Understanding Lab Results: A Patient's Guide

Making Sense of Your Lab Results

Getting lab results can be stressful, especially when you don’t understand what all those numbers mean. While your doctor should always explain significant findings, understanding the basics can help you be a more informed patient.

Common Lab Test Categories

Complete Blood Count (CBC)

• WBC (White Blood Cells) - Infection and immune function
• RBC (Red Blood Cells) - Oxygen-carrying capacity
• Hemoglobin - Oxygen in your blood
• Platelets - Blood clotting ability

Basic Metabolic Panel (BMP)

• Glucose - Blood sugar levels
• BUN/Creatinine - Kidney function
• Electrolytes - Sodium, potassium, chloride balance

Lipid Panel

• Total Cholesterol - Overall cholesterol level
• LDL - “Bad” cholesterol
• HDL - “Good” cholesterol
• Triglycerides - Fat in your blood

Understanding Reference Ranges

Lab results include reference ranges (sometimes called “normal” ranges):

• Results within range are typically considered normal
• Ranges can vary by lab, age, and sex
• Slightly out-of-range results aren’t always concerning
• Trends over time matter more than single results

Red Flags vs. Normal Variations

Don’t panic about:

• Minor variations just outside the reference range
• Results that haven’t changed from previous tests
• Values that your doctor says are fine for you

Do follow up on:

• Significantly abnormal results
• New abnormalities that weren’t present before
• Results your doctor flags for follow-up
• Patterns of worsening values over time

Tracking Your Results Over Time

This is where digital health records shine. With VertexMD:

• Store all your lab results in one place
• View trends and changes over time
• Use AI to ask questions about your results
• Share historical data easily with new providers

Questions to Ask Your Doctor

When reviewing results, ask:

• What does this specific result mean for my health?
• Is this result significantly different from before?
• Do I need any follow-up tests or treatments?
• What lifestyle changes might help improve this result?

Important Disclaimer

Remember: Lab results are just one piece of the puzzle. Always discuss your results with a qualified healthcare provider who knows your complete medical history. VertexMD helps you organize and understand your data, but it doesn’t replace medical advice.