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

I just had a Doppler ultrasound of my Wilson's circle. The flow on the right side seems about 30% faster than the left. What does that actually imply? For the last three months, I've been dealing with neck pain and tingling in my left arm. Could there be a connection?

Hi there,
I’m really hoping someone can help me make sense of these bone scan results. I’m a woman in my late 30s, and honestly, the pain has been pretty constant. For about three years now, I've been dealing with daily aches in my shoulders, elbows, knees, hips, and lower back. Over this past year, things have shifted—now my neck and my entire chest feel painful, and I almost feel like my ribs are hurting too.
Bone Scan Results:
There is increased radiopharmaceutical uptake seen at most osteochondral junctions, most intense at the osteochondral junction of the 7th right rib.
Slightly increased radiopharmaceutical uptake is noted in the right sacroiliac joint and bilaterally in the hips, most intense at the acetabular roofs of both hips.
Focal increased radiopharmaceutical uptake is visible in the soft tissue at the level of the left shoulder (this is where a little lump stayed under the skin after I got a shot back in middle school).
Impression: The described changes are most likely degenerative in nature.

Sorry if this is such a long post. Thanks so much in advance for any insight.

Hey everyone, if anyone could walk me through what these results actually mean, I’d really appreciate it.

Hematology........Results...........Ref. Range
(PK) SE ..................... 9.......................3-23

Tumor Markers

Test...............Result................Reference Value
(S) CEA..................2.36......................... .0-5.00
(S) NSE................8.6............................ .0.16,3
(S) CYFRA 21-1...0.8.............................0.1-3.3

Reason for testing: After recovering from pneumonia and getting a new X-ray, there's still a "spot" (or shadow) lingering on a small section of the lung, so the patient was sent for follow-up blood work to check tumor markers.
Age: Early 50s
Other: Patient is a long-time smoker (also takes medication for blood pressure [patient has low BP])

My mom is 65. She’s been dealing with hypothyroidism for years now and takes Synthroid. She gets her labs done every single year. Can someone make sense of these results for me? Creatinine 80 (63-107), Calcium 2.44 (2.14-2.53), Phosphate 1.06 (0.79-1.42), Urine Calcium 1.2 (2.5-6.2), Urine Phosphate 13.2 (12.9-42), 24h urine volume 1540 (600-1600), Ionized serum calcium 1.25 (1.15-1.35). TSH 1.4 (0.4-4)
What could be causing such low calcium in her urine?

Chloe Garcia10, please don't take my word as gospel since I'm certainly no expert. From what I understand, it seems pretty common to run low on calcium when you're dealing with thyroid issues. My mom takes 125mcg daily and has to supplement with calcium to stay balanced. It might be a similar story for yours..

Rachel Davis81 said:Chloe Garcia10, don't take my word as gospel here because I’m definitely not a doctor. From what I understand, though, it actually makes sense that your calcium levels are low given the thyroid treatment you're on. My mom takes 125mcg a day and she has to supplement with calcium to compensate. So, it might turn out to be the same deal for you..

Thanks! That actually sounds pretty logical.

I’m not sure if I’m in the right place, but if anyone can help...

I'm 27. My iron levels used to be incredibly low, so I was taking Feosol, which is why I wanted to get checked out since it's been a while since my last blood work. After moving and switching to a new doctor, she wanted me to check my CBC because of all the symptoms I've been dealing with—dry skin, brittle nails, lifeless hair that sheds constantly (dandruff included), feeling perpetually cold (if I sleep without socks, I catch a chill; I also have to run to the bathroom constantly, and even sitting down requires a blanket because my apartment is at least 72 degrees), getting exhausted and sweaty from even minor exertion (when I use my stationary bike, I have to pedal painfully slow just to keep my heart rate around 120-130), being pale, gaining a lot of weight over the last year (I'm constantly hungry), total exhaustion, irritability, insomnia, bruising on my legs without remembering any impact, migraines for the past year, and general body aches and itching... plus the stress of job hunting. She asked if I had thyroid issues (as far as I know, there's no history in my family, and I've never checked), but I just chalked everything up to iron deficiency (or ignored it), and my previous doctor never sent me for anything else. I went to a pharmacy for one of those vitamin and mineral status screenings, and everything came back negative except for calcium and omega (even though I don't eat fish). I know they're just trying to sell products, but my boyfriend takes some supplements and his results were perfect. My doctor said she doesn't mind if I take extra supplements. I asked her if I could check all my vitamins and minerals when I do my blood work, but she told me that isn't possible through standard blood tests (I assume it's expensive, so you only do it if it's absolutely necessary).

Anyway, I had my blood drawn on May 4, 2016.

Lab: Hematology and Coagulation

ESR (1 hour) 13 (4-24)
CBC
Leukocytes 9.6 (3.4-9.7)
Erythrocytes 4.59 (3.68-5.08)
Hemoglobin 131 (119-157)
Hematocrit 0.409 (0.356-0.470)
MCV 89.3 (83.0-97.2)
MCH 28.5 (27.4-33.9)
MCHC 320 (320-345)
Platelets 296 (158-424)

Clinical Biochemistry
Glucose 4.7 (4.2-6.0)
Urea 3.0 (2.8-8.3)
Creatinine 76 (45-84)
Urate 232 (134-337)
Total Bilirubin 17 (3-20)
AST 16 (8-30)
ALT 9 (10-36)
GGT 5 (9-35)
Alpha-amylase 52 (23-91)
Cholesterol 6.9 (Recommended HDL Cholesterol 2.6 (Recommended >1.2)
LDL Cholesterol 3.5 (Recommended Triglycerides 1.7 (Recommended Iron 23 (8-30)
UIBC 62 (26-59)
Sodium 137 (137-146)
Potassium 3.8 (3.9-5.1)

Urinalysis
Dipstick Test
Appearance: Clear
Color: Yellow
Specific Gravity 1.020 (1.002-1.030)
pH 5.0 (5.0-9.0)
Leukocyte Esterase 0 (0)
Nitrites 0 (0)
Proteins 0 (0)
Glucose: Normal
Ketones 0 (0)
Urobilinogen: Normal
Bilirubin 0 (0)
Erythrocytes/Hb 0 (0)

Microscopic Sediment Examination
Leukocytes 1-2 (0-2)
Erythrocytes 1-2 (0-2)
Epithelial cells: Few (0-1)

Hormones and Markers
TSH 11.09 (0.34-5.60)

So, my iron turned out great (23), and I haven't changed my diet or taken Feosol for a long time. It surprises me that it's so good, but hey!
Is there anything else I should be worried about? Are my liver enzymes okay? The doctor only commented on the iron and TSH. When she saw the TSH (which is why she asked about my thyroid), she gave me a referral for more hormone testing (TSH, FT3, FT4, anti-TPO) and a thyroid ultrasound (I haven't gotten to that yet) due to suspected hypothyroidism.

I had the hormones drawn on May 9 (only five days later!), and I just got the results today:
TSH 5.439 (0.340-5.600)
FT3 4.84 (3.80-6.00)
FT4 11.44 (7.90-14.20)
Anti-TPO 1.2 (< 9.0)

All values are within range, but does it even make sense to go for the thyroid ultrasound? Is this normal, and how is it possible for my TSH to fluctuate so wildly from 11.09 to 5.439 in just five days? The only difference is that during the first draw, I was on Estal birth control (I take it for protection, but also because of hair growth issues and irregular periods—when I asked my gynecologist for a hormone panel, she basically told me "why bother, the treatment is just pills + running to a beautician"), whereas during the second draw, I happened to be off them for a week. Is it possible that the birth control is the cause, and that my TSH stays high while I'm on them? Does this mean there's a high chance I'll have thyroid problems long-term because of the pills (and would it be better to stop)? (At the lab, they asked if I was on hormones, but it was noisy and I thought I heard "no" when I meant "yes" regarding the birth control). It doesn't say anything on the report about it. Don't they use different ranges if someone is on medication? I'm currently switching to a new gynecologist and hope she'll be more helpful. But this is weighing on me while I wait, so any info would be appreciated. Sorry for the long post and thanks in advance for any help.

velvetharbor7 said:TCD scan showing Wilson's ring. The right side has a flow rate about 30% faster than the left. What could that mean? I've had neck pain and numbness in my left arm for three months now. Could there be a connection?

Essentially, it means the vessel on the right is narrower than the one on the left—hence the increased velocity. It’s unlikely to be related to your symptoms; more likely, you're looking at issues within the cervical spine.
If you haven't already, you should probably get an X-ray of your cervical spine.

mellowmoose11 said:Dear Sir/Madam,
I am kindly asking for an explanation regarding my bone scan results. I am a female in my late 30s. My symptoms consist of near-daily pain in my shoulders, elbows, knees, hips, and lower back, which has persisted for about three years. For the past year, the pain has extended to my neck and entire chest area; it even feels like my ribs are aching.
Bone Scan:
Increased radiopharmaceutical uptake is visible at most costochondral junctions, most intense at the costochondral junction of the 7th right rib.
Slightly increased radiopharmaceutical uptake is seen in the right sacroiliac joint, as well as bilaterally in the hips, most intense at the apex of both acetabula.
Focal increased radiopharmaceutical uptake is visible in the soft tissue at the level of the left shoulder (there is a small subcutaneous lump here from a vaccination I received at elementary school).
Impression: The described changes are most likely degenerative changes.

Apologies for the long post. Thank you in advance.

I assume an immuno-rheumatological workup was performed to rule out autoimmune joint disease? Or was it not?
"Degenerative" essentially means "worn down"—it is a non-specific description of joint and bone degradation that can stem from various causes, typically seen in older populations, which doesn't quite align with your age. Given your profile, this isn't a standard finding; it really warrants further investigation through additional diagnostics (specifically, an immuno-rheumatological evaluation).

Timothy Young83 said:Hello, if possible, I would appreciate an explanation of the following findings.

How much time has passed since the follow-up X-ray? If it has been more than two weeks and there is still lingering opacification in the lung parenchyma, getting a CT scan of the thorax would be advisable. While the tumor markers look normal, being "normal" isn't a definitive guarantee that nothing is going wrong behind the scenes.

Chloe Garcia10 said:My mother is 65. She has lived with hypothyroidism for years and takes Synthroid—she gets her labs done annually. Could someone help me interpret these results? Creatinine 80 (63-107), Calcium 2.44 (2.14-2.53), Phosphate 1.06 (0.79-1.42), Urinary calcium 1.2 (2.5-6.2), Urinary phosphate 13.2 (12.9-42), 24h urine volume 1540 (600-1600), Ionized serum calcium 1.25 (1.15-1.35). TSH 1.4 (0.4-4)
What does low urinary calcium suggest?

Thyroid surgery? It would be wise to check PTH levels and Vitamin D—these factors often disrupt the body's calcium homeostasis.

Maria Chavez40 said:I am not sure if this is the right forum, but if anyone can assist...

I had my hormone levels tested on May 9th (only five days later!) and just received the results today:
tsh 5.439 (0.340-5.600)
ft3 4.84 (3.80-6.00)
ft4 11.44 (7.90-14.20)
anti-tpo 1.2 (< 9.0)

Based on your description, one might naturally suspect hypothyroidism—though, as you noted, the labs didn't initially confirm it. However, looking at these specific results, the TSH is elevated above 11 despite normal free thyroid hormones. This is what we call subclinical hypothyroidism; in most instances—particularly with older patients—replacement therapy with levothyroxine isn't strictly necessary.
To be honest, given the symptoms and these readings—and assuming I were your physician—I might suggest a minimal dose of levothyroxine (perhaps 25 mcg) just to monitor for any clinical improvement.

Hey there.

Can someone make sense of these labs? I'm 37, dealing with hypothyroidism, Hashimoto, and a goiter, currently on Synthroid at 75/100. My endocrinologist sent me for iron and ferritin checks because my hair is thinning out like crazy.

Ferritin: 94.9
I'm guessing these are the standard ranges:
pre-menopause 6-81 ng/ml
post-menopause 14-186 ng/ml

Serum Iron: 16.4 (8.0-30.0)
UIBC: 33.2 (26-59)
TIBC: 49.6 (49-75)

Gave birth about 7 months ago. During pregnancy, I dealt with gestational diabetes along with the conditions mentioned above. I was taking Feosol once a day back then because my iron levels were tanking.

Thanks.🙂

Mark Anderson90 said:Polycythemia vera is being considered.

Erythropoietin - 10 IU/L

An ultrasound shows the spleen is somewhat enlarged—measuring 12.5cm—and there is pleural effusion.

I will try to be brief:

The main symptoms are fatigue in my left arm and "brain fog"—a sort of mental cloudiness.

After intense physical exertion, I feel a "burning" sensation in my chest and body—honestly, it feels like every single muscle is inflamed, though I can't quite put it into words.

Sometimes there is pressure or pain in my neck and back—though that might stem from a bike accident last summer; the report shows slight degenerative changes from C3 to C7, flattened physiological lordosis, and Schmorl's nodes from T6 to T9.

They also looked into my high blood pressure at the hospital late last year—it ranged from 150/100 up to 200/130—and I should note that the pressure in my left arm is always about 10–15 points lower.
On an exercise stress test, my heart rate was 130 before exertion and hit 180 afterward.

Generally, my blood pressure has been fine without medication for the last three months. I’ve measured it anywhere from 105/80 to a maximum of 150/90, but mostly it sits around 125-130 / 75-85—if I still had the energy for sports, I’d be like a newborn again.

My heart rate sometimes jumps to 100-120, but usually stays around 70-80.

The bottom line: since late last summer, I’ve been out of commission—both physically and mentally.

It all feels strange to me because for the last few years, I’ve lived a very healthy lifestyle—running, cycling, swimming. It isn't just that I didn't have health issues; I actually had enough energy for ten people—I was like steel.

I have no idea what the cause is—could it be a lingering effect of mono, given that my EBV IgG is 750ml and EBNA IgG is 132ml positive?

Current state: as I mentioned, there is fatigue... and occasionally I get weakness and a sensation of pressure, as if I might pass out—that is the most unpleasant part of it all.

I frequently run a borderline temperature of 37.2°C, though not all the time.

If you need a more detailed chronology of events over the last year, or any specific lab results, please feel free to contact me via private message—otherwise, I’ll end up taking up half the page here.

Best regards,

You asked me via private message, so I hope it is alright if I answer here.

I have a few questions:

1. Has lung function ever been assessed—via spirometry or DLCO?
2. In the results you provided, the white blood cell count and differential are missing; considering the borderline splenomegaly, it would be helpful if you could include those?
3. Reticulocyte counts are slightly elevated; by any chance, has haptoglobin been measured, along with the rest of the biochemistry (LDH, CK, bilirubin...)?
4. Thyroid hormone levels?
5. Yes, it is possible this is a consequence of having had mononucleosis, though it is difficult to say with absolute certainty.
6. Testing for the JAK-2 gene to rule out polycythemia vera?

Hi, I need help interpreting these results:

Metabolites and Substrates
(S)GLUCOSE 5.00 (ref. mg/dL 60 )
Tests-Postprandial Glucose
Glucose Fasting 5.0(ref. mg/dL 61 - 70)
Glucose 120' 5.3 (ref. mg/dL < 78)

The blood was drawn fasting and then again 2 hours after eating.
I'm confused about the difference between "glucose" and "GUK."
Why is the fasting glucose reference range 4.20-6 while the GUK fasting range starts at 6.1? Based on this, it looks like fasting glucose is fine, but GUK fasting isn't?
Why aren't they the same thing?

Greetings. A friend of mine received some X-ray results this past Friday from Dr. Renata Žunec and subsequently visited their primary care physician, followed by a dermatologist—since they were investigating some "spots" on their nails—and several other specialists at our local hospital. The issue? Not a single one of them seems capable of interpreting these findings. 👎
Consequently, I am reaching out to see if there is a kind soul here who can assist. It would be quite a hassle to have to travel back to the city just for this, especially since work commitments will make such a trip impossible for the foreseeable future. Any help would be deeply appreciated.

The report reads as follows:
HLA-A
2 - 9
method: CDC (serological)

HLA-B
12 - 18

HLA-C*
02 - 07

HLA-DRB1*
11 - 14

HLA-DQB1*
NT - NT
method: PCR-SSO/SSP (molecular)

Note: M 07.3

Can anyone tell if I'm anemic or not? I've got a gastroscopy scheduled in two weeks, so I'm wondering if these numbers suggest some kind of bleeding ulcer might be the culprit?

erythrocytes * 4.89 ( o ) 10e12/L 4.34 - 5.72
(vK) hemoglobin * 155 ( o ) g/L m 138 - 175
(vK) hematocrit * 0.437 (o ) 0.415 - 0.530
(vK) MCV * 89.4 ( o ) fL 83.0 - 97.0

On my lab results, next to
CH50, there's this little note that says "0.2"
The reference range is listed as 0.2-0.5 being normal, 0.7 slightly low, 0.9 low, and anything over 0.9 is significantly low

My CH50 doesn't show a specific number, just "normal."

Does that little note actually mean anything?
Or am I looking at a great result because it's sitting right on the bottom edge?😁
thanks.

I'm looking for some insight here. I just had a full blood panel done, and for the most part, everything looks fine except for
In my blood work
erythrocyte 5.36 ref 3.86-5.08
MCV 79.2 ref 83.0-97.2
MCH 25.6 ref 27.4- 33.9
RDW 17.1 ref 9.0-15.0

(these specific levels are always a bit off for me, either too high or too low)

Regarding my biochemistry
Urate 388 ref 134-337
Cholesterol 5.5 ref up to 5
LDL cholesterol 3.4 ref up to 3
Alkaline phosphatase 133 ref. 54-119

I am 31 years old and have two children. I gave birth to my second child exactly three months ago, and I'm still in the middle of postpartum recovery. I am an ex-smoker. I decided to get this blood work checked because I dealt with low iron during pregnancy and gestational diabetes.

Kimberly Bailey6 said:Hi, I need help interpreting these results:

Metabolites and substrates
(S)GLUCOSE 5.00 (ref. mmol/l 4.20 - 6.00 )
Postprandial Glucose Tests
Glucose 0' 5.0 (ref. mmol/L 6.1 - 7.0)
Glucose 120' 5.3 (ref. mmol/L < 7.8)

So, blood was drawn fasting and again 2 hours after eating.
I'm confused about the difference between glucose and GUK (glucose).
Why is the fasting glucose reference 4.20-6, but the GUK range starts at 6.1? By that logic, fasting glucose looks fine, but GUK fasting doesn't?
Why aren't they the same thing?

The results are normal. You're right—fasting blood glucose should be between 4.2 and 6.0 mmol/L for someone in their 20s or 30s if the sample used was serum. That doesn't apply to capillary blood ("finger prick" tests), where the values differ.

The value of 6.1 to 7.0 mmol/L refers to impaired fasting glucose in venous plasma. Essentially, anyone with fasting glucose in that specific range wouldn't have a "normal" result; they would be flagged for impaired fasting glucose, provided the 2-hour value remains under 7.8 mmol/L.

It’s phrased awkwardly, but those trained to interpret these labs know what they mean.

Most importantly: your results are perfectly fine!

Sandra Hernandez9 said:Hello, a friend of mine got his results from the Mayo Clinic (Dr. Renata Žunec) last Friday. He went to his primary doctor, then a dermatologist (because of some spots on his nails), and even saw a few others at our local hospital, but nobody can actually explain them to him! 👎
If there's a kind soul here who can help, please do, because it looks like he'll have to make another trip to Chicago just to figure this out, which isn't possible for a while due to work. I'd be so grateful!

The results are as follows:
HLA-A
2 - 9
method: CDC (serological)

HLA-B
12 - 18

HLA-C*
02 - 07

HLA-DRB1*
11 - 14

HLA-DQB1*
NT - NT
method: PCR-SSO/SSP (molecular)

Note: M 07.3

You are being evaluated for suspected psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis, I assume that's what they told you.

Based on these results, there aren't any strong genetic predispositions for those conditions. You do have HLA-C*07, which some studies link to a slightly higher risk of psoriatic arthritis, so that could indicate a potential genetic predisposition.

Otherwise, none of your other HLA types carry any particularly high risk for other HLA-related diseases (like rheumatic diseases), so you could say this report is actually quite favorable.

Keep in mind: HLA only indicates a risk factor; it cannot confirm or rule out a diagnosis. People without certain HLA markers can still get sick, and people with the markers might never develop the condition.

ironbison142 said:Can anyone tell me if I'm anemic or not? I have a gastroscopy scheduled in two weeks, so I'm wondering if these results suggest I might have an ulcer that's bleeding.

erythrocytes * 4.89 ( o ) 10e12/L 4.34 - 5.72
(vK) hemoglobin * 155 ( o ) g/L m 138 - 175
(vK) hematocrit * 0.437 (o ) 0.415 - 0.530
(vK) MCV * 89.4 ( o ) fL 83.0 - 97.0

You aren't anemic, which is a good sign, but that doesn't rule out an ulcer or any potential bleeding.

Chris Kim63 said:On my lab report under
CH50, there's this note that says "0.2"
The reference range is 0.2-0.5 for normal, 0.7 is slightly low, 0.9 is low, and anything over 0.9 is very low.

My CH50 doesn't show a specific number, just "normal."

Does that note actually mean anything?
Or is the result actually great because it sits right at the bottom edge of the range? 😁
thanks.

The result is clean. It isn't exceptionally good, suspicious, or vague—it’s just simply normal.

Maria Fisher46 said:You're being treated due to suspected psoriasis—or perhaps psoriatic arthritis—so I trust they actually sat you down and explained all that...

Much appreciated! They didn't really explain much of anything, honestly, but this will be incredibly helpful... Thanks again! 🙂

Maria Fisher46 said:The results are clean. Not great, not suspicious, not even vague—just plain clean.

Thanks so much!!! This is the last one from me 😁

My tissue typing results just came back, and I have zero clue what I'm looking at. Help! 🙏

Sample type: peripheral blood
(Suspected autoimmune issues: RA, Sjögren's, SAPHO, or MS)

HLA-A
2 10

HLA-B
15 ND

method: CDC (serological)

__________________________

HLA-C*
NT NT

HLA-DRB1*
04 11

HLA-DQB1*
NT NT

Method: PCR-SSO/SSP (molecular)

Note: H35

Thanks again! 😁

Chris Kim63 said:The suspicion pointed toward autoimmune disorders. raSjögren's, SAPHO... and then you have the multi-faceted stuff.

The lab results indicate a potential genetic predisposition for rheumatoid arthritis.

I’ve covered more ground on this topic in my earlier posts within this thread:

Maria Fisher46 said:The core logic behind this screening is simple: certain HLA antigens show up more frequently in people living with specific diseases than they do in the healthy population.

Look, the presence of certain antigens is linked to a slightly higher risk of developing a specific disease. That doesn't mean anyone carrying that HLA antigen is destined to get sick. It’s not a guarantee. On the flip side, you can also develop the condition even if you don't have that antigen at all.

Looking specifically at your results, I see you have HLA-DRB1*04. This can be linked to rheumatoid arthritis.

But things aren't nearly as straightforward as they appear at first glance. It turns out there are over 30 subtypes within HLA-DR4 (labeled HLA-DRB1*0401 through *0433). Only a handful of these are actually linked to rheumatoid arthritis—specifically DRB1*0401 and DRB1*0404.

It’s estimated that individuals carrying these specific subtypes face roughly four times the risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis compared to the general population—those who don't carry the antigen.

However, those specific supplement details won't show up in your lab results because the typing wasn't performed with that level of granularity.

For more details regarding the connection between HLA and specific diseases, take a look here: The data provided in this table outlines specific genetic markers and their associations. It serves as a technical breakdown of how certain HLA alleles correlate with various clinical presentations. Think of it like a blueprint showing which structural flaws might lead to specific systemic issues. For those tracking precise immunological correlations, this mapping is essential for understanding the underlying mechanics of the condition.

Are you dealing with any eye issues? (The note mentions H35, which is the ICD-10 code for "other retinal diseases.")