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Lab results - looking for opinions [PLEASE READ 1ST POST] in Health · Nov 8, 2014

crimsonfox26 said:A cervical swab was performed for aerobic and anaerobic bacteria.

The microbiology report shows: some bacteria, rare leukocytes. Physiological flora.

The nurse told me the results were fine. Still, I’m wondering what "some bacteria" actually implies—what kind of bacteria? 🤷
And can someone explain why leukocytes are mentioned in this result at all?

Thanks!

Ma'am, in the context of "physiological flora," "some bacteria" simply means the swab detected a small amount of bacteria that naturally inhabit the vaginal area and can also be found on the cervix. Usually, these are bacteria from the Lactobacillus genus, with smaller amounts from other genera (like Bacteroides).

An elevated number of leukocytes would indicate inflammation or an infection.

The main takeaway here is that the results are normal.

Lab results - looking for opinions [PLEASE READ 1ST POST] in Health · Nov 8, 2014

Chloe Garcia10 said:Hello, is an iron level of 9 too low? My UIBC, TIBC, ferritin, erythrocytes, hemoglobin, MCV, and MCHC are all within the normal range. Does it matter that the blood wasn't drawn in the morning while fasting, but rather in the afternoon?

Iron levels weren't checked in the morning and you weren't fasting? In that case, unfortunately, the result isn't particularly useful. And if they only tested iron without the other parameters, one has to wonder why it was even ordered—what exactly did the doctor expect to find?

redpuma64 said:Hi, I have a question. I'm wondering if these deviations from the normal values mean the same thing.
CBC Panel
Segmented neutrophils elevated by 4
Lymphocytes decreased by 3.5

Otherwise, I am 35 weeks pregnant and Rh factor is negative

Thanks so much for understanding

Ma'am, you need to provide at least the full CBC and differential results if you want any kind of feedback. Commenting on isolated values like this is impossible. You also need to state why the test was performed—are you experiencing symptoms, or was this just a routine prenatal checkup? With only these numbers, there is no way to provide an answer.

Lab results - looking for opinions [PLEASE READ 1ST POST] in Health · Nov 8, 2014

rapidnomad322 said:Dermatologists suspect Candida might be causing the hives.

It’s a slippery slope, if you ask me. Fungi frequently colonize the digestive tract, which means finding yeast in a stool sample doesn't tell you much—tons of people have it. The real question is what we are actually treating in these scenarios. Furthermore, scientific literature isn't exactly unanimous regarding a link between this fungus and chronic hives; in fact, some recent studies suggest there isn't one at all. Even so, dermatology protocols still routinely insist on testing for Candida. Generally, treatment is only considered justified in cases of massive infection.

Chloe Ruiz2 said:The hives have been popping up for a couple of years now, mostly in the evenings. Sometimes they happen daily, other times they vanish for a few days or stay quite mild. It’s rare, but I’ll occasionally wake up at night from intense itching in my legs or upper arms. No other symptoms. I can say that since I quit smoking and started taking multivitamins and folic acid (per my doctor's advice), I don't feel exhausted anymore. That heavy-headed feeling—like someone "pulled the blinds down" on me—is gone. They’ll probably check my thyroid hormones again. As far as I know, there hasn't been any eosinophilia. I just remember some notes about my blood work: hypochromia and microcytosis, and a slight neutrophilia during infections.

Based on everything you've described, you likely have chronic urticaria. With chronic hives, we look at idiopathic causes (unknown origin), autoimmune triggers (which can be linked to conditions like thyroid issues, often supported by positive antibodies), or vasculitis. In the case of vasculitis, skin changes typically last longer than 24 hours and are accompanied by systemic symptoms like general weakness, joint pain, or fever. While I can't say for certain without an exam, it doesn't sound like you're dealing with that specific form.

Regardless, the baseline medication for hives is antihistamines, not corticosteroids.

Lab results - looking for opinions [PLEASE READ 1ST POST] in Health · Nov 2, 2014

It would be wise to measure 24-hour urine output over several consecutive days or through multiple sessions. During this process, one should track total fluid intake, log the exact timing of each void, and note the volume per instance. From there, you can calculate the specific breakdown of daily versus nocturnal output. Only then could any meaningful conclusion be drawn.

Lab results - looking for opinions [PLEASE READ 1ST POST] in Health · Nov 2, 2014

Melissa Martinez5 said:Once, I tried collecting my entire urine output into a single container. It ended up being over three liters.
I spent a day tracking every single trip to the bathroom. It was constant—every thirty to sixty minutes or so. None of them were large, though; every time I went, it was less than 200ml. Total intake for the day ended up at exactly 1.7L.
So far, only the urine culture came back sterile, and the abdominal ultrasound was clear.

Regarding those measurements from a few days ago—did you collect urine over a full 24-hour period and find a total volume of 1.7 liters? How much of that is produced during the day versus at night? Are you waking up mid-sleep to use the bathroom? Have you tracked your actual fluid intake over those 24 hours? Any burning or discomfort when urinating? And how long has this been going on?

Lab results - looking for opinions [PLEASE READ 1ST POST] in Health · Nov 2, 2014

Chloe Ruiz2 said:The immunologist suggested it might be urticaria—basically hives. They show up in the evenings on my arms, legs, and back. They look like long welts, almost like I’ve been scratching myself. They itch and sting, feeling like I’ve spilled hydrogen peroxide on my skin, but then they vanish just as quickly.

How long has this been going on (more or less than six weeks)? Did any infection or new medication precede these changes? Are you experiencing anything else alongside the hives, such as joint pain, fever, or fatigue?

Thyroid hormones are normal. My CBC wasn't done very recently, but everything seems fine; the blood work has always shown microcytosis and hypochromia.

In my opinion, I should probably get my TSH checked again (it was 2.39 during a physical a year ago, but usually sits around 1.x). Also, an ultrasound once picked up a tiny, clinically insignificant goiter—at least that's what the internist said.

Then there's CRP and ESR, but I'm not sure about the rest.

I just want to know if I interpreted this correctly: that nothing is alarming here, just mild incipient sideropenia, and since the antibodies are okay, I just need to keep an eye on my thyroid so it doesn't slip into hypothyroidism.

Typically, antibodies and thyroid hormones are tested together; analyzing antibodies without looking at the hormone levels doesn't offer much context. However, if the hormones are normal but the antibodies are elevated, you're right—closer monitoring of the thyroid becomes necessary.

As for sideropenia or anemia, we can only really discuss that if we have the CBC to pair with the iron levels, which is why I asked for those specific values. Additionally, when evaluating urticaria, checking for eosinophilia is important, so having both the CBC and differential would be useful.

Is it safe to take Heferol and potentially Decortin (due to elevated CIC) during IVF?

It is possible, provided your doctor clears it.

Lab results - looking for opinions [PLEASE READ 1ST POST] in Health · Nov 2, 2014

Melissa Martinez5 said:Different reasons—I’m heading to the urologist because I’ve been urinating constantly. (No diabetes, by the way.)

Are you seeing more frequent trips to the bathroom, and if so, is it small amounts or larger volumes? Any discomfort or issues when you go? Also, have you had any testing done yet—aside from a cytology screen? Any microbiology workups?

This cytology report isn't going to pinpoint the actual cause of your symptoms.

rapidnomad322 said:Thanks for the response, but I’m just feeling confused now. If the specific strain hasn't even been identified, how can a medication be prescribed to target it? And more importantly, should the patient even be taking it? Shouldn't they have been referred for further testing instead?

And why would someone even bother with a stool analysis in the first place?

Complete stranger here—dealing with a virus and tonsillitis in Health · Oct 31, 2014

Regarding tonsil issues, please keep the discussion within the Krajnik thread. We don't need two separate topics covering the exact same thing.

🙂

Lab results - looking for opinions [PLEASE READ 1ST POST] in Health · Oct 31, 2014

Maria Fowler11 said:Could someone please help me make sense of these results:
(I'm 40 years old, dealing with hyperthyroidism, and currently taking Favistan)

What you've noted seems accurate enough.

Lab results - looking for opinions [PLEASE READ 1ST POST] in Health · Oct 31, 2014

Rachel Hernandez61 said:Can someone help me make sense of these results? (Image attached). This is just the first batch in a series I'm waiting on.

Oh, and I had my OGTT yesterday. For context, when I did my physical for work two years ago, the numbers were significantly lower—I don't recall them exactly, but I think they were around 2.5 and 4.

(S) OGTT 0 min. 5.7 mmol/l
(S) OGTT 120 min 6.0 mmol/l

My endocrinologist referred me for testing because they suspect issues with my thyroid and ovaries. In the last two years, I've gained nearly 65 pounds, despite eating much better and being more active with exercise.

The OGTT looks perfectly fine.

As for the other labs, it’s clear your testosterone levels are elevated. To reach a final conclusion, we'll need to see the rest of the panel.

Melissa Martinez5 said:The sediment shows squamous and transitional epithelial cells, some granulocytes, erythrocytes, and bacteria.
Is this considered a normal result?

No malignant (foreign) cells were found, which is the primary concern when ordering this specific test. What was the reason for the screening?

Lab results - looking for opinions [PLEASE READ 1ST POST] in Health · Oct 31, 2014

Chloe Ruiz2 said:Could someone please help me make sense of these results (reference values in parentheses)? Female, 32 years old:

Iron 7 (8-30)
UIBC 59 (26-59)

TIBC 65 (49-75) Iron saturation 10% (15-50)

Ferritin 8.9 (5-148) CIC IgG 182 (up to 130)
CIC IgM 241 (up to 100)
C3 complement component 1.22 (0.83-1.93)

C4 complement component 0.26 (0.15-0.57) TG-Ab 157 (less than 115 negative)

Anti TPO will be ready tomorrow

Total IgE-RIST in two weeks[/I]

Thanks in advance!

Quote:
Chloe Ruiz2 says:
[I]Anti TPO 26 (less than 34 negative)
What was the reason for these tests? Thyroid hormones? A complete blood count?

Lab results - looking for opinions [PLEASE READ 1ST POST] in Health · Oct 31, 2014

Maria Gray45 said:That’s everything listed. When I picked up the results, they told me those were just the two items they ran. I haven't had a chance to go to my doctor to have them read properly yet.

If those are the only values provided, you're missing the total IgA level.

Dana Wilson33 said:Here are the results.

Click the image. Please explain these.

What was the purpose of this screening? Nothing jumps out at me in these results. The photo only shows the CBC and differential, and while there seems to be a section for coagulation, it isn't visible here.

MPV refers to platelet volume. If the platelet count itself is normal—which it is—then the MPV doesn't really tell us much.

The lymphocyte count is only very slightly elevated. It could be a trace of a passing viral infection or just standard biological variation.

rapidnomad322 said:I'm wondering what it means when a stool microbiology (mycology?) test simply lists "Candida species"? Does that imply an overgrowth of fungi (since Candida naturally lives in the gut), or something else?

Thanks 🙂

No, it doesn't mean there's an increase. It just means they didn't specify which exact species of Candida it was.

Support for families dealing with cancer and other serious illnesses (Part II) in Health · Oct 25, 2014

To all our community members, I regret having to step in here, but things have spiraled out of control. Several posts in this thread have been removed due to trolling, falsehoods, accusations, and threats—none of which belong in a discussion this sensitive.

The moderators will decide on how to proceed after consulting with one another. In the meantime, please be patient and refrain from reacting to further provocations.

Lab results - looking for opinions [PLEASE READ 1ST POST] in Health · Oct 25, 2014

Maria Gray45 said:I'm just transcribing exactly what I wrote down.

If the total IgA is normal, then a result like this is also fine. Essentially, when diagnosing Celiac disease, the test relies on measuring specific IgA-class antibodies, which makes the concentration of total IgA vital. If total IgA levels are low, this test could yield a false negative.

Justin Garcia7 said:Suspecting gynecomastia.

In your case, there’s a bit of a mismatch: total testosterone is slightly low, while free testosterone sits within the normal range. Typically, you'd expect these two values to align. It's worth noting that in many US labs, measuring total testosterone is more reliable than measuring free testosterone and SHBG.

Lab results - looking for opinions [PLEASE READ 1ST POST] in Health · Oct 21, 2014

Chris Howard3 said:I'm not sure if all of this stems from the tests you assumed were already completed.
Thanks.

More or less. My previous response still stands.

Maria Gray45 said:My gastroenterologist ordered an anti-tTG and total IgA test. The result came back at 2.00.
The referral results came back negative—values sitting below 20.
Positive >20.
There's also a note regarding Euroimmun I-2P.

Is that alright?

What was the IgA level?

Lab results - looking for opinions [PLEASE READ 1ST POST] in Health · Oct 19, 2014

Dear,

There is no need to repeat your post, especially since you already asked this within the hyperuricemia thread.

Statistically speaking, your urate levels are elevated, but they aren't high enough to be genuinely concerning. Crystals that lead to gout or kidney stones typically don't start forming until you hit about 420 µmol/L. Because of that, I wouldn't link that pain under rib cage on your right side to a slightly high urate level. It seems more likely to be something related to the gallbladder, which can act up after childbirth—which is probably why you were referred for an Abdominal Ultrasound.

It would be wise to make some dietary adjustments; you can find more specifics on this page.

You didn't list all the tests you've had done, but I assume your liver and kidney function panels, electrolytes, lipid profile, and fasting glucose all came back normal?

If you are looking for more detailed insight regarding abdominal pain, it might be better to post your question in the Pain under rib cage thread. There's a chance a gastroenterologist might stop by there.

Lab results - looking for opinions [PLEASE READ 1ST POST] in Health · Oct 19, 2014

He didn't suggest any further testing because, based on my history and clinical presentation, it looked like a standard part of your underlying condition. Plus, the Abdominal Ultrasound showed the lymph nodes aren't even significantly enlarged. 🙂

Lab results - looking for opinions [PLEASE READ 1ST POST] in Health · Oct 19, 2014

Betty Gray36 said:I went in for testing because my knee swelled up this summer (first they drained 60ml, then a bit less later), along with pain in my ankles and back..

Even if you aren't positive for HLA-B27, you can't rule out reactive arthritis. It’s entirely possible for someone without the HLA-B27 marker to develop it.

Emily Ortiz27 said:Total white blood cell count is 15.41 (ref range 6-16); everything else in the CBC Panel is within normal limits.
We got the referral for a sweat chloride test and we're just crossing our fingers.

The math shows the child has 3,544 eosinophils/µL, which points to moderate (mid-range) eosinophilia.

With chronic allergies—which your history seems to suggest—eosinophil counts usually stay below 2,000/µL.

The test being run (sweat chloride) is used to screen for Cystic Fibrosis, which isn't directly linked to eosinophilia. So, regardless of what the chloride levels show, we still need to figure out the cause of the eosinophilia itself.

restlessangler said:What does that lymphocyte proliferation thing mean...

Lymphocyte proliferation means an increase in the cells that make up the lymph nodes. That finding is expected; the real question is why they are proliferating and what the characteristics of those specific cells are. The cytology report didn't provide much detail on that front.

Lab results - looking for opinions [PLEASE READ 1ST POST] in Health · Oct 18, 2014

HLA-B35 isn't linked to an increased frequency of reactive arthritis; that would be HLA-B27.

Lab results - looking for opinions [PLEASE READ 1ST POST] in Health · Oct 18, 2014

Dana Wilson33 said:My gynecologist sent me for blood work because I’ve been on birth control pills. I'm in my late twenties.
The values that have increased,
MPV 11.1 H / 6.8–10.4 / normal values
Neutrophil granulocytes 35.9 L /44-72/ normal value.
Lymphocytes at 51.0%—high relative to the 20-46% range.
Lymphocytes 3.42 H /1.19-3.35 / normal values
Everything else falls within the normal range.

Could you please clarify what this is about? Thanks.

It’s difficult to offer any meaningful commentary without knowing your white blood cell and platelet counts, or seeing a complete differential CBC Panel.

Betty Gray36 said:What does it mean when an HLA typing report shows "HLA-B 35 ND"?

As you can see, each HLA type consists of two alleles, resulting in two separate numbers. You inherit one HLA from your father and the other from your mother. In your case, you have one HLA-B identified as 35, while the second HLA-B remains undefined. What was the motivation behind running this specific test?

Elizabeth White48 said:Any thoughts on this part of the lab results?

Why such an extensive endocrine workup? I suspect it isn't "just" Hashimoto.