Understanding Your Lab Results

Getting lab results back from your doctor can be overwhelming. Numbers, abbreviations, and medical terms might leave you wondering what it all means. For people managing chronic illnesses, understanding lab results is crucial for tracking your health and adjusting treatments when needed. Keep in mind, however, this information is meant to help you start a conversation with your doctor—your healthcare provider is the best source for interpreting your results and deciding what to do next.

Why Lab Results Matter

Lab tests give your doctor valuable insights into how your body is functioning. For those managing conditions like diabetes, kidney disease, or autoimmune disorders, labs can reveal whether treatments are working, how the condition is progressing, or if any adjustments are needed. But it’s not just about the numbers—your doctor considers your symptoms, medical history, and lifestyle when interpreting results.

Common Lab Tests and What They Measure

Here’s a breakdown of some of the most frequently ordered lab tests and what they might indicate.

Complete Blood Count (CBC)

• What It Measures: A CBC measures your red blood cells, white blood cells, hemoglobin, hematocrit, and platelet, among other standard blood measurements.
• Why It Matters: These results can help detect anemia, infections, inflammation, or blood disorders. For example, if your white blood cell count is high, it could indicate an infection or inflammation that needs attention.

Basic Metabolic Panel (BMP)

• What It Measures: The BMP includes electrolytes, kidney function markers, glucose, and other metabolic measurements.
• Why It Matters: This test checks for problems like dehydration, kidney disease, or diabetes. If your glucose is high, for instance, it might suggest poor blood sugar control, which is critical to manage in diabetes.

Lipid Panel

• What It Measures: Cholesterol levels, including LDL (“bad cholesterol”), HDL (“good cholesterol”), and triglycerides.
• Why It Matters: High LDL or triglycerides and low HDL increase your risk of heart disease. These numbers help your doctor assess your cardiovascular risk and decide if lifestyle changes or medications are needed.

Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c)

• What It Measures: Average blood sugar levels over the past 2–3 months.
• Why It Matters: For people with diabetes, HbA1c gives a big-picture view of how well blood sugar is being managed. Higher levels might mean changes are needed in diet, exercise, or medications.

Liver Function Tests (LFTs)

• What It Measures: Enzymes like ALT and AST, as well as bilirubin and albumin.
• Why It Matters: These results help assess liver health and can flag conditions like fatty liver disease or damage from medications.

Thyroid Panel

• What It Measures: Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), T3, and T4 levels.

• Why It Matters: These tests check if your thyroid is overactive (hyperthyroidism) or underactive (hypothyroidism), which can affect energy, metabolism, and overall well-being.

Why You Should Talk to Your Doctor

It’s tempting to Google your lab results, but keep in mind that what’s normal or concerning varies from person to person. A single abnormal result doesn’t always mean something is wrong—it could be a temporary fluctuation tied to other factors like diet, stress, or even hydration levels.

Your doctor can explain how your results fit into the bigger picture of your health. They can also recommend follow-up tests if needed or adjust your treatment plan based on trends in your labs. For example, if your cholesterol levels are creeping up over several tests, your doctor might suggest dietary changes or prescribe medication.

Tips for Understanding and Discussing Lab Results

1. Ask for a Copy of Your Results: Having your results handy during your appointment makes it easier to ask questions and take notes.
2. Focus on Trends: A single result might not mean much on its own, but your doctor can help you see patterns over time. For example, a slightly elevated A1c might not be concerning if it’s stable, but a rising trend could signal the need for intervention.
3. Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Clarification: If a term or explanation doesn’t make sense, ask your doctor to rephrase it. They’re there to help you understand.

Making Lab Results Work for You

Lab results are a tool to help you and your doctor make informed decisions about your health. For chronic illness management, they offer a roadmap to what’s working, what needs adjustment, and how to stay on track. By staying engaged in the process—asking questions, understanding trends, and following through on recommendations—you can take an active role in managing your health.