Lab results - looking for opinions [PLEASE READ 1ST POST]

Chloe Sanchez15 said:

Hello,

Could you please help me interpret these results? Is there any sign of insulin resistance here, specifically regarding this insulin value after 120 minutes?
In other results from last week, my ferritin was 11.3 ng/l (ref. 13.0-150) and iron was 90 ng/l (ref. 33-193).

Thanks so much in advance.

Hello,

Based on the calculations, the HOMA-IR index comes out to 1.16 (normal is under 1.6) and the Matsuda index is 9.86 (normal is above 2.5). Based on these specific metrics, there are no indicators of insulin resistance in this report. As for that 120-minute insulin level, I looked at two different sources, both of which suggest a value of 294.2 pmol/L is still within the acceptable range. For instance, the Williams Textbook of Endocrinology (13th ed., Philadelphia: Elsevier) lists the 120-minute reference range between 111-1153 pmol/L, while Quest Diagnostics provides a range of 35 to 380 pmol/L. Reference values fluctuate quite a bit depending on the literature used, but according to most sources, your 294.2 pmol/L falls within the normal spectrum.

For a more granular view, an extended OGTT would be necessary—measuring insulin at 30, 60, 120, and 180 minutes—to pinpoint exactly when peak insulin concentrations occur and determine the specific type of insulin curve.

Regarding the ferritin levels: they are low, which points toward depleted iron stores in the body. However, it would be useful to see the TIBC to calculate transferrin saturation.

David Flores68 said:My biopsy results are throwing me for a loop. I had a gastroscopy, and here was the initial finding:


And then there's this pathology report...


What’s tripping me up is that while the pathologist states the material matches gastric mucosa, they also mention finding normal stratified squamous epithelium in part of the sample. From what I've gathered, the stomach lining is made of simple columnar epithelium, right? So why the squamous stuff?

Does this mean the sample actually came from the esophagus, and that intestinal metaplasia indicates Barrett's esophagus?

Sir,

You really ought to direct this question to the pathologist who reviewed the slide. I can't know exactly what they saw under the microscope, but based on the report, they identified the tissue as gastric mucosa. In short, the pathologist believes this is stomach tissue, not esophageal. As for the presence of stratified squamous epithelium, it could simply be because the biopsy caught the "Z-line"—that transition zone where the distal esophagus meets the cardia of the stomach. It's entirely possible a bit of the esophageal lining was snagged during the procedure.

That said, the definitive answer has to come from the specialist who performed the examination. I can't speculate on their specific visual findings or what they intended to capture.

Carl Thompson26 said:Hello,

Could you explain these results?

Thanks

"In the bone marrow sample, cells show lymphocyte-sized cells (14%), monocytes
(8%), and cells in granulopoiesis (78%). Analysis of mononuclear cells (= lympho + mono,
22%) reveals T+NK (38%) and B-cells (10%), cells with a monocyte phenotype (19%), as well as
immature myeloid cells (17%), including 9.5% cells with a myeloblast phenotype.
Of the total cell count in the sample, T+NK cells account for 8%, B-cells 2%, monocyte-type
cells 4%, immature myeloid cells 3.8%, including 2% cells with a myeloblast phenotype, alongside
granulopoiesis cells (78%). Findings show no pathological signs in the
bone marrow mononuclear cells.

Hello,

The final sentence summarizes everything: no pathological signs were found in the bone marrow mononuclear cells. In plain English, nothing looks wrong here. If I recall correctly, you're being evaluated for granulocytopenia. It’s possible this is caused by increased cell destruction outside the bone marrow—for instance, the body producing antibodies against granulocytes. That might shift the diagnostic focus toward autoimmune issues, though I can't make that call based solely on this report.

Maria Fisher46 said:Dear Sir/Madam,

This question really ought to be directed toward the pathologist who actually examined the specimen. I can't speak to what they saw firsthand, though I can certainly infer from the wording of the report that they identified gastric mucosa. Essentially, the pathologist believes the sample consists of stomach lining rather than esophageal tissue. That presence of stratified squamous epithelium on part of the surface? That could simply be due to the "Z-line"—that specific junction where the distal esophagus meets the cardia of the proximal stomach. It’s entirely possible that some esophageal mucosa was caught up in the biopsy during the procedure.

That said, the definitive explanation needs to come from the pathologist who reviewed and documented the findings. I simply cannot tell you what they observed—or what they *should* have observed.

Thanks!

Hey everyone,
I was hoping someone could help me make sense of these lab results I got a few days ago...

Non-HDL cholesterol (calculated) (s) 4.0 H
Alpha-fetoprotein (s) 7.3 H
HOMA-IR (s) 2.7 H
eGFR CKD-EPI 78 L
ALP (s) 57 L
GGT (s) 96 H
Cholesterol (s) 5.8 H

I'm 55 years old, 5'11", about 176 lbs, dealing with arrhythmias despite having had a couple of ablations already, and currently taking Ryhtmonorm and Concor...

Should I be sweating these markers at all?

thanks in advance...

Could someone please explain these results?

Hi, can anyone tell me what might be going on here? My rheumatologist sent me to get these levels checked (among others) because she suspects I might have Raynaud's.

Because of a chronic condition I’m dealing with (I won't specify which one here), I have to get blood work done for pretty much everything. Since I'm stuck in isolation until October 4th because I tested positive, and I have an appointment on October 6th where I need to present these results, it looks like I'll have to go get my blood drawn on October 5th. To make matters "worse," since I didn't head out to get it done immediately, my referral is only valid through October 11th—and while I know they can just issue a new one, that isn't really an option for me right now.

To cut to the chase, how much is a COVID-19 infection going to mess with my bloodwork regarding kidney function, sodium, glucose, lipids, and so on...? Will there be any real difference if I get the blood drawn on the 5th versus the 10th of October? I'm assuming a five-day delay isn't going to magically make the numbers look better if the virus is skewing them, but still, I figured I'd ask. Just to clarify, this chronic illness I'm testing for isn't respiratory or heart-related; otherwise, I wouldn't even be asking. So, I'd love to hear some thoughts.

Basically, what I'm trying to avoid is my doctor deciding that the medication I'm taking for this condition is potentially ineffective, leading them to ramp up the dosage or switch it entirely, when there might not actually be a reason for that change—especially since we don't have baseline results from before I started this specific therapy to compare against.

Over my last few measurements, I've noticed my eGFR has dropped down to about 58 - 59. It’s a bit concerning because just a few years ago, it was sitting much higher, around 80 - 82.

I am 49 years old.

Here are the rest of my results:

24-hour urine protein: 0.11 (ref. 0.05 - 0.08)
urea: 5.2 (ref. 2.8 - 8.3)
uric acid: 230 (ref. 134 - 337)
creatinine: 97 (ref. 49 - 90)
24-hour urine creatinine: 9913 (ref. 5900 - 14000)
creatinine clearance: 72 (ref. 50 - 102).

I guess I'm wondering, why would the eGFR be this low?

And is there any way it might be possible to raise it back up?

Thanks.

There are several different things that could be driving that low eGFR. Were you actually hydrated when they drew your blood? I mean, were you "dry"? Also, do you have any other underlying health issues—like diabetes, for instance—that could be causing kidney damage? And are you currently taking any medications that might be nephrotoxic?

Could someone help me make sense of these peripheral blood smear results? I had them done because my leukocyte count was up at 20, while the upper limit is usually 10.
Results: Normochromic normocytic erythrocytes.
TRS is moderately abundant.
White blood cell count shows mild leukocytosis, but there are no pathological changes in leukocyte morphology or the differential count.
Differential Count:
neseg: %
Seg: 72%
Ly: 22%
Eo: 3%
Bazo: %
Mono: 3%
No immature cells present.

Laura Morris16 said:Could someone help me make sense of these blood smear results? They were ordered because my leukocyte count is up at 20, while the normal limit is 10.
Results: Normochromic normocytic erythrocytes.
Moderate TRS.
White blood cell count shows mild leukocytosis without any pathological changes in leukocyte morphology or DKS.
DKS:
neseg: %
Seg: 72%
Ly: 22%
Eo: 3%
Bazo: %
Mono: 3%
No immature cells present.

Just a heads-up, I'm dealing with two autoimmune diseases, so I'm on painkillers, blood pressure meds, corticosteroids, and methotrexate.

As far as I know, I don't have diabetes or any other kind of blood sugar issues.

Regarding medication, I'm only taking Pentas (and I just started Sortis recently, though they actually caught my low eGFR before I began that).

I'm honestly not quite sure what they mean by being "dehydrated." If that just means I wasn't drinking enough water or fluids before my blood work, then I suppose that’s possible—I had my blood drawn right in the middle of a massive summer heatwave, and I hadn't been sipping on much water beforehand. But, I went back for another blood test later (after making a real effort to stay hydrated), and the level is still sitting low at 59.

Sometimes it feels like I'm urinating way more than the amount of fluid I'm actually consuming, so I can't help but wonder where all that liquid is coming from. I guess I'm wondering if this might be some sort of sign of a kidney issue? Also, my left ankle tends to swell up every once in a while.

Olivia Bennett81 said:Hello,
I’m looking for some clarification on lab results from a few days ago.

Non-HDL cholesterol (calc) (s) 4.0 H
Alpha-fetoprotein (s) 7.3 H
HOMA-IR (s) 2.7 H
eGFR CKD-EPI 78 L
ALP (s) 57 L
GGT (s) 96 H
Cholesterol (s) 5.8 H

I am 55 years old, 180 cm, 80 kg. I deal with arrhythmias (despite having had several ablations) and take Rythmonorm and Concor.

Should I be worried about these markers?

Thanks in advance

You could be looking at the development of metabolic syndrome based on these numbers—specifically insulin resistance and hyperlipidemia. Given the elevation in liver enzymes (GGT) alongside the rise in alpha-fetoprotein, I’d say the bare minimum is getting an abdominal ultrasound. Essentially, you need further investigation.

Betty Collins45 said:Could someone please explain these results?

It’s possible we're looking at an infection that explains the elevated IgA and IgG, such as a respiratory or gastrointestinal issue. However, there isn't enough clinical history here, and without seeing the rest of the panel, a detailed interpretation isn't possible. It is worth noting that the immunoglobulin increase isn't monoclonal, which is a positive sign; otherwise, we'd be leaning toward more malignant pathologies.

Zachary Rivera40 said:Hi, can anyone tell me what this might indicate? My rheumatologist sent me to get these values checked (among others) due to suspected Raynaud's.

View on imgur

Hello,

Without medical history or a physical exam, interpreting this is difficult. If these results suggest that Raynaud's isn't primary but secondary to an underlying condition, the data could point toward systemic lupus erythematosus.

Laura Morris16 said:I should mention I’m dealing with two autoimmune diseases. My current regimen includes pain management, blood pressure medication, corticosteroids, and methotrexate.

Ma'am,

Glucocorticoids typically bump up white blood cell counts by about 3 to 5 x 10*9/L. In someone taking steroids, seeing a count up to 15 x 10*9/L is expected. A reading of 20 x 10*9/L isn't standard, though it could simply be a side effect of the glucocorticoids. In these instances, I suggest ruling out infection or other underlying issues by checking CRP, ESR, procalcitonin, along with standard routine tests like a urinalysis.

Maria Fisher46 said:Hi there,

Glucocorticoids typically bump up your white blood cell count by about 3 to 5 x 10^9/L. So, if you're on steroids, seeing a count up to 15 x 10^9/L is pretty expected. A level of 20 x 10^9/L isn't exactly standard, though it could just be a side effect of the medication. In cases like this, I'd suggest ruling out infections or other causes by checking your CRP, ESR, and procalcitonin, along with your regular stuff like urine tests...

Everything else in my routine labs looks fine—urine, ESR, and CRP are all okay. I've never actually had my procalcitonin checked, though. What does that actually show? My white cell counts have been tracked since 2013, and they've been slowly creeping up, so my hematologist thinks it's just the corticosteroids. Still, I'm a bit skeptical and I'm mostly asking here because I'm worried there might be something else going on under the surface. What do you think? Thanks.

These are the results from September 29th. I had an X-ray of my heart and lungs, plus an EKG, and everything looks totally fine. Liver tests came back normal too.
I should mention that a few days after getting my blood drawn, I ended up with a sinus and ear infection. Currently on Makcin antibiotics.

Hello.
I need some help interpreting these lab results.
My child is 14. Just over a month ago, they were diagnosed with infectious mononucleosis, confirmed EBV.
We did a follow-up blood count yesterday. Liver enzymes are all back within the normal range.
However, other abnormalities popped up, which—naturally—have me worried.
Neutrophils are low at 28.2% (normal range is 34 to 69).
Eosinophils are high at 24.7% (normal is up to 9).
Monocytes are low at 4.4% (normal is 5 to 13).
Eosinophil count is 2.32x10e9/L.

Keep in mind that during the previous blood draw (exactly 14 days before this one), everything was normal except for those liver enzymes.
Back then, eosinophils were at 6.5%, or 0.65x10e9/L.
This spike in eosinophils in just two weeks is what’s eating at me.
The doctor ordered a parasite screen and scheduled a CBC and differential follow-up in 10 days.
Of course, I’m spiraling through every worst-case scenario I read online. I'm panicking.
Does it make any sense to repeat the differential earlier, say in 5 days?

Samsung Galaxy A12 using Reddit

I was hoping someone could take a look at this cytology smear result from a breast discharge.
The exam was done six months after the last one, where they only found some foamy phagocytes.
Does this still point toward "idiopathic galactorrhea"?
Thanks.

Hello, I am looking for some guidance.

The patient is 62 years old, 180cm, and 58kg.
He had stomach cancer surgery 11 years ago; currently, his only medication for stomach issues is Apazol.
The issue is that his red blood cell counts—specifically Erythropoiesis, Hemoglobin, Hematocrit, and MCH—are steadily dropping. I’ll list them chronologically. He was previously iron deficient, but whenever his doctor prescribed supplements, the levels would improve, only to plummet again once he stopped. For example, he would take tablets for three months, the iron would stabilize, then he'd stop for another three months and the levels would drop low again.

Blood Work Results

April 1, 2022

Erythrocytes: 4.22___(4.34-5.22)
Hemoglobin: 113___(138-175)
Hematocrit: 0.344___(0.415-0.530)
MCV: 81.5___(83-97.2)
MCH: 26.8___(27.4-33.9)

Eosinophils: 0.48___(0-0.43)
Iron: 14___(11-32)

June 7, 2022

Erythrocytes: 4.26___(4.34-5.72)
Hemoglobin: 107___(138-175)
Hematocrit: 0.334___(0.415-0.530)
MCV: 78.4___(83-97.2)
MCH: 25.1___(27.4-33.9)

Eosinophils: 0.45___(0-0.43)
Iron: 24___(11-32)

October 14, 2022

Erythrocytes: 4.09___(4.34-5.72)
Hemoglobin: 100___(138-175)
Hematocrit: 0.319___(0.415-0.530)
MCV: 78___(83-97.2)
MCH: 24.4___(27.4-33.9)
MCHC: 313___(320-345)
RDW: 17.1___(9-15)

Eosinophils: 0.42___(0-0.43)
Iron: 7___(11-32)
Transferrin Saturation: 10___(20-50)

The doctor claims the blood work is fine and that he just needs to continue taking iron supplements, but I honestly have my doubts. When he stopped the supplements, his iron dropped from 24 to 7 in just four months, all while his other values (hemoglobin, hematocrit, etc.) continue to decline. I wonder if he needs a full hematology workup to find the underlying cause, or if this trend is somewhat expected for someone who has survived stomach cancer. This is a family member, and he is visibly wasting away; he has lost significant muscle mass and has almost no body fat left. On top of that, he was diagnosed with sciatica four years ago, which they say can be managed with exercise, but I'm not sure how he'll manage that given his condition.
I would truly appreciate any advice on what steps we should take next. Best regards.