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Posts by Nicholas Myers

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Lab results - looking for opinions [PLEASE READ 1ST POST] in Health ·
Charles Sanders83 said:Good day.

I'm 35 years old and I am not entirely sure if I had chickenpox as a child.
Five days ago, I was in close proximity to an infected child (not physical contact, mind you), so I went for some preventative lab work. Here are the results:

Analysis result units reference range
Varicella Zoster (VZV) IgM 0.77 cut off 0-0.80
Varicella Zoster (VZV) IgG 331.2 U/ml 0-80

Do I have immunity—meaning, did I already have chickenpox, or perhaps I didn't? And naturally, am I contagious?

Thanks in advance for the feedback!

Hello,

Your IgG is positive, which indicates you have immunity and are protected. You were exposed to the virus at some point, though it’s difficult to pinpoint when.

The IgM is negative, though it sits near the "upper limit of normal." Given the context you provided, it’s a bit ambiguous, but I would interpret it as negative.

Keep in mind that under certain circumstances, the virus (which stays dormant in the body indefinitely) can reactivate, which is how shingles occurs.

Best regards. 🙂
neonhawk78 said:[/B]
My period started today; could that be the reason for mucus and erythrocytes in my urine, even though I did the test yesterday morning? Regarding the collection process itself, I was a bit clumsy. I had to use the restroom at the clinic, and since I felt quite uncomfortable there, I'm assuming I managed to catch the midstream. I honestly have no idea how much urine is lost during that initial stream. I was stressed because the lab environment wasn't very comfortable, so I likely lost about 10 ml on the first go; I was worried there wouldn't be enough left for the actual test.

P.S. I have never had a urinary tract infection.

It is likely vaginal discharge, yes. Even just before a period begins, a tiny amount of blood can appear, which is enough to trigger these results.

If you're able to, you might want to repeat the test once your period has finished (it will likely come back completely normal). If not, simply explain to the anesthesiologist that the sample was taken right before your cycle started.

Everything should be fine.

Good luck! 🙂
cosmiclynx12 said:Could someone explain what a liver function test actually entails?
Back in my early 20s, I dealt with some urological issues, and along with a liver panel, they ordered a urine culture and a CRP test.
On top of that, my leg joints have been aching and swollen for a few days now. Could this be a side effect of some kind of systemic inflammation? The doctors at the hospital couldn't give me a straight answer; my blood work and lung scans all came back normal.

In a strict sense, a liver panel includes what we call liver enzymes—AST, ALT, and GGT. In a broader sense, it also covers Bilirubin, ALP, and total serum proteins.
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Lab results - looking for opinions [PLEASE READ 1ST POST] in Health ·
Jessica Baker69 said:I’m genuinely worried that something isn't right, which is why I specifically requested a peripheral blood smear, but they wouldn't even do it. Does it matter that I went to a local community clinic instead of a major hospital? I'm wondering if those specific tests are strictly reserved for hospital labs, or if there's some other reason behind this.

To whom it may concern,

The local community health clinics don't handle peripheral blood smears; you have to head over to a hospital lab for that. There are also some private labs out there that offer the service if you prefer.

You can't just pick "only platelets from a blood smear." When you're looking at a smear under the microscope after staining, you aren't cherry-picking; you're analyzing the whole field—erythrocytes, leukocytes, and platelets alike.

Regarding that cough: an unremarkable X-ray of the heart and lungs isn't the end of the story. If the cough persists, you need to look deeper—think pulmonary function tests like spirometry, or perhaps other diagnostics if necessary.

I don't think it's wise to let people choose their own searches.
neonhawk78 Asks:
Hi. I'm running through some routine pre-op testing to get cleared for surgery, but my urine results and prothrombin time have me a bit concerned. Everything else in my bloodwork looks fine, but here is what the report shows:
Prothrombin Time - INR 1.06 L (Reference Interval - 2.0 - 3.5)

Urinalysis results:
Appearance: clear.
Color: yellow.
pH level sits at 6.0.
Specific gravity: 1.025
Protein levels: negative.
Erythrocytes/hemoglobin: positive.
Glucose: normal.
Ketones: negative.
Bilirubin: negative.
Urobilinogen levels: normal.
Nitrites: negative.
Leukocyte esterase: positive.

Microscopic examination of the sediment under visible field:
White blood cell count: 4-5.
Red blood cell count: 4-5.
Squamous epithelium: one thing.
Bacteria: just something.
Service: mass

I’m deeply concerned. Looking at these results, I’m starting to think my surgery might be off the table entirely. It feels like I'll just be stuck chasing one health issue after another instead of actually getting better. Honestly, I'm feeling pretty desperate. 😢

Your prothrombin time and INR results are perfectly fine. To clarify, those values between 2 and 3.5 only apply to patients on blood thinners; for everyone else—yourself included—an INR around 1.0 is completely normal and exactly what we expect to see.

The urine analysis isn't actually that bad. Are you experiencing any symptoms typical of a UTI? Also, did you provide a midstream sample, and were you careful to ensure the urine didn't get contaminated by vaginal discharge?
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Lab results - looking for opinions [PLEASE READ 1ST POST] in Health ·
Anthony Davis72 said:I had some immunology blood work done and the AGLM is elevated (1.4)—what does that actually mean?

Thanks

What was the reason for this test? And what are the reference ranges (usually listed as a ratio)?
stormypilot312 said:hey everyone
I'm 16 and just got my blood work back.
PCT and LYMPH are high.

I don't really get what that means.

You need to be specific: why did you have the blood drawn, and what are the actual numbers for all the results? Without those details, we can't help you.
Maria Nguyen93 said:Excuse me, but is this a normal OGTT result??

Fasting glucose 4.9 mmol/L; two hours later 3.4 mmol/L (my results)

Impaired fasting glucose 6.1-7.0........after 2h <7.8 mmol/L

Impaired glucose tolerance fasting <7.0 .........after 2h 7.8-11.1 mmol/L

Diabetes fasting =7.0 ..........after 2h =11.1 mmol/L

I also tested for hepatitis markers (I was vaccinated in late 2011).

I went to a private clinic for the markers and everything came back negative. I insisted my primary care doctor repeat the tests because I thought my body might have rejected the vaccine or that it hadn't worked for some reason. Is this okay now?

HBsAg, total anti-HBc (IgG+IgM), Anti-HBc IgM, HBeAg, Anti-HBe, Anti-HAV, Anti-HAV IgM, Anti-HCV all negative
except for anti-HBs positive >1000 IU/L

The hepatitis results look fine. It shows you were vaccinated and the vaccine is protecting you against Hepatitis B.

As for the OGTT: why did you take it? Are you experiencing symptoms? Pregnancy?
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Lab results - looking for opinions [PLEASE READ 1ST POST] in Health ·
Chloe Lewis83 said:Please... another blood test result... any thoughts?

(S)tTG-IgA Tissue Transglutaminase Antibodies... 0.5 (0-10)
(S)AGA-IgG Gliadin Antibodies... 12.1 H (0-12)

By the way... I also have unbearable skin itching at all hours, which leaves small sores behind... My doctor suspects this might be a symptom of celiac disease too.😢

Thanks!

Ma'am,

Even though these results look normal (assuming IgA was checked before this serology), if there is suspicion of celiac disease, a small bowel biopsy is necessary. This is performed during an endoscopy (specifically, an esophagogastroduodenoscopy). A negative serology result alone—as seen here—cannot rule out celiac disease, as there are cases where bloodwork appears fine but the diagnosis is confirmed via biopsy.
ruggedpanther32 said:Please, can anyone help... this is my second time collecting 24-hour urine, and both protein and the protein-to-creatinine ratio are elevated. Protein is 0.85 while the range is 0.0-0.15, and the creatinine ratio upper limit is 177 but mine is 208... two months ago, protein was 0.78 and the ratio was 180... everything else is within the provided ranges. My nephrologist told me to contact him only when protein exceeds 3... but I'm worried regardless... especially since lately I feel a burning sensation in my kidney area, particularly when sitting for long periods... what do these elevations indicate? I'm still waiting on immunological testing results... hoping they come back negative.

Ma'am,

There is proteinuria (increased protein in the urine) that could be considered moderate. However, in my opinion, waiting until protein hits 3g in a 24-hour collection before consulting a nephrologist is a threshold set far too high.

What workup have you completed so far? What is your creatinine clearance, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), urine sediment, electrolytes, and the results from your renal ultrasound? You also mentioned immunological tests...

Based solely on what you've shared, it is difficult to offer much advice.
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Info Desk [Paperwork, ordering, wait times, procedures, booklets, prescriptions...] in Health ·
To whom it may concern,

On the official website of the Social Security Administration, you'll find a section titled List of Medical Aids which includes wheelchairs. From what I can gather, for adults over 18, the coverage period for these aids is five years—six for certain items. However, the lifespan for specific wheelchair components, such as tires or brakes, is significantly shorter.

As for the state of our healthcare system, I suspect things are headed for much rougher waters ahead. But that’s a conversation better suited for a political forum rather than this one.
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Lab results - looking for opinions [PLEASE READ 1ST POST] in Health ·
Joshua Myers10 said:Blood work results:

GGT at 1050. That’s a massive spike. Definitely worth looking into.
AST at 220. Significant elevation.
ALT 120

Hemoglobin at 130.
Bilirubin at 60. Not exactly where you want to be.

All other blood work values fall within the normal range. 50-year-old male. No alcohol, no smoking, no drug use.
Google suggests these kinds of results are just the fallout from stuff like that.

The results definitely point toward liver damage. As for the "why," the data alone doesn't give us a clear answer. There are countless reasons for liver issues—it isn't always just alcohol or medication. Further testing is necessary. You’ll need to take these findings to a hepatologist or a gastroenterologist to figure out the next steps.
ruggedtinker8 Asks:
What could an elevated iron level—either significantly above average or sitting right at the upper limit of the reference range—actually indicate?
Similarly, there are elevated levels of erythrocytes and lymphocytes.
Neutrophils are at rock bottom, and white blood cell counts have plummeted well below the lower limit of the reference range.
???
And on top of all that, there's a really high Temperature.
This isn't my own blood work, but I'm curious—what kind of big picture might these results point toward?
Thanks. 🙂

It’s tough to make sense of anything without hard numbers, the full lab report, and a complete medical history.
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Lab results - looking for opinions [PLEASE READ 1ST POST] in Health ·
Kate Ward40 said:shows the following:
urine culture aerobic - microbiological analysis result: physiological flora 10^2 CFU/ml
(...)
leukocyte esterase 100 ref.int. b>
microscopic examination of urine sediment:
leukocytes 12-14 ref.int. 0-2
squamous epithelial cells 15-20 ref.int. 0-1
bacteria trace ref.int. 0

Just to note, the urine culture was done the same morning I gave my sample at the clinic, meaning that first morning urine was the one analyzed by microbiology, and after that, I went to get blood drawn and provided another urine sample at the lab...
Is this result normal, or should I be worried about something? My follow-up appointment isn't for another two and a half weeks, and I'd rather not spend all that time stressing over whether everything is okay. Please let me know. 🙂
Best regards!!![/I]







Hello,

The urine culture results can be considered normal. The bacteria found are simply part of the physiological flora from the lower urinary tract and skin. The question is whether you provided a midstream sample rather than the initial stream; those specific bacteria often show up if the first bit of urine is caught.

Leukocytes (inflammatory cells) were found in the urine sediment, which explains why the leukocyte esterase test came back positive. A positive result indicates the presence of leukocytes, which can signal an infection, but they can also appear for other reasons. During pregnancy, they sometimes show up because the urine mixes with vaginal secretions during collection—meaning they are actually leukocytes from the vagina, not the urinary system.

Your OB-GYN will guide you on the next steps. It would be wise to repeat the urine sediment and dipstick test, but be careful with how you collect the sample (cleanse first, use midstream, ensure urine doesn't mix with vaginal discharge or touch the skin). I don't think there's any reason to panic.

Best regards. 🙂
Quote:
Jesse Torres30 says:
[I]I'm 9 months pregnant and yesterday my doctor told me I have Chlamydia, but the test from 4 months ago said: Chlamydia trachomatis DNA - negative
How can it be positive now??
Hello,

It is possible the previous test was a false negative (you had Chlamydia, but the test didn't catch it) or you may have been infected since then.

A positive test suggests a high probability of infection, whereas a negative test does not entirely rule out an infection.

In very rare instances, a false positive can occur.

Best regards. 🙂
dustydrifter14 said:Hi everyone.
I have a question regarding my blood work.
My complete blood count looks fine overall, except for elevated white blood cell counts.
I am not experiencing any pain or symptoms like inflammation.
At least, nothing I can detect.
I feel perfectly fine.
The only thing is, I just finished a course of treatment for a skin infection a week ago. It was treated with topical corticosteroids—just a cream, nothing oral.
I'm wondering if there's a connection here.
You can view the results here:

LINK

Thanks a lot!

It’s hard to pinpoint why the white blood cell count is high. It's unlikely to be caused by the skin issue itself, nor the steroid cream. Though, it is worth noting that when high doses of topical corticosteroids are used over long periods, systemic effects have been documented in children, one of which includes an increase in white blood cell counts.

With unexpected results like this, you should retest the white blood cell count in 2 to 4 weeks to monitor the trend. Most likely, the next round will come back completely normal.

Best regards. 🙂
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Lab results - looking for opinions [PLEASE READ 1ST POST] in Health ·
Chloe Lewis83 said:Hi! I'd appreciate some thoughts on these blood test results! 😕

(P)PV 1.11 ,(>0.70)
(P)INR 0.96 (2.0-3.5) recommendation for OAT monitoring
(P)AT&T 19.2 L ,units, (22-33)
(P)AT&T ratio 0.66 L (0.8-1.2)

(S)Total proteins 73, ref. interval (66-81)
(S)IgA 1.04 ,(0.4-3.5)
(S)IgM 1.88 ,(0.50-3.00)
(S)IgG 11.16 ,(6.5-16.0) ,Adult R.I.
(S)Ferritin 14 , (13-150)
(S)Protein electrophoresis -

Thanks!

Hello,

You haven't mentioned why these tests were ordered in the first place.

Looking at the results, there is a shortened AT&T. This can sometimes be seen during an acute phase response—essentially the blood reacting to inflammation or an injury. In those cases, it’s usually temporary; once the underlying cause resolves, the AT&T values typically normalize. There is also the possibility that poor sample collection could lead to this kind of result.

Your ferritin level (which indicates your body's iron stores) is sitting right at the bottom edge of the normal range...

Angela Stewart38 said:Thank you for your time, and I would appreciate your opinion on these results..best regards

Hello,

In my view, there was no need to repeat all the tests—for instance, triglycerides and cholesterol. Re-testing those just a few weeks later doesn't make much sense. It's better to focus only on what fell outside the normal range. As far as I can tell, the liver enzymes have normalized and the urinalysis is practically clean, so everything should be fine now.

Best regards. 🙂
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Lab results - looking for opinions [PLEASE READ 1ST POST] in Health ·
Kevin Johnson79 said:My school nurse told me she isn't quite sure what's going on. She explained that according to my serology, there wasn't a new infection, and looking at my liver panel, it's odd that my GGT is within the normal range when it really should be elevated. She suggested I follow up with her once the school year wraps up. Does anyone here happen to know more about this?

Dear Luke,

As your doctor mentioned, infectious mononucleosis can indeed cause elevated liver enzymes.

Typically, those levels normalize within about three months. In your case, this normalization process took quite a while—certainly longer than the standard window.

Furthermore, based on the serology results, it appears there was no reactivation of an EBV infection (as your doctor interpreted) nor an infection with CMV, which can also mimic the symptoms of infectious mononucleosis syndrome.

Therefore, it’s unlikely that the throat issues you described are tied to mononucleosis; you might need to look elsewhere for the cause of those.

All in all, it is a good sign that your liver enzymes have finally stabilized. If your throat symptoms have cleared up as well, then that's excellent news.
My second question concerns my HEMOGLOBIN, HEMATOCRIT, and MCV, which stay consistently high. Usually, whenever I get my liver panel done, they run a CBC and a differential as well. It's only by a "slight" margin, but HEMOGLOBIN fluctuates around 170 g/L (ref. 129-166), HEMATOCRIT is about 0.521 L/L (ref. 0.390-0.487), and MCV sits near 93.4 fL (ref. 76.5-92.1). I don't smoke, and lately, I've been drinking more water specifically to stay hydrated. Is this linked to the mononucleosis or something else?

Thanks, 🙂

It isn't related to the mononucleosis. Both the hemoglobin and MCV values could arguably be considered normal.

Regarding the hematocrit, it does show a slight elevation, so it would be helpful to compare it against your previous lab results.
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Lab results - looking for opinions [PLEASE READ 1ST POST] in Health ·
Sophia Brown79 said:Can someone tell me when I should get my blood drawn to check my cortisol rhythm, and roughly how long it takes to get the results?

Hello,

To track cortisol rhythm, blood is typically drawn twice—once in the morning and again in the late afternoon, such as at 8:00 AM and 4:00 PM. However, this varies by lab (some might prefer 5:00 PM), so there isn't one universal rule. You’ll need to contact your specific lab for their exact protocol. As for the turnaround time, that depends entirely on the facility you use.
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Lab results - looking for opinions [PLEASE READ 1ST POST] in Health ·
Small obstacles. Minor frictions. They aren't boulders, but they can still trip you up if you aren't watching your step. kaže:
He claims it’s just a tiny lymph node, maybe 6 or 7 mm, and says he isn't worried at all. In his mind, it’s been there forever. I told him that’s nonsense—it wasn't there two weeks ago. I can feel that it's actually grown. So, we're stuck in that classic standoff: one version of reality versus another.

Like I’ve mentioned before, lymph nodes in the neck typically measure up to an inch in diameter. A node measuring around 6 or 7 mm isn't cause for alarm, especially since you've already had multiple ultrasounds to confirm things look fine. Having a few small nodes in the neck area is perfectly standard. Plenty of healthy people have palpable lymph nodes that stay under that one-inch mark without any issues. It's also common for small nodes to linger—sometimes permanently—after an infection clears up.

You should only start worrying if you see a lymph node progressively swelling past that 1 to 1.5 cm mark without any clear inflammatory reason to explain it.
Should I be concerned about that lymphocytopenia from my last post?

That lymphocytopenia is purely relative. Since the absolute lymphocyte count is within the normal range, there isn't an actual case of lymphocytopenia here.

The results show slightly elevated non-segmented granulocytes. It’s likely just a lingering trace of an infection clearing out.
I’m spiraling. I can't shake this fear of cancer, specifically lymphoma, because of a lymph node that's been growing for three weeks now. My doctor insists everything looks completely normal on the ultrasound—claims that if there were anything malignant, it would show up right there on the scan—but I just can't find any peace of mind. I need to end this anxiety once and for all and clear every shred of doubt. Can anyone tell me which specific test will give me a 100% guarantee that it isn't lymphoma?

I don't think you have any reason to worry right now. A lymphoma diagnosis usually requires a histopathology report to be certain anyway. Besides, swollen lymph nodes aren't just limited to your neck, armpits, or groin; they exist all over the body. You can't physically examine every single one, so there's no way to account for every node in existence. Obsessing over whether you can be 100% sure you don't have lymphoma is a bit of a fool's errand.

There are plenty of "hidden" pockets within the body where, theoretically, a malignancy could take hold without showing any symptoms until it reaches a later stage. It’s out of our hands. Because of that, you can never say with 100% certainty that someone is completely free of disease at any given moment.

Night sweats aren't a one-size-fits-all symptom. It’s easy to spiral into thinking about lymphoma, but that's a narrow way to look at it. Most often, you're looking at something else entirely—hormonal shifts or psychological stress are much more common culprits. Finding the actual root cause is what matters here.

Regarding the cough—if it’s been lingering this long, I agree. You need to get it checked out.

Greetings. 🙂
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Lab results - looking for opinions [PLEASE READ 1ST POST] in Health ·
Pebbles. Small things. Easy to overlook until you're barefoot and stepping on one. They have a way of disrupting even the smoothest path. Just like those tiny, nagging details in a project that eventually derail the whole timeline. It’s rarely the landslide that kills you; it’s the pebbles. kaže:
Is this something I should be concerned about, or is it nothing to worry over? I’ve had a slightly swollen lymph node in my neck and an inflamed sweat gland under my armpit for two and a half weeks now.

To whom it may concern,

I have to admit, the whole thing feels a bit muddled to me.

It’s pretty binary: lymph nodes are either enlarged or they aren't. When looking at the head and neck, the threshold is simple. If the diameter exceeds one centimeter, they're considered enlarged. Anything under that? They're just normal nodes. Nothing more, nothing less.

It’s a bit confusing. You claim your neck nodes feel slightly swollen, yet you follow that by saying your doctors don't even recognize them as lymph nodes—or bother to palpate them at all. Then, regarding the armpit, they've diagnosed it simply as inflamed sweat glands.

Blood work and lymph node swelling don't always tell the same story. They might align, but they certainly don't have to.

Brenda Ortiz10 said:Can someone walk me through this cytology report? It was ordered to investigate some microhematuria. Moderators, if this belongs in a different subforum, please feel free to move it—I wasn't entirely sure where to post this. Here is the result:

Three separate urinalysis tests have come back showing significant amounts of urothelial cells in the sediment. Some of these are appearing in small papillary clusters, and they show enlarged, hyperchromatic nuclei. A urological workup is recommended.

To whom it may concern,

I’m not sure if you transcribed the entire report or just a portion of it. The results don't mention the presence or appearance of erythrocytes, yet you were sent for further testing due to blood in the urine.

The report shows some irregularities in the urothelial cells—the ones lining the urinary tract. Specifically, under the microscope, the nuclei appear enlarged and more intensely stained than usual.

The results alone don't provide a clear diagnosis. It’s best to schedule an appointment with a urologist to get a proper evaluation and figure out the next steps for testing.
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Lab results - looking for opinions [PLEASE READ 1ST POST] in Health ·
rowdypuma132 said:I'm 24 and dealing with oily scalp and hair loss. No major health issues so far. I'm wondering if liver enzymes or bilirubin could be related to this?
IBM is 8 (ref. interval 10-36)
AST 18 (ref. interval 8-30)
GGT 9 (ref. interval 9-35)
ALP 81 (ref. interval 54-119)
total bilirubin 32 (ref. interval 3-20)

Thanks so much!!

Hello,

Your liver function tests look normal overall. A slightly low IBM value carries no clinical significance.

The bilirubin is a bit high, so it would be wise to have that tested again.

I don't suspect a link to the symptoms you described. It seems more likely to be a hormonal issue. You should definitely get a full hormonal panel done—specifically sex hormones and adrenal hormones—and schedule a checkup with a gynecologist.

Best regards. 🙂
Angela Stewart38 said:Hi,
I'm 29 and recently had blood work done because I've been feeling terrible—exhausted, fatigued, and foggy. I expected the results to show an iron deficiency, but instead... my ALT enzyme is 54 (normal 10-36)... and my UIBC is 22.3 (normal 26.0-59.0). Should I be worried about these liver enzymes? My primary care physician just glanced at the results and told me I'm healthier than most of her patients, which isn't exactly comforting... so I'd appreciate your thoughts. I don't really drink alcohol, and I only take pain relievers occasionally. I was on birth control pills until two months ago...
Thanks in advance

Hello,

It is difficult to provide a clear assessment without seeing the complete lab report.

When a single parameter sits outside the standard range—as your ALT does here—it's usually best to repeat the test in about four weeks to see if it stabilizes.

Additionally, without a detailed consultation and physical exam, I can't say for sure, but checking your TSH might be a logical next step, along with other tests depending on what has already been ruled out.

Best regards. 🙂
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Support for families dealing with cancer and other serious illnesses (Part II) in Health ·
Lee464, I've moved your posts over to a broader thread: Malignant Tumors - General Questions.
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Looking for a specialist... in Health ·
David Mitchell4, I've moved your post over to the thread Looking for a dentist...
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Lab results - looking for opinions [PLEASE READ 1ST POST] in Health ·
analogmarlin32 said:Forgot to mention:

Morphology: single neutrophil with large toxic granules.
What does that mean?

One more thing. Ten days ago, my white blood cell count was at 14.7. It has dropped since then. Should I be concerned about those numbers? As for the other elevated marker, you already mentioned that part of the results looks normal.
Thanks!

Toxic granules in neutrophils can signal an infection. Generally, the higher the presence of these granules, the greater the likelihood of a bacterial cause. Since the report indicates only sporadic instances rather than a widespread presence among all neutrophils, we're likely looking at either a mild case or one that is already starting to clear up. Regardless, there is reason to suspect the white blood cell count has been shifted by the infection.

Everything else remains exactly as I stated before.
Felix the Cat
John Cooper65 said:Blood sugar levels. (mg/dL3.05-6.38 ref.vr
$5.36 per plate.
2. One hour after the 7.10 load.
Two hours post-load. 4.80.

The results look solid. Based on the data I have—this is from 2009, and I’m not sure if the guidelines have shifted since then, given how much blood sugar standards have evolved lately—your one-hour post-load glucose should be under 140 mg/dL, which it is. Similarly, the two-hour mark should stay below 120 mg/dL, and that also holds true here. My conclusion: these numbers are normal.
IRI (insulin) 1.1–17 mg/dL within the reference range. Concentration per milliliter.

$8.37 per plate.
2. One hour post-load: 57.6.
Two hours post-load. Hit 18.0.

The results look solid to me. Based on the data I have from 2009, insulin levels should ideally drop below 100 uU/ml one hour after the load—though you’ll see varying benchmarks depending on the source. This case meets that mark. Similarly, at the two-hour point, levels should be under 60 uU/ml. Again, standards vary slightly by lab, but this result hits the target.
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Looking for a specialist... in Health ·
Moka88, your entry has been moved to the Alternative Medicine PDF because chiropractic care isn't considered part of mainstream medicine under the Health PDF.
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Lab results - looking for opinions [PLEASE READ 1ST POST] in Health ·
cosmicsurfer17 said:I only had a referral to get this specific test done. I likely have an ultrasound scheduled for early May—still waiting on the appointment. But this "lump in my throat" sensation won't go away. It’s constant. I’m not sure if it’s foolish to ask my primary care physician for an fT4 referral; I don't want to look like I'm trying to do his job for him. Thanks. 😉

I don't think that's necessary. The thyroid ultrasound will be much more telling. If those results come back normal, then schedule an ENT exam.
dustyorca69 said:Hi,

I need some clarification on today's lab results.
I'm in my late twenties and have been on oral contraceptives for about five years.

My doctor suspected anemia and sent me to check my iron levels, but my results show the exact opposite.

Iron - 36
UIBC - 28
TIBC - 64

Had a blood panel at KFC last week; everything was fine.
HB - 137

To me, this looks like a very high iron level. Looking for comments and advice.

The results aren't alarming. Your iron level isn't excessively high; it's just a slight deviation from the reference range. Iron concentration, when viewed as an isolated metric, isn't particularly informative. It fluctuates quite a bit based on several factors. For instance, taking oral contraceptives can raise blood iron levels. A diet high in iron can also spike concentrations if consumed shortly before the blood draw.

A more reliable indicator of your body's iron status is ferritin. If that comes back within the normal range, there is no cause for concern.
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Health & Weight Loss in Health ·
Dear Maria Fisher46,

You've posted this in the wrong section. Please move your inquiry over to the Nutrition and Wellness forum.

Thanks for understanding.
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Lab results - looking for opinions [PLEASE READ 1ST POST] in Health ·
John Cooper65 said:Does this look okay?

Blood glucose (nmol/l) 3.05-6.38 ref.range
1. fasting 5.36
2. 1h post-load 7.10 [
2. 2h post-load 4.80

IRI (insulin) 1.1-17 ref.range

1. fasting 8.37
2. 1h post-load 57.6
2. 2h post-load 18.0

Hard to say because: a) blood sugar units in nmol/l are unusual; typically we see them expressed in mol/l. The reference range for fasting glucose is also strange (specifically the lower bound) and b) there are no units provided for the insulin measurement.
cosmicsurfer17 said:Total T3 1.48 nmol/L ref.int. 1.30-3.10
Total T4 62.81 nmol/L ref.int. 66-181
TSH 2.20 mIU/L ref.int. 0.270-4.20

Should I be worried... 🤷

TSH is within the normal range, so the results are likely fine. Total T4 values deviate slightly, but free hormone levels (fT4) are generally more reliable indicators, so it would probably be wiser to check a combination of TSH, fT4, and T3 rather than just total T4. Are you taking any medications?

analogmarlin32 said:RBC 5.75 (4.34-5.72)
Hemoglobin 177 (138-175)
Hematocrit 0.535 (0.415-0.53)

This is fine.
WBC 13.26 (3.4-9.7)

SE 3,000 (2-13)

Eosinophils 2.1 (0-7)
Basophils 0.4 (0-1)
Neutrophils 66.7 (44-72)
Lymphocytes 27.1 (40-46)
Monocytes 3.7 (2-12)

A CRP test should be run, along with a more detailed medical history. It’s difficult to pinpoint the cause without more context, other than noting that an elevated white blood cell count isn't strictly "normal," though it isn't necessarily cause for alarm either.
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