Posts by Nicholas Myers

A standard throat swab primarily targets bacteria, specifically Group A beta-hemolytic streptococcus. If you’re looking for something else—like a fungal infection—that needs to be explicitly requested. For a routine bacterial screen, the rule is simple: don't touch the tongue, the soft palate, or the inside of the cheek. That should cover both parts of your question.

It looks like you probably haven't had the Hepatitis B shot. In the US, routine vaccination in middle school didn't become standard until 1999, and it wasn't until 2007 that we started vaccinating newborns in hospitals. That little scar you mentioned? That’s almost certainly from a TB vaccine. As for tetanus and diphtheria, those boosters usually happen during senior year of high school.

Your best bet is to contact your local CDC office. I believe the cost is roughly around $200, but you'll definitely want to verify that first.

Sarah Gomez73 said:Can someone tell me what it means and how bad it is when a urine test shows leukocytes 30 and bacteria 3+?

It’s for my child, a 3-year-old girl. The vaginal area is red, she's itchy, and there's discharge. Her doctor prescribed potassium permanganate rinses, applying Betrion twice a day, and 6.5 ml of Cefixime syrup once daily.
What I'm wondering about is what these leukocytes in the urine actually are and how serious this is. I didn't get a chance to ask the doctor because her grandmother was the one who took her to the appointment. That was on Friday, and we're going back to provide another urine sample on Monday. She doesn't have a fever.
The itching and discharge have stopped now.

Dear Tyler Davis2,

Based on your description and the prescribed treatment, I suspect the little girl is dealing with vulvovaginitis—essentially inflammation of the vulva and vagina—likely accompanied by a secondary urinary tract infection.

This is actually the most common issue involving the reproductive system in girls this age. The reason is simple: the skin in the external genital area is highly sensitive and sits very close to the anus; poor hygiene can easily trigger an infection here. Most often, the culprits are bacteria from the large intestine.

Finding leukocytes and bacteria in the urine supports these diagnoses. Honestly, I don't think you need to worry about these specific results; they aren't dramatic or extreme values.

Furthermore, the fact that the symptoms are receding suggests the treatment is working. Continue with the regimen exactly as the doctor recommended.

I hope everything clears up quickly. Wishing you and your daughter all the best.

Regards. 👍

Dear Hobby Lobby,

Making an informed decision requires a thorough examination to determine the exact extent of corneal neovascularization. That measurement dictates the entire treatment plan.

It is a misconception that wearing a contact lens is strictly forbidden across all stages of neovascularization—that's an important distinction to make.

In certain instances, a simple change in lens type does the trick—switching to silicone hydrogel lenses, for example, though sometimes rigid gas permeable lenses are the better call. Naturally, there are specific cases where lens wear is completely off the table. Localized therapy can also be an option.

The best course of action is to consult with an experienced American ophthalmologist specializing in contact lenses.

Without an exam, it’s impossible to be certain, but this could be a form of blepharitis—specifically blepharitis squamosa. It typically presents as tiny flakes or yellowish buildup along the lash line, often accompanied by intermittent eyelash loss. Once those scales are cleared away, the skin underneath usually appears quite red.

It frequently goes hand-in-hand with seborrheic dermatitis (dandruff) affecting the scalp. Furthermore, because the oil glands in the eyelids aren't functioning correctly, many patients report dry eye symptoms: a "gritty" sensation, stinging, or general eye fatigue.

If this is the case, a specific hygiene routine is necessary. This involves daily cleaning of the eyelid margins using a cotton swab dipped in a solution of baby shampoo, paired with gentle lid massages. Depending on what a doctor recommends, topical treatments like ointments or drops might also be required.

Keep in mind, this is purely speculation. I strongly suggest scheduling an appointment with an ophthalmologist to get a definitive diagnosis and a proper treatment plan.

Best regards. 😉

Sarah Mendoza61 said:Hi there!
I’d like someone’s opinion on this.

I'm a 24-year-old woman, and these results aren't exactly comforting.
Cholesterol is high - 6.41
Fe-5
TIBC-47
K-3.80. My potassium is always low, so this is just okay...
MCHC- 352
Se- 4 (lower limit)

The cholesterol is what worries me most because I honestly have no idea where it's coming from. I don't eat fatty foods; I eat plenty of fruits and vegetables...
And the iron... a year ago it was at 8, and back then I was taking Ferumlek for three months... a few months ago during testing, it was normal at 13, but now it has dropped rapidly. I wonder what would have happened if I hadn't been taking supplements—it probably would have plummeted below zero. I'm in the middle of my cycle, so I didn't have the blood drawn immediately after my period. I eat everything high in iron—spinach, blueberries, red meat...

On top of that, I've been dealing with constipation for 10 months and some anxiety!
Does any of this point to something serious?

Dear Matthew Wood15,

You've raised several points, so I'll try to address them individually.

Regarding your first concern, excess lipids (fats) in the blood can stem from genetic factors, but other variables play a role too. This includes diet (specifically high intake of saturated fats and cholesterol), alcohol consumption, weight, certain medications like oral contraceptives, hormonal fluctuations, or underlying conditions such as diabetes or hypothyroidism.

Your cholesterol levels are elevated, though you haven't mentioned your triglyceride levels. Generally, with a result like this, the first step should be lifestyle adjustments: increasing physical activity (at least 30 minutes daily), quitting smoking if applicable, managing weight, and regulating your diet. You might also need further testing—specifically determining your HDL and LDL levels. It will certainly be necessary to check your blood pressure, calculate your BMI, and assess cardiovascular risk factors. All of this will dictate the specific medical steps required.

As for the iron levels, it isn't enough to look at iron and TIBC/UIBC alone; you have to look at the full blood count (erythrocytes, hemoglobin, hematocrit, etc.). We need to figure out why those iron levels are dipping. In your age group, anemia caused by iron deficiency can result from heavy menstrual cycles or other reproductive system issues, nutritional gaps, or even potential blood loss through the digestive tract. Your primary care physician definitely needs to pinpoint the cause of this steady decline in your iron levels.

So, as you can see, you really need to have a detailed discussion and a thorough examination with your doctor to decide on a course of action. That should be your next priority.

Wishing you all the best.

Best regards. 😉

cosmicwolf16 said:Respects!

My cholesterol was at 5.6, triglycerides at 4.9, so I started taking 10 mg of Sortis. I’ve been on it consistently for 3 months now.
Just got my bloodwork back, and here are the numbers: cholesterol 3.97, triglycerides 2.3, HDL 0.92, LDL 2.16, AST 27, ALT 55, and gamma GT 123 !!!

Is that last one something to worry about?!
What should my next move be?

Dear cosmicwolf16,

It is a known fact that in a certain percentage of patients taking statins (the class of drugs that includes the Sortis you are using), there can be an elevation in serum transaminase levels—these are your liver enzymes, specifically AST, ALT, and GGT. This is generally thought to be due to enzyme induction, essentially increasing their activity level, rather than being a direct result of actual liver damage.

Typically, treatment should only be paused if those values spike to more than four times the upper limit of normal. You would wait for them to stabilize before attempting to resume.

Given that your elevations are relatively moderate and assuming you aren't experiencing any physical symptoms, I don't believe there is cause for alarm.

Moving forward, you will need to regularly monitor those transaminases (AST, ALT, GGT).

Be sure to consult with your primary care physician; they will make the final call on how to proceed.

Best regards. 👍

Karen Stewart62 said:Could someone give me a quick breakdown of these results? I'll just list the ones marked with an asterisk
AST - 13 (ref interval 14-37)
Urinalysis
PH 5.0 (ref. interval 5.0-8.0)
Proteins - negative (ref.interval 0.25)
Urine sediment
Leukocytes - 1-2 (ref.interval 0-5)
Epithelial cells 1-2 (ref. interval 0-5)
Lots of calcium oxalate crystals
(By the way, a few months ago during my annual physical at a clinic in downtown Chicago, they found a lot of rod-shaped bacteria in my urine and told me to get a urine culture. Since they don't do those on-site, I'd need to go to my primary care doctor, but I never actually went to get it done. So now I'm not sure if there's any point in getting a culture now.)

Karen Stewart62,

Since I don't have the full picture—neither the complete blood work nor the urine panel—and I don't know why this was ordered (are you feeling unwell, or is this just a routine check?), I can only speak to what's here. Based on these specific numbers, there aren't any indicators of a urinary tract infection (no elevated leukocytes, no protein, no blood, etc.). Consequently, there isn't much reason to bother with a urine culture right now.

Everything hinges on the rest of the labs and whether you're experiencing symptoms typical of a UTI, like frequent or painful urination.

Regards. 😉

Kevin Hayes83 said:Thanks, Felix the Cat, for such a thorough reply. Basically, I’m having vision issues—floaters in my vitreous—so I’ve been working with my ophthalmologist to run some other tests. We want to rule out whether something else in my system is "hitting" my eyes, if you know what I mean. Other than the eye stuff, I don't have any symptoms or health issues...

Just one thing: my nasal swab came back specifically stating Staphylococcus aureus—questioning colonization. What does "questioning colonization" actually imply?

I haven't had a chance to get back to you sooner; life got busy and I haven't been checking the forum. I assume you've already received an answer regarding what colonization means by now. Regardless, here is the breakdown:

Colonization simply means the bacteria has settled in—in this case, in the nose (usually just the entrance)—but its presence isn't accompanied by any actual symptoms or signs of illness. In those instances, antibiotics aren't prescribed. Trying to wipe out the bacteria often fails, and the treatment usually just ends up causing side effects or contributing to antibiotic resistance.

I don't know the specifics of your ophthalmology situation, but based on what you described, it sounds like your doctor is trying to rule out a systemic inflammatory source, which is why they ordered extra testing.

Since I don't have the full clinical picture, I can't say how your doctors will interpret this S. aureus finding—whether they'll decide treatment is necessary or not. That decision is ultimately in their hands.

Best of luck. 😉

Kevin Hayes83 said:I need a little help here. I did a nasal swab and the results show Staphylococcus aureus in colonies. Can someone explain what this actually means?

Another result shows Immunoglobulin E at 373.6, though it says the normal range is supposedly
<100.

If anyone could clarify this, I'd appreciate it. Thanks!

Dear Kevin,

You didn't mention why the nasal swab was ordered for microbiological analysis—are you experiencing any symptoms?

It’s possible you are simply a carrier, meaning the Staphylococcus aureus bacteria have settled in your nasal passages. This isn't unusual. In fact, roughly 20%-40% of adults are asymptomatic carriers of S. aureus in the nose.

If you are generally healthy and aren't dealing with significant symptoms, like purulent nasal discharge or a cough, treatment usually isn't necessary.

Regarding the second part of your question: your total serum IgE concentration is elevated. As you noted, the standard level for adults is typically under 100 kIU/l. An elevated total IgE can suggest an allergic predisposition, a parasitic infection (though levels tend to be much higher then), or it could be elevated for no clear reason (idiopathic) or due to other underlying conditions.

Keep in mind that this specific result doesn't automatically mean you have atopy (an allergic tendency). To confirm such a diagnosis, additional testing and clinical symptoms would be required.

Best regards. 😉

Nicole Edwards22 said:Here’s everything. If something is missing from the list, it wasn't on the report or they just left the field blank....

(...)

Even to a layman like me, nothing looks bad here 🙂, though my doctor did end up sticking a little bug in my ear...

Looking over these results, I don't see anything that should cause concern; it's a pretty clean report. I'd suggest following your doctor's lead—they have the full picture of your health.

If you're feeling fine, don't sweat these numbers. There's no reason to worry; the results are solid.

Best. 😉

redpilot37 said:Thanks for the response... I will definitely double-check the urine in the lab. Actually, three weeks ago, when the urine culture was performed, my initial urinalysis showed:

cloudy
with proteins at 0.15 g/L (trace)
leukocyte esterase 70 (1+)
Leukocytes 7-8
plenty of squamous epithelial cells
some bacteria and amorphous urates...

...And then, after that, the urine culture came back sterile, yet during a routine checkup with my OB/GYN, the Test-trak Spec. showed 4+ leukocytes in my urine.
Then I had the CRP checked yesterday, which came back at 4.8...

Could you please tell me more based on these urine results? I read somewhere that leukocyte esterase indicates inflammation, essentially acting as a marker for it...
And one more question regarding the proteins at 0.15 g/L...
The urine sample wasn't my first morning void... so I'm wondering—isn't 0.15 g/L a bit high for urine that had been sitting in the bladder for an hour (since it wasn't the first thing in the morning)?
I also read that proteinuria is diagnosed if daily values exceed 0.15 g/L...
Additionally, my blood pressure was recorded at 130/90 one day... the next day it was normal at 110/70... but I was told to monitor it. What does all this suggest to you?

Thanks for the answer and the help.🙂

First off, I have to emphasize that I am not an OB/GYN, so please take my answers with a heavy grain of salt. You should discuss everything with your doctors, as they are the ones most qualified to handle your specific situation.

In my view, significant proteinuria during pregnancy is considered anything over 300 mg per 24 hours. A test strip measures concentration (like grams per liter). Note the distinction: one is mass, the other is concentration.

Generally speaking, finding small amounts of protein in urine during pregnancy is normal; a result labeled "trace" is considered standard. Higher levels of protein are marked with one to four crosses. Usually, a 1+ finding or higher suggests protein levels exceeding the norm.

When protein in the urine is paired with elevated blood pressure (above 140/90), it can point toward preeclampsia, which absolutely requires immediate medical oversight and monitoring.

Since your blood pressure readings haven't crossed that recommended threshold, nor have your protein levels, I think following your doctor's advice (monitoring your blood pressure) should be sufficient.

Regarding the urine findings, you've confused me slightly. If I understood correctly, you first had: "cloudy, proteins 0.15 g/L (trace), leukocyte esterase 70 (1+), Leukocytes 7-8, plenty of squamous epithelial cells, some bacteria and amorphous urates." After that, a urine culture was done and was sterile about three weeks ago. Then, two days ago, a test strip showed four crosses for leukocytes. Did I get that right?

I believe your OB/GYN acted correctly by requesting a urine culture after that initial result. To reiterate: a urine culture is far more reliable than a test strip!

Furthermore, your initial urinalysis ("cloudy, proteins 0.15 g/L (trace), leukocyte esterase 70 (1+), Leukocytes 7-8, plenty of squamous epithelial cells, some bacteria and amorphous urates") doesn't rule out contamination from vaginal secretions or skin contact. Honestly, that specific set of results doesn't look like a clear-cut urinary tract infection to me. The sterile culture result settles the matter.

The urine analysis just came back showing four plus leukocytes. It’s entirely possible this is just contamination again. I’d suggest repeating the test—start by doing it right at the clinic, whether it's with your OB/GYN or primary care physician.

Mind these specifics: you need to provide a first-morning sample. Ideally, there should be a gap of no less than 4 hours and no more than 8 hours since your last trip to the bathroom. Thoroughly clean the area with soap and water first. Make sure your hands are washed and clean during collection. Use your fingers to spread the labia, let the initial stream go, and then catch the rest continuously into a sterile cup. You want to avoid any urine touching your skin or the labia, and definitely don't touch the inside of the lid or the cup itself. Being 35 weeks pregnant, I realize this is a bit of a production, but try to be as precise as possible.

If the results come back clean, we're looking at contamination. However, if the next test shows elevated leukocytes or other markers suggesting inflammation, we'll need to run a urine culture.

A CRP of 4.8 mg/L doesn't tell us much regarding a lower urinary tract infection. That value could point to an infection, or it might not. It's inconclusive.

Look, I've stepped a bit outside my lane here. This is really all I can offer. For any specific concerns or deeper details, you'll get a far more competent answer from a specialist OB/GYN.

Best wishes to you and the baby. 👍

Nicole Edwards22 said:Hey! Looking for some advice...
I got my blood and urine results back yesterday, and here’s how they look:

Urine - physical/chemical exam
proteins +/- (0/neg)
ketones +/- (0/neg)
color yellow
appearance cloudy

Enzymes
AST 32 (8-30)
ALP 53 (54-119)
squamous epithelium - plenty
round cells - rare
bacteria - some
mucus - some

Laboratory hematology
RDW 12.5 (14.6 - 16.5 )
MPV 10.7 (6.8 - 10.4 )
lymphocytes 16 (20-46)
monocytes 14 (2- 12)

Basically, they told me they'd call if anything was wrong, but they didn't. When I went to pick up the results, my doctor mentioned he was a bit concerned about these enzymes, asked if I was taking any meds, and said I should probably get retested in about a month...
I'm an athlete, so I take supplements—mostly vitamins and minerals. Also, for the last few days, I've been taking Advil because of muscle aches. Plus, I've been under a massive amount of stress lately, so I'm wondering if all that could be affecting the results....
Should I redo everything, or is there really nothing to worry about?
Thanks

Jeremy Alvarez33,

Could you please retype the entire set of results? It looks like the urine physical-chemical findings are getting mixed up with the "enzymes," so we have a little AST and ALP mixed with epithelial cells, and it gets confusing.

Regarding those "enzymes worrying the doctor"—you only listed AST and ALP, and their values don't look particularly alarming to me. Please double-check and transcribe the WHOLE report accurately (take a look at Alexandra's posts from a few threads back; she formatted hers exactly the way it should be done).

Grace Robinson12 said:I'm not quite sure which thread this belongs in, but this seems like the right spot. So, can a standard CBC actually show if there’s an issue with T4 lymphocytes—like if they're too low—and trigger further testing based on that? Basically, can a routine blood panel suggest that someone's immune system is essentially in a coma?

First, you have to actually suspect an impaired or weakened immune response. That suspicion should stem from the patient's specific symptoms combined with a clinical exam. Only then do you order the targeted tests to clear things up.

Standard screenings, such as a complete blood count (CBC) or an ESR (sedimentation rate), might hint at immune issues—for instance, a low lymphocyte count could point toward compromised cellular immunity—but those results alone aren't enough to confirm or rule out an actual immunodeficiency.

To answer your question directly: Are CD4 and CD8 lymphocyte counts part of a routine blood panel? The answer is NO.

Bottom line: If there is a suspicion of an immune disorder, a battery of tests is required to confirm or debunk it. A single CBC result isn't a diagnostic tool on its own.

Best, 😉

mellowviper24 said:@ Felix the Cat - sorry to bother you again, but I’d appreciate one more quick consultation. I’m referring back to our previous exchange (posts #1162 - #1166) regarding my blood work and anemia issues.

So, I had my blood drawn again yesterday. Hemoglobin has climbed to 113, ferritin is steadily—if slowly—rising, and HCT is back within the normal range. MCV, MCH, and MCHC are also trending upward, even if they remain low, while UIBS and TIBC look fine. As for the biochemistry panel, everything is normal. And yes, you asked about CRP last time; it's steady at 0.2.

However, I did notice something. My leukocyte count was 7.4 during my last draw eight days ago, but today it hit 9.22. A month ago, it was 6.2. Based on these numbers, can you give me any insight into why the leukocytes jumped, and is this increase something to worry about?

Since the heart palpitations are still quite pronounced, I had an EKG done—results were normal. Now that my hemoglobin has risen to 113, is it still normal to experience these occasional, somewhat stronger palpitations?

Apologies for the nagging, and thanks in advance for your reply. 🙂

It seems to me you've been thoroughly evaluated, and everything appears to be on the right track. 👍

CRP is calm, and we know how sensitive that inflammatory marker can be. Your leukocytes are well within the reference range. Don't let those minor fluctuations cause you any stress. The most important metric in all of this is how you actually feel. 🙂

Regarding the palpitations, I believe the exam and the EKG you completed are sufficient. Those occasional flutters might now be more closely linked to stress or anxiety rather than the anemia itself.

So, just try to relax. 😉

Best regards. 👋

gentlecyclist2 said:Thanks for the help, and sorry for the intrusion.😉

Sorry I couldn't be of more assistance. 😢

That’s the whole point of this forum—exchanging advice and perspectives, isn't it? 😉

There's no need for apologies. 😉

Best regards and all the best.👍

redpilot37 said:I had a urine culture done about 3 weeks ago because the dipstick at my OB/GYN showed blood in my urine++. The culture came back sterile. Yesterday, the dipstick showed leukocytes++++ (4 pluses). My OB/GYN didn't worry about it since the culture was sterile... I'm wondering if this is a normal finding or if it points to an infection. Also, I'm 35 and pregnant, and my doctor refuses to do a cervical swab, claiming there's no indication. I'm primarily interested in these elevated white blood cells in the urine (what they signify) and whether it makes sense to run a CRP test—would that show anything?
Zanimaju me prvenavno ovi poviseni leukociti u urinu(sto oznacavaju) i imali smisla da radim CRP-odnosno-bi li ono sto pokazao.

Hello,

You’ve raised some very specific questions. Here are my thoughts:

1. While leukocytes were found in the recent urine sample, from what I gather, other indicators of infection (like proteins, nitrites, or potentially erythrocytes) weren't mentioned. It is entirely possible, then, that these leukocytes are originating from the vaginal area rather than the urinary tract itself. This makes determining the level of vaginal cleanliness quite critical.

It is possible to find leukocytes, or even bacteria under a microscope, without an actual urinary tract infection being present; instead, it could simply be contamination of the sample. A urine culture is certainly a more reliable metric than a simple dipstick test.

Given that your last urine culture (if I understood correctly) was sterile three weeks ago, yet these leukocyte findings are bothering you, you might consider re-checking the urine. Starting with a dipstick is an option, provided extreme care is taken during collection to avoid contamination from vaginal secretions or skin contact. Since this can be done quickly and easily at a primary care physician's office or your OB/GYN, I see no reason why a quick dipstick re-check wouldn't be worthwhile.

Please discuss your concerns and any potential next steps with your gynecologist or primary care provider.

2. Regarding CRP, generally speaking, infections in the lower urinary tract (urethra and bladder) shouldn't cause a significant rise in CRP, unlike infections in the upper urinary tract. Therefore, a CRP test likely won't help confirm or rule out a lower urinary tract infection.

Best regards. 😉

Amy Lewis66 said:Good day. 🙂
Hematology report update: I’ve seen an increase in my MCHC—it's sitting at 349 now (normal range is 320-345).
Coagulation.
TV is up to 21.42. Normal range is 14–21.
Blood chemistry results.
It’s up.
Bilirubin is at 26.8 (normal range is 3–20).
Bilirubin 5.2 (normal range is 0–5).

(...)

I'm 23. I gave birth 11 months ago and I'm still breastfeeding.
The reason I went to see the hematologist was because of how easily I was bruising—even from the slightest bump, and sometimes without any impact at all.

Given the symptoms you've described, you really ought to have a specialist in hematology review these results.

When a patient complains of spontaneous bleeding—specifically skin hemorrhages triggered by even minor trauma—the diagnostic path isn't a straight line. If we’re looking at small, pinpoint spots, the initial suspicion usually lands on platelet disorders. This becomes especially likely if there's also mucosal involvement, like frequent nosebleeds. However, once you start seeing larger bruises, the conversation shifts toward coagulation disorders. Then you have to factor in vasculopathies—damage to the blood vessels themselves. It’s a layered puzzle; it's never as simple as it looks on the surface.

A low platelet count often triggers these kinds of symptoms, but yours are within the standard range. Even when the count itself looks fine, platelet function can still be impaired, which might explain spontaneous bleeding. Beyond issues specifically tied to platelets, however, there are other underlying conditions to consider—things your hematologist will likely investigate.

It’s interesting. So far, the coagulation tests have mostly come back normal. There is just this tiny deviation in the thrombin time (TT), and honestly, I’m not even sure if the fibrinolysis results fall within the standard reference range.

It seems to me—though a hematologist might have a completely different take, and their expertise far outweighs my own limited perspective—that the tests you’ve run won't actually pinpoint why there's a hemorrhagic diathesis. In other words, we're looking at a tendency toward bleeding that hasn't been explained yet. Based on what a specialist would likely think, expect more testing to be necessary to clear up the uncertainty.

Regarding liver function markers, bilirubin is also marginally elevated, though it's still up. The liver enzymes are within normal range, which is definitely a positive sign.

What’s going on with these values? MCV 0.145 and MCH 87? Did you transcribe the lab results correctly? I'm asking because standard ranges usually sit around MCV 86–100 fL and MCH 27–34 pg.

Given the symptoms you've described, this inquiry falls outside my specific medical expertise. In this instance, I’ll defer to a hematologist to evaluate the situation and determine the next steps. Further consultations with a hematology specialist will be necessary.

Greetings. Wishing you all the best. 😉

gentlecyclist2 said:Thanks for the quick reply. I figured I should just provide the full results to make things clearer. Basically, I'm 20, and I decided to get some blood work done on my own because I had a major exam two weeks ago. Between the nerves, I dropped about 3 lbs in a few days, then lost another 2 lbs after the exam. My digestive issues flared up again two days ago.
Here are my results:
(...)
Thanks for your patience and help.😉

Based on what you’ve added now, along with the lab work provided, I still can't give you a definitive answer. It’s best to base your next steps on a consultation with your primary care physician.

My previous assessment stands: this could be an infection, potentially paired with mild anemia since the iron levels are hovering near the lower limit (noting the elevated UIBC and TIBC), and cholesterol is slightly high and needs addressing. Regardless, seeing a doctor is unavoidable.

A physical exam is necessary to determine if there are signs of infection—and if so, where the source is and how to manage it. Given just these labs and the fact that you've lost weight and have digestive issues (which is a very broad symptom), I wouldn't dare attempt a diagnosis.

There is also the question of your gynecological health.

What I can say is that, given these results and your symptoms, you definitely have good reason to see a doctor. However, the deviations in these labs aren't massive; some values are only slightly outside the reference range. That’s why a clinical exam and how you actually feel are vital. We treat patients, not paper reports.

Unfortunately, I don't have any further advice to offer. 🤷 Perhaps one of the more seasoned colleagues here might have a more specific or insightful perspective.

Best regards and take care. 😉

gentlecyclist2 said:Here is my lab report from the clinical biochemistry lab:
MPV 12.8 (6.8-10.4)
PDW 14.9 (9.0-14.0)
P-LCR 49.0 (13.0-45.0)
Leukocytes 12.5 (3.4-9.7)

Neutrophils 9.00 (2.06-6.49)

Cholesterol 5.60 (less than 5.0)
UIBC 70.20 ( 26-59)
TIBC 80.70 (49-75)

If you could help me out and explain what might be happening with me—everything else seems fine, just these values are high.
Thanks in advance 😉

Dear gentlecyclist2,

There isn't enough data here to provide a proper interpretation. To get the full picture, I’d need to know things like your age, why you had the blood work done in the first place (any symptoms, existing conditions, pregnancy?), your actual platelet count (parameters like MPV, PDW, and P-LCR describe platelets and always need to be viewed alongside the total count), your iron and ferritin levels (TIBC and UIBC make much more sense when paired with those), your erythrocyte and hemoglobin counts, and your CRP levels if they were tested.

Just speaking generally, the leukocyte count is slightly elevated, clearly driven by the high neutrophil count, which can suggest an infection (possibly bacterial). The elevated UIBC and TIBC could point toward anemia caused by iron deficiency (sideropenic anemia), which will likely need addressing. Also, the cholesterol is a bit above the recommended range, something you'll want to manage, primarily through diet.

That said, guessing without the full context is difficult, and there is a significant margin for error or misinterpretation with such limited info.

I recommend consulting with your primary care physician; I assume you'll do so since they ordered the tests.

Best regards,😉