How to Understand Medical Test Results: A Simplified Guide

Introduction

When you receive your medical test results, you may feel confused when seeing numbers and medical terms. This guide will help you better understand your results.

Basics of Reading Results

Normal Values

Each test has a range of normal values. Values outside this range may indicate a health problem.

Units

Make sure you understand the units used (such as mg/dL or mmol/L).

Common Types of Tests

1. Complete Blood Count (CBC)

Measures different blood cells and helps detect:

• Anemia
• Infection
• Bleeding disorders

2. Cholesterol Test

Measures fat levels in the blood:

• Total cholesterol
• Bad cholesterol (LDL)
• Good cholesterol (HDL)
• Triglycerides

3. Blood Sugar Test

• Fasting blood sugar
• Glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c)

Important Tips

1. Always consult your doctor to interpret results

2. Don't worry about values slightly outside the normal range

3. Compare your results with your previous tests

4. Follow your doctor's recommendations carefully

Conclusion

Understanding test results helps you actively participate in your health care. Use this guide as a reference, but always consult your doctor for accurate interpretation.