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

How many test tubes are actually needed for a full CBC Panel?

For a standard CBC Panel, you only need one test tube.

What on earth does "3 test tubes" actually mean?

I’m honestly not sure I follow the question. They took three vials of blood from you, and now you’re wondering why they needed three instead of just one? It seems pretty obvious that your doctor ordered a more comprehensive blood panel, and when someone says "a broader panel," that could mean anything from a few dozen to even hundreds of different tests. There isn't really anyone on this forum who can give you a definitive answer based just on what you've shared here... asking "what does three vials mean?" doesn't really get us anywhere. 🙂

Peter Cruz61 said:Hello,

My cervical swab showed high counts of Escherichia coli and Streptococcus agalactiae, along with Ureaplasma urealyticum (10^3). I was prescribed Nolicin—though notably without an antibiogram—which I took for ten days. I also decided on my own to drink oregano and birch tea. My follow-up swab results state (quoting): Microscopic preparation: squamous epithelial cells, Gram-positive bacilli. There is no mention of E. coli, Streptococcus, or Ureaplasma. Is there any reason to worry or to request another swab?
Thanks in advance 🙂

Hello,

A few things here are unclear. First, why was the swab performed at all (were you experiencing symptoms)? Second, if those bacterial counts were significant, the report would typically include an antibiogram; an infection (assuming it’s an actual infection rather than just colonization) is treated based on that specific sensitivity profile, not empirically. Third, the choice of Nolicin (norfloxacin) is questionable; that antibiotic doesn't target Ureaplasma, nor is it effective against Streptococcus agalactiae due to high resistance rates. Usually, Nolicin is used for E. coli when it's in the urinary tract (like a bladder infection), not for a cervical issue. Fourth, the treatment goal itself is vague: many wouldn't even treat Ureaplasma at a concentration of 10^3; as for Streptococcus agalactiae, it's known to frequently colonize the genital tract, and many clinicians believe that outside of pregnancy, if it isn't causing issues, it shouldn't be treated.

As you can see, there are quite a few questions and uncertainties.

dustymaker642 said:I had high concentrations of E. coli, so because I'm pregnant, my doctor gave me a referral to double-check if I actually cleared it. I don't have any symptoms—didn't even have them when the initial test came back bad.

How much time passed between finishing treatment and providing the samples for the lab? And why three separate tests?! What did the urine sediment look like?

Maria Fisher46 said:How much time passed between stopping the treatment and providing the samples for the USA tests? And why did you have to do the USA tests three times? Also, what was the urine sediment looking like?

It had been about 20 days from the time I stopped the medication until I gave the samples. As for why I had to go three times, I honestly don't know. 🤷 It seems like whenever I need a urine culture—and I've been needing them quite frequently lately—I always end up having to provide three separate samples over three consecutive days. I don't actually have the results for the urine sediment on hand, because I usually get those after just one sample, and that's typically handled at a different lab here in my city.

dustymaker642 said:It’s been about 20 days since I stopped my medication until I provided the samples. Why three times? No clue. 🤷 Whenever I get a urine culture done—and lately, I've been doing them quite often—I always have to provide three separate samples over three consecutive days. I don't have the results for the urine sediment. That’s a different test you get from a single sample, and in my city, that’s handled by a different lab.

Yes, urine sediment and urine cultures are typically processed in different laboratories.

I asked about the urine sediment because the report mentions the presence of leukocytes, which should ideally be quantified. A urine culture, by definition, is looking for sterility. If there is an elevated leukocyte count in the urine but the culture comes back sterile, that indicates a need for further investigation.

I’m not sure what your specific testing schedule looks like, but following a confirmed infection and completed treatment, standard medical guidelines suggest performing a urine culture 1–2 weeks after finishing therapy, then again at 4–6 weeks. In certain cases, a final follow-up might be needed 3 months later. That is the recommended protocol according to clinical guidelines.

Thanks for such a detailed and clear response. 🙂

I was wondering if someone could help explain these results to me and perhaps suggest what follow-up tests I might need to consider.

CBC Panel: Erythrocytes 3.87 ( 3.86 - 5.08 )
Hgb 133 (119 -157)
Hematocrit 0.367 (0.356 - 0.470)
MCV 95.0 (83.0-97.2)
MCH 31.8 ( 27.4 - 33.9)
MCHC 336 ( 320-345)
Platelets 249 ( 158 -424)
Leukocytes 8.0 (3.4 - 9.7)
Segmented Granulocytes 57.50 (44-72)
4 Lymphocytes 27.60 (20-46)
Monocytes 14.90 H (2-12)

Urinalysis:

Leukocytes 5 ( 0-2)
Erythrocytes 10 (0-2)
Squamous Epithelial Cells 3 (0-1)
Mucus - mass

Just for context, four weeks ago I underwent a D&C following a miscarriage. The procedure went smoothly without complications, and my recovery and initial findings were all normal.
During my pregnancy, I had some concerning urine results:
Leukocytes 10
Erythrocytes 50
Squamous Epithelial Cells 10

Following that, a urine culture was performed, which came back sterile. I wasn't referred for any further testing at that time. However, four weeks later, it was determined that the fetus had passed. Even though the current urine values are improving compared to the previous ones, I'm concerned that they still haven't returned to the standard reference range. I was prescribed a course of antibiotics, but no further diagnostic steps were suggested.

I had a Streptococcus infection; my CRP was up at 88.8 back then.
Had a fever, chills, and toward the end of the Silapen therapy, I started dealing with muscle aches or joint pain—honestly, it’s hard to tell them apart—and just feeling completely drained.
Afterward, I got some labs done.
CRP is 3.3 (normal).
Blood cultures were within the reference range.
The only thing bothering me is my blood Creatinine level. Every lab site seems to have a different reference range, but mine came back at
50 (ref. 49-90).
Is it possible this could be causing the muscle and joint pain, even though it's right at the bottom edge of the normal range?
I'm also currently being evaluated for dizziness. Thanks.

I was wondering if someone might be willing to help me make sense of my hormone lab results. I'd really appreciate it.
TSH 1.9 (ref. interval 0.34-5.6)
fT4 13.61 (ref. interval 7.8-14.41)
anti-TPO I had these tests done because I've been dealing with some prolonged menstrual bleeding lately.

Hello everyone, could someone please help me make sense of these results? I'm trying to figure out if I actually have any cause for concern here.

I’m 26 years old, and lately, I’ve been noticing some thinning hair. My dermatologist sent me off for a urine analysis, some blood work, and a check on my thyroid hormones. As it turns out, the hormone levels and tumor markers all came back within the normal range, which is a relief. However, I am feeling quite uneasy about my blood work.

Almost everything fell perfectly within the reference intervals, but there are these three specific values marked with an "H" for high.

Hematology:
MCHC (k) 352 ( 304 - 346 )

Enzymes:
AST (s) 39 ( 11 - 38 )
ALT (s) 68 ( 12 - 48 )

From what I’ve gathered through my own late-night searching online, these seem to be liver enzymes.

redpilot37 said:I had a Streptococcus infection, and my CRP was up at 88.8 back then.
I had a fever, chills, and by the end of the Silapen therapy, I was dealing with these aches in my joints or muscles—honestly, it's hard to even tell which is which—and just feeling totally wiped out.
Afterward, I got some labs done:
CRP is 3.3 (which is normal),
CBC Panel results were all within the normal range,
the only thing bugging me is my blood Creatinine because every lab site seems to have a different reference range, but mine came in at
50 (ref. 49-90).
Is there any chance that could be causing the muscle and joint pain, even if it's right at the bottom edge of the normal range?
Also, I'm currently being worked up for dizziness. Thanks so much!

Hmm.
It would probably be pretty smart to get checked out by an infectious disease specialist and a cardiologist as soon as you can (definitely make sure to get an Echocardiogram done too).
Streptococcus can be a real nasty piece of work when it comes to your joints, kidneys, or heart—that lack of energy might even be a sign that your heart muscle is taking a hit.

Hannah Hill said:Could someone please explain these results to me? I’m also looking for guidance on what follow-up tests might be necessary.

Monocytes. 14.90 H (Ref Range: 2-12)

Dear Madam,

Monocyte counts are elevated, both by percentage and in absolute numbers. This could simply be reactive, transient monocytosis, but I’d suggest scheduling a follow-up CBC in a few weeks—say, two to four weeks from now—to see if those levels settle back into the normal range.

Urinalysis sediment:

White blood cell count. 5 ( 0-2)
Red blood cells. 10 (0-2)
Squamous epithelial cells. 3 (0-1)
Service— masu

Based on this urine sediment analysis, you can't definitively say whether the issue lies within the urinary tract or the reproductive system. Those erythrocytes and leukocytes could just as easily be coming from the vagina rather than the urinary tract itself.

Are you experiencing any urinary issues or gynecological symptoms? Also, which antibiotic were you prescribed?

mellowmoose11 said:I would appreciate it if someone could help me interpret my hormone lab results.
TSH 1.9. Reference range: 0.34–5.6.
fT4 13.61 (Reference interval: 7.8–14.41)
Anti-TPO Tests were ordered due to prolonged menstrual bleeding.

The results are clean. You’ll need to look elsewhere for the cause of these symptoms.

James Barrett66 said:Everything is within the reference range, except for these three marked H.

Hematology:
MCHC (k) 352 ( 304 - 346 )

Hello,

We have requested multiple times that all results be posted, not just the ones flagged as abnormal. Every single data point matters for an accurate interpretation. It also provides a clear picture of which tests were actually performed and which were skipped.

Regarding this MCHC result: it isn't a major concern, provided that the erythrocyte count, hemoglobin, hematocrit, and MCV levels are all normal.

Enzymes:
AST (s) 39 ( 11 - 38 )
ALT (s) 68 ( 12 - 48 )

From what I’ve read online, these are liver enzymes.

They are, though (especially AST) they can spike due to various other conditions or disorders.

This specific finding shows a very slight deviation from the norm, but the elevation is still present.

It would be wise to follow a "liver-friendly" diet—essentially abstaining from alcohol and avoiding fatty, overly sugary, fried, or carbonated foods—and then repeat the liver function panel in 4 to 6 weeks.

Furthermore, given the lack of medical history and the absence of a physical exam, it is impossible to determine the clinical significance of these results or suggest specific next steps for further testing.

With my MCHC at 5.25 (range 4.34 - 5.72), hemoglobin sitting at 159 (138 - 175), hematocrit at 0.45 (0.42 - 0.53), and MCV at 86 (83 - 97), everything seems to be right where it should be. I also have an MCH of 30.3 (24.3 - 33.9), platelets at 297 (158 - 424), and white blood cell counts at 8.6 (3.4 - 9.7).

The full panel includes results for: Hematology, qualitative urinalysis, microscopic urine examination, metabolites and substrates, as well as enzymes and trace elements. As I mentioned earlier, the whole reason I’m digging through these tests is because of some thinning hair I've been experiencing, so my dermatologist requested this specific battery of workups.

Regarding the AST and ALT enzyme levels, I actually have a follow-up appointment with the dermatologist on October 15th to review everything. I’ll see what they have to say, though I might just swing by my primary care physician's office in the meantime—I need to get my eye prescription checked anyway, so it seems efficient to have them interpret these labs while I'm there. I must admit, those ALT values have me feeling a bit uneasy; they seemed to jump quite significantly from what I expected.

Thanks for the response. 🙂

James Barrett66 said:Regarding my AST and ALT levels, I have a follow-up scheduled with my dermatologist on October 15th, so I'll see what they think. Or, I might just drop by my primary care physician's office in the meantime—I need to get my prescription checked for my vision anyway—so he can interpret these results immediately. That ALT value has me a bit uneasy; it seems like a significant jump.

Thanks for the reply. 🙂

As for the hair thinning, considering age and gender, it could potentially be the onset of androgenetic alopecia, which is the most common culprit behind hair loss. However, it really depends on the pattern—whether the thinning is localized to one specific spot or diffuse across the scalp—and if it follows the typical progression of androgenic patterns.

Liver enzymes aren't excessively high (values up to 250 IU are generally considered mildly elevated), so there's no reason to panic. Still, monitoring them is necessary. If these elevated levels persist, we'll need to investigate the underlying cause. The results suggest some level of liver cell damage, but based on this data alone, determining the exact source of that damage is impossible.

Hey everyone!
I'm curious to hear what you all think..
For the last five years, every single time I get blood work done, my RDW and MCHC levels come back outside the normal range. My doctor tells me not to sweat it at all and that I'm healthy, though my lymphatic system gives me some trouble.
So, here's my diagnosis: external lymphostasis, inferior right side.
Lymphoscintigraphy: reduction of the right pelvic iliac lymph node group, showing structural reduction along with lymph retention in the distal part of the right lower leg.
I NEED A PLAIN ENGLISH EXPLANATION, but from what they told me, I have clogged lymph nodes—basically like veins—so my lymph isn't doing its job properly.

Basically, whenever I get blood drawn, my RDW is always low. Normal is 14.6-16.5, but mine usually lands between 12.5-13.1.
My MCHC is always high too. Normal is 320-345, but mine stays around 346-350.
In my last results, my monocytes were elevated... normal is 2-12, and mine was 13.4.

Next week, I'm heading in to get CRP, FBG, CK, LD, ESP, and RF tested.

Thanks in advance