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

So, I’m looking at some lab results for my 5-month-old little one, who is doing great and hitting all her milestones, though she does deal with a bit of reflux. I’ll just list the specific values that fell outside the standard reference ranges:

Hematology:
MCH = 30.2 (ref. range 24.3-29.2)
MCHC = 357 (ref. range 300-350)

Differential Blood Count:
Lymphocytes = 75 (ref. range 32-68)
Monocytes = 2 (ref. range 5-13)
Atypical lymphocytes = 1 (0)
Myelocytes = 1 (0)
Note = dks microscopic - neutrophil granulocytes are toxically granulated

Urinalysis:
Leukocyte esterase = +- (ref. range negative)

Serum Protein Electrophoresis:
Albumin = 68.7% (ref. range 55.8-66.1)
Alpha 2 = 12.8% (ref. range 7.1-11.8)
Gamma = 5.7% (ref. range 11.1-18.8)

Everything else seems to be perfectly normal.

I was wondering if anyone here who understands this stuff could help me make sense of these numbers, and if there's anything here that should actually worry me. 😢

Hi everyone, I’ve been struggling with a sore throat for about 20 days now. I went through two full courses of antibiotics, but nothing seems to help; my throat stays red, scratchy, and quite painful. I finally got some blood work back yesterday, and everything looks great except for my Basophil count. The reference range goes up to 0.6, but mine came back at 0.10. This really rattled me—could someone explain what this actually means? What do these levels signify, and is there any risk of leukemia?
Also, my CRP levels are normal, and both my lymphocytes and WBC counts are within the healthy range.

Michelle Young74 said:Aside from my basic granulocytes, my Basophil levels are sitting at 0.10 when the lab says anything up to 0.6 is normal, and honestly, seeing that number just really spooked me, so I was wondering if anyone could explain what this actually implies?

If the standard range goes up to 0.6 and your result is 0.10, that just means you're well within the normal limits, since 0.10 is clearly lower than 0.6. 😉

dustymaker642 said:If the reference range goes up to 0.6 and your result is 0.10, then you are actually within the normal range. 0.10 is less than 0.6. 😉

Actually, I just realized I missed a zero in my previous note. The reference interval is actually 0–0.06, but my result came back at 0.10, which is flagged as "H" for high. On the other hand, my Basophil percentage is 1.0, which is considered normal. My doctor mentioned this could be an indication of a viral infection or perhaps an allergy. Does anyone else experience this?

What’s the deal with high monocytes and neutrophils but low lymphocytes?

analogangler61 said:I have a question—hopefully someone can shed some light here.
Over the last two years, my iron levels have absolutely cratered. Back at the start of 2014, I was sitting right at the top end of the range, around 30. Fast forward one year, and it dropped to 8.5. After another seven or eight months, I’m down to 5 (my current level). My hemoglobin is fine—well within the reference range—and my red blood cell count looks great.
My GP tells me everything is perfectly normal as long as the ferritin and hemoglobin stay steady, but honestly... something feels off about this.

It’s pretty obvious your body is losing iron somewhere along the line... we're talking anything from an underlying infection to GI bleeding, or even just a serious dietary deficiency. You really need to get your ferritin checked—that’s your actual iron storage. It's a common trap where iron might look "fine" on paper, but ferritin tanks due to inflammation, an infection, or even hypothyroidism. If I were in your shoes, I’d go back in and demand a full panel: ferritin, iron, and hemoglobin.

ironcyclist44 said:Hi everyone! So, I ended up in the ER the day before yesterday because of some intense pain in my lower right abdomen. The doctors ran some urine and blood tests and basically told me it "wasn't their department" and that I should follow up with my primary care physician instead. I was in agony yesterday too, though today it’s finally dialed back—I can barely feel it now. The pain tends to flare up right after I eat.

The catch is that I don't have health insurance at the moment—I missed the renewal window. I'm currently buried under a mountain of work, so I haven't had a second to get my coverage sorted out, which means I can't just head straight to my doctor. However, the physician at the hospital did mention that something in my results looked off. What do you all think? Is this something serious enough that I need to scramble to fix my insurance and see a doctor immediately, or can I afford to wait a few days? Honestly, I'm spiraling a bit, especially seeing that amylase level...

I'm 20 years old and generally healthy otherwise.

Image of results: View on imgur

Thanks!

Looking at those urine results, it looks like there's some kind of inflammation going on—maybe cystitis—even if the bacteria and nitrites are coming back negative as far as I can tell. Now, elevated serum amylase is typically a red flag for acute pancreatitis, so regardless of the other stuff, you really ought to see a doctor as soon as possible. You'll need them to order an ultrasound or further diagnostic testing just to make sure you aren't dealing with something more significant.

mellowmoose11 said:Could someone please walk me through this urine culture report?
The test was ordered because I’ve been dealing with frequent urination.
Result: Morganella morganii
AM AMC CTB GM CIP NOR SXT FM LVX CFM CN
0 0 3 3 3 3 3 0 3 3 0
Thanks in advance!

It looks like they found a Gram-negative bacterium in your urine—specifically, Morganella morganii. That list of abbreviations underneath is essentially an antibiogram—basically a cheat sheet showing which antibiotics actually kill that specific strain. You should take these results to your doctor; they'll pick the right prescription based on those numbers, and once you start it, make sure you finish the whole course.

cosmiclynx12 said:What would high monocytes and neutrophils plus low lymphocytes mean?

Just adding some context so this makes sense.
I had symptoms: 104 F fever, chills, chest pain when breathing...
The doctor called it atypical pneumonia, and once I finished the antibiotics, everything cleared up.
But those terms at the bottom of the lab report—leukocytosis, lymphopenia, and monocytosis—they've got me spinning. 🤔
My WBC is 10.9, while the normal range is 3.4-9.7.

cosmiclynx12 said:I guess I should add a little more detail to my previous post just to make things clearer.
I was dealing with a 104 F fever, chills, and this sharp pain in my chest whenever I tried to take a deep breath.
My doctor diagnosed it as atypical pneumonia, and once I started on the antibiotics, all those symptoms finally cleared up.
But honestly, some of the terminology at the bottom of my lab report really threw me for a loop and left me feeling pretty anxious—specifically terms like leukocytosis, lymphopenia, and monocytosis.🤔
My WBC (which I assume stands for white blood cells?) came back at 10.9, while the normal range is listed as 3.4 to 9.7.

Basically, leukocytosis means your white blood cell count is high, monocytosis means your monocytes are elevated, and lymphopenia means your lymphocyte count is low. What that actually signifies depends entirely on the specifics of your labs, but honestly, your white cell count isn't even that much higher than the normal limit. Besides, if your doctor told you it was atypical pneumonia, I’d say just trust her diagnosis. 🙂Maybe just get your labs checked again in about twenty days just to be sure everything has returned to normal.

Tick bite:
Before the bite (had a checkup 10 days prior)—lymphocytes were at 24 (range 20-46)
After one course of Azithromycin (3 weeks after the bite)—lymphocytes rose to 52
After three more courses of Sumamed (2 weeks later)—lymphocytes are at 46.20

The only issue is three swollen lymph nodes. They don't hurt anymore, but I can still feel them.

I guess, does this show the inflammation is going down, or is it still there? When should I probably retest? Thanks 🙂

Hey everyone, I could really use some insight here
So, I’ve been dealing with infertility issues, and since we were already doing all the testing, it only made sense to check my thyroid too. I was actually hoping for some good news, just to have something positive on the board... 😢.
Anyway, my hormone levels seem fine
TSH is 2.28 (normal range 0.3 - 3.6)
T3 is 1.3 (1.2 - 3.4)
T4 is 109 (58 - 161)
But then I went in for an ultrasound today, and the doctor mentioned thyroiditis and said they spotted some nodules. They couldn't tell if they're just swollen lymph nodes or actual adenomas. On top of that, she wants me to get my PTH and serum calcium checked.
Does anyone know what those two tests are actually for, or why they're necessary?

My labs showed 10-15 red blood cells in my first urine sample of the morning... I went in because I've been dealing with frequent urination, some pain in my lower right abdomen, and even some mucus in my stool (I was actually worried it might be appendicitis)... My doctor also noted a few small amounts of leukocytes and mucus
in there too, though I don't have the full report handy. The doctor's main advice was just to stay super hydrated. 🐔

Hey everyone, I was wondering if anyone could help me make sense of these Allele system results from the FDA that I just got back. I’ve been dealing with some health issues lately that feel like they might be pointing toward an autoimmune condition, but I’m stuck waiting a whole month to see my immunologist. Here is what the report says:
HLA-A 3/10
HLA-B 22/ND
HLA_DRB1 14/15
Thanks so much in advance for any insight! :-)

So, my platelet count is acting up again—this happened about five years ago too. My latest labs show 462, when the upper limit is supposed to be 424, and my K-MPV came back at 6.6 (normally it’s 6.8-10.4). Should I actually be sweating this? My white blood cell count is also hovering right at the edge at 9.9 (range is 3.4-9.7).

Also, does any of this fall under the umbrella of anemia? I'm wondering if I should be popping some supplements because my iron levels have always been pretty low. Right now, my hemoglobin is 129 (119-157) and my iron is sitting at 9 (8-30). Is there any chance the platelets and the iron stuff are linked? I read somewhere that they might be.

analogangler61 said:I have a question. Hopefully, someone can shed some light on this.
Over the last two years, my iron levels have taken a massive dive. Back in early 2014, I was sitting right at the upper limit—around 30. Fast forward one year, and I dropped to 8.5. Another seven or eight months later, I’m down to 5. Interestingly, my hemoglobin remains steady within the normal range, and my red blood cell count looks great.
My GP tells me everything is perfectly fine as long as my CRP and hemoglobin levels look good, but I can't help feeling like something's off. It just doesn't sit right with me.

You should get UIBC, TIBC, and ferritin checked.

There is such a thing as manifest iron deficiency—a state where your hemoglobin levels look perfectly fine, but both your serum iron and ferritin (your body's actual iron stores) are running low. It’s possible that’s what you’re dealing with here. You aren't technically anemic yet, but you're standing right on the edge of it.

There is no consensus on whether to treat sideropenic states when anemia hasn't set in yet. It’s not a one-size-fits-all situation. You have to look at the individual—weighing their specific symptoms against any other underlying health issues they might be facing.

boldwalker12 said:My platelet count is running a bit high—it was elevated five years ago too. The latest results show 462 (upper limit is 424), and my K-MPV is sitting at 6.6 (normal range is 6.8-10.4). Should I be concerned? My white blood cell count is also right on the edge at 9.9 (3.4-9.7).

I'm wondering if this counts as anemia and whether I should be looking into supplements. My iron levels have always been pretty low, and now my hemoglobin is sitting at 129 (range 119-157) while my iron is at 9 (range 8-30). Also, is there any connection here to platelet counts? I read somewhere that they might be linked.

It isn't an anemia issue; your hemoglobin levels are perfectly fine. What you might be looking at is iron deficiency. In cases of latent iron deficiency, your ferritin—essentially your body's internal iron reserves—is running low, even if your actual serum iron levels still appear normal on a standard lab report.

Iron deficiency might be linked to high platelet counts, though that usually only comes to light once full-blown anemia has already set in.

I’d suggest getting a full blood panel done in a few weeks.

The platelet count shows a slight elevation. It’s nothing to lose sleep over right now, but we need to keep a close eye on the trends moving forward. It could easily be a case of transient thrombocytosis—that temporary spike you often see after the body fights off a minor infection, whether it was bacterial or viral.

It’s worth noting that transient thrombocytosis can crop up due to physical exertion, high stress levels, or even just right before a menstrual cycle begins.

Regarding iron levels—as I mentioned earlier—there is no single rule for treating sideropenia. When you have low iron but haven't hit the threshold for actual anemia, there isn't a one-size-fits-all protocol. You have to look at the patient individually. It’s about weighing their specific symptoms and any underlying health issues against the numbers. Every case is its own unique equation.

Relying solely on serum iron levels to gauge your status is pretty unreliable. If you need a clear picture, don't just stop there. You should get a full panel—iron, UIBC, TIBC, and ferritin. It’s better to look at the whole map rather than just one landmark.

ruggedcyclist13 said:Could someone help me interpret these gluten enteropathy screening results? I’m having them checked because there's a positive family history.
IgG 9.93 g/l
IgA 2.59 g/l
tTG-IgA 5 U/ml
AGA-IgA 2 U/ml
DPG IgA 4 U/ml
DPG IgG 20 U/ml (borderline 15-20)

Is further investigation necessary?

In my opinion, you should also undergo HLA testing (HLA DQ2/DQ8)—essentially, genetic testing for celiac disease.

electricmarlin62 said:Hi everyone. Could you please look over these two blood panels for me? One was done on Jan 22, 2015, and the other on April 22, 2015. I notice certain values are consistently low while others stay high. Is this a bad sign? For context, I have hypothyroidism but am currently untreated. I just had the blood work done for a routine checkup.
These persistent values are starting to worry me!..
Here are the links to the images!

http://s723.photobucket.com/user/luc...tml?sort=3&o=0

http://s723.photobucket.com/user/luc...tml?sort=3&o=1

I'm not entirely sure why the blood was drawn, but looking at the most recent results, I don't see what specifically should concern you. The deviations are quite minor.

ironangler22 said:Basically...what's wrong with me??

An X-ray isn't a lab test. This question was posted in the wrong section, so there won't be an answer here.

In short, you have enthesopathy—essentially degenerative inflammation where the tendon meets the bone. Specifically, it's the quadriceps tendon attachment, which likely explains your discomfort.

Do you do any specific training?

If the pain is significant, you need to see a physiatrist. They can evaluate whether further testing is required, prescribe specific exercises, and potentially recommend physical therapy.

Michelle Barnes53 said:Doctor, my issue with contaminated urine cultures has been resolved, so I wanted to let you know in case you find it useful. I provided another sample last week, but this time I didn't sit through the usual lecture on how to do it properly; instead, I explained to them exactly how I could provide an optimal sample. When I mentioned my first morning urine is usually around 4 AM, one of the cleaning ladies working there remarked, "Well, you should probably put the sample in the fridge then, so bacteria doesn't grow in the heat between then and 9 AM." Good grief, I was actually heading to school. Thanks for all the help. Best, Mirjana

If the sample is already contaminated during collection, neither the refrigerator nor any other precautions will help. The urine remains contaminated regardless.

ironcyclist44 said:Hi there. I ended up at the Mayo Clinic the day before yesterday because of intense pain in my lower right abdomen. The doctors ran some blood and urine tests and basically told me it "wasn't their department" and that I should follow up with my primary care physician. I had severe pain yesterday, though it's subsided quite a bit today—barely noticeable now. The pain tends to flare up after eating.

It’s interesting; the lab report describes pain in the upper abdomen and on the left side, yet you’re reporting pain in the lower right. There is also mention of diarrhea, which wasn't in your initial description.

That makes it difficult to provide a definitive answer.

Abdominal pain coupled with diarrhea could point toward a gastrointestinal infection.

The urine sample shows significant erythrocytes and leukocytes. This raises questions: Are you experiencing any urinary issues? Was the sample collected properly? Is your period starting soon, or are you currently having it?

Elevated amylase isn't exclusive to pancreatitis; it can stem from inflammation in the stomach or small intestine—gastritis, gastroenteritis, or enteritis.

Regardless, if these symptoms persist, you need further diagnostic workup. Lacking health insurance can certainly make that a major hurdle.

John Ramos3 said:I'm monitoring my blood pressure, and it sits around 135/90 with a low heart rate, though it occasionally spikes before settling down.
I was hoping someone here might interpret these results to offer a second opinion alongside what I've already received. Given that I'm relatively "young," if that term even applies anymore, this has me pretty worried.

Sir, you are far too young for high blood pressure to be considered "normal." A comprehensive workup is necessary to determine if you are dealing with secondary hypertension.

In other words, we need to establish whether the elevated blood pressure is a symptom of an underlying issue—perhaps an issue with an organ or a specific system, such as kidney disease, renal vasculature, or the adrenal glands.

This distinction is vital; treatment should target the root cause rather than just prescribing pills to lower the numbers.

Further testing is required (for instance, a Holter monitor, electrolytes, urates, creatinine clearance, repeating iron levels, UIBC, TIBC, ferritin, an abdominal ultrasound, and a fundoscopic eye exam). Other tests may be needed depending on the findings.

Did any of the physicians who examined you comment on the liver lesion—specifically the elevated ALT and discrete AST? Or perhaps the elevated serum iron concentration?

Were you fasting before the blood draw? Are you taking any supplements? Alcohol?

I suggest seeking a second opinion from an internist.

dustymaker642 said:We're looking at a five-month-old baby. Developmentally, she’s hitting all her milestones and growing beautifully. Aside from some standard reflux, there aren't any major concerns. I'll just list the specific results that fell outside the normal reference ranges.

If you want any kind of real interpretation, you need to post the full set of results. Percentages alone don't tell much of a story without the absolute values for context.

Income is down 10% this month. Will I be able to cover all my bills?

You can't really give an answer without knowing the revenue and the account balance, right?

Michelle Young74 said:Hi. I’ve been dealing with a sore throat for about 20 days now. I went through two boxes of Klavocin, but it didn't do a thing. My throat is red, scratchy, and pretty painful. I finally got my lab results back yesterday, and everything looks fine except for my basal granulocytes—the reference range goes down to 0.6, but mine came back at 0.10. That really spooked me. Can anyone explain what that actually means? What do those cells signify, and is there any chance this could be leukemia?
The CRP levels look fine, and both the lymphocyte and leukocyte counts are within the normal range.

Klavocin isn't exactly the first choice for a sore throat, so I’m struggling to see the clinical reasoning behind prescribing it for this specific issue. It’s highly unlikely we're looking at strep throat here. Furthermore, commenting on isolated basophil counts without looking at the rest of the CBC is just medically unsound.

cosmiclynx12 said:Just adding some more detail to my previous post to make things clearer.
I had symptoms: a 104 F fever, chills, and chest pain whenever I breathed.
The doctor called it atypical pneumonia. After a round of antibiotics, the symptoms cleared right up.
The terminology at the end of my lab results—leukocytosis, lymphopenia, and monocytosis—has left me feeling both confused and a bit uneasy.🤔
WBC (yes, white blood cells) is at 10.9. My lab's reference range is 3.4–9.7.

A leukocyte count of 10.9 fits the profile of atypical pneumonia, though you can't officially call it that until the chest X-ray comes back. Without those imaging results, any diagnosis is just guesswork.

Rebecca Roberts8 said:Tick bite:
Before the bite (had a checkup 10 days prior)—lymphocytes at 24 (range 20-46)
After one course of Azithromycin (3 weeks post-bite)—lymphocytes at 52
After three more courses of Sumamed (another 2 weeks later)—lymphocytes at 46.20

The only lingering issues are swollen lymph nodes (3 total); they aren't painful anymore, but you can still feel them.

Is this enough evidence that inflammation is subsiding, or is it still ongoing? When should I retest? Thanks 🙂

You didn't provide the full CBC. Looking at just a percentage isn't enough to make any meaningful interpretation.

Like I said earlier: my income is down 10% this month. Will I be able to cover all my bills?

You can't answer that until you know exactly what the income is versus the cost of the bills, right?

Furthermore, it’s unclear why you were taking "so many courses" of Azithromycin. For starters, Azithromycin isn't even the first-line treatment if Lyme disease is suspected. Secondly, the standard protocol is a total of six 500 mg tablets—two 500 mg tablets on day one, followed by one 500 mg tablet daily for the next four days. That's it.

Or is there something else going on here?