Posts by vividsailor7

copperbison4 said:Does that more detailed report include everything from the previous one? I need to know which set of results I should actually bring with me when I go in for my blood work...

I don't know why, but I'm assuming you're at Rebora. If that's the case, when your sister Nicholas is writing those internal referrals, make sure she adds the bilirubin and glucose levels to the notes.
If you aren't on Reddit, show both sets of results.

feraljackal2 said:Thanks! My GP basically told me everything looks fine and said she should just check back in six months.

Do you guys actually agree with this approach, or would it be smarter to run some more thorough tests—like getting an HHS panel and everything else?

The HHS would definitely be taken into consideration here, especially if there’s an abnormal physical exam of the thyroid or a potential family history involved—you know, things like TM or MEN syndromes and such.
And honestly, we can finally start giving him some real thought now that six months have passed and we have these fresh TSH and fT4 results in hand.

Linda Harris37 said:Hi everyone, my mom's CA 19-9 marker came back high—it's at 105, while the normal range is usually around 37 or 38. The thing is, this marker has been fluctuating since 2008; sometimes it's elevated, sometimes it's within the normal limits. She's already had an ultrasound, colonoscopy, endoscopy, CT, and MRI, and thankfully none of those showed any changes or abnormalities. The only recent finding was from her last ultrasound, which showed some secretion in her gallbladder, so she was prescribed some medication for that. She’s going back in two weeks to retest the marker to see if that gallbladder issue is what caused the spike. Also, my mom has type 2 diabetes, so I'm wondering if that could cause the marker to rise? Has anyone else dealt with a situation like this? Thanks.

We need more information here. You really need to provide things like her age, every single medication she is currently taking, her full medical history/diagnoses, whether there was any history of smoking or alcohol use, specific symptoms, other lab results, and so on.

Taylor Hayes6 said:About 3 months ago, my father (87 years old)—who had been perfectly healthy until then—suddenly became weak, pale, and gets exhausted incredibly fast. (He’s already become one of those guys).
After a transfusion and two months of taking Tylenol 2 x350 mg, his results look like this:

• After the transfusion
• After one month of iron
• After 2 months of iron

In the meantime, we did an abdominal ultrasound, an EGD, and a colonoscopy; all findings were reported as "normal."
The blood work is improving, but it feels painfully slow. Interestingly, some parameters actually got worse after the first month of iron supplementation.
Based on these results, can we conclude what kind of anemia this is? And is just taking iron enough, or could this be a B12 deficiency? (I read that it's common for seniors to lack the "intrinsic factor" in the stomach needed to absorb B12, meaning B12 might need to be administered intravenously?)

It’s microcytic/hypochromic anemia. Honestly, when you start reading about Vitamin B12 deficiencies, try to actually read with some comprehension—pay attention to the MCV.
If you want a real answer, you should post the full general biochemistry, renal function, the EGD with pathology, the colonoscopy, and so on.

Taylor Hayes6 said:I see now that they found internal hemorrhoids during the colonoscopy and gastritis during the EGD. Everything that wasn't malignant was labeled as a "normal" finding for us, but could this actually explain the "source" of the anemia?

feraljackal2 said:Hi there,
could you give me your opinion on these thyroid results? Female, 25 years old.
TSH 1.92 (Reference range: 0.5-3.6)
AnTI-Tg (TgaAT) 230.50 (Ref: 5-100 IU/mL)
AnTI-TPO (MsAT) 183.30 (Ref: 1-16 IU/mL)
Thanks!

It's an immunodeficiency essentially presenting with euthyroidism.

Lisa Moore11 said:Hello everyone, I'm new here.

I am a 38-year-old male and...I've had positive red blood cells in my urine since I was a kid.I’ve never actually felt sick—I live a totally normal life—even though every single time I get a urinalysis, this shows up on the results.
I want to know if you can go your entire life with elevated red blood cells in your urine without symptoms, or if this is eventually going to lead to serious problems?
I'd also appreciate some insight on these specific lab values.
Hematocrit : 0.404 L/L ,ref.int 0.415-0.530
MCHC : 359 g/L ,ref.int 320-345
Red blood cell/Hemoglobin pos (+++) x 10^6 L, ref.int : 10<
Red blood cells : 20-30 V.P , ref.int : 0-2

Well, you've definitely been cleared by a nephrologist then.

Chris Howard3 said:Thanks for the reply, but I just got my blood work back, so maybe you can tell me more specifically what might be going on here.
SE 32MPV 10.9
BASOPHILIC GRANULOCYTES 1 (0-1)
LYMPHOCYTES 18 (20-46) ATYPICAL LYMPHOCYTES 2 (0)
AST 61 (8-30)
ALT 78 (10-36)
GGT 31 (9-35)
Is it possible that I have mononucleosis?

Just like my answer to every question like this—yes, it's possible.
Your liver enzymes are slightly elevated.

copperbison4 said:I hope I'm in the right thread. Basically, I have my first follow-up coming up after treatment for NHL. In the specific report after my last chemo session, it said: "Check ESR, CBC, differential, AST, ALT, GGT, AF, LDH, bilirubin, and glucose in 3 months; present with results..."
If I remember correctly, that covers sedimentation, complete and differential blood counts, liver enzymes, and blood sugar, right?
In the meantime, because of some other issues, I saw a different hematologist (since my regular doctor wasn't working that day), and they wrote: "Follow-up exam with ESR, CBC, differential, urea, creatinine, Na, K, Ca, transaminases, GGT, AF, LDH, beta-2 microglobulin, EFP, IGA, IGG, IGA."
I'm wondering if these two sets of tests are asking for the exact same thing. If not, which one is more comprehensive, and does the more extensive list include everything from the shorter one? Thanks in advance.

No, they aren't looking for the same things; that should be obvious.
What the second hematologist is requesting is a broader check-up, which is exactly what you need.

I’ve been sitting here scrolling through these posts, reading every single word, and I honestly cannot believe my eyes. Am I misreading this? Did I miss something huge? Because if I didn't, I am absolutely floored by these responses. Just... wow.
I’d go so far as to say that, out of practically nothing, a pheochromocytoma has managed to manifest right here.

granitebear62 said:I’ve just been diagnosed with a small tumor on my adrenal gland. A friend of mine—who happens to be a doctor—is advising me to just leave it alone, suggesting the only real issue might be high blood pressure. I’m curious if anyone else here has dealt with this exact diagnosis? What kind of treatment paths have you all had to take?🙂

Why don't you guys actually lay it all out? I mean, give us the full picture. Tell us exactly why you ended up needing a CT scan in the first place—what were the symptoms? What did your blood work look like, and what was going on with your urinalysis? Don't just leave us hanging; we need the specifics.

granitebear62 said:I've had two ultrasounds already, and now I'm doing a CT scan just to be absolutely sure about the diagnosis. I've been referred to an endocrinologist, though my primary care physician thinks it's nothing to worry about—just a cyst. Meanwhile, the CT report explicitly uses the word "tumor." At this point, I don't even care what label they put on it; whether it's a tumor or a bump, something is definitely there.

You aren't providing a single shred of actual evidence, which makes it crystal clear to me that you're intentionally burying the results.
There’s really no point in getting an ultrasound for adrenal gland issues. It’s basically a waste of time.

Jose Miller3 said:just go get the surgery done 🤷

maybe that pain is actually coming from it—so once the surgery is over, you might finally be free of it...
or maybe it isn't, but honestly, there's no way to know for sure until that tumor is gone.

try to track down a really sharp surgeon—someone who won't just rush through it, but will actually take a look and see if that pain is being caused by something else, assuming it isn't just the pheochromocytoma on your adrenal gland.

Are you kidding me? Go ahead, go straight to surgery! She hasn't provided a single shred of actual data. Honestly, everything she just laid out doesn't even qualify as "information"—it’s absolutely nothing. Zero. Zilch.
First off, you absolutely need to see an endocrinologist. Honestly, the fact that you’re even bringing up surgery right out of the gate tells me everything I need to know about how little you understand this situation.

Andrew Wells8 said:So you basically stumbled onto this by total accident, which honestly could be a huge blessing since a pheochromocytoma is so incredibly rare and most people would never even think to look for it, especially because the symptoms feel almost identical to thyroid issues

Anyway, definitely don't just brush this off, there are plenty of ways to get a definitive answer and it’s always better to get everything confirmed and start treatment as soon as possible 🙂

I mean, seriously, how on earth can you be throwing around a diagnosis of pheochromocytoma without a single CT scan, or blood and urine tests for catecholamines—adrenaline, noradrenaline, metanephrines, VMA—or any other adrenal hormone panels? We need the full picture: cortisol, aldosterone, ACTH, DHEA K, sodium, potassium, glucose levels, and so on.
Other possibilities exist, like Cushing's syndrome (hypercortisolism) or Connov syndrome (hyperaldosteronism), but in this case, we're most likely looking at an
INCIDENTALOMA—which, quite frankly, translates to "nothing." These are typically small, well-defined masses with lower absorption rates than actual glandular tissue.
A pheochromocytoma, by contrast, is usually larger, around 3-5 cm, and almost always originates in the adrenal medulla.
Now, adrenal carcinomas are hormonally active about 50 percent of the time, but those present as massive tumor masses with very specific characteristics, like irregular calcification or necrosis.
And don't forget, metastases are always a possibility—most commonly spreading from melanoma, breast cancer, lung cancer, or kidney cancer.

I am absolutely fed up with this! It’s nothing but constant incompetence and zero accountability from people like Beljki. Every single time they step up, it’s the same old story—total mismanagement and a complete lack of foresight. I’ve had it up to here with the excuses. How much longer are we supposed to sit around and watch this disaster unfold? It’s pathetic, honestly. kaže:
The patient went through a whole series of private exams under the Sun umbrella. It started with a systemic firm evaluation, which led to a mammogram, then a biopsy. Now, they’re pushing for an MRI, which is... $667 Can anyone tell me if my primary care doctor can just issue an MRI referral based on a specialist's opinion from a private clinic? Like, can they just process that through insurance, or do I have to go back to the specialists first to get a formal referral from them? Or is there some other way this works?

Got it. Ready to go.

I honestly don't even know where to start with this guy. Beljki is just... unbelievable. It’s like he thinks the rules simply don't apply to him, or maybe he just lacks the basic capacity to understand how things actually work in the real world. I am beyond frustrated. Every time his name comes up, I just find myself shaking my head in pure disbelief at the sheer audacity of it all. He's completely out of touch! kaže:
Can a specialist report that requests specific findings actually be handled by a private doctor? It’s not even a matter of error there—it's more likely the specialist just doesn't want to deal with the headache of ordering an entirely new battery of tests when they can just give their opinion based on what's already sitting right in front of them.

I was checking out some promotional offers online, but I noticed something pretty irritating: they seem to have a separate, higher price list specifically for breast procedures. While most other segments are sitting at around $1,200 or $1,600 during these sales, breasts jump up to $2,000. And that’s not even counting the travel costs to get to the city. To make matters worse, most of them don't even bother listing the actual prices—you actually have to pick up the phone and call just to find out what you'll be paying. Ridiculous.

Got it. Understood. I'm ready to go.

Chris Hayes9 said:Hey there!

Does anyone know where I can actually get these blood tests done here in the city? Like, are there specific hospitals that handle this kind of thing, or am I supposed to go through a local community clinic and have them send the orders off? Also, do I need to make an appointment ahead of time, or can I just show up?
Medical Microbiology & Parasitology – stool sample testing for H. pylori. Allergology & Clinical Immunology – testing for tissue transglutaminase (tTG) antibodies, IgA.
Thanks in advance!

Vinogradska, Rebro, Mercury.

wiredtinker18 said:Hey there,
So, I just got my regular fasting blood work back, and we need to talk about the glucose levels. Honestly, it’s one of those things that gets overlooked, but it's absolutely critical. When you're sitting there waiting for those results to hit the portal, it can be nerve-wracking, right? One little spike and suddenly you're spiraling. I'm looking at these numbers, and I want to dig into what they actually mean for us. It isn't just about a single data point; it's about the whole picture. If you've been staring at your own lab reports lately, let's get into the weeds on this. What are you all seeing? Are your levels steady, or are they jumping around like crazy? Let's discuss. 6.17 mmol/L. That’s the number on the screen. Just staring at it. It’s one of those moments where you feel like the math is personally insulting you. The reference range is 3.3 to 5.6.
Because of my family history, I was sent over to the Mayo Clinic for follow-up testing. They had me redo the fasting glucose test, and this time around, the results came back at... 6.3 mmol/L.
My doctor ordered an OGTT, so I went ahead and got it done. Here are the results (fasting; after 60 mins; after 120 mins):
Let’s look at these numbers: 5.9, 7.7, and 6.9. Honestly? It’s all over the place. One minute things seem under control, and the next, we're spiking. This kind of volatility is exactly what I'm talking about—you can't just ignore these swings. We need to get a handle on this.
Insulin levels: 6.64; 71.44; 29.96.
Female, 40 years old, 5'10", 174 lbs.
I’m looking for some insight on these lab results. My insulin levels have me seriously worried, but my endocrinologist is just brushing it off! He keeps insisting everything is perfectly fine and that my only real "problem" is needing to tighten up my diet and get moving more—apparently, because of my genetics and the fact that I’ve put on about twenty pounds in just six months. It feels like he's totally dismissing my concerns. What do you all think?
Here are the rest of the lab results that might actually matter:
Total cholesterol came back at 82 mg/dL (reference range < 100).
Triglycerides: 0.98 mmol/L (Reference range: < 2)
My HDL cholesterol came back at 1.63 mmol/L (with a reference range of > 0.9).
My LDL cholesterol came back at 2.18 mmol/L (with a reference range of < 4).
My AST came back at 15.40 U/L. The lab says the normal range is anything under 31, so I guess I’m officially within the clear on that front.
My ALT came back at 11.01 U/L (with the normal range being anything under 31).
Thanks.

All my blood work came back perfectly normal.
There’s absolutely no indication that any further processing is required here. Period.

Rebecca Phillips25 said:Does anyone actually care to explain what it means when your Alkaline phosphatase levels come back low? I’m looking for real answers here. ( 26 ) , ref ( 54 -119 ) ?
The liver panel came back, and honestly? Everything is looking perfectly normal. We’re talking glucose, urea, creatinine—all within range. My red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets are all solid. Triglycerides, cholesterol, hematocrit, hemoglobin, iron... you name it, it's all right where it should be. It's a relief, frankly.
Thanks!

Nothing.

Sandra Davis37 said:White blood cell count—5.6. That’s what I’m looking at.
Red blood cell count: 4.52.
My hemoglobin came back at 118. The lab range says 119 to 157. I am officially below the line. Just barely, sure, but still technically under.
Hematocrit is sitting at 0.375. The reference range is 0.356 to 0.47. It’s technically within the bounds, but it's definitely leaning toward the lower end.
My MCV came back at 83.0. The lab's reference range goes from 83 to 97.2. So, technically, I'm sitting right on that razor-thin line of being "normal." Just barely.
My MCHC came back at 315. The lab range says 320 to 345. Just great. Another number out of bounds.
MCH is sitting at 26.1. The lab range says 27.4 to 33.9. This is low.
Platelets — 226.
My Mean Platelet Volume came back at 9.7, which sits right in that 6.8 to 10.4 range. Everything looks normal on paper.

Prothrombin time—ratio 1.01.
My INR is sitting at 1.0.

My AST came back at 20. The reference range provided was 8 to 30. Everything seems perfectly normal according to the lab, but I'm still keeping a close eye on things.
ALT - 13 (10-36)
So, I just got my labs back, and my Alkaline phosphatase is sitting at 52. The reference range says it should be between 54 and 119. Yes, I’m officially "below normal." It’s frustrating. You spend all this time monitoring everything, staying on top of the numbers, and then you get a result that's technically out of bounds. It feels like a red flag, even if it's just by a tiny margin. Now I’m left wondering what this actually means for me and whether I need to start stressing about it or if it's just a statistical blip. Anyone else dealt with low ALP levels? What was your experience?
My GGT came back at 7, while the standard range is listed between 9 and 35. Just thought I'd share that little data point here.

So, I’m currently going through the pre-op gauntlet. I've got laparoscopy on the schedule to deal with endometriosis, and I have a few burning questions. First off, I'm looking at these low hemoglobin levels—is this actually clinical anemia, or am I just overthinking results that are technically within the "normal" range? Also, once this surgery is behind me, my doctor will definitely be putting me on birth control pills. Given everything else, is my coagulation profile looking solid enough to handle that?

If we’re talking about a full preoperative workup, then this list is nowhere near complete. You're missing the essentials! Where are the creatinine levels? Urea? Glucose? Alkaline phosphatase? Fibrinogen? A full urinalysis? You can't just skip over those if you want a real picture of what's going on before surgery.
Everything looks great.

Charles Murphy6 said:My apologies if someone has already covered this topic, but I’ve scoured everything and come up empty.
My father is currently hospitalized—he's suffering from severe heart disease, and there is absolutely no chance of him returning home anytime soon.
He is currently in the Intensive Care Unit.
Is there actually a limit to how long they will keep a patient in the ICU before they force a transfer?
I had a total panic attack today because someone dropped a bug in my ear, and it just triggered this irrational fear that after two weeks, the hospital will suddenly tell us he has to be moved elsewhere.
Dad is conscious, but he is completely dependent on the machines, the IV drips, and the continuous medication.
His condition is stable in the sense that it isn't fluctuating, but it is critical; while things could technically shift, we all know any change won't be for the better.
I don't live in the same city as my parents, and honestly, Dad is terrified of hospitals and death—he calls them his "final stop in some small Midwestern town."
I know the facility has been renovated and things are different now, but in his mind, being placed there is like being abandoned by his own family...
So, I’m asking anyone who might have insight: is there a maximum timeframe for staying in the hospital? Someone mentioned a thirty-day limit, but that wasn't from a medical professional, just hearsay.
I realize it can't be years, and it certainly won't be six months, but according to the prognosis, Dad doesn't even have that much time left.😢

First and foremost, we need to know who told you that. And I don't mean names—I mean, was it a nurse, a neighbor, or just some random person? We need to know if they actually have any knowledge of a specific case.

Sandra Brooks91 said:Bingo.
But even when you're playing the expert, remember that employees are paying for this out of their own GROSS salary, not the employer's pocket.

Honestly, there’s no point arguing with any of you, much less with general practitioners regarding how prescriptions are issued.

swiftbear86 said:A patient can't just walk in and demand a specific medication simply because they heard about it or read something online.
If a doctor determines that a medication not currently registered in the US is absolutely necessary for a patient, the procedure works like this:
1) The doctor writes a private prescription including all required documentation.
2) The patient takes that private prescription to a pharmacy.
3) The pharmacy sends the request to a wholesaler authorized for emergency imports.
4) That wholesaler submits the prescription to the FDA for approval.
5) The FDA either approves or denies the import of the drug.
The whole process can drag on for up to three weeks.
And the patient is stuck footing the entire bill themselves.

Shouldn't things be handled differently now that we're part of the European Union? At least, isn't that what I read somewhere?

swiftpanther102 said:There are plenty of side effects, especially for older folks dealing with heart issues.

That is flat-out wrong! If anything, using unknown is riskier because of the potential for developing unknown.
Ondansetron is a potent, reliable, and highly selective antiemetic—specifically a 5-HT3 receptor antagonist.
Chemotherapy can trigger a release of serotonin (5-HT) in the small intestine, which then kicks off the vomiting reflex by hitting those 5-HT3 receptors via the vagus nerve afferent fibers. Ondansetron steps in right there to block that reflex from ever starting. Furthermore, activating those vagal afferent fibers can also lead to serotonin release in the area postrema, located at the base of the fourth ventricle, which triggers the vomiting reflex through a central mechanism. So, when you look at how ondansetron manages nausea and vomiting, it all comes down to its antagonism of 5-HT3 receptors on both peripheral and CNS neurons.

Sophia Peterson33 said:Who am I even supposed to talk to about this? Who’s actually in charge here?

So, how exactly does that whole procedure work?

If you're looking to track down a specific medication that isn't stocked here in the States, but is readily available across the rest of the European Union—take the Netherlands or the Czech Republic, for instance, where patients can get it with a standard prescription—you need to know exactly who to call. You can't just wander into a local pharmacy and hope for the best. There are specific channels for importing medication that hasn't cleared certain domestic hurdles yet, even if it's perfectly legal and accessible elsewhere in the EU.

I’ve been dealing with some massive health issues lately. Between the arthritis and the gout, it’s been a total nightmare over the last month. My uric acid levels have spiked through the roof, which is causing all that junk to build up in my joints—hands, feet, everywhere—and the pain is just relentless.

I’m the only one who actually managed to get my hands on the medication here, but let me tell you—it’s completely useless. Neither Allopurinol nor Meloxicam is doing a damn thing to touch this pain.

So, here’s how I tracked it down: apparently, over in the Netherlands and the Czech Republic, you can actually get your hands on a medication that effectively tackles both arthritis and gout.

My question is simple: who exactly am I supposed to contact here in the States to actually get my hands on this medication?
And what exactly does it take to get a hold of it?

Does anyone actually know the drill for getting any kind of medication imported from the European Union? I'm looking for the specific procedure.
So, now that we’re officially part of the fold, what happens? Are we just supposed to sit back and wait for the Department of Health to decide our fate? Because if history is any indication, that’s usually where things go to die.
Which agency is actually responsible for handling this?
And what exactly does that require?

To be perfectly honest, I don't have an answer for you, even though I'm just as curious about this as anyone else.
I honestly think people need to start doing their own homework and actually asking some damn questions when they walk into a pharmacy.
If you ask me, my theory is that the local pharmacy just orders whatever they want based on some private prescription written by the doctor—it’s all just a mess. I haven't confirmed it yet, but that's how it looks from where I'm sitting.
I don't know if this information will actually be useful to you all, but just recently, about five months ago...
Medicare finally gave the green light! Adenuric When you're dealing with those stubborn cases where standard Allopurinol just isn't cutting it anymore—those times when you're doing everything right but the flares still hit like a freight train—you really have to look at what’s being added to the supplemental drug formulary. It's specifically designed for those exact scenarios where the first line of defense fails.

Sandra Brooks91 said:Look, I pay my health insurance premiums religiously every single month. Because of that, I expect service when I actually need it—not after waiting for months on end. This whole logic of prioritizing government revenue over patient welfare just makes zero sense to me..

You aren't paying health insurance,your employer is doing that for you,unless you're self-employed, in which case you handle it yourself

Sandra Brooks91 said:That’s basically a classic philosophy class ethics debate—is it okay to break into a pharmacy to steal life-saving meds for someone who can't afford them? My stance is crystal clear when it comes to health, and honestly, I think we're drifting off-topic here.😉

Alright, now I’m going to start nitpicking a trivial, almost stupid example, but I would definitely factor in what kind of medication we're talking about—like insulin for Type 1 diabetics or maybe statins.
But otherwise, that specific scenario doesn't really have anything to do with this discussion.

Melissa James70 said:...if you recall, you recently suggested I check my calcium levels, since I've been taking high doses of Vitamin D for MS for about a year and a half now.

My first Vitamin D result was around 35 nmol/L, the second was roughly 75, and the latest shows 99 nmol/L (the goal is to hit 150, because according to the research, that’s the sweet spot for MS).

At the same time, my calcium—which I'm measuring for the first time now—is 2.44 mmol/L (reference range is 2.14 - 2.53). So, despite daily doses of 5000 IU and that initial massive mega-dose of 150,000, it hasn't even broken out of the normal range.

I assume that's fine?
How much calcium would it actually take to trigger hypercalcemia?

I remember🙂
The calcium is totally normal. Hypercalcemia usually kicks in when Ca hits above 2.8-2.9 mmol/L.
But regardless, I still advise that whenever you're getting your Vitamin D levels checked, you should get your Ca checked too.

melloworca6 said:You think I'm exaggerating? 😁

Come down to the Midwest if you want to see how much we love to gorge ourselves. 😳 Honestly, I don't think a plate of bacon and sausage for breakfast would even shock you. Personally, I can't stomach anything heavy first thing in the morning—to me, that feels more like a heavy lunch than breakfast—but hey, there are definitely crowds out there who load up on that kind of stuff early in the day.

Look, I've got plenty of Midwest blood in me too. It wouldn't weird me out to have bacon and sausage, maybe some cheese and cream, for breakfast, but that’s beside the point.
When I said you were exaggerating, I meant eating heavy bacon and sausage right before getting your blood drawn.

Richard Lopez37 said:Can Glucophage help stabilize excess insulin? My sugar keeps crashing, so I find myself eating constantly.

Look, Metformin is a powerhouse—it positively impacts basically every single component of metabolic syndrome.

Elizabeth Davis said:Then why on earth is blood never drawn in the afternoon?
And why don't even private labs draw blood in the afternoon?

😕

It's not that they *don't* do it. This link actually covers which tests require you to be fasting, and if you look at the right-hand column, it clearly states that samples are accepted until 6:00 PM.

Basically, almost all private labs operate this way.
As for hospitals, the exact same question applies: why don't internal medicine departments—and honestly, most outpatient clinics—work in the afternoon? Why can't we get things like EKGs, TTEs, or spirometry done later in the day?
Actually, in some hospitals—and this is becoming more common—they *do* work late.

Richard Lopez37 said:I went in for blood work and that HbA1c test two days ago, but the nurse told me they couldn't run it because I wasn't fasting—even though I hadn't done it yet. I also had my hormones checked a couple of days ago, so I should have concrete results in about a week; I'll post everything here once I get them. I haven't had all those specific tests you listed, but I'm heading to my doctor now to go over my CBC results anyway, so I'll just ask her about everything else at once.
For blood pressure, I take Carvedilol 3.125 and Physiotens 0.2 in the morning, then a stronger dose of Physiotens—0.4mg—at night.
My fasting sugar varies depending on the timing—lately it's been around 5.5—but two hours after eating, it swings anywhere from 8 to 13, depending on the day.

http://www.labcorp.com/preparation-for-fasting-tests
That link explains which tests require you to be fasting. I think I mentioned this before, but I don't want it to just be my word against the facts.
Now, if you want my honest opinion? That antihypertensive therapy is way too aggressive. I am genuinely curious about what the average BP readings were before starting Moxonidine versus after being on it—especially at that 0.6 mg dose. While Moxonidine does have a pretty decent, favorable effect on insulin resistance, microalbuminuria, and lipid profiles, it's still largely considered a backup antihypertensive.
In my view, after consulting with the appropriate endocrinologist—and depending on the HbA1c and creatinine levels—it would make sense to introduce Metformin, specifically Glucophage. For instance, start with 850mg once a day, then bump it up after meals.

Elizabeth Davis said:So how on earth would blood sugar be accurate then?

It won't be. But the issue here is specifically regarding the KKS—at least, that's what I mean when I talk about a complete blood count.

melloworca6 said:So you're saying food doesn't affect things like blood clotting at all?

Blood sugar definitely requires fasting. I'm not entirely sure if cholesterol, triglycerides, and stuff like that require fasting too, but it makes sense to me. It’s not the same thing whether I show up after stuffing myself with pizza and bacon or if I haven't eaten a thing.

Now, don't go overboard with the bacon thing... let's stay grounded. But look, if you eat a sandwich and then go in for a KKS, CRP, AST, ALT, GGT, creatinine, or urea test, nothing is going to be messed up.
However, for biochemical tests like glucose, iron, or a lipid panel, you absolutely have to be fasting.

Larry Walker24 said:When I went to get my blood drawn (for a complete blood count), the doctor told me I had to be fasting.

And I told him that some people actually say that.

Rachel Bishop93 said:appearance—cloudy (clear).
color—yellow (pale yellow)
ph- 5.0 (5.0-9.0)
rel.vol. mass- 1.030 (1.002-1.030)

leukocytes- 8-10 (0-2 x 400)
erythrocytes- 5-7 (0-2 x 400)
pl. epithelium- some (0-1 x 400)
bacteria- many (0/neg x 400)
mucus- many (0/neg x 400)

Should I be worried about this last part and maybe look into further testing, even though nothing is bothering me and I don't have any symptoms?

These results point straight toward a urinary tract infection. You could get a urine culture done, or just go ahead with empirical treatment—maybe something like cephalosporins. If there's clinical reason to do so, you should probably get a kidney ultrasound or check up on things like CRP, creatinine, and urea.

swiftbear86 said:I am asking doctors to please review my case and advise me.



65-year-old patient
Diagnoses:
Diabetes
Hypertension
Gout
Arthritis
Current medications:
Aglurab 850 1,0,2
Allopurinol 1x1
Aspirin 1x1
Plendil 5 mg 1x1
Atacand 8 mg 1x1

Two years ago, I had a B12 and folic acid deficiency (treated with IV B12 and oral folic acid; levels returned to normal after treatment and medication was discontinued).
Note that my diabetes is poorly controlled (blood glucose 8-10), and I am experiencing extreme fatigue, joint pain, muscle cramps, and frequent diarrhea.
I consume alcohol 2-3 times a week, stay physically active, and do not follow a specific diet.
In that regard, I understand most of my situation; my main concern right now is the erythrocyte count and its distribution.
Would it be wise to discontinue metformin due to its effect on the liver and switch to something else?
Will the decision fall to a hematologist, an endocrinologist, or will they handle it separately?
Thank you all for your effort.
I hope the results are legible.

The assessment here is incomplete—even at the PZZ level.
Honestly, I’m siding with Nicholas Myers regarding the introduction of insulin.
Personally, I would suggest starting Janumet or Eucreas, though we could also consider repaglinide or Reodon.
It wouldn't hurt to introduce a lipid-lowering agent as well, such as Torvas 10 mg.
The CBC isn't catastrophically deranged.

Regarding the workup, it would be prudent to perform an EGD with biopsies, an eventual colonoscopy with deep ileoscopy, a fecal occult blood test, and a repeat of general biochemistry, HbA1c, creatinine clearance, and 24-hour microalbuminuria.
Plus an abdominal ultrasound.
Check B12 and folic acid levels,
and continue IV B12 at 500 mcg every two months—or rather, depending on what the GI evaluation reveals about the cause of the deficiency.

Robert Adams88 said:I'm heading in soon for a full blood panel, and I want to make sure my results are as accurate as possible. Is fasting actually required? Should I cut back on heavy, greasy foods a few days beforehand? Help me out here...

You don't strictly have to fast, even though some people stubbornly insist you do.

Megan Wells8 said:Hey everyone...
My husband saw his doctor today to ask for a referral for blood work.
He hasn't had a checkup in two years, so I suggested we just get everything done at once.
He works as a welder in pretty harsh conditions.
Well, she told him she can't just hand out referrals whenever anyone feels like asking.
She said if he wants blood work, he should go to a private clinic and pay for it himself, or wait until he actually shows symptoms of an illness.
So, now... we're wondering who's actually right here?
It makes zero sense to us. We pay for our health insurance, he goes to the doctor for the first time in ages, and she refuses because he isn't "sick" yet. What happened to preventative care?
To give you context, about a year ago, I discovered I had major thyroid issues during a similar preventative screening. The symptoms crept up on me so slowly I didn't even notice them.
Maybe we're overreacting because we were spooked by my diagnosis, but I really feel like a checkup every two years shouldn't be asking too much.
Thanks in advance for any insight.

On one hand, I see where bloodan is coming from.
But in this specific situation, I agree—he absolutely should have gone in for a basic physical.