Blood tests are done to check whether various substances in our body are normal or not. However, most of the time we don’t understand the numbers shown in the reports.  We do not realize whether they are safe or not. To help you understand what the tests mean and what are the normal ranges of the tests; here are few tests explained.

• Lipid tests: These tests are done to determine the presence of heart disease.
  • Total cholesterol with LDL and HDL

Cholesterol tests are done to check for any arterial blockage. LDL which is ‘bad cholesterol’ has to be below 130 and HDL the ‘good cholesterol’ should be above 35; also the total cholesterol ratio should not exceed 3.5. However, VLDL i.e. very low density lipoprotein should not be more than 30 mg/dl.

• Triglycerides: Triglycerides are a kind of fat that are found in the bloodstream.

Normal ranges: 16-19 years (Male) 40 to 163 mg/dl

16-19 years (Female) 40 to 128 mg/dl

Adult Male 40 to 160 mg/dl

Adult female 35 to 135 mg/dl

 

• Hemo profile: These tests are done to check any abnormalities in the blood substances.
• WBC count (White blood cells): This test is also called as leukocytes Test and is done to check for infections and immunity.

Normal range: 4500 to 11000 / mm3

• Neutrophils: This is a kind of WBC which is circulated only for short period of time.

Normal range: 2500 to 8000 cells / mm3

• Red blood cells (RBC): RBC provides oxygen to body cells and also gives the red color to our blood.

Normal ranges: Adult male 4,700,000 to 6,100,000 cells per uL

Adult female 4,200,000 to 5,400,000 cells per uL

• Hemoglobin: This is found in each RBC and carries oxygen and carbon dioxide to the body cells.

Normal ranges: 6 to 18 years 10 to 15.5 g/dl (Male/ Female)

Adult male 14 to 18 g/dl

Adult female 12 to 16 g/dl

• Hematocrit: This test measures the percentage of total blood level.

Normal ranges: 6 to 18 years 32 to 44 % (Male/ Female)

Adult male 42 to 52%

Adult female 37 to 47 %

• Platelets: This is an important test to check various abnormalities.

Normal ranges: Children 150,000 to 400,000 per mm3

Adult 150,000 to 400,000 per mm3

• Some other clinical values:

There are various other clinical tests which are done to find any abnormalities, diseases and infections. Some of them are listed below with their normal ranges:

• Sodium: Adult 136 to 145 mEq/L
• Potassium: Adult 3.5 to 5 mEq/L
• Chloride: Adult 98 to 106 mEq/L
• Carbon Dioxide: Adult 23 to 30 mEq/L
• Glucose: Adult 65 to 120 mg/dl
• Blood Urea Nitrogen: Adult 10 to 20 mg/dl
• Creatinine: Adult (M)            0.6 to 1.2 mg/dl                                                        Adult (F)                  0.5 to 1.1 mg/dl
• Calcium: Adult 9 to 10.5 mg/dl

Hopefully, this information will make you aware of why these tests are done. You can also check your reports with these normal ranges to understand what your doctor advised you. Please note that these ranges may vary by 1 or 2 points depending on the various labs where the tests are carried out.