Posts by Nicholas Myers

Dear bluebadger12,

Your doctor raised those specific questions because of the ketones found in your urine. One reason ketones show up is prolonged fasting or dehydration—often caused by things like vomiting or diarrhea. Of course, there are other possibilities that need to be ruled out.

Regarding the bilirubin in your urine, typically, a bilirubin test should come back negative. A positive result might point toward issues with the liver or bile ducts. That said, false positives can happen too, sometimes triggered by certain medications.

You should probably repeat the urinalysis to check the ketones, bilirubin, and urobilinogen again. If the bilirubin comes back positive a second time, it’s necessary to check serum bilirubin levels and run liver function tests. Personally, if I were re-testing the urine, I’d go ahead and order the serum bilirubin (both direct and indirect) and liver enzymes (starting with ALT, AST, GGT, and AP) right away. It would also be wise to check your blood sugar.

As for the urine culture, your doctor can usually get a phone update within 24 hours regarding any growth of pathogenic bacteria, and most results are finalized within two days.

Please follow up with your physician. I'm sure our colleague Harvey will also reach out with his own perspective and advice.

Best regards. 🙂

Hello,

As you've already gathered, the results likely point toward a urinary tract infection, specifically in the lower portion.
You should definitely reach out to your doctor regarding a proper course of treatment (antibiotics). They will probably provide a referral for a urine culture and sensitivity test to pinpoint the exact pathogen, allowing them to tailor or adjust your medication accordingly.

In my view, there isn't much reason for panic or undue anxiety here.

Best regards. 🙂

EDIT: It looks like a colleague beat me to the punch with their response. 🙂

Dear stormycanyon18,

Some of the symptoms you mentioned align with what’s known as chronic constitutional hypotension.

People dealing with this condition often report dizziness, general weakness, chronic fatigue, cold extremities, brain fog, poor concentration, and an overall sense of malaise. In some cases, depression and anxiety can also surface. Typically, blood pressure readings stay below 100/60 mmHg.

In these instances, there isn't a single identifiable cause; a diagnosis is usually made only after ruling out all other potential reasons for low blood pressure.

Treatment doesn't always yield the desired results. However, managing the symptoms can involve certain lifestyle adjustments: regular exercise, sleeping with your head elevated, increasing salt intake (though you must consult a doctor before doing this), rising slowly from a lying position, eating smaller meals more frequently, avoiding hot environments, and staying away from alcohol.

Are you experiencing these specific issues? It's impossible to determine if this disorder is at play without a medical evaluation and diagnostic testing.

Please consult with your physician regarding the possibility of this type of blood pressure disorder.

Best regards. 🙂

Elizabeth Perez33 said:Hello, Nicholas Myers. One more question? Go ahead.
Should I get liver function tests done? Is it possible we're looking at mononucleosis here? 🤷

To whom it may concern,

Some of your symptoms—like swollen lymph nodes, fatigue, and general weakness—could certainly align with infectious mononucleosis. However, without a physical exam and further diagnostic testing, it's impossible to confirm whether you actually have mono or not.

Of course, you need to run liver enzyme panels—specifically ALT and AST—along with GGT, LDH, and KKS. Depending on what else is going on, a full blood count, EBV and CMV serology, and perhaps some other diagnostic tests would be necessary.

Those specific tests shouldn't be done "on a whim" at some private lab; they need to be handled exactly according to your doctor's orders.

Honestly, I’m still stuck on this whole anemia situation. It isn't improving, and we really need to pinpoint exactly what's driving it.

So, there will be a whole series of other tests required to get to the bottom of this anemia. You’ve got quite a bit of heavy lifting ahead of you in terms of processing all that data.

Greetings. 🙂

Grace Lewis6 said:Thanks for the reply, Felix, but I'm still a bit confused about the insulin part, especially since those labs were from June, right?

Glucose 5.1 (4.2-6.2)
Insulin 6.0 (2.6-24.9)
OGTT 0 min. 4.7
OGTT 120 min 5.0

Everything is within range 🤷

Do you have any advice regarding further tests or anything else?
My endocrinology appointment is in September.

Dear Grace Lewis6,

I might have caused some confusion by bringing up the hypothesis regarding PCOS pathogenesis and the concept of hyperinsulinemia.

The reality is, being overweight doesn't automatically mean a person has insulin resistance, nor is insulin resistance a requirement for a PCOS diagnosis.

While roughly 80% to 90% of women dealing with both excess weight and PCOS do exhibit insulin resistance, it isn't a universal rule.

Beyond body weight and genetic predisposition, several other significant factors play a role in this highly complex disorder.

It's also worth noting that about 50% of female testosterone is actually produced in adipose tissue.

Furthermore, elevated androgen levels can eventually contribute to hyperinsulinemia over time.

So, the only practical recommendation I can offer at this stage is the need for weight reduction—something you've undoubtedly heard and read a thousand times before. It’s easy to say, but notoriously difficult to execute.

As for additional testing, I believe you are in far more capable hands with the staff at the Mayo Clinic than I am to suggest anything beyond their specific recommendations.

Best regards. 🙂

Elizabeth Perez33 said:Got it! Thanks!
My hemoglobin is at 102; I probably missed a zero while typing.
For about a year now, my left tonsil and lymph nodes have been constantly swollen (they shrink a bit, then swell right back up). I even had a lymph node biopsy.
I used to struggle with strep throat quite often, but not anymore. However, I've noticed small pits in my left tonsil where white plugs form—not like the usual stuff from strep, but hard bits inside those little holes that look like grainy cheese. They eventually come out and have a really unpleasant odor. My doctor said it’s normal, and since I kept pushing, she did a throat swab, but they didn't find any bacteria.
She didn't want to refer me for a tonsillectomy because she thinks it's unnecessary.

I'm wondering, could this be related to everything else?

Thanks!

Dear John Richardson6,

It seems you are dealing with several distinct issues here, which means you'll need a comprehensive medical evaluation.

Based on your lab results, a primary priority is the moderate anemia indicated by your hemoglobin levels.

It is vital to determine why this anemia is persisting. We need to figure out if there is blood loss (are your periods heavy?); we also need to investigate the abdominal pain, appetite changes, and weight loss through thorough testing; additionally, urine analysis and checking the urinary tract are necessary steps.

There has to be a reason, and it must be identified.

Regarding the tonsil issue, it's possible you're dealing with chronic tonsillitis, which is characterized by exactly what you described: enlarged tonsils, bad breath, uneven surfaces, and debris (detritus). It is actually quite common for a throat swab to come back clean in cases of chronic inflammation, so a negative swab doesn't rule out the diagnosis. You should consult an ENT specialist to discuss whether you meet the criteria for surgery (a tonsillectomy), which is often the only permanent fix if it truly is chronic tonsillitis.

Furthermore, I am not certain that the tonsil issues, which started a year ago, are linked to your other symptoms (specifically the anemia, abdominal pain, and weight loss).

Right now, however, finding the cause of the anemia and resolving the digestive issues and weight loss seems more pressing.

As soon as your doctor returns from vacation, please schedule an appointment and bring these results with you.

Best regards. 🙂

Grace Lewis6 said:Hey!

I was hoping someone could walk me through these results—what they actually mean and if I’ll need any kind of treatment!

prl 24.6 (4-23)
test uk. 1.8 (0.2-2.6)
test slob. 40.4 (3.5-30)
udio sl.test. 2.2% (0.5-8)
shbg 23 (15-120)
androst. 8.1 (1-12)
dhea 10.6 (2-10)
17 ohp 6.7 (2-15, luteal phase, day 22 cycle)

I've got a long list of diagnoses from the last two years. If needed, I can list them all, but for now, I'll just mention Hashimoto's (euthyroid) and PCOS...

Thanks!

Edit: For medication, I'm taking Nexium 20mg, Synthroid 50, and Elicea! Also, I'm carrying quite a bit of extra weight, so I know I shouldn't be taking birth control for PCOS.🙄

Dear Grace Lewis6,

The elevated free testosterone levels point toward hyperandrogenism, which is a hallmark component of PCOS.

Since excess androgens originate not just from the ovaries but also from adipose tissue, it stands to reason that weight management is one of the primary first steps for anyone dealing with overweight.

Reducing body weight helps lower insulin levels, which in turn brings down testosterone levels.

Regarding your question on how PCOS develops, there is mounting evidence suggesting that hyperinsulinemia (elevated insulin) is a fundamental driver in the syndrome's progression. It's also widely recognized that obesity is a major factor in both the onset and worsening of PCOS, particularly during adolescence.

One hypothesis suggests that excess body weight, combined with a genetic predisposition (specifically regarding insulin sensitivity), leads to hyperinsulinemia. This spike in insulin then stimulates the ovaries to produce more androgen and affects the liver by reducing the production of sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG), which ultimately drives up free testosterone.

Your labs clearly reflect that latter part (the drop in SHBG and the rise in free testosterone).

Best regards. 🙂

Megan Ross36 said:which suggests that if hemoglobin levels are normal, but MCV and MCH are slightly low.
everything else in the blood work is normal

and where can I check for lead levels in my system?

Hello,

The degree of deviation in MCV and MCH matters—whether we are looking at a negligible fluctuation or something more significant.

Regardless, even with normal hemoglobin and erythrocyte counts, these results could be early indicators of depleted iron stores. To be clear: I am talking about low iron levels, not anemia. Anemia is specifically defined by hemoglobin and erythrocyte values.

Generally speaking, a low MCV indicates smaller erythrocytes, known as microcytes, a condition called microcytosis. The most frequent culprit is indeed low iron, though other factors occasionally play a role.

It might be wise to supplement these findings with Ferritin, serum iron, and TIBC to get a clearer picture. Of course, this depends on whether your doctor deems it necessary based on how much those MCV and MCH values actually deviate from the norm.

As for your second question, I don't have a definitive answer. What I do know is that occupational medicine handles mandatory periodic screenings for employees professionally exposed to lead; they typically test blood lead levels and d-DALK. It might be worth contacting an occupational health clinic to ask which laboratories perform these specific tests and under what clinical indications.

Best regards. 🙂

Hannah Nguyen said:I could use a little clarification regarding anemia as well. 🙂
Two and a half years ago, I stumbled upon the fact that my Iron was down to 7.
I've been taking 6 mg of Heferol, and my levels hit 14.
After two years, I finally asked my doctor for a checkup. It was 7 again.
It rose to 11 after four months on Heferol.
Got another box, so I'm staying the course.

Now comes the real headache: I have no idea what’s actually causing this anemia.
The doctor initially mentioned sending me for more testing if my levels didn't improve, but now she thinks it's unnecessary.
Hemoglobin levels always look good. I haven't had my Ferritin or TIBC checked yet.

I’m torn. Should I push for more testing, or is there really nothing to worry about?

To whom it may concern,

Based on everything here, you aren't looking at anemia—at least not yet. Your hemoglobin levels look fine, and I’d bet your erythrocyte count is steady too. It looks more like sideropenia: essentially, just some level of iron deficiency in the system.

To get a more reliable picture, we really need to pin down both Ferritin and TIBC levels. I’m assuming the MCV was already tested, but I’d strongly suggest getting that done too.

Women frequently deal with lower iron stores due to blood loss during menstruation. Because of this, their daily iron requirements are often double what men need—a gap that isn't always bridged by their diet.

We need to pinpoint exactly why those serum iron levels have been consistently low over time. It isn't just about one number; it’s about the whole picture. We should look at whether heavy menstrual cycles are playing a role, or if increased physiological demands—based on age, past pregnancies, or breastfeeding—are draining the tank. We also need to dive into dietary habits and get a clear sense of digestive health. Ultimately, the goal is to gauge your actual reserves by looking closely at your Ferritin and TIBC.

Based on this data and everything else we have, a decision needs to be made regarding whether further processing is required—and if so, to what extent.

We need to establish some clarity here. We have to pin down exactly what we’re dealing with, quantify just how severe this iron deficiency actually is, and identify the root cause behind it.

I strongly suggest you make sure to consult with your family doctor regarding this.

Greetings. 🙂

Chris Morris96 said:I've been dealing with issues regarding my platelets and blood since I was five months pregnant.
It’s been five months since my C-section, and my blood work is still showing low platelets at 63 and a white blood cell count around 3,080. Looking at the other results, some markers are up while others are down. I’m reaching out because I need help finding a way to manage this—living with low platelet counts and low blood levels is exhausting. I suspect they might be linked to the breathing issues I've been having lately, where I feel like I can't catch my breath or actually "feel" the air coming in. I asked my doctor, but they weren't sure and didn't think the blood counts were the cause. Any advice would mean the world. Thank you all.😢🙂

To whom it may concern,

Unfortunately, you're dealing with highly complex health issues that we simply can't address here on the forum. Your situation requires a coordinated effort from a large team of specialists to be handled properly.

What you’re describing as a new issue—that sensation of shortness of breath—is what we call dyspnea in medical terms. You really shouldn't brush these breathing difficulties aside; they need to be taken seriously and investigated thoroughly. There is also a possibility that this respiratory distress is linked to your low platelet count, which is definitely something that warrants a closer look.

The only thing I can suggest is to seek out more perspectives regarding your symptoms. Consult a pulmonologist, an immunologist, and a cardiologist. If you aren't satisfied with your current hematologist, get a second opinion from another one.

Unfortunately, this is all I can advise you on via the Forum.

Ask your family doctor to map out the next steps. They should be the one to direct you on which specialists to consult and in what specific order.

Best wishes to you all. I hope everything goes well. 🙂

Chris Morris96 said:I had my KKS done. Everything came back within the normal range, except for...

K-MCH 27.3 (Reference Range: 27.4–33.9)
MCHC 315. Reference range is 320–345.

So, these two values are running lower than expected. What exactly do these abbreviations stand for? Also, I’d appreciate some insight on what this overall result actually means.

Thanks.

To whom it may concern,

Looking at your lab results, you've pulled out MCH and MCHC. Honestly? Those two parameters alone don't tell us much of anything.

These parameters, along with MCV, are what we call erythrocyte constants. They essentially describe specific characteristics of the erythrocyte—the cells responsible for transporting oxygen and carbon dioxide throughout the body. When looking at these values, you can't view them in a vacuum; they always need to be interpreted alongside your total erythrocyte count and hemoglobin concentration.

MCH represents the average amount, while MCHC measures the average concentration of hemoglobin—that oxygen-carrying molecule—within an erythrocyte.

A few notes before my final comment:

Your MCHC value shows a very slight deviation from the norm, while the MCH remains essentially insignificant.
Keep in mind that MCHC readings can be unreliable depending on which specific device is being used.
3. You should always look at MCH and MCHC values in conjunction with MCV, hemoglobin, hematocrit, and your erythrocyte count.

If your MCV, hemoglobin, hematocrit, and erythrocyte counts are all within the normal range, then these specific numbers don't hold much clinical weight; you could essentially consider the results normal.

Medical literature suggests that low MCH and MCHC levels—though yours aren't nearly as pronounced as what we see in textbook cases—can serve as early warning signs of declining iron levels. In essence, they might hint at anemia before it actually develops.

In situations where there is legitimate cause for concern, further testing—such as checking serum iron, TIBC, UIBC, and Ferritin—is necessary to get the full picture.

Personally, if the MCV, hemoglobin, hematocrit, and erythrocyte counts are steady, I wouldn't lose much sleep over such minor deviations in MCH and MCHC.

That said, you absolutely need to go over these results with your doctors. They have the complete context of your medical history and are far better equipped to interpret these findings; their take might differ from mine entirely.

Best regards. 🙂

mellowviper24 said:(...)
I'm not sure if I've answered everything now or managed to give you a clearer picture of the situation. If I decide to go ahead with another dose, could there be any side effects? Do you think it would be a wise move? I'll definitely reach out to my doctor after my vacation, but I'd love to hear your final take on this.

Thanks again for the expert help 🙂

Hello,

I wouldn't say it's strictly mandatory, but if you choose to proceed, you can take another round of iron therapy without worry. With an Iron 9 level and Ferritin 43, you shouldn't expect any harm from such treatment; rather, it might help bolster your stores.

If you do opt for therapy, I don't believe it's necessary to take the full dosage.

Best regards. 🙂

mellowviper24 said:Dear Nicholas Myers,

Following up with the answers to your questions. Thanks for the help:

(...)

I hope I managed to cover everything. Thanks again for all the help.

Nico

To whom it may concern,

Perhaps you should have continued the iron supplements for six months following the surgery, paired with regular blood work. You lost blood during the procedure, and with that loss comes a drop in iron levels. Consequently, you were facing an iron deficiency again once the operation was over. You mentioned only taking iron for three months after the procedure, which clearly wasn't enough in your case. Normally, a three-month course might suffice, but it seems like your body just takes longer to respond to the therapy.

Back in April, my Ferritin was at 12 µg/L. That’s a clear sign of depleted iron stores. It essentially points to latent iron deficiency—the first stage where your serum iron looks normal on paper, but your actual reserves are bottoming out. Basically, by April, the tank was empty.

Based on what you've said, I'm not entirely clear on the timeline. Since that April test showed your Ferritin at 12 µg/L, have you actually taken any more iron supplements, or have you been avoiding them altogether since then?

If you haven't started the iron supplements yet, the current numbers aren't actually as bad as they look at first glance. Still, there’s definitely room for improvement. We really need to see that Ferritin level climb above 50 µg/L before we can call this treatment a success. It looks like you're getting close, though.

While you might be feeling a bit discouraged by your serum iron levels, it's worth noting that these numbers fluctuate quite a bit based on various factors. If we rely solely on serum iron as our compass, there is a real risk of misjudging the actual iron status within the body.

Deciding whether to continue therapy isn't a straightforward calculation. Strictly speaking, the Ferritin levels fall within the normal range, and while Iron levels are hovering near the lower limit, they aren't bottoming out. We haven't run a hemoglobin test recently, but looking back at the results from April, there was no sign of anemia. Is it justifiable to take iron supplements just to stay ahead of a deficiency—essentially acting prophylactically? That’s where the debate lies. Some might argue it's unnecessary unless you're pregnant or still dealing with heavy menstrual cycles. It's worth discussing.

Iron deficiency in the body is predictable under certain conditions. If you've resolved any iron loss—like heavy bleeding—and your diet is solid, your digestive system is functioning normally, and there aren't increased physiological demands like pregnancy or breastfeeding, then your levels shouldn't be dropping again. It’s basic math.

If you haven't been taking any iron supplements since that April lab result showed a ferritin level of 12 µg/L, and now it’s up to 43 µg/L—and assuming there's no heavy bleeding, your digestive system is functioning normally, your diet is on track, and you aren't pregnant or breastfeeding—I don't see much point in continuing therapy. At this stage, it’s just about monitoring and maintaining good nutrition. If you didn't feel the need for treatment when your ferritin was sitting at 12 µg/L, why start now that it has reached 43 µg/L?

This assumes everything has been thoroughly worked out—that the cause of the anemia was pinpointed and finally dealt with.

The follow-up should happen in three months—unless symptoms or signs of anemia resurface sooner. At that point, alongside checking Iron and Ferritin levels, you'll need a full blood count plus TIBC and UIBC. It’s the only way to get the complete picture regarding your iron status.

If your next checkup shows things are trending downward, we’ll need to dig deep to figure out why. We'd have to track down exactly where that iron is leaking out—which means a thorough investigation.

Ultimately, this is just my take. I don't have the full picture of your health, your diet, or any medications you might be taking. Before making any moves, please sit down with your doctors and follow their lead; their advice will naturally take much more into account than my input here.

Best regards. 🙂

mellowviper24 said:What does a urine test result actually mean?
Leukocytes 1-3, Erythrocytes 0-2, epithelial cells 0-2, mucus plenty...
Could this be due to Ureaplasma?

To whom it may concern,

Since you didn't include the full urinalysis or mention what specific symptoms your boyfriend was dealing with, it's hard to be definitive. However, based strictly on what you've shared, this doesn't look like a classic urinary tract infection caused by standard bacteria. In fact, looking at these results, everything appears to be practically normal.

If your boyfriend is dealing with any issues related to urination, he really ought to get a urine culture with an antibiogram done.

Regarding the second part of your question: you can't diagnose mycoplasma, ureaplasma, or chlamydia just by looking at urine sediment. You need specific, targeted testing for those. Usually, this requires a urethral swab, but since that’s pretty uncomfortable, there are options to test via ejaculate or urine instead. Your boyfriend should definitely run this by his doctor.

Bottom line: he needs to talk to his doctor. If he’s dealing with any urinary issues, he should get a urine culture done. He also ought to bring up the possibility of Mycoplasma, Ureaplasma, or Chlamydia with his physician and discuss the best way to test for them.

Greetings. 🙂

mellowviper24 said:Felix the Cat I'm looking for some insight regarding my iron levels. After dealing with iron issues all last year due to fibroids and irregular bleeding, things finally stabilized after surgery. I’ve been staying on top of my iron supplements, but my latest labs show Iron 9 and Ferritin 43. Does this look like a normal result to you, or am I looking at another course of iron tablets?
Thanks in advance. 🙂

To whom it may concern,

We might need to stick with the iron therapy, but I can't say for sure without seeing some more data.

Is ferritin measured in µg/L and iron in µmol/L? Also, what are the standard reference ranges for ferritin? I'm asking because I've noticed these numbers seem to fluctuate depending on which lab you use.

What were the hemoglobin, Erythrocyte, UIBC, and TIBC levels on the last lab report?

3. What were your hemoglobin and erythrocyte levels at the start of treatment? I’m looking for that last lab result right before you began taking iron, or simply your lowest recorded hemoglobin/erythrocyte numbers.

4. When did you all start taking iron? Give me a date—or even just the month.

5. Around what date—or at least which month—did your hemoglobin levels first normalize? I'm looking for when it hit 120 g/L or higher. I assume you were keeping an eye on your blood work while on the iron treatment.

If you can answer these questions—especially that last one—I'll be able to give you a much more precise response.

Typically, you need to keep up with iron supplements for about three to six months after your blood work finally stabilizes just to replenish those internal stores. If we're looking at more severe cases where it takes up to four months just to get the blood count back to normal, you’re looking at a total therapy timeline that can stretch to a full year.

Ideally, we’d like to see your Ferritin climb to about 50 µg/L—or even higher—and you're actually sitting quite close to that mark. That’s why getting answers to those questions I mentioned above would be incredibly helpful.

One more thing: I'm assuming you haven't taken any iron supplements for at least 24 hours prior to your testing. It's important for the accuracy.

restlessangler said:I assume everything is fine, but I won't be heading back to the neurologist until October or November, so we'll see what they say.😁

The preliminary diagnosis is Cephaleae, and an EEG was performed.

The scan was conducted while awake.

The baseline cerebral activity includes an alpha rhythm at a frequency of 10-11 Hz, which shows medium amplitude and blocks well upon eye opening.
There is some diffuse interposition of waves, primarily at a frequency of 6-7 Hz, occasionally showing a tendency toward bilateral grouping.
No significant asymmetries or paroxysmal bursts were recorded.
During hyperventilation, the findings show no changes.

Thanks in advance. 😉

Hello,

Based on my opinion and relatively modest knowledge of neurology, I would say the attached EEG results show only a minor deviation.

Specifically, the report describes the interposition of waves at a frequency of 6-7 Hz. These correspond to so-called theta waves, which can create dysrhythmia—essentially suggesting slight shifts in brain activity.

As far as I am aware, the presence of theta waves in an adult's EEG does not necessarily indicate pathology or disease.

These are non-specific changes; you can't pinpoint anything concrete from them.

Furthermore, from what I understand, such findings can often be seen in headache sufferers, particularly those with migraine-type headaches.

The rest of the report appears perfectly normal.

Results like these can only be interpreted within the context of clinical symptoms and a physical neurological exam.

Take these results to your primary care physician. Personally, I don't believe this is anything concerning, and waiting for your specialist appointment in October or November shouldn't be an issue. However, I must reiterate: I am not a neurologist, and I don't have enough expertise in this field to state this with absolute certainty.

I would prefer if a colleague specializing in neurology or someone with more experience in the field could weigh in on your results. You might try reaching out to the user Termination on the forum.

Best regards. 🙂

Nicholas Lopez89 said:I just picked up my blood work today and my HDL isn't looking great. Should I be worried?

Cholesterol 3.96
HDL 0.88
LDL 2.60
Triglycerides 1.07

ALT 50
Bilirubin, total 20.61

Back in September of last year, it looked like this:

Cholesterol 4.37
HDL 1.43
LDL 2.21
Triglycerides 1.60

ALT 58
Bilirubin, total 11.5

I have no idea why my bilirubin jumped like that while my HDL dropped.

Thanks in advance for any input!

Hello,

Regarding the first part of your question—specifically the low HDL, its causes, and how to boost it—please refer to what our colleague wiredcanyon2 already posted here:

As for the ALT levels, it appears to be only marginally elevated, essentially sitting right on the borderline, though it’s being tracked over a longer duration. Generally speaking, for individuals with such mild elevations in ALT, it is often considered a transient rise in transaminases that isn't necessarily linked to underlying disease.

The most important step would be to have a thorough discussion with your primary care physician regarding a few specific points: whether you are taking any medications, your alcohol consumption habits, any existing health conditions, and potentially screening for risk factors related to chronic viral hepatitis.

Based on those answers, they can decide whether to schedule further testing or simply continue monitoring.

Best regards. 🙂

Karen Stewart62 said:Looking for some insight here. 23 years old, 27 weeks pregnant.
Leukocytes 11.5 Ref. range - 3.4-9.7
Erythrocytes 3.8 Ref. range - 3.86-5.08
Hemoglobin 11.6 Ref. range - 11.9-15.7
Hematocrit 32 Ref. range - 35.6-47
MCHC - 36.3 Ref. range - 32 - 34.5
Platelets 138, Ref. range - 158-424

Everything marked with asterisks was flagged; the rest fell within the limits.
Iron 14.4 ref. range - 8-30
thanks

Hello,

Standard laboratory reference ranges shift quite a bit during pregnancy.

Let’s walk through the parameters you noted with asterisks, one by one.

Leukocytes — In clinical practice, a value up to 12.0 x 10^9/L is often considered standard for a pregnant woman, though even higher levels (typically up to 15.0 x 10^9/L) are frequently viewed as normal.

So, the number in your report can be considered within the normal range.

It is common for leukocytes to rise slightly during pregnancy due to estrogen influence, often accompanied by a rise in neutrophils and a slight increase in eosinophils. However, we shouldn't ignore infection indicators if symptoms are present (like pain during urination, fever, etc.) or CRP levels. If there's suspicion of an infection, a thorough medical history and a CRP test would be necessary.

Erythrocytes — It is normal for erythrocyte counts to drop during pregnancy; in the third trimester, values can dip as low as 3.8 x 10^12/L.
I believe the erythrocyte count listed in your results is normal.

Hemoglobin — This also tends to drop during pregnancy (usually by the 32nd or 34th week), reaching a physiological low of about 11 g/dL. I think your hemoglobin level is also fine.

Hematocrit — Hematocrit levels also decrease during pregnancy. The lowest values still considered normal (physiological) hover around 0.31 (31%). Therefore, this parameter looks fine for you as well.

Platelets — While platelet counts can decrease slightly during pregnancy, it isn't usually significant. Yours is somewhat lower than the reference.

At this stage, they are only mildly low. That said, given the pregnancy, the best approach is regular monitoring to track the trend—essentially seeing if they continue to drop.

As it stands, I don't see anything concerning.

Some women experience a minor drop in platelets that has no harmful impact on either mother or baby. Monitoring should be sufficient.

Iron — Generally, an iron level below 12 µmol/l indicates deficiency during pregnancy. Your levels are within the normal range, though they are leaning toward the lower end.

In short, my view is that the results you provided can be considered normal, with the caveat that you should keep an eye on those platelet trends.

Be sure to consult your OB-GYN regarding these findings. I am not an obstetrician by specialty, so I must emphasize that your doctor will have the final (and only truly relevant) word on interpreting these results. This is just my perspective.

Best regards, and wishing both you and your baby all the best. 🙂

Rachel Williams90 said:Hey, can anyone help me out?
Here are my results. I’m not sure if everything is fine or... I'm pregnant, so I want to know if it's all okay. All my doctors are on vacation right now :P
Iron is 33 (normal range 8-30)
UIBC is 20 (normal range 26-59)
Thanks

Hello,

You haven't provided quite enough data for a precise answer, but since this is just a Forum, we are only offering estimates and personal perspectives here.

The results show that plasma iron concentration is elevated, which is accompanied by a decrease in UIBC—a value closely linked to free iron levels.

Typically, pregnancy presents the opposite scenario: lower iron values and a tendency toward higher UIBC, as the body's demand for iron increases during pregnancy.

That said, keep in mind that Ferritin is the true indicator of the body's iron stores. Looking at Ferritin levels would provide a much clearer picture of whether there is actually an excess of iron in your system. If it wasn't included in these tests, getting your Ferritin checked might be a good idea.

It is also worth noting that plasma iron concentrations fluctuate quite a bit and are subject to various changes.

If you are taking any supplements or multivitamins containing iron, you should consult your OB-GYN regarding dosage and how to continue them.

Regarding these specific results, please follow up with your medical team.

Best regards, and wishing all the best to you and your baby. 🙂

Sophia Garcia41 said:God help us...
It was like this back on April 5, 2011. And today... AGAIN!!! This is bad.
I’m at a loss. I had a digital rectal exam before, and everything seemed fine then. There hasn't been any blood since, but now it's happening again. 🙄
(...)
The treatment I've been on for two days has shrunk the hemorrhoids, but then there's this. ???
On top of that, I’ve had this slight nausea in my stomach and throat for about 2-3 weeks now. I can't tell if it's just the heat or if it's colon cancer—everything seems to point toward the latter, and it’s driving me absolutely crazy.
Just the thought of it.

Also, I'm wondering: how deep into the bowel can hemorrhoids be located where they bleed fresh blood but still can't be felt during a digital rectal exam?

Help! 😢

Dear Joseph Hall5,

I don't know which doctor you saw, but I can tell you this: even with a digital rectal exam (which you mentioned you've already had) it isn't always the case that hemorrhoids can be felt. It’s not really about depth; rather, some internal hemorrhoids are simply too soft to be detected by hand. Because of that, the standard way to confirm hemorrhoids is through anoscopy.

Furthermore, even if hemorrhoids are confirmed, there could still be another cause for the bleeding located higher up in the digestive tract. It would be wise to consider a colonoscopy before starting any hemorrhoid treatment, especially since you noted the bleeding has been significant.

You jumped straight to the worst-case scenario, but keep in mind that statistics are on your side: over 90% of colorectal cancers appear in people over the age of 50.

So, the only thing you need to do to resolve this is go back to the doctor and insist on a thorough workup until the exact cause of the gastrointestinal bleeding is identified.

Best regards. 🙂

To whom it may concern,

Without a clinical examination and a full review of the data, any assessment is purely speculative.

Generally speaking, lymph nodes in the neck aren't considered enlarged unless they exceed 1 cm.

You mentioned feeling a mass in the left supraclavicular area measuring about 5-8 mm, but a professional physical exam is required to confirm if that measurement is accurate or if the mass is larger.

Furthermore, an expert needs to determine if you are actually palpating a lymph node or something else entirely.

If this is indeed a lymph node and it is under 1 cm, it is typically viewed as a normal finding. In fact, nodes up to 1 cm in the neck area are generally considered unremarkable.

However, if there were a truly enlarged node—anything over 1 cm—located in that specific left supraclavicular fossa, one would have to consider the possibility of malignancy.

Based on your description, there shouldn't be immediate cause for alarm. You hit the nail on the head when you noted, "I think it only hurts because I kept poking at it," but you should certainly schedule an appointment with your primary care physician. They will gather the necessary information through a proper exam to identify the nature of the mass, its exact size, and its characteristics before deciding on a course of action.

Best regards. 🙂

Chloe Peterson2 said:If anyone would be willing to help me make sense of some blood work, I’ll list only the values that fell outside the normal range.

Platelets at 150. Reference range is 158–424.
Cholesterol at 7.3. Reference range is 0 to 5. Time to talk strategy.
LDL cholesterol at 5.0. Target is under 3.
Potassium 0.1 | 3.9-5.1

Urinalysis results.

Erythrocytes 2-3 (range 0-2).
Leukocytes 35-40, range 0-2. Significant deviation.

To whom it may concern,

It’s tough to make sense of lab results without context. Why were they ordered? What symptoms are we actually dealing with? To get a proper interpretation, you need to look at the full picture—all those specific details combined with the actual clinical exam findings.

I'll respond like this, broken down by individual parameters:

Platelets at 150x10^9/L. On the edge.

Low platelet counts often turn up by accident during routine blood work. If the numbers are only just dipping toward the bottom of the normal range—and you aren't dealing with issues like easy bruising, bleeding from the skin after minor bumps, or frequent nosebleeds—there’s usually no immediate cause for alarm. In those cases, the best move is simply to re-run the labs after a while. You just need to see the trend: are they stabilizing, climbing back up, or continuing to slide?

Cholesterol 282 mg/dL, LDL 193 mg/dL.

You need to address these elevated levels first by adjusting your lifestyle—specifically through exercise and dietary changes. You’ll also need to get a handle on the full picture: blood pressure, cardiovascular risk assessment, smoking status, blood sugar levels, body weight, BMI, and waist circumference, among other metrics. Take all this data to your primary care physician for a consultation.

Potassium at 0.1? That’s dangerously low. You need to get to the Emergency Room immediately. This isn't something you can monitor from home or wait out. Go now.

Double-check those medical reports one more time. Make sure everything was transcribed accurately from the original findings.

Urinalysis results: Erythrocytes 2-3; Leukocytes 35-40.

Leukocytes in your urine—basically leukocytesuria—can be a telltale sign of a urinary tract infection. It’s pretty critical to consider if you’ve been dealing with any specific symptoms that point in that direction. That said, there's another possibility: the sample might just be contaminated by vaginal secretions, which would mean there isn't actually an infection present. Most likely, your doctor will suggest a urine culture to clear things up.

Take these results to your primary doctor.

Greetings. 🙂

Chloe Peterson2 said:Does every standard blood panel catch everything related to liver health—specifically things like Bilirubin and ALT? A few years back, I was told my liver enzymes were elevated. Since I’m on medication, I just assumed that was the cause.

I ran some blood work later on. The last time I had it done was a year ago because of that persistent sore throat, and my doctor told me everything looked fine—well within the normal range. I don't quite get how that's possible, considering I’m still popping pills. Antidepressants, anti-anxiety meds, and painkillers. I'm trying to kick the latter; I've developed a bit of a habit.

Hello,

If bilirubin and transaminase levels were specifically requested during your blood work, they will be included in the results. However, if the doctor didn't order those specific tests—even if you had blood drawn for other reasons—those liver function markers won't show up on your report. I'm not entirely sure if that addresses the first part of your question.

Regarding the second part: what you experienced could have been what we call a transient elevation of transaminases. Essentially, it’s a temporary (usually mild) spike in certain liver enzymes that eventually settles back to normal. This can be triggered by medication, among other things. Since this happened several years ago, it’s nearly impossible to pinpoint the exact cause looking backward.

It’s also quite possible that taking a specific medication—especially during the initial phase—causes a temporary rise in transaminases that later stabilizes, even if you continue the treatment.

I agree that one should be cautious not just with painkillers, but with anxiolytics as well. Unregulated use of the latter can lead to various complications, so please consult with your physician regarding this.

Best regards. 🙂