UNDERSTAND YOUR
LAB RESULTS
The following information is provided to help you, the customer, understand your
lab test results. However, it is not possible to diagnose or treat a disease or problem with lab tests alone! Test results are only meaningful when correlated with the medical history, particular symptoms, or abnormal physical findings that only your physician can discuss with you. Cash Clinical cannot recommend which tests are right for you. Please consult your physician. Cash Clinical does not interpret test results.
COMPLETE BLOOD COUNT (CBC) is a quantitative and qualitative analysis of circulating blood cells. It indicates whether or not blood is being made and lost in proper proportion (presence or absence of anemia). The numbers, appearance, and distribution of the white cells may be a clue to the body’s response to infection or inflammation. The platelets are important in clotting of blood.
ERYTHROCYTE SEDMENTATION RATE is a nonspecific but useful indicator of inflammation and/or infection in the blood or tissues.
SODIUM CHLORIDE, POTASSIUM, and CARBON DIOXIDE are commonly called electrolytes and are important for the function of nerves, muscles, and most cells. These electrolytes are regulated by the kidneys and adrenal glands.
CALCIUM and PHOSPHORUS are minerals controlled by the parathyroid glands and the kidneys. They are important for proper blood clotting, bone structure, and nerve, muscle, and heart cell function.
URIC ACID is normally excreted in urine. High values are associated with gout, arthritis, kidney problems, and the use of diuretics.
BLOOD UREA NITROGEN (BUN) AND CREATINE are waste products of metabolism and are excreted by the kidneys. High values may indicate kidney disease.
GLUCOSE is a measure of sugar in the blood. High values are associated with diabetes or eating before the test.
TOTAL PROTEIN, ALBUMIN, AND GLOBULIN measure the amount and type of protein in the blood. They are a general index of overall health and nutrition. Liver or gastrointestinal disease, poor nutrition, and kidney disorders can result in low values of these proteins.
AST, ALT, GGTP, LDH, AND ALKALINE PHOSPHATASE are proteins called enzymes that aid various chemical activities within cells. Injury to cells releases these enzymes into the blood. They are found in muscles, the liver, bone, and the heart.
BILIRUBIN is the primary pigment in bile. High values may indicate liver disease or some other disorder that reduces the normal flow of bile, or produces an increase in bile itself.
CHOLESTEROL and TRIGLYCERIDES are fats in blood that have been associated with heart disease in some people. HDL is a type of protein and lipid (fat) mixture that is generally a measure of “good cholesterol”; a low value is associated with a higher risk of hardening of the arteries. LDL (“bad cholesterol”) is a type of protein and lipid mixture whose elevation is generally considered an increased risk factor for hardening of the arteries.
THYROID FUNCTION TESTS are used to measure the function of the thyroid gland, which has a general role in metabolism.
URINALYSIS is of the status of the urinary tract (kidneys, ureters, bladder) and may indicate the presence of systemic disease.
PROSTATE SPECIFIC ANTIGEN (Men) is a tumor marker for prostate cancer usually measured in men over the age of 50. It is not sufficiently sensitive or specific to be a perfect screening test for prostate cancer, but used together with a digital rectal examination, it can be useful.
For prices, tests not listed, or more information, please call (775) 883-4000
Additional explanation on laboratory tests can be obtained online at
https://labtestsonline.org/patient-resources.