Can you read lab test reports?

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(1) Routine blood and urine tests When visiting a hospital, routine blood and urine tests are something that is often carried out. The main items of a routine urine test are introduced as follows: NTT is an abbreviation for NITRITE in English, referring to nitrites in urine. The level of nitrites is often related to the type of food and cold climates; if its level is consistently above normal, it may indicate a possibility of stones. 　　PH stands for pH level; normal urine is slightly acidic, and either extreme acidity or alkalinity indicates an abnormality. 　　GLU is the abbreviation for GLUCOSE in English, which refers to sugar; sugar levels in normal urine are negative. 　　PRO is an abbreviation for the English word “PROTEIN”, which refers to protein. Normally, urinary protein should be negative. 　　BLD is an abbreviation for the English word BLOOD, and it refers to occult blood; normal urine levels of occult blood are negative. 　　KET is an abbreviation for the English word KETONE; it refers to the same substance, and it is often positive in cases of ketoacidosis. 　　BIL is an abbreviation for the English word BILIRUBIN, which refers to bilirubin ； URO is an abbreviation for URBILINOGEN, which refers to urobilinogen. BIL and URO are two indicators for detecting jaundice; a positive result indicates the presence of jaundice, and further investigation is needed to determine its cause. 　　LEU is the abbreviation for LEUCOCYTE in English, which refers to white blood cells; normal urine test results are negative. Reference values and meanings of the project’s English names: Alanine aminotransferase ALT – 0-45 U/L. It is an enzyme essential for the human body; normally only trace amounts are present in the blood, with the majority found in liver cells and small amounts in other organs. If the values are elevated, it may indicate hepatitis, liver disease, or liver cancer. Aspartate aminotransferase AST: 0–45 U/L. It is an enzyme essential for the human body; normally only trace amounts are present in the blood, with the majority found in liver cells and small amounts in other organs. If the value is elevated, it may be due to hepatitis, liver disease, liver cancer, or myocardial infarction. Alkaline phosphatase AKP ranges from 60–300 U/L; it is most abundant in the small intestinal mucosa, and is also found in the kidneys, bones, thyroid gland, and liver. Levels rise in conditions such as biliary obstruction, hepatitis, and hyperparathyroidism. Gamma-glutamyl transferase GGT ranges from 0–50 U/L; it is present in the liver, kidneys, and pancreas. It is an enzyme triggered primarily by alcohol, and serves as an indicator of liver function, being more sensitive than the aforementioned AST and ALT. If it is on the high side, it may be hepatitis, liver disease, liver damage caused by alcoholism, or bile duct obstruction. An elevated lactate dehydrogenase level of 160–500 U/L may suggest myocardial infarction (with an increase within 72 hours that persists for a week), liver disease, leukemia, and other blood disorders. A level of total bilirubin (TBIL) exceeding 6–22 μmol/L may indicate hepatitis, jaundice, hemolytic anemia, or gallstones. Bilirubin is a metabolite of hemoglobin and myosin, etc., and is excreted through the liver and gallbladder. Direct bilirubin DBIL: 0–6 UMOL/L; Indirect bilirubin IBIL: 0–20 UMOL/L. Total protein TP: 60–85 g/L. A low level may indicate liver disease, stomach problems, or malnutrition. A high temperature is suspected to be due to dehydration, infection, or multiple osteomyelitis. A low level of albumin ALB of 30-55 g/L may indicate liver disease, poor nutrient absorption, leukemia, etc., while a high level is likely due to dehydration. A level of globulin G25-35G/L that is too low may indicate liver disease, malnutrition, leukemia, etc.; a level that is too high may suggest hepatobiliary disorders or infections. The ratio of albumin to globulin, A/G, should be between 1.5 and 2.5. The total cholesterol level, TC, should be between 3.15 and 6.25 mmol/L. If it exceeds 6.25, there is a higher risk of hypertension, atherosclerosis, blood vessel blockage, bile duct obstruction, etc. In such cases, dietary adjustments are necessary; when levels exceed 6.25, medical treatment becomes required. Cholesterol in the serum can be further divided into high-density lipoprotein (HDL), which is responsible for capturing free cholesterol from the blood and returning it to the liver; it is what is known as good cholesterol. Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) carries cholesterol that tends to accumulate on the walls of blood vessels. Triglycerides at levels of 0.48–1.88 mmol/l are essential for human nutrition; levels that are too high may lead to conditions such as hypertension, arteriosclerosis, and diabetes, while levels that are too low suggest malnutrition. Urea: UREA levels range from 2.1–7.2 mmol/l. Proteins in the body are metabolized and broken down into urea in the liver, which is then excreted through the blood and kidneys. Elevated urea levels are associated with bleeding in the liver, kidneys, thyroid, and stomach; very high levels may indicate uremia. Creatinine: 44–136 μmol/L. It is a metabolic product of muscles and is excreted by the kidneys. Elevated levels in serum may indicate poor kidney function or uremia. Uric acid: 210–420 μmol/L. Excessively high levels may suggest gout or kidney disorders; excessively low levels may be due to insufficient protein intake, liver dysfunction, or excessive consumption of aspirin or steroids. Phosphorus at levels of P 0.84–1.98 mmol/l is associated with the kidneys, thyroid gland, parathyroids, VitD, and medications (diuretics, antacid tablets). Calcium levels of 2.15–2.65 mmol/l are related to thyroid function, Vit D, and medications (diuretics, antacid tablets). Sodium NA133–145 MEQ/L is involved in regulating water, electrolytes, and pH levels in the kidneys and lungs. Excess sodium levels can lead to dehydration, adrenal cortex hyperactivity, kidney diseases, effects of medications (blood pressure drugs, pain relievers and anti-swelling agents, steroids), diabetes insipidus, and other conditions. Too low levels may be caused by fluid retention, adrenal insufficiency, renal tubular acidosis, vomiting and diarrhea, use of diuretics, and so on. Potassium: 3.3–5.1 MEQ/L. In the kidneys and lungs, it helps regulate the body’s water, electrolytes, and pH levels. Excess potassium levels can lead to kidney dysfunction, adrenal insufficiency, and side effects from medications. Being too low may be due to hunger, vomiting and diarrhea, taking diuretics, etc. Chlorine: 96–108 mEq/L. Chlorine helps regulate water, electrolytes, and pH levels in the body within the kidneys and lungs. Excessively high levels of chlorine may indicate excessive salt intake, poor kidney function, inability to excrete waste, severe dehydration, or hyperparathyroidism. Too low levels may be caused by vomiting and diarrhea, poor kidney function, or the use of diuretics. Carbon dioxide levels ranging from 23–32 meq/l play a role in regulating water, electrolytes, and pH levels in the kidneys and lungs; high levels of carbon dioxide or bicarbonate indicate metabolic alkalosis. Pulmonary acidosis can result from emphysema, asthma, excessive use of sedatives, potassium loss, or taking an excessive amount of antacids or diuretics. Too low levels indicate metabolic acidosis, such as salicylate poisoning, diabetic acidosis, lactic acidosis, kidney failure, respiratory alkalosis, starvation, or severe diarrhea. For glucose, the fasting level should be 70–110 MG/DL, and it should not exceed 120 after meals. If it exceeds 140, diabetes may be present; a GTT glucose tolerance test is required, as insulin deficiency or hyperthyroidism could be the cause. The white blood cell count WBC is slightly higher in females than in males, ranging from 4 to 11. A decrease in white blood cells indicates suppressed bone marrow hematopoietic function, cancer chemotherapy, acute severe infections, chronic diseases, and poor physical condition. High values indicate bacterial infections, tissue necrosis, leukemia, asthma, use of steroids or lithium carbonate, severe illnesses, etc. The RBC4‑6 value is slightly higher in males than in females. If it is too low, it may lead to bleeding, anemia (impaired hematopoiesis; possible deficiency of iron, Vitamin B12, and folic acid), leukopenia, etc. If it is too high, there may be a lack of water; mountain dwellers suffer from chronic bronchitis and polycythemia. Hemoglobin HGB12-18 is a protein found on red blood cells that is capable of carrying oxygen; its level is slightly higher in men than in women. The reasons for levels that are too low or too high are related to the red blood cells themselves. The hematocrit HCT is 38–53%; it represents the proportion of red blood cells in the blood. Normal values apply here, and the possible causes of either too high or too low levels are the same as those related to red blood cells. The mean corpuscular volume (MCV) of 80–100 indicates the average size of red blood cells. This value helps in determining the type of anemia present. An elevated MCV may suggest a deficiency in Vitamin B12 and folic acid, liver disease, or alcoholism. A low value may be due to iron, copper, and B6 deficiency or chronic bleeding. The hemoglobin-to-red blood cell ratio, MCH, is 25–35. Anemia caused by enlarged red blood cells and high hemoglobin levels increases this ratio, while anemia resulting from reduced red blood cell size and low hemoglobin levels decreases it. Hemoglobin concentration is the average ratio of red blood cells; MCHC ranges from 25–36 and is similar to MCH. Platelets, or PLT, range from 100–300. They are produced in the bone marrow and are essential for blood clotting. An excess of platelets may lead to hemolytic anemia, polycythemia, myeloid leukemia, myelofibrosis, or rheumatoid arthritis, while a deficiency in platelets can result in leukemia, deficiencies in Vitamin B12 and folic acid, coagulation disorders, or excessive use of painkillers for arthritis. Urinalysis: Urine protein PRO – negative (-); qualitative detection of urine protein remains positive. In acute nephritis, protein is often (+) to (++), and quantitative testing generally does not exceed 3 g/24 hours. Latent nephritis is characterized by urine protein levels of (±) to (+); quantitative tests usually show values around 200 mg/24h, with levels generally not exceeding 1.0 g/24h. In patients with pyelonephritis, urine protein is usually (+) to (++), along with a high number of white blood cells in the urine. The amount of protein in the urine of patients with chronic nephritis varies, ranging from (+) to (++++). In nephrotic syndrome, the urine protein level can range from (+++) to (++++), with a quantitative urine protein level of >3.5 g/24 hours. Occult blood BLD: Negative (-) 1. White blood cells LEU: Negative (-) 1. Glucose in urine GLU: Negative (-) The normal concentration of glucose in human blood is 70–100 mg/dl; after passing through the glomeruli, almost all of this glucose is reabsorbed by the renal tubules. As a result, only trace amounts of glucose are present in urine, and it is generally not detectable in routine tests. However, when blood glucose levels rise (>160 mg/Dl), the renal tubules are unable to absorb all the glucose in the urine; as a result, glucose appears in the urine, giving a positive urine glucose test. Nitrite NTT or NIT: negative (-). The level of nitrites is often related to the type of food and cold climates; if its level is consistently above normal, it may indicate the possibility of stones. Urine specific gravity SG: 1.003–1.030 (1). An increased specific gravity can occur in cases of acute nephritis, diabetes, high fever, vomiting, diarrhea, and heart failure. (2) Decreased specific gravity: The specific gravity of urine can decrease in conditions such as chronic nephritis, chronic pyelonephritis, acute renal failure (during the oliguric and polyuric phases), chronic renal failure, and diabetes insipidus. In cases of severe renal dysfunction, the urine specific gravity often remains at 1.010 (±)0.003, resulting in isotonic urine. Uric acid pH: 4.5–8.0 (average: 6.0). (1) Increased acidity: Fever, diabetic acidosis, gout, leukemia, and the use of medications such as ammonium chloride often result in acidic urine. (2) Increased alkalinity: Severe vomiting, alkalosis, after blood transfusion, cystitis, and use of medications such as bicarbonates can cause urine to be alkaline in nature. If urine is left standing for too long, bacteria break down urea, which can change acidic urine into alkaline urine. Urine ketone: negative (-). (1) In cases of diabetic ketoacidosis, urine ketones show a strongly positive reaction. (2) In pregnancy, eclampsia, and conditions such as inability to eat, vomiting, or digestive and absorptive disorders caused by various reasons, the urine test for this substance can show a positive to strongly positive reaction. Urobilinogen and bilirubin: URO, BIL are negative (-). BIL and URO are two indicators for diagnosing jaundice; a positive result indicates the presence of jaundice, and further investigation is needed to determine its cause. 　　Special note: The methods for various tests or the units used for the indicators may vary depending on the hospital; for details, please consult your doctor. (II) Explanation of Common Laboratory Test Values in Hospitals (Routine Tests 1) 　　　Beijing Hanlinyuan Data Center English abbreviations for test items, normal value ranges, and clinical significance: Red blood cell count (RBC): Men: (4.4–5.7)×10¹²/L; Women: (3.8–5.1)×10¹²/L; Newborns: (6–70)×10¹²/L; Children: (4.0–5.2)×10¹²/L. An elevated RBC count is seen in polycythemia vera, severe dehydration, burns, shock, pulmonary heart disease, congenital heart diseases, carbon monoxide poisoning, intense physical exercise, hypertension, and living at high altitudes. RBC↓, various anemias, leukemia, massive bleeding or continuous minor bleeding, severe parasitic diseases, pregnancy, etc. Hemoglobin: Hb, Hgb – 120–165 g/L for men, 110–150 g/L for women. The clinical significance of changes in hemoglobin is similar to that of changes in red blood cell count. Hematocrit: PCV or HCT – 0.39–0.51 for men, 0.33–0.46 for women. An elevated PCV indicates dehydration and concentration of blood, as well as conditions such as extensive burns, severe vomiting and diarrhea, and diabetes insipidus. PCV↓ various anemias, water intoxication, pregnancy. The average red blood cell volume, MCV, ranges from 80 to 100 fL. MCV, MCH, and MCHC are three screening indicators used for diagnosing anemia. Mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH): 27–32 pg. Mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC): 320–360 g/L. Reticulocyte count in adults: 0.5%–1.5%. An elevated Ret·c is seen in various types of proliferative anemias. Ret·c↓ kidney diseases, including endocrine disorders, hemolytic anemia with regeneration crisis, aplastic anemia, etc. An increased platelet count PLT BPC (100–300)×109/L is seen in conditions such as acute blood loss, hemolysis, polycythemia vera, essential thrombocythemia, chronic myeloid leukemia, within 2 months after splenectomy, acute rheumatic fever, rheumatoid arthritis, ulcerative colitis, malignant tumors, and within 2 weeks after major surgery. Reduce ① genetic diseases. ②Acquired diseases: immune thrombocytopenic purpura, systemic lupus erythematosus, various types of anemia. As well as diseases of the spleen, kidneys, liver, and heart. There are also allergies to aspirin, antibiotics, and other such substances. White blood cell count: In adults, it is (4–10)×10⁹/L; in children, it is (5–12)×10⁹/L; in newborns, it is (15–20)×10⁹/L. An increase in WBC count can be caused by inflammation resulting from various bacterial infections, as well as extensive burns, uremia, infectious mononucleosis, infectious lymphocytosis, pertussis, schistosomiasis, paragonimiasis, leukemia, leukemoid reactions, malignant tumors, tissue necrosis, various allergic reactions, and after surgery—especially following splenectomy. Decreased WBC: colds, measles, typhoid fever, paratyphoid fever, malaria, typhus, relapsing fever, miliary tuberculosis, severe infections, sepsis, pernicious anemia, aplastic anemia, paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria, hypersplenism, acute granulocytopenia, cancer chemotherapy, radiation therapy, hormone treatment, as well as various drugs such as antipyretic analgesics, antibiotics, anticancer drugs, antiepileptic drugs, antithyroid drugs, antimalarial drugs, antitubercular drugs, and antidiabetic drugs. White blood cell count: Physiological increase occurs in newborns, during pregnancy, childbirth, menstruation, after intense exercise following a meal, after taking a cold bath, during sunbathing or exposure to ultraviolet rays, as well as due to excessive nervous tension, fear, nausea, and vomiting. White blood cell differential count: WBC, DC. Neutrophils: band forms 1%–5%, segmented forms 50%–70%. An increase indicates acute and purulent infections (furuncles, abscesses, pneumonia, appendicitis, erysipelas, sepsis, visceral perforation, scarlet fever, etc.), various types of poisoning (acidosis, uremia, lead poisoning, mercury poisoning, etc.), tissue damage, malignant tumors, acute massive bleeding, acute hemolysis, etc. Decrease: seen in infectious diseases such as typhoid, paratyphoid, measles, influenza, as well as chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Certain hematological disorders (aplastic anemia, agranulocytosis, myelodysplastic syndromes), hypersplenism, autoimmune diseases, etc. 　　An increase in eosinophils to 0.5%–5.0%: seen in allergic diseases, skin diseases, parasitic infections, certain blood disorders, after radiation exposure, following splenectomy, and during the recovery phase of infectious diseases. Decrease: Seen in typhoid fever, paratyphoid fever, use of glucocorticoids, adrenocorticotropic hormone, etc. 　　Basophils: 0%-1%. An increase is seen in chronic myeloid leukemia, basophilic leukemia, Hodgkin’s disease, and after splenectomy. 　　An increase in lymphocytes of 20%-40% is seen in certain infectious diseases (whooping cough, infectious mononucleosis, infectious lymphocytosis, chickenpox, measles, rubella, mumps, viral hepatitis, lymphocytic leukemia, and lymphoma, etc.), while a decrease is observed during the acute phase of various infectious diseases, as well as in cases of radiation sickness and immunodeficiency disorders. 　　An increase in monocytes to 3%–8% is seen in tuberculosis, typhoid fever, infective endocarditis, malaria, monocytic leukemia, kala-azar, and the convalescent phase of infectious diseases. A bleeding time BT1-3min of more than 4 minutes indicates an elongation; this is seen in cases of tuberculosis of the blood vessel walls or functional defects, deficiencies in the quantity or quality of platelets, vascular hemophilia, as well as various drug side effects. It is also occasionally observed in obstructive jaundice, vitamin K deficiency, and excessive anticoagulant therapy. Coagulation time – tube method; Coagulation time – slide method: CCT 5–12 min, 1–4 min. Prolonged values are seen in hemophilia A and B as well as in deficiencies of factors XI and XII; they are also observed in cases of severe deficiencies of thrombin factors V and X and fibrinogen, as well as when anticoagulant substances are present in the blood circulation. Shortened: seen in the hypercoagulable phase of disseminated intravascular coagulation. Carbon monoxide test: A negative result is normal; if a positive result appears, it must be reported immediately and emergency treatment should be initiated. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR): It should be less than 15 mm/h in men and less than 20 mm/h in women. An increased ESR can be due to: ① physiological factors, exercise, menstruation, pregnancy after 3 months (up to 3 weeks after delivery), or advanced age over 60 years. ②Pathological: various inflammations. During the active phase of rheumatic fever or tuberculosis, tissue damage and necrosis last for 2–3 weeks; myocardial infarction occurs approximately 1 week after onset. Other conditions include malignant tumors, various types of hypergammaglobulinemia, hypoproteinemia (anemia), and hypercholesterolemia. Decreased: Primarily seen in polycythemia, hemoglobinopathies, hypofibrinogenemia, hereditary spherocytosis, microcytic hypochromic anemia, congestive cardiac insufficiency, cachexia, and anti-infective therapeutic drugs. (III) Explanation of Common Laboratory Values in Hospitals (Routine Tests 2) 　　　Beijing Hanlinyuan Data Center Test Item – English Abbreviation, Normal Range, Clinical Significance: Urine Specific Gravity SG: 1.003–1.030; it is higher than 1.020 in morning urine, and 1.015–1.025 in 24-hour urine. In infants, it ranges from 1.002–1.006. An increased urine specific gravity above 1.025 indicates concentrated urine, which is seen in acute nephritis, kidney diseases, heart failure, high fever, dehydration, shock, and uncontrolled diabetes. A specific gravity of less than 1.005 indicates hypotonic urine, which is seen in uremia, primary or cardiac shock, chronic renal failure, and malignant hypertension. Urine containing a radiopaque contrast agent can have a specific gravity greater than 1.050. In acid-base reactions, the pH ranges from 4.5 to 8, with an average pH of around 6. Urine is more acidic at night than during the day. An elevated HP value is seen in cases of consuming large amounts of plant-based foods, especially citrus fruits; it is also observed in the absence of metabolic alkalosis due to potassium deficiency, persistent vomiting, respiratory alkalosis, urinary tract infections, after meals, and in cases of renal tubular acidosis. A decreased pH is seen in a diet high in animal-based foods, hypokalemic metabolic alkalosis, respiratory acidosis, starvation, and severe diarrhea. Qualitative urine protein test: Pro negative. ① If the test report shows urine protein at the level of + to ++++, it is considered proteinuria. Apart from functional postures, pathological proteinuria is an early and easily overlooked indicator of kidney disease. Many drugs can cause a positive urine protein test. Qualitative urine glucose test: GLU negative. ① Positive urine glucose can be either temporary or pathological; temporary glycosuria occurs as a result of excessive secretion of adrenaline or glucagon during stress reactions. Pathological glycosuria is seen in cases of relatively or absolutely insufficient insulin secretion, as well as in secondary hyperglycemic glycosuria caused by conditions such as pancreatic diseases, liver diseases, hyperthyroidism, hyperfunction of the anterior pituitary gland, hyperfunction of the adrenal cortex, and diseases like obesity and hypertension. Negative KET in urine ketone body qualitative test: increased in diabetes, ketoacidosis, propanol or ethanol poisoning, starvation, fasting, dehydration, etc. Urinalysis blood occult test BLO negative ① Refer to red blood cells in urine sediment. An increase in negative or weakly positive urobilin URB: hepatocellular jaundice, obstructive jaundice; in hepatitis, a positive result for urobilin can occur before the appearance of jaundice. Urobilinogen URO UBG: In healthy individuals, the level of urobilinogen is (+) or less than 1:20 or 70%; the activity level is excellent or good, with a value greater than 50%; WBC