Blood Test Results: What Do Abnormal Values Mean? - Family Medicine

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Interpreting blood test results can be daunting, especially when faced with abnormal values. In your case, several key indicators stand out, and understanding their implications is crucial for assessing your health.


Key Blood Test Results:
1. Hemoglobin (Hb): Your level is 11.1 g/dL, which is below the normal range for adults (typically 12-16 g/dL for women and 13.5-17.5 g/dL for men). Low hemoglobin can indicate anemia, which may lead to symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, and dizziness.

2. Hematocrit (HCT): At 36.3%, this is also on the lower side of the normal range (generally 37-47% for women and 40-54% for men). Low hematocrit levels can further support the diagnosis of anemia.

3. Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin (MCH): Your MCH is 23.0 pg, which is below the normal range (typically 27-31 pg). This suggests that your red blood cells may be smaller and contain less hemoglobin than normal, a condition known as microcytic anemia.

4. Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV): At 75.2 fL, this indicates microcytic red blood cells, which can be associated with iron deficiency anemia or thalassemia.

5. Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin Concentration (MCHC): Your MCHC is 30.6 g/dL, which is within the normal range but on the lower side. This can be consistent with the findings of microcytic anemia.

6. Platelet Count: At 442, this is slightly elevated (normal range is typically 150-400). Elevated platelets can occur due to various reasons, including inflammation or iron deficiency.

7. Red Cell Distribution Width (RDW): At 14.8%, this is slightly elevated, indicating a variation in red blood cell size, which can be seen in conditions like iron deficiency anemia.

8. Monocyte Count: At 4.0%, this is within the normal range, indicating that your immune response is likely functioning adequately.

9. Creatinine: At 0.66 mg/dL, this is within the normal range, suggesting that your kidney function is normal.


Symptoms and Their Possible Connections:
Your symptoms of dizziness, fatigue, easy bruising, and hair loss can be associated with anemia. The fact that you have been sleeping late and experiencing dizziness when exposed to a fan could indicate a combination of factors, including potential dehydration or low blood pressure, especially if you are not getting enough sleep.


Recommendations:
1. Dietary Adjustments: Consider increasing your intake of iron-rich foods (such as red meat, beans, lentils, and leafy greens) and vitamin C (which helps with iron absorption).
2. Hydration: Ensure you are adequately hydrated, especially if you are experiencing dizziness.

3. Sleep Hygiene: Aim for a consistent sleep schedule and create a restful environment to improve your sleep quality.

4. Follow-Up: It is essential to follow up with your healthcare provider to discuss these results in detail. They may recommend further testing, such as iron studies or a reticulocyte count, to determine the cause of your anemia.

5. Monitor Symptoms: Keep track of your symptoms and report any significant changes to your doctor, especially if you experience increased fatigue, shortness of breath, or any other concerning symptoms.

In conclusion, your blood test results suggest the presence of anemia, which could be contributing to your symptoms. A comprehensive evaluation by your healthcare provider is necessary to determine the underlying cause and appropriate treatment.