Receiving a lab report can sometimes feel overwhelming with all the medical jargon and numbers. While your doctor is the best person to interpret your results, understanding some common markers can help you take a more active role in your health.
Common Markers Explained:
- Hemoglobin (Hb): Part of the Complete Blood Count (CBC), it indicates the oxygen-carrying capacity of your blood. Low levels may suggest anemia.
- LDL & HDL Cholesterol: LDL is often called "bad" cholesterol, while HDL is "good." A healthy balance is key to preventing heart disease.
- Creatinine & BUN: Key indicators of how well your kidneys are filtering waste from your blood.
- ALT & AST: Enzymes that, when elevated, can indicate stress or damage to the liver.
- Glucose: Measures the amount of sugar in your blood. High levels could indicate diabetes or pre-diabetes.
Remember, "normal" ranges can vary slightly between different labs. Always look at the reference range provided on your specific Qualigen report and discuss any outliers with your healthcare provider.