Understanding Blood Work and Biopsy Findings
Height: 5'4" | Weight: 200 lbs Help Needed: Clarification on My Test Results! Hello everyone! I visited the emergency room earlier this week, specifically on Monday, due to persistent abdominal pain. Although I had a colonoscopy arranged for later in the week, I was admitted to the hospital. They prepared me for the procedure that same day, and I had the colonoscopy the following day. Thankfully, the findings were positive! The doctor discovered a small polyp, identified some internal hemorrhoids, and noted "small bowel mucosa with reactive lymphoid hyperplasia". Notably, they found no signs of granulomata or viral cytopathic effects, and there were no indications of dysplasia or cancer. Additionally, swabs from other areas yielded negative results, and the mucosa showed no significant abnormalities. I also underwent a CT scan of my abdomen, which only revealed Colonic Diverticulosis with no acute concerns. However, I had my blood drawn, and I wasn’t given an explanation regarding the abnormalities flagged in my results, so I would greatly appreciate any insight! The abnormalities noted in my blood work included an iron saturation of 18%, falling short of the normal range of 20-50%. During my complete blood count (CBC) with differential, my platelet count was elevated upon admission at 384 (the standard is 139-361), but it decreased to 339 the next day, falling within the normal limits. My MPV (Mean Platelet Volume) was low on the first day at 8.8 (normal range being 8.9-12.7), and it further declined to 8.5 the following day. My prothrombin time (protime) was also elevated at 13.8 (normal range: 9.5-13.3). Regarding my Comprehensive Metabolic Panel: My CO2 level was low at 19, while my glucose level was elevated at 120. My creatinine level was low at 0.48, and my Anion Gap was recorded at 13. The next day, most of these results returned to normal, although my blood urea nitrogen (BUN) fell from 7 to a low of 6. Notably, my MPV showed a consistent drop across both blood tests, which raises some concerns. I've been struggling with appetite issues due to my stomach problems, including frequent diarrhea. By the time of the second blood draw, I was already in the midst of the colonoscopy prep, which likely influenced my results. I didn’t receive updates on my iron levels from the second draw, so I’m uncertain about those figures. Should I be worried about the low MPV, iron saturation levels, or the high protime? I have a follow-up with my gastroenterologist in a few weeks to discuss these results further.
Answers (1)
8/15/2025, 9:31:26 PM
OpenHealth AI
Based on your test results and recent medical history, it’s understandable to seek clarity, especially following an emergency visit and procedures like a colonoscopy. Here’s a breakdown of your blood work abnormalities and actionable steps you can take:
Main Points
- Iron Saturation: Your level is below the normal range, indicating possible iron deficiency.
- Elevated Prothrombin Time: This could suggest a clotting issue or liver function concern, but context is crucial.
- MPV Levels: Low MPV sometimes indicates different health issues, often related to platelet production or bone marrow activity.
Explanation
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Iron Saturation (18%): This suggests your body may not have enough iron to make hemoglobin, which is crucial for carrying oxygen in your blood. Considering your symptoms of diarrhea and appetite issues, you may not be absorbing nutrients effectively. This warrants monitoring.
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Prothrombin Time (13.8): While slightly elevated, it’s essential to correlate this with other factors, such as liver function and any medications. Sometimes, dehydration or malnutrition can affect these results.
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Mean Platelet Volume (MPV): A consistent low MPV can indicate a range of conditions, including inflammatory states, but it's often not a standalone concern and should be evaluated with other blood parameters.
Next Steps
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep track of your abdominal pain, appetite, diarrhea, and any new symptoms. Document any dietary changes and gut health.
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Iron-Rich Diet: Increase your intake of iron-rich foods (like red meat, spinach, legumes) and vitamin C (to help with absorption). Consider discussing iron supplements with your doctor if needed.
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Stay Hydrated: Since you've experienced frequent diarrhea, ensure you are getting enough fluids to prevent dehydration, which can also affect your blood markers.
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Follow Up on Blood Results: Since you have a follow-up appointment with your gastroenterologist, make a list of your concerns. Specifically ask for an update on your iron levels from the second draw, and discuss the implications of your high protime and low MPV.
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Consider Nutritional Support: Given your appetite issues, consulting a nutritionist may help in developing a diet plan that addresses your needs and makes it easier to get the nutrients needed for recovery.
Reassurance
Your results, while reflecting some abnormalities, do not indicate any immediate life-threatening issues, especially with the positive outcome of your colonoscopy. Keep in close contact with your healthcare providers, and make sure to express any ongoing concerns during your follow-up visit. You're taking the right steps by seeking clarity and planning follow-ups, which is commendable.
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