Glucose, cholesterol levels, levels that determine the state of our liver and kidney and, of course, the levels of red blood cells and platelets. They are some of the information about our health that is going to throw the results of a blood test. Before alarmed by a value or a result we do not understand, you should consult your doctor, as normal values may be reflected in different ways according to the criteria established by the laboratory performing the analysis.
Did you know that a blood test may include more than a thousand of words whose meaning is beyond our control? Among them, there are a few known to us, such as blood cells, i.e., red cells, white cells and platelets. The red blood cells (RBCs, erythrocytes) have the function entrusted to transport oxygen to the body cells.
The analysis of blood, in addition to include the values of the red blood cells – between 4.3 and 5.9 million per cubic millimeter as normal values, also posted the hemoglobin – which is located in the interior of the red blood cells and gives the characteristic color to the blood. When, for example, there is a problem of anemia, both the values of erythrocytes as hemoglobin are often low. Hematocrit, meanwhile, another good indicator of anemia, is the percentage of red cells in the total volume of blood.
The blood, in terms of the white blood cells (leukocytes), reflects their normal amount, with between 3,500 and 11,000 per cubic millimeter, and the different types of leukocytes (differential). White blood cells are the basic protective against microorganisms. The number of leukocytes increases in infections, predominantly one type or another depending on the microorganism (for example, bacterial infections is an increase of neutrophils and in the case of an infection caused by a virus typically increase monocytes and lymphocytes). Meanwhile, the number of leukocytes may be reduced by the intake of some drugs or bone marrow diseases.
Regarding platelet – normal values range between 130,000 and 450,000 – whose function is to intervene in the formation of blood clots, may be altered in cases of liver disorders and haematological diseases.
Liver and kidney
The creatinine, muscle protein that circulates in the blood and is eliminated via the urine, is one of the best indicators of the functioning of our kidney, so that a blood test also reflects values – the normal, between 0.6 and 12 mg/dl). For its part, the ionogram measures the levels of sodium, potassium and chlorine, for the study of renal function. Transaminase allow the other hand, to study liver function. The transaminase levels are the enzymes of the inside the liver cells. When lifting can be a symptom of an inflammatory problem (hepatitis, toxic effects of alcohol, effects of certain drugs).
Glucose and cholesterol
Glucose is a major energy source of cells. Normal levels are between 70 mg/dl and 110 of blood. When in fasting blood sugar levels are above 126 is considered that there is diabetes. When levels are between 100 and 126 can be a problem of impaired glucose tolerance, which may be the prelude to diabetes.
Meanwhile, for the study of fats or lipids, blood analysis determines the values of triglycerides and cholesterol, which are established and fractionated total values (HDL or good cholesterol and LDL or bad cholesterol).