With all the medical lingo out there it is a wonder anyone can keep up with it all. I hope these lists of basic tests and their explanations clear the air. If you do not see the answer to the test you are looking for, by all means, write us! Following the details of the tests is a table on which tests match up to 3 of your main organs. The following 2 lists are our most frequently ordered tests. Click on the test name for more details. For information on how to take a lab test check out: How Do I Take a Lab Test?

Glucose

Just another name for blood sugar. Your glucose level should be in normal range at 2 hours after eating.

Blood Urea Nitrogen

This is a kidney function test. It is elevated in dehydration, shock, renal failure to name a few.

Creatinine

Another kidney function test.

Sodium

Sodium is the primary extracellular cation. Elevated levels can be found in dehydration. This test is part of the electrolyte panel.

Potassium

Potassium is the major cation of the intracellular fluid. Monitoring this electrolyte is useful for the evaluation of cardiac arrhythmias, muscular weakness, renal failure, and electrolyte balance.

Chloride

The major anion in the extracellular fluid. Its main job is maintaining proper body water distribution and normal electrolyte balance.

Carbon Dioxide

One of the important buffer systems that maintain the pH of the blood. It is use for the evaluation of acid-base disorders.

Calcium

Calcium is the major mineral component of bone. It plays an important role in the transmission of nerve impulses and maintaining normal muscle contraction.

Red Blood Cell

This is a count of the red blood cells. This test is used along with hemoglobin and hematocrit to determine anemia and blood loss.

White Blood Cell

The WBC count will tell the doctor if your illness is viral or bacterial. In a viral illness your WBC count is low and with a bacterial infection the count is elevated. Many leukemias will have extremely elevated counts and patients on chemotherapy tend to have a very low (sometimes dangerously) count.

Hemoglobin

Hemoglobin is the oxygen carrying molecule. Low hemoglobin levels (anemia) can be life threatening.

Hematocrit

This test goes hand in hand with the hemoglobin. The two together are known as an H&H. Usually the hematocrit is approximately 3 times the hemoglobin level.

Platelet

These little tiny cells are the first to arrive at an injury site. They immediately get to work secreting chemicals that start the clotting process.

Differential

The differential part of the CBC is my favorite. Why? Because the technologist gets to peek at your blood through the microscope. We count 100 white blood cells to determine what percentage of each of the 5 types of WBCs you have. Depending on which one is elevated, the doctor will make a determination on your course of treatment. We look at the shape, size, and general appearance of all the blood cells.