 mEq/L

What extra does a CMP include?

Liver function (Albumin, Total Protein, ALP, ALT, AST, Bilirubin).

What does lipid panel identify?

Cardiovascular disease risk if→ High LDL & triglycerides, Low HDL, total cholesterol: high

What does urinalysis tell you?

Color/clarity, pH (4.5–7.8), Cells/bacteria (<5/hpf), RBC (<2/hpf)

What do X-rays identify?

best for bones/joints

What do CT scans identify?

360° cross-sections, more detail than X-ray
tumors, clots, stroke, bleeding, lung disease

What do MRIs identify?

Uses magnet, no radiation.
Very detailed: brain, spinal cord, nerves, blood vessels, muscles, cartilage.
fMRI can even show brain activity.

What does an EKG identify?

Heart’s electrical activity (rate, rhythm, conduction blocks, MI damage).
Can be continuous monitor strip or 12-lead EKG.

What does calcium tell you? (8.6–10.3 mg/dL)

Job: Bones, muscles, and nerves.

Low calcium = muscle spasms, tingling.

High calcium = weak, confused.

What does bicarbonate identify? (23–29 mEq/L)

Acid–base balance in the blood.

Low = acidosis.

High= alkalosis.

What does glucose test identify? (70–100 mg/dL)

Job: Body’s main fuel/energy.
Low glucose = shaky, sweating, seizures.
High glucose = diabetes.

What does BUN (Blood Urea Nitrogen) tell you? (8–20 mg/dL)

Kidney function
Job: Shows how well kidneys clear protein waste. High BUN = kidney problem or dehydration.

What does creatinine test identify? (0.6–1.2 mg/dL)

Job: Best test for kidney function.
High = kidneys not working well.

What does sodium identify? (135–145 mEq/L)

Controls water balance and helps nerves + muscles work. low= confusion, seizures. high= dehydration.

What does potassium test identify? (3.5–5.0 mEq/L)

Job: Heart electricity + muscle
Low = weak muscles, dangerous heart rhythms.

What does albumin identify? (3.5–5.5 g/dL)

Job: Keeps fluid in blood vessels

Low = swelling/edema.

What does total protein tell you? (60–83 g/L)

Job: Measures all proteins in blood (nutrition, immune function).
Low= malnutrition, liver/kidney disease.

What does ALP (Alkaline Phosphatase) identify? (44–147 IU/L)

Enzyme found in liver, bone, intestines.
High = liver or bone disorder.

What does ALT test indicate? (4–36 IU/L)

Liver enzyme → specific to liver injury or disease.

What does AST (Aspartate Aminotransferase) tell you? (8–40 IU/L)

Enzyme in liver, heart, muscles.
High = liver or muscle damage

What does bilirubin identify? (Total: 0.1–1.2 mg/dL; Direct: <0.3 mg/dL)

Made from broken-down RBCs.
High = jaundice (yellow skin/eyes).