But what if your result is at the very low or high end of normal, or even slightly outside the normal range? However, this is the bare minimum. For example, they can be used to help determine if a person is healthy enough to have surgery. If blood test results are abnormal, it gives the doctors a good indication of how to treat you or prevent problems occurring in the future. Call from the doctors to say the blood tests I had over 3 weeks ago have come back abnormal and no appointments available before the 16th April. Yeah I might give them a call back, Ill see how I go! Basically it says the doctor wants me to make a non urgent appointment regarding my abnormal result (clinically significant) what does this mean? GITURAFACILITIESBLOGCONTACT, Upperhill Cardiovascular Centre in partnership with MM DIGITAL MARKETING KENYA| Copyright 2023 Upperhill Cardiovascular Centre. Job Description . 4. Mutual insurance companies converted to stock companies long ago, just as credit unions are at risk of becoming ordinary banks, more focused on corporate returns than the interests of members. Our philosophy of direct doctor-to-patient compassionate care at every visit has made us one of the most trusted and respected and best rated cardiac diagnostic practices in Kenya. Clearly, you don't obey the 2 week rule if the blood test is marked urgent - like a D-dimer - in which case they are usually back after 48 hours (2 days). I got the non urgent call back and it was to discuss low iron. You want to reduce your risk of disease or complications. The resting ECG is different from a stress or exercise ECG or cardiac imaging test. An abnormal test result for potassium, then, is one whose value is greater than the highest in the range of values in normal people. Inadequate levels of blood due to excessive blood loss or from having long-lasting ailments. These could include anything from fatigue to abnormal weight gain to new pain. Another source of variation is you. Crystals. Learn more about, Well, that is frustrating! If something was wrong they'd have made an urgent appointment. Still, abnormal blood test results should be interpreted cautiously as most are non-specific to cancer. A high level of creatine phosphokinase, a muscle enzyme, can signal a heart or muscular ailmentor it can mean you worked out shortly. Your babe is basically taking it from you and hoarding it away for after birth. In some cases, specific lifestyle changes can improve conditions such as high cholesterol and diabetes without requiring medication. Find advice, support and good company (and some stuff just for fun). With other tests, its worrisome only if the abnormality is in one direction. Abnormal immunology blood test results Immunity blood tests are measurement of antibodies in the blood, e.g. Are you in SF? One should ensure they go for their regular annual checkups and not to avoid basic blood tests. You would have be told by now if there was a problem with the baby. Please select a reason for escalating this post to the WTE moderators: Connect with our community members by starting a discussion. They are probably much more hesitant to get tests that are painful or uncomfortable or involve unpleasant preparation. Doctors can deal with meaning of such tests, the interpretation of single result without taking into account the other antibodies test results leads to erroneous diagnosis. When results of liver blood tests are abnormal, the clinical response should include: obtaining a thorough clinical history; performing examinations; and, in appropriate patient groups, considering primary sclerosing cholangitis and viral hepatitis (see Box 1 and Figure 1). This may be as simple as changing your diet and starting an exercise program to control diabetes or reduce high blood pressure. Help in measuring the optimum size of the red blood cells or the mean cell volume. What does that means. Thank you for your comments. I had to start taking an iron supplement towards the end of my pregnancy too. Interpreting the result of a test for covid-19 depends on two things: the accuracy of the test, and the pre-test probability or estimated risk of disease before testing. The educational health content on What To Expect is reviewed by our medical review board and team of experts to be up-to-date and in line with the latest evidence-based medical information and accepted health guidelines, including the medically reviewed What to Expect books by Heidi Murkoff. How many Mohs biopsies actually save lives? Abnormal Blood Clotting Test Results Show why the blood has lost its ability to clot and why it takes longer to do the same. I recently had blood tests done for my vitamin levels, full blood count but my midwife has said my vitamins were great so I dont understand wouldnt she have told me if I saw her after the blood tests If it was about this. 4 0 obj Although its always best to talk to your doctor when you get an abnormal blood test result, in some cases, you may be told to simply wait and retest later. As an expectant mother, it is always good to know what abnormal blood test results mean. In addition to anaemia you may be found to have another abnormality in your blood count. Any suggestions? I had repeat bloods done on Thursday last week, and dr said she would call me back with the results. But it made me a nervous wreck until I knew. 20052023 BabyCenter, LLC, a Ziff Davis company. If the results are near abnormal or definitely abnormal, and your doctor says not to worry: Suppose that the result has changed significantly from when it was tested previously. Something similar has happened with health care, as patients are subject to the wallet test along with whatever other metrics are used to become a beneficiary (insurance-talk) or case (doctor talk). If your results have usually been 81 or 82 mg/dL, but your latest result is suddenly 98 mg/dL, it's still considered normal, but the change might spark a conversation about your diet. Generally, lab results provide an indicator of what healthy blood looks like for 95 percent of the population. It actually measures the rate of fall (sedimentation) of erythrocytes (red blood cells) in a tall, thin tube of blood. Create an account or log in to participate. Urine microscopic findings A lab technician may examine a urine sample under a microscope to look for tiny substances in the urine, including: Cells. Whether its high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol, or diabetes, what should you do if your doctor says your test results are abnormal? However, what happens if your blood work turns up abnormal results? However, many people with no risk factors or symptoms have an ECG as part of their routine checkups. When the blood tests have been found to be abnormal one should go for further screening to determine the conditions affecting them. A Group Owner is a member that has initiated the creation of a group to connect with other members to share their journey through the same pregnancy & baby stages. for abnormal levels of proteins called tumour markers. Columns. A pathologist looks at the tissue under a microscope and runs other tests on the cells in the sample. All and ask to talk to your doctors nurse and tell her youre having a lot of anxiety and ask for an explanation of why you need the appointment. We strive to provide you with a high quality community experience. Sometimes your health professional may decide that - taking into account what is already known about your health - no further action is needed. Your post will be hidden and deleted by moderators. Suffering from Leukopenia Which is a condition brought about by having low white blood cells in the blood system. The most important thing to remember about abnormal blood test results is that theyre not necessarily life-threatening. About us| Test Results Explained YT Channel |Resources|Contact us|Ask Scientists|TOS|Privacy Policy|Team, Blood Test Results Explained 2023. Hopefully they will understand that. Add message Save Share Report Bookmark Advertisement In this case, positive doesn't necessarily mean "good" and negative doesn't necessarily mean "bad.". Register/login|Privacy|About|TOS|Contact|Team|Ask|Testimonials, abnormal liver enzymes blood test results, Abnormal RF blood test results for Rheumatoid, High Ferritin, Normal Iron and Low Hemoglobin. I am also a decision anaylst and understand the desire to pre-think testing. Use of this site is subject to our terms of use and privacy policy. Nothing to stress about. Use of this site is subject to our terms of use and privacy policy. There was a little red blood a few days into it so I went into emergency. Such as beta-blockers, sodium channel blockers, and calcium channel blockers. Should I be concerned. If so, ask if that change means it should be tested again sooner than usual. Ischemia, or lack of blood flow, may also cause an abnormal ECG.Heart rhythm abnormalities: A heart typically beats in a steady rhythm. Screening tests are performed on patients at risk of developing a disease or condition. One out of every 20 people who get routine blood testing will have an abnormal result. And results that are outside the normal range (abnormal) dont mean a person has a disease. Abnormal results may indicate several different health conditions. A markedly abnormal blood result may indicate that the patient needs urgent treatment. The levels of many molecules in our blood change, sometimes from hour to hour. So maybe its something like that. Note that once you confirm, this action cannot be undone. Diabetic retinopathy can cause abnormal blood vessels to grow out of the retina and block fluid from draining out of the eye. What does it mean for your health and wellness? These abnormalities at most times are due to a person suffering from ailments, conditions or body system infections. Diabetic retinopathy can cause scars to form in the back of your eye. This can help give an indication of your general health, as . A hormone produced by the . Over a long time, these abnormal cells may develop into cervical cancer if left untreated. A complete blood count (CBC) looks at whether your blood has normal numbers of different types of blood cells. So if you . High levels: Low levels: ALP bile duct blockage cirrhosis gallbladder inflammation gallstones hepatitis Paget's disease bone metabolism disorders Non urgent - you will be absolutely fine. Please select a reason for escalating this post to the WTE moderators: Connect with our community members by starting a discussion. If they are not fully aware of the guidelines to follow, there is a need to check with their doctor on the same. Not anything life threatening. If so, ask if that . A Pap smear (or Pap test) is a simple procedure that looks for abnormal cell changes in the cervix. Treatment response to an abnormal electrocardiogram result depends on the underlying cause. A Group Leader is a What to Expect community member who has been selected by our staff to help maintain a positive, supportive tone within a group. Blood diseases: Hematologists specialize in diagnosing and treating blood diseases. These conditions include Down syndrome and other chromosomal differences. If you do have an infection, you may be. Suppose that the result is well into the abnormal range (not just over the line), but has not changed significantly. The views expressed in community are solely the opinions of participants, and do not reflect those of What to Expect. Examine the particular condition a person may be suffering from in order to prescribe them to the correct treatment plan. Regular blood tests can catch the warning signs of almost any disease early. Tagged as: McNutt, Negative, Positive, Testing, What if your test say abnormal? Performs tests and procedures, including, but not limited to: EKG's, pulmonary function testing, vision testing, strep tests, urinalysis, urine straight catheterization, suture removals . Better health is, of course, a positive result, but too often the goal is hunting Easter eggs for the practice, courtesy of the insurance company. % Not knowing is super frustrating but stressing over it is probably worse than what it actually is. Thrombocythemia is a perfect exhibition of the existence of ailments that may affect the bone marrow or cause inflammations to the body. We respect everyones right to express their thoughts and opinions as long as they remain respectful of other community members, and meet What to Expects Terms of Use. Dr. Salamon says she would, for example, ask you questions like "Have you put on weight? Heres why. 8. I'm sure it's fine but I would call them in the morning and see if you can find out anything, Update: it was low iron. Whats the name of the test? Send us them. They did STDs, HIV, Hep c, and my blood type. Should you wish to book your appointment online, Our Doctors Calendar is available to you, Simply head over to Reserve your Appointment and view the doctors available times where we can be able to help you. I dont know why my midwife didnt pick up on it last time she told me my iron was great now Im being told its low my Ferratum. Very impaired: .08-0.40 percent BAC. 4.1k views Answered >2 years ago. Op-eds. The question is not whether the result is abnormal, but whether it is becoming even more abnormal.. These include: Defects or abnormalities in the heart's shape and size: An abnormal ECG can signal that one or more aspects of the heart's walls are larger than another meaning that the heart is working harder than normal to pump blood. Abnormalities in The Results of The Blood Tests May be due to Low Levels of the Red Blood Cells and Hemoglobin - Which leads to a person suffering from anemia due to inadequate iron levels in the meals a person takes. Basically it says the doctor wants me to make a non urgent appointment regarding my abnormal result (clinically significant) what does this mean? Prostate-specific antigen, or PSA, is a protein produced by normal, as well as malignant, cells of the prostate gland. I called the nurse and asked her to just tell me the issue she did. Please specify a reason for deleting this reply from the community. Find advice, support and good company (and some stuff just for fun). Laboratory abnormalities in severe disease are further described in Table 7.2. 1 0 obj Should you be worried, or will it go away on its own? It can, however, help you to learn more about your body and detect potential problems in early stages when treatment or changes in personal habits can be most effective. First, I had an echocardiogram, to investigate why there was a strain on my heart.It was the same as a pregnancy ultrasound, only you see your heart pumping on the screen and what a sight it was; it was quite surreal. A few of my values fell just outside the normal range. Two years on I had blood tests for a UTI infection that wouldn't go away and was called back for a discussion on my cholesterol levels! Your iron always drops towards the end. I did a study showing that the types and distributions of tests vary little by diagnosis in a hospital, for example. A blood glucose test is a type of test that is used to monitor diabetes and diabetes treatment. My doctor says its fine, but Im still worried. Sometimes when the blood test does not give the desired results and the results are not within the normal range, it is not automatically deemed that one has some complications or ailments. Phosphorus test The lab tests the amount of phosphorus in the blood. This may be recorded as 'abnormal but expected'. Most teachers of evidence-based-medicine talk about tests as positive, or negative. In the table below, I present a single tests possible results. 9 - Upperhill Cardiovascular Centre. Persistent HPV infection can cause abnormal cells to develop on the cervix. Recommendation 2: Abnormal liver blood test results should only be interpreted after review of the previous results, past medical history and current medical condition. Non-urgent result reception to advise: the doctor will authorise our receptionist to inform you of routine results when you call for your result. Maybe its something like anemia? This is found using a blood test called a full blood count (FBC). Dont assume that one medication is enoughbe sure to follow your doctors instructions on all medications you take. I'm starting to feel like these offices are unorganized and insensitive! Hang in there! With most blood tests, different laboratories would all come to pretty much the same result. Your doctor can explain what to do next and schedule follow-up tests to help determine whether you have a condition that requires treatment. Hi there I am so stressed and anxious about a letter I received from the doctors. Abnormal blood work results are common, especially when you get routine blood testing. If youre not sure what to do about abnormal blood test results, its important to see your doctor.If you haven't done routine blood work in a while and don't want to drive or wait or pay crazy amounts to have it done. Blood alcohol level results may be given in different ways, including percentage of blood alcohol content (BAC). Problems in sickle cell disease typically begin around 5 to 6 months of age. In the table, also, note that a test result value as high as 30 only occurs in people with cancer 1% of the time, which is a small percent chance. My guess is that there is less evidence of lives saved by over-testing than new business for the doctors. Potassium test A blood calcium test screens for, diagnoses, and monitors a range of conditions relating to the bones, heart, nerves, kidneys, and teeth. ! For example, for an individual who goes for a fasting plasma glucose test and had eaten some food, the results may be abnormal. A little over 4 weeks ago I started having some spotting. Abnormal results can signify several issues. Consider doing it easily and affordably from home by clicking here. Basically it says the doctor wants me to make a non urgent appointment regarding my abnormal result (clinically significant) what does this mean? Hence, a value of 30 means you have cancer. When we get to actual case examples in future blogs, you will see situations where a diagnosis was uncovered just by considering the information contained in the actual test result value.My main point to you as a diagnostic decision maker is that you must know everything about your test results, including the exact value of every tests results. An EKG can reveal if the heart is beating out of rhythm or sequence.Medication side effects: Taking certain medications can impact a hearts rate and rhythm. Patients with lupus characteristically have the following lab test results: Antibodies against their own . The more abnormal it is, the more information it contains in terms of making a diagnosis. Your health care provider will recommend monitoring, more testing, or treatment. If you have not made an appointment within 1-2 weeks of receiving this test result you will be contacted by our medical centre requesting you make a review appointment. It has been clear for years that much of testing has more to do with trolling for business than protecting good health. Q: PSA 7.1 Man 62 with Normal MRI, Do I need Free PSA? As you can see, its totally normal to feel a little scared when you get an abnormal blood test resultbut dont worry: these tests dont necessarily mean anything is wrong with you. There are other reasons which may cause the blood test values to be abnormal. My lipid panel is marked as abnormally high; my triglycerides were at 102 mg/dL. The ECG will not harm you. Your doctor will usually recommend that you get routine blood work at least once a year, around the same time as your yearly physical. A woman with a lump in her breast or a man with chest pain would undergo a diagnostic test. Further conversation with your doctor often will put your mind at ease. Q: Can prostatitis misunderstood as soft lesion |do we need to go for biopsy? He told me the results over the phone, there was no time to waste . Lower Than Normal Ratio of Red Blood Cells When a person suffers from a lower than normal ratio of red blood cells when compared to the plasma, is an indication of being affected by anemia. Other abnormal readings may or may not indicate a problem. Its normal for it to drop though, so chances are your levels were normal last time. (level 5, grade D) Recommendation 3: The extent of liver blood test abnormality is not necessarily a guide to clinical significance. Theres no magic about the cutoff point for calling a test result abnormal. The development of electronic health records has helped in notifying physicians of abnormal lab results or a suspicious imaging result on a CT scan or chest X-ray, but some results can still be overlooked. Wouldnt it just be your follow up appointment to discuss your care options? The cervix is the lowest part of the uterus, located at the top of your vagina. This tissue will not conduct electricity as well, which can cause an abnormal ECG. I know everything they have tested so far are not pregnancy related. The answer depends on which tests reveal abnormalities. This causes a type of glaucoma (a group of eye diseases that can cause vision loss and blindness). non urgent = something trivial like mild anemia, low vitamin B12, slightly raised cholesterol or whatever. A serum potassium test result may be as low as 3.0 and as high as 4.0 in normal people, for example. Abnormal 'Non-Urgent' blood results E Emj56 Mar 29, 2018 at 10:49 AM Call from the doctors to say the blood tests I had over 3 weeks ago have come back abnormal and no appointments available before the 16th April. Blood tests can check for example: the number of white blood cells, red blood cells and platelets in the blood (full blood count) how well organs such as the liver and kidneys are working. If two or more tests show problems, you should ask for an explanation because these results may indicate that other medical conditions exist. Group Owners uphold the core values of the brand by reporting content that violates the community guidelines. This can be done using other tests or by taking another sample of your blood to check again. Most of the patients suffering from malfunctioning of the liver may exhibit no symptoms at all or minimal ones and the tests done on their blood is commonly abnormal. But, the greater the potassium level, the more the diagnostic and treatment decisions may vary. HPV is a very common sexually transmitted infection which usually shows no symptoms and goes away by itself. Having Low Levels of Blood Platelets A condition described as Thrombocytopenia especially when a person has been taking certain medications, having been subjected to a virus infection, conditions that affect the bone marrow, or having an autoimmune ailment. It provides information about your heart rate and rhythm and shows if there is an enlargement of the heart due to high blood pressure or evidence of a previous heart attack. For example, a person with dehydration may have imbalanced electrolytes that are causing an abnormal ECG. The best way to understand this is to see an example. Youre entitled to your labs. Finally, a lot of marginally useful testing that gets built into the definition of the standard of care in this country probably has more to do with defensive medicine that reflects the litigiousness of our society than the desire to drive revenue for the physician practice or hospital system. I'm guessing it's just to finalise my referrals and give me all the standard info for early pregnancy. When the ratio is higher than normal it is a clear indication that an individual is suffering from dehydration or they have extra red blood cells in their blood system a condition known as Polycythemia. Having Raised TumorMarkers, Anaemia or Abnormally Functioning Liver May lead to having abnormal blood test results. For example, kidney diseases, polycythemia which may indicate suffering from Polycythemia Vera, diseases that affect the lungs or when one has physiological problems especially for those people who live in areas of high altitude. Instead: Positive: The lab found whatever your doctor was testing for. To help you get started read our. You may need the test for screening or occupational requirements, or if you have a personal or family history of heart disease, diabetes, or other risks and you want to start exercising.