Decoding your blood test: Key abbreviations, ranges, and potential health signals

Red blood cells, or erythrocytes (RBC), are critical to our health. The typical range for women is between 3.6 and 5.2 million/µl, and for men, it is usually between 4.2 and 5.4 million/µl.

Exceptionally low levels of RBC may be signs of anemia, while abnormally high levels are often associated with dehydration or chronic hypoxia, which might be caused by cigarette smoking or diseases that affect the lungs and heart.

Hemoglobin, symbolized as Hb, is a crucial barometer of blood health. The normal range for women is 12-16 g/dl and for men 14-18 g/dl. The reasons for deviations from average often overlap with those for RBC, with anemia being the primary cause for low Hb values.

HCT, short for hematocrit, signifies the percentage volume of red blood cells in comparison to the total blood volume. The acceptable level for women is between 37 and 47%, while for men, it's 40 to 54%. The reasons for deviations often echo those of RBC.

MCH, expressing the average hemoglobin content in a red blood cell, has a norm of 27-31 pg. MCHC, identifying the average hemoglobin concentration in a red blood cell, usually falls within 32-36 g/dl. Higher values of these indicators may point to certain hereditary diseases.

MCV indicates the average volume of a red blood cell and usually ranges from 82 to 92 fl. An excessively low value often flags iron-deficiency anemia, and a high value might be due to vitamin B12 or folic acid deficiencies, or hypothyroidism. Note that a high MCV is normal for pregnant women and newborns.

RDW represents the diversity in red blood cell sizes, with the standard being 11.5-14.5%. Elevated values might indicate anemia due to iron or vitamin B12 and folic acid deficiencies.

Leukocytes, or white blood cells (WBC), typically range from 4,000 to 10,000/µl. Unusually low values could imply a recently overcome viral infection or severe diseases like cancer, while high values often signal an infection.

PLT refers to blood platelets, with a norm of 150,000-400,000/µl. Low levels may suggest a vitamin deficiency or bleeding disorders, whereas high levels can be a sign of chronic inflammation or cancerous conditions.

The causes resulting in deviations from the normal range for different blood indicators are general and may vary based on individual cases.

Blood test results are considerably affected by diet, lifestyle, and medicines:

1. A diet high in fat and sugar can cause an increase in blood glucose and lipid levels.
2. Lifestyle factors, including exercise and habits like smoking and alcohol abuse, have impacts on cholesterol levels, sugar, and inflammation indicators.
3. Both prescription and over-the-counter medications can alter blood test results, affecting levels of liver enzymes, electrolytes, and blood cells.

Consequently, it's crucial to consider the overall health picture of the patient when interpreting blood test results, including their diet, lifestyle, and pharmaceutical treatments.