Interpreting Blood Test Results: CBC, Chemistry, Lipids, and Clinical Context

Understanding common blood panels:

Complete Blood Count (CBC)

• RBC, Hemoglobin, Hematocrit – oxygen-carrying capacity; low = anemia.
• WBC – immune response; high = infection/inflammation, low = bone marrow suppression.
• Platelets – clotting; thrombocytopenia/thrombocytosis.

Metabolic Chemistry

• Electrolytes (Na⁺, K⁺, Cl⁻, HCO₃⁻) – fluid balance, renal function.
• BUN/Creatinine – kidney function.
• AST/ALT/Bilirubin – liver health.
• Glucose – diabetes screening.

Lipid Profile

• Total cholesterol, HDL (protective), LDL (atherogenic), Triglycerides.

Reference ranges vary by age, sex, lab. Always discuss results with your ordering clinician for personalized interpretation.