Blood Test Results After Surgery: What Do They Mean? - Family Medicine

More Info

---

Understanding blood test results after surgery can be quite complex, especially when considering various factors that may influence the readings. Based on the values you've provided, let's break down the components of your blood test results and address your concerns.


Blood Test Results Interpretation
1. Hemoglobin (Hb): Your hemoglobin level is reported at 13.0 g/dL. While this is within the normal range for many adults, it is on the lower end, especially for males, where normal levels typically range from 13.8 to 17.2 g/dL. Hemoglobin is crucial as it carries oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body.

2. Hematocrit (Hct): Your hematocrit level is 0.425 L/L, which translates to 42.5%. This is generally considered normal, as typical values range from 40.7% to 50.3% for men and 36.1% to 44.3% for women.

3. Red Blood Cell Count (RBC): Your RBC count is 6.96 x 10^12/L, which is slightly elevated. Normal ranges are approximately 4.7 to 6.1 x 10^12/L for men and 4.2 to 5.4 x 10^12/L for women. An elevated RBC count can sometimes indicate dehydration, which aligns with your mention of not drinking enough water.

4. Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV): Your MCV is 61.1 fL, which is below the normal range (typically 80-100 fL). This suggests microcytic anemia, which can be associated with iron deficiency or thalassemia.

5. Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin (MCH): At 18.7 Pg, this value is also low, indicating that the average amount of hemoglobin per red blood cell is reduced.

6. Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin Concentration (MCHC): Your MCHC is 30.6 g/dL, which is within the normal range (32-36 g/dL).

7. Red Cell Distribution Width (RDW): At 17.6%, this is elevated, indicating a greater variation in red blood cell size, which can be seen in various types of anemia.

8. Platelet Count: Your platelet count is 460 x 10^9/L, which is slightly elevated (normal range is 150-450 x 10^9/L). This could be a response to surgery or inflammation.


Addressing Your Concerns
1. Impact of Sleep and Hydration: Yes, severe sleep deprivation and dehydration can affect blood test results. Dehydration can lead to a relative increase in red blood cell count, as the plasma volume decreases. This could explain why your RBC count is elevated while your hemoglobin is on the lower side. It’s essential to stay well-hydrated before any blood tests for more accurate results.

2. Concerns About Anemia: The combination of low hemoglobin, low MCV, and high RDW raises the possibility of microcytic anemia, which can be caused by iron deficiency or thalassemia. However, your doctor has indicated that your results are acceptable for surgery, suggesting that they do not see any immediate cause for concern regarding severe anemia or an untreatable condition.
- Iron Deficiency Anemia: This is the most common type of anemia and can be treated with dietary changes or supplements.

- Thalassemia: This is a genetic condition that affects hemoglobin production. If there is a family history or other symptoms, further testing may be warranted.


Conclusion
While your blood test results show some abnormalities, they may not necessarily indicate a severe or untreatable condition, especially if your doctor has deemed you fit for surgery. It is crucial to follow up with your healthcare provider for further evaluation, particularly if you experience symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, or any other concerning signs. They may recommend additional tests, such as iron studies or a reticulocyte count, to further investigate the cause of your anemia and guide appropriate treatment. Always ensure you maintain good hydration and nutrition, especially leading up to any medical evaluations.