How to Interpret Medical Tests - Haematological, Cholesterol, Vitamins, Minerals - Conditions

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It saddens me to see people asking, for example, on Facebook, about their health and tests, receiving answers from unqualified individuals, and getting medical advice-prescriptions from random people… I wrote this list so that you can understand the basics of your tests. The rest is up to your treating physician/therapist!!

And, please, do me a favour, do not allow the "a friend of mine took this and saw the true light…" or people suggesting medicines & supplements WITHOUT KNOWING YOUR DETAILED MEDICAL HISTORY - TESTS!!

Merci :)

Basic Haematological Tests

Description, reference values (for adults), what an increase/decrease might indicate.

*Values may vary by laboratory.

Haematocrit (Hct)

Percentage of red blood cell volume in the blood.

Reference values: Men 40-54%, Women 36-46%.

Increased: Dehydration, Polycythaemia, Chronic hypoxia (e.g., at high altitudes), Smoking, Haemoglobinopathies, Bone marrow neoplasms, Medications (e.g., androgens), Stress, Excessive exercise.

Decreased: Anaemia, Haemorrhage, Overhydration, Chronic kidney disease, Bone marrow hyperplasia, Aplastic anaemia, Thalassaemia, Vitamin deficiencies (B12, folic acid), Malnutrition, Pregnancy, Cancer.

Haemoglobin (Hb)

Protein for oxygen transport in red blood cells.

Reference values: Men 13.5-17.5 g/dL, Women 12-16 g/dL.

Increased: Dehydration, Polycythaemia, Chronic hypoxia, Smoking, Haemoglobinopathies, Bone marrow neoplasms, Medications (e.g., erythropoietin), Stress, Excessive exercise.

Decreased: Anaemia, Chronic disease, Renal failure, Iron or vitamin deficiencies (B12, folic acid), Haemorrhage, Thalassaemia (Mediterranean anaemia), Haemolytic disorders, Malnutrition, Pregnancy, Cancer, Autoimmune diseases.

Iron

Metal essential for haemoglobin synthesis, oxygen transport, and various enzymatic reactions in the body.

Reference values: Men 65-175 μg/dL, Women 50-170 μg/dL.

Increased: Haemochromatosis, Haemolytic anaemias, Excessive intake of iron supplements, Liver disease, Thalassaemia major, Polycythaemia, Medications (e.g., oestrogens), Alcoholism, Cancer. *Caution: Iron from animal sources will accumulate and burden the liver, from plant sources the body will absorb as needed (preferred).

Decreased: Iron deficiency anaemia, Chronic haemorrhage, Pregnancy, Malnutrition, Chronic inflammation, Neoplasms, Gastrointestinal disorders (e.g., coeliac disease, bacteria, etc.), Kidney disease, Autoimmune diseases, Medications (e.g., antacids).

Ferritin

Protein that stores iron in the body and serves as an indicator of iron reserves (more reliable for iron stores).

Reference values: Men 30-300 ng/mL, Women 13-150 ng/mL.

Increased: Inflammation, Liver disease, Haemochromatosis, Cancer, Autoimmune diseases, Alcoholism, Thyroid disease, Infection, Neoplasms, Polycythaemia.

Decreased: Iron deficiency, Anaemia, Chronic haemorrhage, Malnutrition, Pregnancy, Overproduction of red blood cells (e.g., in polycythaemia), Malabsorption, Coeliac disease, Kidney disease, Medications (e.g., antibiotics).

Red Blood Cells (RBC)

Number of red blood cells per unit volume of blood.

Reference values: Men 4.5-6.2 x 10^6/μL, Women 4.0-5.5 x 10^6/μL.

Increased: Dehydration, Polycythaemia, Chronic hypoxia, Smoking, Bone marrow neoplasms, Medications (e.g., erythropoietin), Stress, Excessive exercise, Haemoglobinopathies.

Decreased: Anaemia, Haemorrhage, Haemolytic disorders, Kidney disease, Vitamin deficiencies (B12, folic acid), Thalassaemia, Aplastic anaemia, Malnutrition, Pregnancy, Cancer, Autoimmune diseases.

White Blood Cells (WBC)

Total number of white blood cells.

Reference values: 4.0-11.0 x 10^3/μL.

Increased: Infection (bacterial, viral), Inflammation, Allergies, Stress, Smoking, Leukaemias, Autoimmune diseases, Neoplasms, Medications (e.g., corticosteroids), Trauma, Burns.

Decreased: Immunodeficiency, Chemotherapy, Radiotherapy, Viral infections (e.g., HIV), Aplastic anaemia, Hypersplenism, Vitamin deficiency (B12), Kidney disease, Autoimmune diseases, Shock.

Platelets (PLT)

Number of platelets. Needed for blood clotting.

Reference values: 150-450 x 10^3/μL.

Increased: Thrombosis, Myeloproliferative disease, Inflammation, Haemorrhage, Neoplasms, Iron deficiency anaemia, Infection, Medications (e.g., erythropoietin), Alcoholism, Cancer.

Decreased: Thrombocytopenia, Haemorrhagic diathesis, Aplastic anaemia, Hypersplenism, Infection, Medications (e.g., chemotherapy), Autoimmune diseases, Kidney disease, Liver disease, Vitamin deficiency (B12), Pregnancy.

Neutrophils

Type of white blood cells. Needed to combat bacteria.

Reference values: 50-70% (or 2.0-7.5 x 10^3/μL).

Increased: Infection (bacterial), Inflammation, Stress, Smoking, Leukaemias, Neoplasms, Medications (corticosteroids), Trauma, Burns, Alcoholism.

Decreased: Immunodeficiency, Aplastic anaemia, Chemotherapy, Viral infections, Hypersplenism, Vitamin deficiency (B12), Kidney disease, Autoimmune diseases, Shock, Hypercortisolism.

Lymphocytes

Type of white blood cells for immune response (the body's defence via the immune system). Reference values: 20-40% (or 1.0-4.8 x 10^3/μL).

Increased: Viral infections, Lymphocytic leukaemia, Autoimmune diseases, Tuberculosis, Syphilis, Neoplasms, Medications (e.g., anticonvulsants), Allergies.

Decreased: Immunodeficiency, AIDS, Chemotherapy, Corticosteroids, Hypersplenism, Severe infections, Vitamin deficiency (B12), Kidney disease, Autoimmune diseases, Stress.

Monocytes

Type of white blood cells. Used in phagocytosis.

Reference values: 2-8% (or 0.2-1.0 x 10^3/μL).

Increased: Chronic infection, Myelomonocytic leukaemia, Tuberculosis, Sarcoidosis, Autoimmune diseases, Neoplasms, Inflammation, Alcoholism.

Decreased: Immunodeficiency, Aplastic anaemia, Chemotherapy, Corticosteroids, Hypersplenism, Vitamin deficiency (B12), Kidney disease, Shock, Hypercortisolism.

Eosinophils

Type of white blood cells. Used to manage allergies and parasites.

Reference values: 0-5% (or 0-0.5 x 10^3/μL).

Increased: Allergy, Parasitic infection, Asthma, Skin conditions, Leukaemias, Autoimmune diseases, Neoplasms, Medications (e.g., antibiotics), Alcoholism.

Decreased: Stress, Corticosteroids, Infection, Shock, Hypercortisolism, Chemotherapy, Immunodeficiency, Kidney disease.

Basophils

Type of white blood cells. Used to manage allergies.

Reference values: 0-1% (or 0-0.2 x 10^3/μL).

 Increased: Allergy, Myeloproliferative disease, Leukaemias, Hypothyroidism, Inflammatory conditions, Neoplasms, Medications (e.g., oestrogens).

Decreased: Rare, usually normal (may be related to acute infection or stress), Chemotherapy, Immunodeficiency, Shock.

Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV)

Measurement of the mean volume of red blood cells.

Reference values: 80-100 fL.

Increased: Macrocytic anaemia, B12 or folic acid deficiency, Alcoholism, Hypothyroidism, Liver disease, Bone marrow neoplasms, Medications (e.g., anticonvulsants).

Decreased: Microcytic anaemia, Thalassaemia, Iron deficiency, Chronic disease, Haemoglobinopathies, Kidney disease, Malnutrition, Pregnancy.

Mean Corpuscular Haemoglobin (MCH)

Measurement of the mean amount of haemoglobin per red blood cell.

Reference values: 27-32 pg.

Increased: Macrocytic anaemia, B12 or folic acid deficiency, Alcoholism, Hypothyroidism, Liver disease.

Decreased: Microcytic anaemia, Iron deficiency, Thalassaemia, Chronic disease, Haemoglobinopathies, Kidney disease, Malnutrition.

Mean Corpuscular Haemoglobin Concentration (MCHC)

Measurement of the concentration of haemoglobin in the red blood cell.

Reference values: 32-36 g/dL.

Increased: Spherocytosis (problem with their membrane), Haemolytic Anaemia, Haemoglobinopathies, Neoplasms.

Decreased: Hypochromic anaemia, Iron deficiency, Thalassaemia, Chronic disease, Kidney disease, Malnutrition, Pregnancy, Autoimmune diseases.

Lipid Profile (Cholesterol/All Lipids)

Stay tuned, I will soon upload an article exclusively on cholesterol, and what "game" the industry is playing, raising and lowering values risking our health!

As for now, you can read about the beneficial & the toxic fats.

https://www.thomais.gr/post/which-fats-are-beneficial-which-are-toxic-in-our-diet-myths-truths-analysis 

Vitamins

*Values may vary by laboratory again.

Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid)

Antioxidant vitamin for collagen synthesis and immune function (immune system), ESSENTIAL for iron absorption! (I raised iron from 26 to 43 in 3 weeks, while people struggle for months due to ignorance)

Reference values: 0.6-2.0 mg/dL.

Increased: Overdosage of supplements (may cause diarrhoea, nausea, or gout), rarely from excessive intake from food or medications.

Decreased: Scurvy, Smoking, Stress, Infection, Malnutrition, Chronic diarrhoea, Malabsorption, Kidney disease, Liver disease, Alcoholism, Pregnancy, Cancer.

Vitamin D (25-OH D3)

Regulates calcium and phosphate homeostasis (body stabilisation).

Reference values: 30-100 ng/mL (sufficiency >20 ng/mL).

Increased: Overdosage of supplements - Hypervitaminosis D (highly toxic, mainly for the liver and bones!!), Sarcoidosis, Overproduction by the body, , Sarcoidosis, Overproduction by the body. Decreased: Rickets, Osteomalacia, Lack of sunlight, Obesity, Kidney disease, Liver disease, Malabsorption, Coeliac disease, Chronic inflammation, Alcoholism, Pregnancy, Cancer.

Subscribe, I'm preparing a specific article on D & its health risks.

Vitamin K1 (Phylloquinone)

Essential for blood clotting through protein synthesis.

Reference values: 0.1-2.2 ng/mL.

Increase: Overdosage of supplements (may cause haemorrhages or jaundice), rarely from excessive intake from food (e.g., green vegetables).

Decrease: Haemorrhagic disease of new-borns, Liver disease, Anticoagulant therapy, Malabsorption, Chronic diarrhoea, Coeliac disease, Kidney disease, Alcoholism, Medications (e.g., antibiotics), Pregnancy.

Vitamin K2 (Menaquinone)

Regulates calcium deposition in bones and vessels (essential and in correct ratio when taking vit. D, to avoid excessive calcium deposition!!).

Reference values: 0.5-5 ng/mL (variable).

*Values are variable, measurement is rarer and depends on the method (e.g., HPLC).

Increased: Rare, may occur in overdosage of supplements or excessive intake from gut bacteria. Decreased: Osteoporosis, Atherosclerosis, Chronic kidney disease, Anticoagulant therapy, Malabsorption, Coeliac disease, Alcoholism, Medications (e.g., antibiotics), Pregnancy, Cancer.

Vitamin B1 (Thiamine)

Helps in carbohydrate metabolism and nerve function.

Reference values: 70-180 nmol/L.

Increased: Overdosage of supplements (rare, may cause neurological problems or allergies), rarely from excessive intake from food.

Decreased: Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome (WKS) (severe neurological disorder in the brain), Beriberi (cardiological-neurological problems), Alcoholism, Malnutrition, Chronic diarrhoea, Malabsorption, Kidney disease, Liver disease, Cancer, Pregnancy, Medications (e.g., diuretics).

Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin)

Participates in redox reactions and metabolism.

Reference values: 4-24 μg/dL.

Increased: Overdosage of supplements (rare, may cause gout or liver damage), rarely from excessive intake from food.

Decreased: Ariboflavinosis, Megaloblastic anaemia, Malnutrition, Chronic diarrhoea, Liver disease, Kidney disease, Alcoholism, Coeliac disease, Medications (e.g., antipsychotics), Pregnancy, Cancer.

Vitamin B3 (Niacin)

Helps in energy metabolism and DNA.

Reference values: 2.5-7.5 μg/mL.

Increased: Overdosage of supplements (may cause flushing, liver damage, or hyperuricaemia), Rarely from excessive intake from food.

Decreased: Pellagra (inflammations, dementia, skin, etc.), Hartnup (metabolic disorder, with skin, psychiatric, dizziness), Malnutrition, Alcoholism, Chronic diarrhoea, Malabsorption, Kidney disease, Liver disease, Cancer, Pregnancy.

Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid)

Essential for synthesis of coenzyme A and metabolization of energy, proteins, and lipids.

Reference values: 0.3-1.8 mg/dL.

Increased: Overdosage of supplements (rare, may cause diarrhoea or nausea), Rarely in cases of overproduction by the body.

Decreased: Paralytic diseases (e.g., paresis), Malnutrition, Alcoholism, Chronic diarrhoea, Malabsorption, Cancer, Kidney disease, Medications (e.g., antibiotics), Pregnancy.

Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine)

Participates in amino acid metabolism (protein synthesis) and neurotransmission, as well as in haemoglobin production. Reference values: 5-50 nmol/L.

Increase: Overdosage of supplements (may cause neuropathy or photosensitivity), Rarely from excessive intake from food or medications.

Decrease: Anaemia (hypochromic), Neuropathy, Seizures, Malnutrition, Alcoholism, Kidney disease, Liver disease, Chronic inflammation, Medications (e.g., isoniazid), Pregnancy, Cancer.

Vitamin B7 (Biotin)

Coenzyme in carboxylases and metabolism of proteins, lipids, and carbohydrates, essential for skin, hair, and nail health. Reference values: 0.2-0.6 ng/mL.

Increased: Overdosage of supplements (rare, may cause rashes or nausea), Rarely from excessive intake from gut bacteria.

Decreased: Alopecia, Dermatitis, Neurological disorders (e.g., depression, confusion), Malnutrition, Malabsorption, Chronic diarrhoea, Alcoholism, Pregnancy, Medications (e.g., anticonvulsants), Coeliac disease, Kidney disease.

Vitamin B9 (Folic Acid)

Essential for DNA synthesis and red blood cells, as well as for the development of the nervous system in embryos. Reference values: 2.5-20 ng/mL.

Increased: Overdosage of supplements (may mask B12 deficiency and cause neurological problems), Rarely from excessive intake from food or medications.

Decreased: Macrocytic anaemia, Neural Tube Defects (NTDs – malformations in the brain, spine, spinal cord of embryos), Malnutrition, Alcoholism, Chronic diarrhoea, Malabsorption, Pregnancy, Medications (e.g., methotrexate), Coeliac disease, Kidney disease, Cancer.

Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin)

Helps in myelin synthesis and erythropoiesis (maturation) of blood cells, as well as in amino acid metabolism (the body uses them to create protein where it’s needed. No, protein is not meat!).

Reference values: 200-900 pg/mL.

Increased: Overdosage of supplements (rare, may cause allergies or liver damage), Rarely from overproduction by bacteria or liver disease.

Decreased: Pernicious anaemia, Neuropathy, Neurological disorders (e.g., dementia), Malnutrition, Malabsorption, Gastrointestinal disorders (e.g., coeliac disease, Crohn's), Alcoholism, Medications (e.g., metformin), Kidney disease, Pregnancy.

*Vit. B12 is produced in the gut by our beneficial bacteria. This is why gut health is highly important! 

Vitamin A (Retinol)

Essential for vision, immunity, and cell development, as well as for skin and mucous membrane health.

Reference values: 30-120 μg/dL.

Increased: Hypervitaminosis (toxic, may cause liver damage, bone resorption, neurological problems), Overdosage of supplements or excessive intake from food (e.g., liver).

Decreased: Night blindness, Xerophthalmia, Keratomalacia, Malnutrition, Malabsorption, Coeliac disease, Chronic diarrhoea, Kidney disease, Liver disease, Alcoholism, Pregnancy, Cancer.

Vitamin E (Tocopherol)

Antioxidant, protects the cell membrane from oxidative damage and supports immune function. Reference values: 5-20 μg/mL.

Increased: Overdosage of supplements (may cause haemorrhages or thrombosis), Rarely from excessive intake from food or medications.

Decreased: Avitaminosis E, Muscle Weakness, Haemolytic anaemia, Neurological disorders (e.g., ataxia), Malnutrition, Malabsorption, Cystic fibrosis, Chronic liver disease, Alcoholism, Medications (e.g., statins), Pregnancy.

Minerals (Basic Tests)

*Values may vary by laboratory again.

Calcium (Ca)

Metallic ion essential for bone health, muscle contraction, nerve transmission, and blood clotting.

Reference values: 8.5-10.5 mg/dL (or 2.1-2.6 mmol/L).

Increased: Hyperparathyroidism, Hypervitaminosis D, Neoplasms (e.g., bone cancer), Sarcoidosis, Immobilisation, Medications (e.g., thiazides), Alkalotic state, Kidney disease, Autoimmune diseases.

Decreased: Hypoparathyroidism, Vitamin D deficiency, Rickets, Osteomalacia, Kidney disease, Malabsorption, Coeliac disease, Pregnancy, Medications (e.g., diuretics), Alcoholism, Chronic diarrhoea, Malnutrition.

Phosphorus (P)

Metallic ion that cooperates with calcium for bone health, energy production, and cell function. Reference values: 2.5-4.5 mg/dL (or 0.8-1.45 mmol/L).

Increased: Hypoparathyroidism, Renal failure, Hypervitaminosis D, Immobilisation, Neoplasms, Alkalotic state, Medications (e.g., bisphosphonates), Alcoholism, Cancer.

Decreased: Hyperparathyroidism, Vitamin D deficiency, Rickets, Osteomalacia, Malabsorption, Coeliac disease, Alcoholism, Chronic diarrhoea, Pregnancy, Medications (e.g., antacids), Neoplasms, Malnutrition.

Magnesium (Mg)

Metallic ion essential for nerve and muscle function, energy metabolism, and bone health. Reference values: 1.7-2.2 mg/dL (or 0.7-0.9 mmol/L).

Increased: Renal failure, Hypervitaminosis D, Immobilisation, Medications (e.g., antacids), Alkalotic state, Neoplasms, Autoimmune diseases, Alcoholism.

Decreased: Malnutrition, Malabsorption, Coeliac disease, Chronic diarrhoea, Alcoholism, Kidney disease, Hyperparathyroidism, Pregnancy, Medications (e.g., diuretics), Cancer, Diabetes mellitus.

Sodium (Na)

Metallic ion that regulates fluid balance, blood pressure, and nerve transmission.

Reference values: 135-145 mmol/L.

Increased: Dehydration, Excessive salt intake, Kidney disease, Cushing's syndrome, Medications (e.g., corticosteroids), Diabetes insipidus, Excessive sweating, Cancer, Alcoholism.

Decreased: Overhydration, Chronic diarrhoea, Vomiting, Kidney disease, Liver disease, Medications (e.g., diuretics), Pregnancy, Malnutrition, Alcoholism, Cancer, Autoimmune diseases.

Potassium (K)

Metallic ion essential for nerve transmission, muscle contraction, and cardiac function. Reference values: 3.5-5.0 mmol/L.

Increased: Renal failure, Dehydration, Immobilisation, Medications (e.g., ACE inhibitors), Hypervitaminosis D, Alkalotic state, Neoplasms, Autoimmune diseases, Trauma.

Decreased: Chronic diarrhoea, Vomiting, Kidney disease, Medications (e.g., diuretics), Alcoholism, Malnutrition, Pregnancy, Cancer, Diabetes mellitus, Hyperparathyroidism.

Zinc (Zn)

Metallic ion essential for immune function, wound healing, and metabolism.

Reference values: 70-120 μg/dL (or 10.7-18.4 μmol/L).

Increased: Overdosage of supplements, Kidney disease, Medications (e.g., antibiotics), Alcoholism, Neoplasms.

Decreased: Malnutrition, Malabsorption, Coeliac disease, Chronic diarrhoea, Alcoholism, Kidney disease, Pregnancy, Medications (e.g., diuretics), Cancer, Autoimmune diseases, Diabetes mellitus.

Copper (Cu)

Metallic ion that participates in energy production, immune function, and bone health, proper iron metabolism.

Reference values: 70-140 μg/dL (or 11-22 μmol/L).

Increased: Kidney disease, Liver disease, Neoplasms, Inflammation, Medications (e.g., contraceptives), Autoimmune diseases, Pregnancy.

Decreased: Anaemia, Wilson's disease (excessive excretion), Malnutrition, Malabsorption, Coeliac disease, Chronic diarrhoea, Kidney disease, Medications (e.g., chelating agents), Cancer, Alcoholism.

And since I mentioned the (so-called) autoimmune diseases, see in detail how they’re mocking us.

https://www.thomais.gr/post/autoimmune-diseases-everything-we-need-to-know-hormonal-imbalances-pms-prostate-skin-conditio 

Warning about Self-Diagnosis

These values must be interpreted by a treating physician, because factors such as age, gender, diseases, medications, etc., affect the results!!! They tests will simply show us a basic direction, to check further.

For this reason, I repeat, ALWAYS GIVE ADVICE ONLY AFTER TAKING THE DETAILED HISTORY!! And not randomly!!

Conclusion

-Tests help in prevention, but we achieve being healthy with correct (and/or therapeutic) diet, exercise, psychological state, control of TOXINS, and monitoring.

-When we take medications and/or supplements, we must always monitor with tests!

 -If you are experiencing symptoms, we can discuss and see what you can do, or fill in the Medical History form directly (Free and Confidential, limited availability, language selection top-right on the homepage).

*I manage my site and forms personally, no one else has access to your data, and the Therapy files are protected by Legislation on Medical Confidentiality.

Subscribe so that I be able to inform you with articles on Health.

Thank you very much for your visit and your supportive messages! They give me the strength to continue opposing the dangerous industry that profits from our illness…

Loads of Love,

Thomais

Internationally Certified Holistic Therapist

Member of IPHM

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