Navigating Personal Lab Tests as a Medical Professional
I’m a 33-year-old Medical Lab Scientist employed at a hospital. While it’s common knowledge that we conduct lab tests, my personal testing is kept under wraps. I have an appointment with my doctor soon and I’m concerned about mentioning my self-conducted tests. I typically perform these analyses to keep track of my cholesterol and A1C levels, but I’m feeling a bit anxious about it. My liver function results have been satisfactory, except for my total bilirubin, which has been on a gradual incline. Currently, it sits at 1.3 mg/dL, which is at the higher end of the normal spectrum; last month, it was at 1.2 mg/dL. Moreover, my direct bilirubin has changed from below 0.2 mg/dL to 0.3 mg/dL. I’m also facing low levels of iron at 188 µg/dL and ferritin at 20.48 ng/mL, with a high total iron-binding capacity (TIBC) of 494. Meanwhile, my hemoglobin and hematocrit are within normal ranges, and my red blood cell indices, particularly MCV, are on the upper side of normal. As for my cholesterol profile, all my levels are elevated except for triglycerides. Given my family's medical history, I’ll soon be starting cholesterol medication. However, should I be excessively concerned about the other findings?
Answers (1)
8/9/2025, 4:01:39 PM
OpenHealth AI
You’ve highlighted several important health findings and your concerns about personal tests. It’s understandable to feel anxious given your background and the results you've been monitoring. Let's address your main points clearly.
Main Points
- Your total bilirubin and direct bilirubin levels are slightly elevated but within the normal range.
- You have low iron and ferritin levels with high TIBC, which may indicate iron deficiency.
- Elevated cholesterol levels are concerning, but you plan to start medication for that.
Explanation
-
Bilirubin Levels: Your total bilirubin at 1.3 mg/dL and direct bilirubin at 0.3 mg/dL are slightly elevated, but these values are often not a major concern unless accompanied by symptoms like jaundice or significant liver dysfunction. The gradual rise could be worth discussing with your doctor, particularly if you notice other symptoms.
-
Iron Status: Low iron and ferritin, along with high TIBC, suggest iron deficiency, potentially impacting your energy levels and overall health. Even though your hemoglobin is normal, it's essential to monitor this.
-
Cholesterol: Elevated cholesterol levels, especially in a family context, warrant the use of prescribed medication. It's crucial to manage these levels actively, as they can significantly affect cardiovascular health.
Next Steps
-
Prepare for Your Appointment: Write down your personal lab results and any changes you've observed. This will help your doctor understand your health context better.
-
Be Open About Self-Tests: It's okay to discuss your self-conducted tests with your doctor. Transparency can lead to more personalized advice and treatment. You can clarify that you’re using tests to monitor your health proactively.
-
Focus on Iron Deficiency: Consider incorporating iron-rich foods into your diet, such as red meat, beans, lentils, and spinach. If your doctor agrees, they might suggest an iron supplement or further investigate the cause of your low ferritin.
-
Monitor Bilirubin Levels: Keep an eye on your bilirubin levels over the next few weeks. It might be wise to have follow-up tests to ensure these levels stabilize or are explained by further investigation.
-
Lifestyle Adjustments: Continue maintaining a healthy lifestyle by incorporating regular physical activity, managing stress, and following a balanced diet to support overall health and improve your cholesterol levels.
It's important to address these findings thoughtfully, so please feel comfortable discussing all your concerns with your doctor. Let me know if you need further clarification or details on any of these points!
Related Questions
Increasing Pain in the Sternal Area
A 26-year-old female, standing 5 feet 2 inches tall and weighing 150 pounds, is seeking insights into her health condition. **Current Medications:** birth control and Allegra. **Past Medical History:** includes irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C), bilateral cubital tunnel syndrome that required surgical intervention at ages 17 and 18, and minor kyphosis. For the past year, she has experienced considerable stiffness, along with clicking and popping sensations, accompanied by mild discomfort located at the costosternal junction, particularly around the second to fourth ribs, with greater intensity on the left side. Recently, during the last three days, she noticed a notable increase in pain on the left, to the extent that it occasionally causes a sharp sensation that temporarily immobilizes her. However, once she changes her position, the pain becomes more bearable. Notably, she is not experiencing any shortness of breath. The pain appears to be triggered by movement and can be replicated, leading her to believe that cardiac or pulmonary issues are unlikely. Attempts to alleviate the discomfort with a lidocaine patch have been largely ineffective, although she has found some slight relief with ibuprofen. This situation appears to align with typical presentations of costochondritis; nonetheless, she acknowledges that such symptoms typically resolve within a few weeks, while hers have persisted for an entire year. She has encountered information suggesting that chronic costochondritis might point to rheumatoid disorders, and she is uncertain about the validity of this claim. Given her earlier struggles with ulnar nerve entrapment, which occurred during her teenage years, she is contemplating whether this pain warrants further medical evaluation. Currently, she lacks comprehensive health insurance, and she wishes to avoid any extensive diagnostic processes if they are unlikely to yield actionable results. However, if there is a possibility that her symptoms could indicate a more serious condition, she is prepared to follow through with recommended evaluations. Thank you for your assistance!
Experiencing Severe Discomfort - What Are My Options?
Age: 35, Height: 5'2", Weight: 61 kg. I have been suffering from intense discomfort located beneath both of my ribs, particularly a sharp pain deep under my left rib cage. A significant medical event occurred on November 25 when I underwent gallbladder removal. This morning I experienced diarrhea, which has since improved after taking loperamide. However, about an hour ago, I was abruptly awakened by significant pain radiating under my ribs. Additionally, I've experienced minor nausea that hasn’t alleviated my symptoms. I took co-codamol roughly three hours ago for pain relief, but it has proven ineffective against the current level of pain I'm enduring. What might be causing these symptoms? I live in the UK and I'm hesitant to utilize emergency services unnecessarily. Yet, given that co-codamol hasn't alleviated my discomfort, and I have a demanding 12-hour shift ahead tomorrow, what steps should I take next?
Concerns About Potential Oven Cleaner Exposure: Should I Be Worried?
I'm a 23-year-old male, weighing 225 pounds, living in the United States. After shifting to a new apartment, I discovered that the oven still had dried remnants of oven cleaner that hadn't been washed off. My roommate had recently applied a different oven cleaner and scrubbed it with a Brillo pad, followed by rinsing. The next day, when I used the oven to heat some food, I noticed some leftover residue in the corners. A chemical odor caught my attention, and after about 15 minutes, I decided to transfer my food to the microwave for safety. Moreover, I had used the same Brillo pad to clean the oven tray before placing my food on it, unaware that it had been previously used with oven cleaner the night before. Now, I'm feeling anxious that I might have ingested some oven cleaner. I’m experiencing an unusual cold sensation in my mouth and throat, which comes with a scratchy or dry feeling. I'm wondering if the amount of cleaner I might have been exposed to is concerning or if it's merely a negligible trace. Any insights from others who have experienced this would be greatly appreciated.
Navigating Motion Sickness and Cybersickness
Hello everyone! I'm a 16-year-old female, with a height of 162 cm, and I’ve dealt with motion sickness for most of my life. Recently, however, it has worsened significantly, extending to cybersickness as well. Spending more than 25 minutes in front of a screen leads to severe discomfort—something that is particularly challenging since I need to use screens for my schoolwork and beyond. After these episodes, I often find myself unable to do anything but lie in bed for the remainder of the day, wrestling with nausea or even vomiting. This issue doesn’t just arise from screen time; I also experience stomach upset during walks or jogs, which leaves me puzzled about how to alleviate this condition. I frequently rely on over-the-counter travel sickness medication, specifically Avomine, and while it does offer some relief, the effect is minimal. I’m seeking advice or suggestions that might help me regain a sense of normalcy in my daily life. For your reference, I don't smoke and only consume alcohol on very rare occasions. I’m located in the UK! Any tips would be greatly appreciated!
Persistent Pain in the Right Flank: Seeking Insights
Greetings, medical professionals. I'm a 38-year-old woman, having recently celebrated my birthday. My daily regimen includes multivitamins with iron, and I occasionally take Valtrex, though it hasn't been necessary for some time. Standing at 5 feet 3 inches and weighing 140 pounds, I have endured this discomfort for the last three to four months, although I've suffered intermittently for approximately five years, with no definitive diagnosis from various doctors. The pain manifests as a sharp sensation near my belly button, resembling a knife stabbing me. In addition, I experience a general ache in the right flank and my lower back. This discomfort ranges from my ribs on the right side right down to my hips and pelvis, affecting areas near my ovaries and the region close to my belly button. I’ve noticed that certain stretches can intensify the pain along the backside of my ribs during movement. I've undergone an abdominal CT scan and a thorough medical examination, revealing no kidney issues, gallstones, appendicitis, or ovarian cysts, and my blood work appears normal. A HIDA scan indicated that my gallbladder operates at merely 23%, but I have not experienced any gallbladder attacks. An endoscopy indicated mild gastritis, but otherwise, the results were acceptable. Does this situation resonate with anyone? I'm puzzled about what could be present near my navel if appendicitis is ruled out. My doctor suggested a connection to my IBS-C, but my bowel movements have been regular, occurring once daily with normal consistency. During my examination, my abdomen was pressed, and she noted tenderness near my belly button, attributing this to local inflammation, as there are no significant organs in that area aside from the small intestine. Any advice or insights would be appreciated, as this has been an ongoing issue since 2020.