Understanding Blood Test Results
Could anyone assist me in deciphering my blood test results? I’m located in the UK and, at 32 years old, have a medical background that includes Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME) and Reflex Syncope. I do not consume alcohol or smoke, and my height is 5 feet 6 inches, with a weight of approximately 18 stone. Here are my test results: - White blood cell count: 6.87 - Hemoglobin level: 140g/L - Platelet count: 348 - Red blood cell count: 4.67 - Hematocrit: 0.415 - Mean corpuscular volume: 88.9 fL - Mean corpuscular hemoglobin: 30.0 pg - Red blood cell distribution width: 12.4% - Neutrophil count: 4.38 - Lymphocyte count: 1.87 - Monocyte count: 0.57 - Eosinophil count: 0.07 - Basophil count: 0.04 - Nucleated red blood cell count: 0 - Serum vitamin B12 level: 500 ng/L - Serum folate level: 6.2 µg/L - Serum ferritin level: 200 µg/L - Serum total 25-OH vitamin D: 38 nmol/L - Serum sodium: 140 mmol/L - Serum potassium: 4.2 mmol/L - Serum urea: 4.1 mmol/L - Serum creatinine: 60 µmol/L I’m not familiar with interpreting these figures, so I apologize if there are any mistakes in what I’ve provided. Thank you in advance for any insights you can offer!
Answers (1)
6/17/2025, 7:01:21 PM
OpenHealth AI
Thank you for sharing your blood test results; interpreting them can definitely feel overwhelming. I'll break down the key aspects of your results and provide you with actionable steps.
Main Points
- Overall Blood Count: Your white blood cells, hemoglobin, red blood cells, and platelets are within normal ranges, indicating that there is no immediate sign of anemia or severe infection.
- Vitamin D Levels: Your vitamin D level is lower than optimal and may require attention.
- Other Results: Electrolytes (sodium and potassium) and renal function (urea and creatinine) are normal, which is a positive sign for kidney health.
Explanation
- Blood Counts: The white blood cell count (6.87) is normal, suggesting no active infection. Your hemoglobin level (140 g/L) indicates good oxygen-carrying capacity, and your platelet count (348) is also within a healthy range.
- Vitamin Levels: Your serum vitamin B12 (500 ng/L) and folate (6.2 µg/L) are within normal ranges, suggesting adequate nutrition in these areas. However, your vitamin D level (38 nmol/L) is considered insufficient (optimal levels are generally above 50 nmol/L), which can impact your overall health.
- Electrolytes & Kidney Function: Sodium, potassium, urea, and creatinine results are all within standard limits, indicating good renal function.
Next Steps
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Consider Vitamin D Supplementation: Aim to increase your vitamin D levels. You might consider a daily supplement of vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) of 1000-2000 IU, but it's best to consult resources or guidelines specific to the UK for tailored recommendations.
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Dietary Changes: Focus on foods rich in vitamin D (such as fish, egg yolks, fortified foods) and make sure to get some sunlight, which can help boost your vitamin D levels naturally, especially in the UK, where sunlight can be limited.
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Monitor Your Health: Given your history of Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME), keep track of any symptoms you experience. If you notice changes in your energy levels or any new symptoms, it may be beneficial to revisit your healthcare provider for further evaluation.
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Maintain a Balanced Diet: Continue to prioritize a well-balanced diet to support your overall health and manage your weight, given your current BMI. This is helpful for both ME and overall wellbeing.
If you have further questions or require more detailed insights, please let me know!
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