You have your results sheet and a column of numbers with arrows. This guide explains, test by test, what each one measures and what it means when it is high or low, so you arrive at the visit with questions instead of fear. The ranges mentioned are guidelines: each lab prints its own, and the medical team interprets them for your case.
What does the complete blood count say?
It counts the cells in your blood. Low hemoglobin means anemia, the most common cause of tiredness in women; high can be seen in smokers or with dehydration. High white blood cells suggest infection or inflammation; very low, weakened defenses. Platelets out of range relate to bleeding or clotting. A single altered value is rarely serious on its own; the physician reads it against your symptoms.
How do I read glucose and A1C?
Fasting glucose between 70 and 99 mg/dL is normal; 100 to 125 is prediabetes; 126 or more on two occasions is diabetes. A1C sums up the three-month average: under 5.7% is normal, 5.7 to 6.4% prediabetes, 6.5% or more diabetes. A1C needs no fasting and is not thrown off by what you ate yesterday, which is why it is used for follow-up.
What do cholesterol and triglycerides mean?
Total cholesterol is best under 200. LDL is the "bad" one: ideally under 100. HDL is the "good" one: better above 40 in men and 50 in women. Triglycerides rise with sugar, alcohol and excess weight: normal is under 150. For a reliable lipid panel you need 8 to 12 hours of fasting.
What do liver and kidney tests check?
For the liver, the transaminases (ALT and AST): high with fatty liver, alcohol, some medications or hepatitis. For the kidney, creatinine and the estimated filtration rate: if creatinine rises, the kidney filters less, common with years of diabetes or high blood pressure. These tests are also ordered to monitor new medications.
What does the thyroid test measure?
TSH: high means a slow thyroid (hypothyroidism); low, an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism). It is completed with T4 and sometimes T3. If it is off, follow-up is done under thyroid.
What about vitamin and hormone tests?
Low vitamin B12 explains tiredness, tingling and poor concentration, especially in vegetarians, people over 50 and those taking metformin or antacids. Low vitamin D is very common and relates to bone pain and fatigue. In men, testosterone is measured in the morning; in women's health, hormones such as FSH and prolactin help study irregular cycles.
What do I do with an abnormal result?
Do not self-diagnose online or stop medications. Bring the sheet to the visit: many mild abnormalities are confirmed by repeating the test, and the ones that matter are treated in time. At Clínica Hispana Nueva Salud Pasadena, blood tests are drawn with no appointment and the result is reviewed with you in Spanish or English; for stool or parasite studies, see stool test. The Complete General Checkup for $99 includes a general blood test, A1C, urine test and a medical visit.
