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

Perforated ulcers tend to be dramatic affairs. They hit fast and hard, with intense pain that radiates across the entire abdomen and sometimes beyond, leaving you feeling generally quite unwell.

It’s possible that some of your current symptoms—the heartburn, the acid reflux, the abdominal pain—stem from GERD or perhaps a gastric or duodenal ulcer. However, you can't know for sure without a gastroscopy, which I see isn't scheduled for another month.

As for that liver ultrasound result, it definitely warrants a follow-up with an internist specializing in hepatology.

I am sorry you're going through this. It sounds exhausting, bouncing from doctor to doctor without any clear answers in hand.

Regrettably, I can't offer a definitive take on your condition. While it looks like you've undergone a significant amount of testing, it still doesn't paint a complete picture. Your results suggest something is happening, but only the gastroenterologist or hepatologist managing your care can truly weigh in on what's going on.

Wishing you the best. Hang in there. 😉

Hi everyone,
I'm 21. Because of a rash that's been hanging on for three weeks now, my doctor sent me for blood work and throat/nasal swabs. I'm still waiting on the swab results, but I got my blood and urine panels back today. I'm wondering if I should be worried?

MCH 27.2 L (27.4-33.9)
MCHC 319 L (320-345)
RDW 11.3 L (14.6-16.5)

Creatinine 51 L (63-107)
GGT 6 L (9-35)

Sedimentation 32 H (4-24)

URINE:
proteins 1
leukocytes 10-20
leukocyte esterase 3
squamous epithelial cells 20-50
small epithelial cells 2-6
bacteria 3
salts 1

I should mention I don't have any bladder symptoms at all. I dealt with constant UTIs about two years ago, but that settled down and hasn't been an issue in a long time. I'm curious if this could point to something else, not necessarily a bladder infection. My doctor suspected pityriasis, but she ordered the tests anyway since this rash has lasted so long. Now I'm just waiting on the throat and nasal swabs; I'm supposed to take everything to her on Wednesday. Should I perhaps reach out to her sooner? I realize the sedimentation indicates some inflammation, but I'm not sure if it's a major or urgent concern.

Thanks a lot 🙂

Hello everyone.

I'm 30 years old and planning to conceive my first child. However, after seeing my blood work, my gynecologist wasn't particularly encouraging about moving forward, so I was hoping to get some perspectives here. My levels are slightly lower than the standard range, though I suspect that's due to heavy periods—which, hopefully, won't be an issue once I'm pregnant...

erythrocyte......... 3.77
hemoglobin..... 85
hematocrit..... 0.292
MCV............. 77.5
MCH............. 22.5
MCHC........... 291
leukocytes........ 7.6

Thank you all so much in advance.🙂

So, I went in for blood work and a urine sample yesterday. Everything looks totally normal, except for the urinalysis where it shows positive for erythrocyte / Hb ---pos (+), plus some bacteria and a little bit of mucus... I actually had a bladder infection about two months ago that cleared up after some pills, so now I'm wondering what this could be. I’ve never seen blood in my urine before, just those erythrocytes on the lab report. What does that even mean? I can't see my doctor for another three days, and a friend mentioned it might be pregnancy, though I couldn't find anything about that online. Just for context, I'm 18 if that matters.

Hey everyone,

I'm 21 years old, and because I've been dealing with this occasional abdominal pain—just nothing constant, but enough to be annoying—I decided to go see my doctor. They sent me off to get some blood work done to see what's going on, and here is what the results show:

So, I was looking over some results—just staring at the numbers, you know how it is—and my MCHC is slightly elevated at 360, while my MCH is sitting right on the edge at 33.9. It’s one of those things where you see a number just a hair out of the "normal" range and suddenly your brain starts spinning a million miles an hour! Just one of those little details that sticks in your head, right?
So, I was looking over some labs recently—you know how it goes, always digging through the numbers—and I noticed an MPV that's sitting below 5.5. Honestly, it’s one of those things that can really make you pause and wonder what's actually happening under the hood, right? It's just one of those little details that feels significant when you see it staring back at you from the report.

Everything looks solid on my end—white blood cells, red blood cells, platelets, and hemoglobin are all right where they should be, sitting perfectly in the middle of the normal range. Even my AST and ALT levels came back totally fine, too. Everything’s looking pretty steady!

So, what's the deal with having a high MCHM and a low MPV? Like, what is that actually telling us?

Hannah Campbell20 said:Hello, everyone.

I'm 30 and planning to conceive for the first time. However, after seeing my blood work, my gynecologist didn't exactly give me the green light, so I'm looking for some outside perspectives here. My levels are running a bit lower than the standard range, though I suspect that’s just because heavy periods—which would hopefully stop once I'm pregnant—are draining my reserves.

Red blood cells at 3.77.
Hemoglobin at 85. That’s low. Not exactly where you want to be.
Hematocrit... 0.292.
MCV... 77.5.
MCH... 22.5.
MCHC........... 291
Leukocytes... 7.6.

Many thanks in advance. 🙂

To whom it may concern,

Looking at the results provided, it’s clear you're dealing with moderate anemia. If we were to categorize anemia into three stages—mild, moderate, and severe—these numbers aren't just "slightly below average." They aren't mild. This falls squarely into the moderate category.

The results also point toward microcytic anemia. This could be indicative of iron-deficiency anemia, which might quite possibly be a downstream effect of heavy menstrual cycles.

I’m not sure if you’ve managed to pin down the underlying cause of these heavy bleeds that triggered the anemia. I assume you have, given that you're under a gynecologist's care. Heavy bleeding like this isn't exactly "normal," and frankly, the idea that some women just naturally deal with heavier flows isn't an acceptable explanation.

I wouldn't go as far as saying you're being reckless, but here is the bottom line: since you’re planning to get pregnant, trying to conceive with anemia like this isn't exactly a smart move. I have to agree with your OB-GYN on this one.

My take? You really ought to get that anemia under control as much as possible before even considering pregnancy. It’s common knowledge that women who are already anemic before conceiving face a higher risk of developing more severe forms of the condition, which naturally leads to potential complications during pregnancy. Better to fix the foundation first.

Make sure you consult with your doctors regarding treatment and managing anemia.

Greetings. 🙂

Hannah Campbell20 said:I had blood work and a urine sample taken yesterday. Everything came back normal, except for the urinalysis, which shows positive for erythrocyte / Hb. It also mentions some bacteria and a little bit of mucus. About two months ago, I dealt with a bladder infection that cleared up after a course of pills, so I'm wondering what this could be. I’ve never seen blood in my urine before—just those erythrocytes on the report. What does that actually mean? I can't see my doctor for another three days, and a friend suggested it might be pregnancy, though I haven't found anything to support that online. I'm 18, if that matters.

silentlynx26,

Please provide the complete urinalysis results—both the physical-chemical dipstick assessment via Test-trak Spec. and the microscopic sediment examination.

I have no idea why an erythrocyte finding in a urine test would suggest pregnancy. I can't fathom where your friend is getting that logic from.

Also, a crucial detail—please excuse my bluntness here—is whether the urine sample was provided during menstruation, or immediately before or after it.

Hannah Campbell20 said:Hi everyone,

I’m 21. Due to some occasional abdominal pain, I went to see my doctor, who referred me for blood work. Here are the results:

MCHC is slightly elevated at 360, while MCH is sitting right on the edge at 33.9.
MPV is under 5.5.

White blood cell count, red blood cell count, platelets, and hemoglobin are all within range—right in the middle of the pack. AST and ALT look normal as well.

What’s the deal with high MCHM and low MPV?

MCH and MCHC are measurements pertaining to red blood cells, interpreted in relation to the total erythrocyte count and hemoglobin concentration. Since you mentioned their values fall within the reference range—and given that the MCHC is only negligibly off—one could call this a clean result.👍

MPV refers to the mean platelet volume, and it really only makes sense when you look at it alongside the actual platelet count—which you mentioned is within the normal range. Since lab standards vary quite a bit—one lab might set the lower limit at 6.0 fL while another goes up to 7.0 fL or even higher—it would be helpful if you could include the specific reference ranges used by your lab. Also, please list the exact platelet count so we can see just how much that MPV value is actually deviating from the norm.

Quote : Felix the Cat, thanks so much for the reply 🙂

Thanks for the input, Felix the Cat.

So, looking at my labs—the standard reference range for MPV is usually 6.8 to 10.5, but mine is sitting at 5.5.

Platelets 321,
leukocytes (6.5);
erythrocytes (4.3);
hemoglobin (15);
hematocrit (41.10);
MCV (94.3);
platelets (321);
RDW (10.6)

That’s everything I've got. 🙂

Samuel Torres34 said:Thanks for the input, Felix the Cat.

The reference range for MPV is 6.8 - 10.5, but mine shows 5.5.

Platelets 321,
leukocytes (6.5);
erythrocytes (4.3);
hemoglobin (15);
hematocrit (41.10);
MCV (94.3);
platelets (321);
RDW (10.6)

That’s everything. 🙂

The results suggest the platelets (blood clotting cells) are slightly smaller in volume, though I don't think it carries much weight. As long as the platelet count itself is normal and you aren't experiencing issues like spontaneous bleeding or bruising, an MPV value doesn't mean much unless it's wildly out of line—which isn't the case here.

As for the abdominal pain, your doctors will need to dig deeper into that.

Essentially, these numbers look fine. If your physicians feel it's necessary, you could always re-run the panel in, say, three months.

Be sure to consult with your medical team; they have the full picture of your history and are best equipped to interpret these trends.

Best regards and take care.👍

Chris Kim7 said:Thanks for getting back to me! I guess I'll just wait... If anyone else out there is dealing with a wrecked immune system or went through this exact same battery of tests, please reach out. One of my biggest issues is this lingering low-grade fever—around 99 degrees—that just won't quit even after the illness seems to have passed... Let me know if anything actually worked for you. Seriously, speak up, because most doctors here in the States just shrug their shoulders when they don't have a real answer, offering nothing but "drink more tea" or "have some honey and lemon"...

P.S. This might help someone else—I asked a biochemist about this, and they said it's best to run these specific tests about four weeks after finishing any antibiotics! Wishing everyone a happy and healthy New Year!🙂

Maybe my question doesn't quite fit the vibe here, but I wasn't sure where else to turn 🤷.
I’ve got an ear infection; the pain started on Monday and was immediately followed by this awful discharge. It’s been hurting like hell ever since. I went to see a doctor and they put me on some antibiotic called Xorimax, but the pain and symptoms aren't budging at all. I’ve been reading online that acute infections like this should wrap up in two or three days, yet here I am feeling no better. I guess I'm wondering how much longer this might drag on and if there's anything else I can do to actually get some relief?
Thanks 🙂.

Greetings,
I am seeking some assistance. Is it considered normal during pregnancy to have slightly elevated white blood cell counts? Actually, I am aware that this is generally expected, 🙂but my real question concerns the specific breakdown —specifically, having high neutrophils alongside low lymphocytes.
I am currently in my 30th week of pregnancy, and these are my results: Lkc 9.9 (3.4-9.7), NEU 78.5 (44-72), LYM 14.2 (20-46), MONO 6.1 (2-12), EOS 0.7 (0-7), BASO 0.5 (0-1).
Thank you in advance! 🙂

Alex Foster6 said:Maybe my question doesn't quite fit this thread, but I wasn't sure where else to ask.🤷
I’ve been dealing with an ear infection since Monday. It started with sharp pain and immediate discharge—honestly, it's been pretty miserable. I went to see my doctor and was prescribed an antibiotic called Xorimax, but the pain and symptoms haven't budged at all. I read online that acute infections like this usually wrap up in two or three days, but I’m still feeling just as bad. Does anyone know how long this might actually drag on, or if there’s anything else I can do to get some relief?
Thanks.🙂

Most people start seeing an improvement within 48 to 72 hours after beginning antibiotics. It’s like waiting for a slow engine to turn over; you shouldn't expect instant results, but the momentum should pick up by the third day.

Since nothing seems to be changing on your end—and considering you mentioned that discharge from the ear—you really need to go back for a thorough checkup. It’s time to have a doctor take a hard look at the diagnosis and, frankly, pivot the treatment plan entirely.

Make sure you follow up with your doctor!

Wishing you all the best. Cheers. 👍

Alex Foster6 said:Hello.
I need some help here. Is it actually normal to have slightly elevated white blood cell counts during pregnancy? Actually, I know that’s perfectly normal. 🙂But I’m still looking for the follow-up. What comes next? And what about their neutrophils—and those low lymphocytes?
I'm 30. Currently in my 33rd week of pregnancy. Here are the lab results: Lkc 9.9 (3.4-9.7), NEU 78.5 (44-72), LYM 14.2 (20-46), MONO 6.1 (2-12), EOS 0.7 (0-7), BASO 0.5 (0-1).
Thanks in advance! 🙂

It’s pretty common during pregnancy to see a slight bump in white blood cell counts. You might also notice an increase in the neutrophil percentage in a differential blood count; that’s typically just attributed to the influence of estrogen.

I’d say this report looks clean, but there’s a catch. Only your gynecologist—the one who actually sees the full picture and has all your other labs on hand—can properly interpret what this means for you. Please, make sure you consult with them.

When looking for indicators of potential inflammation during pregnancy, don't just fixate on the total leukocyte count or the percentage of specific cell types. In my view, the percentage of non-segmented granulocytes and the CRP levels carry significantly more weight.

Wishing you and your baby all the best. Cheers. 🙂

I’ll take this opportunity to wish all the members a happy New Year. Here's to 2011—may it bring everyone plenty of good health. 👍

I finally tracked down my lab results for birth control—only just got them on December 30th because my doctor had already stepped away for the holidays. Now I’m stuck. I need to report these numbers to her so she can give me the go-ahead to start Yaz on the first day of my cycle. Ideally, Day 1 would have been January 7th, but everything is a complete mess now and I was actually supposed to start today. Since I need to get on these pills ASAP and I can't reach her for the green light... could someone please take a look and tell me if I'm good to go?
so.
bilirubin, ref. range 6-26, result 15.
alanine aminotransferase (ALT), ref. range 10-29, result 9.
alkaline phosphatase (ALP), ref. range 50-125, result 54.
aspartate aminotransferase (AST), ref. range 14-32, result 16.

What are the standard reference ranges for beta-2 microglobulin?

Jesse Hall12 said:What are the normal ranges for beta-2 microglobulin?

Here, check this out.

Thank you—I actually did some searching on Google regarding that specific point. It’s quite confusing to me whether it constitutes an error or not... but there it is, listed as a four-digit number on my hospital discharge papers

Maybe the difference is just the unit of measurement.

I am assuming—hopefully...
beta-2 micro 3174
EDIT:
2454 upper reference value (I believe this is the "up to 3" marker for older patients)

Been running a high fever for three days now plus all the other symptoms... feels like the flu is hitting hard... CRP is 55 and leukocytes are at 8... does this mean there's a serious infection or could it just be the flu...