Reference Values for Laboratory Tests (Blood or Serum) with Possible Causes of Increased and Decreased Values*
It is important to note that, because many tests can be performed by a variety of methods, there can be significant variance in acceptable, or "normal," values. It should also be noted that each lab establishes norms for the population of its geographic area; therefore, when evaluating lab data from individual test(s), norms published by the lab performing the test(s) may generally be considered more accurate than those published here.
| Test | Conventional Units | SI Units | Causes of Increase | Causes of Decrease |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT or SGPT) | 4–36 U/L (varies by method) | 0.07–0.6 µkat/L | Liver disorders, muscular dystrophy, muscular trauma, MI, CHF, renal failure, mono, burns, shock, alcohol, numerous meds | Exercise, salicylates |
| Albumin | 3.5–5.0 g/dL or 52–68% of total protein | Dehydration, exercise, meds, prolonged application of tourniquet prior to venipuncture | Malnutrition, chronic diseases, liver disorders, SLE, scleroderma, ascites, burns, nephrotic syndrome, chronic renal failure, Hodgkin’s disease, meds | |
Child | 4.0–5.8 g/dL | Dehydration, exercise, meds, prolonged application of tourniquet prior to venipuncture | Malnutrition, chronic diseases, liver disorders, SLE, scleroderma, ascites, burns, nephrotic syndrome, chronic renal failure, Hodgkin’s disease, meds | |
| Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP) | 20–90 U/L | Bile duct obstruction, liver disorders, healing fractures, pregnancy, growth in children, hyperparathyroidism, Paget’s disease | Hypothyroidism, malnutrition, pernicious anemia, placental insufficiency | |
Child | 60–270 U/L | Bile duct obstruction, liver disorders, healing fractures, pregnancy, growth in children, hyperparathyroidism, Paget’s disease | Hypothyroidism, malnutrition, pernicious anemia, placental insufficiency | |
Infant | 40–300 U/L | Bile duct obstruction, liver disorders, healing fractures, pregnancy, growth in children, hyperparathyroidism, Paget’s disease | Hypothyroidism, malnutrition, pernicious anemia, placental insufficiency | |
| Ammonia | 15–70 µg/dL | 11–32 µmol/L | Liver disorders, GI bleeding, late CHF, COPD, high-protein diet, erythroblastosis fetalis, meds | Renal failure, hypertension, meds |
NB | 40–120 µg/dL | 64–107 µmol/L | Liver disorders, GI bleeding, late CHF, COPD, high-protein diet, erythroblastosis fetalis, meds | Renal failure, hypertension, meds |
| Amylase | 4–25 U/mL | 1.36–3.0 µkat/L | Pancreatic disorders, morphine, salivary gland inflammation, burns | Chronic pancreatitis, necrosis of liver, chronic alcoholism, toxic hepatitis, IV D5W |
Child | 25–125 U/L | 1.88–5.03 µkat/L | Pancreatic disorders, morphine, salivary gland inflammation, burns | Chronic pancreatitis, necrosis of liver, chronic alcoholism, toxic hepatitis, IV D5W |
NB | Up to 65 U/L | Pancreatic disorders, morphine, salivary gland inflammation, burns | Chronic pancreatitis, necrosis of liver, chronic alcoholism, toxic hepatitis, IV D5W | |
| Anti-Dna or Anti-Dnp | Neg | <2.0 kU/L | SLE or lupus nephritis | |
| Antinuclear Antibodies (ANA) | Neg at 1:10 dilution | Negative | SLE, Sjögren’s syndrome, scleroderma, hepatitis, rheumatoid arthritis, cirrhosis, ulcerative colitis, leukemia, infectious mono | |
| Antistreptolysin O Titer (ASO) |  1:160 | Recent Streptococcus pyogenes infection, rheumatic fever | ||
| Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST or SGOT) | ||||
Male | 8–46 U/L | 0.14–0.78 µkat/L | Liver or biliary disorder, MI (between 6 hr and 3–4 days), shock, infectious mono, CHF, CVA, infection or inflammation of muscle tissue | Pregnancy, DKA, salicylates |
Female | 7–34 U/L | 0.12–0.58 µkat/L | Liver or biliary disorder, MI (between 6 hr and 3–4 days), shock, infectious mono, CHF, CVA, infection or inflammation of muscle tissue | Pregnancy, DKA, salicylates |
NB | 16–72 U/L | 0.27–1.22 µkat/L | Liver or biliary disorder, MI (between 6 hr and 3–4 days), shock, infectious mono, CHF, CVA, infection or inflammation of muscle tissue | Pregnancy, DKA, salicylates |
| Bicarbonate (HCO3) | ||||
Arterial | 22–26 mEq/L | 22–26 mmol/L | Metabolic alkalosis, compensating respiratory acidosis, meds containing sodium bicarb | Metabolic acidosis, compensating respiratory alkalosis, tissue breakdown, certain types of chemical poisoning |
Venous | 19–25 mEq/L | 19–25 mmol/L | Metabolic alkalosis, compensating respiratory acidosis, meds containing sodium bicarb | Metabolic acidosis, compensating respiratory alkalosis, tissue breakdown, certain types of chemical poisoning |
| Bilirubin | ||||
Direct | Up to 0.4 mg/dL | 1.7–6.8 µmol/L | Liver disorders, obstructive jaundice | Barbiturates, salicylates, penicillin, caffeine (These can affect all types of bilirubin.) |
Indirect | Up to 0.8 mg/dL | 5.0–19.0 µmol/L | Sickle cell anemia, pernicious anemia, hemolytic anemia, septicemia, Rh or ABO incompatibility in newborn, numerous meds | |
Total | Up to 1.0 mg/dL | 5–20 µmol/L | (See above.) | |
NB | 1–12 mg/dL | 34–102 µmol/L | ||
| Bleeding Time | ||||
Duke | 1–3 min | Disorders involved with decreased production or increased destruction of platelets, anti-inflammatory meds | Splenectomy, Hodgkin’s disease | |
lvy | 2–7 min | Disorders involved with decreased production or increased destruction of platelets, anti-inflammatory meds | Splenectomy, Hodgkin’s disease | |
| Blood Gases (ABGs) | See individual gases. | See Table 6–7. Acid-Base Disorders. | ||
| Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN) | 5–25 mg/dL | 1.8–7.1 mmol/L | Dehydration, renal disorders (cause usually not renal if serum creatinine normal), tissue necrosis, CHF, shock, MI | Inadequate protein intake, liver disease, water overload, nephrotic syndrome |
Child | 5–20 mg/dL | 2.5–6.4 mmol/L | Dehydration, renal disorders (cause usually not renal if serum creatinine normal), tissue necrosis, CHF, shock, MI | Inadequate protein intake, liver disease, water overload, nephrotic syndrome |
Infant | 4–18 mg/dL | 1.4–6.4 mmol/L | Dehydration, renal disorders (cause usually not renal if serum creatinine normal), tissue necrosis, CHF, shock, MI | Inadequate protein intake, liver disease, water overload, nephrotic syndrome |
| Calcium (Serum) | 8.5–10.5 mg/dL | 2.25–2.75 mmol/L | Hyperparathyroidism, hyperthyroidism, immobility, tumors, excessive intake | Hypoparathyroidism, hypothyroidism, diarrhea, burns, malabsorption, alcoholism, numerous meds |
Child | Slightly higher | Hyperparathyroidism, hyperthyroidism, immobility, tumors, excessive intake | Hypoparathyroidism, hypothyroidism, diarrhea, burns, malabsorption, alcoholism, numerous meds | |
| Carcinoembryonic Antigen (CEA) | 0–2.5 ng/mL | Cancer, gastric ulcer, smoking | ||
| Chloride | 95–107 mEq/L | 95–105 mmol/L | Dehydration, acidosis, eclampsia, renal failure, CHF, anemia, hyperventilation | Gastrointestinal loss, diuresis, hypoventilation, burns, fever |
| Cholesterol | ||||
40–50 yr | 140–240 mg/dL | 4.37–6.35 mmol/L | Ingested cholesterol, ingested saturated fatty acids, biliary obstruction, hypothyroidism | Malabsorption syndromes, liver disease, hyperthyroidism |
Under age 25 yr | 125–200 mg/dL | Ingested cholesterol, ingested saturated fatty acids, biliary obstruction, hypothyroidism | Malabsorption syndromes, liver disease, hyperthyroidism | |
Infant | 70–175 mg/dL | 3.27–5.20 mmol/L | Ingested cholesterol, ingested saturated fatty acids, biliary obstruction, hypothyroidism | Malabsorption syndromes, liver disease, hyperthyroidism |
| Low Density (LDL) | ||||
Over age 65 | Up to 200 mg/dL | 2.69–5.12 mmol/L | Familial hyperlipoproteinemia, pregnancy, nephrotic syndrome | |
To age 40 | Up to 180 mg/dL | 2.30–4.60 mmol/L | Familial hyperlipoproteinemia, pregnancy, nephrotic syndrome | |
To age 25 | Up to 138 mg/dL | 1.87–3.53 mmol/L | Familial hyperlipoproteinemia, pregnancy, nephrotic syndrome | |
| High Density (HDL) | 32–75 mg/dL (varies with age) | 0.82–1.92 mmol/L | Alcohol, chronic hepatitis, hypothyroidism, biliary obstruction | Hyperlipoproteinemia, exogenous estrogens, hyperthyroidism, cirrhosis |
| CK Isoenzyme Mb | 5% or less | MI, severe angina | ||
| Co2, Venous | 23–30 mEq/L | 24–30 mmol/L | Metabolic alkalosis, vomiting or gastric suction, steroids, mercurial diuretics | Metabolic acidosis, DKA, diarrhea, renal failure, salicylates, diuretics |
| Complete Blood Count (CBC): See RBC, RBC indices, hct, hgb, WBC, WBC diff, platelets | ||||
| Creatinine | 0.6–1.5 mg/dL | 53–133 µmol/L | Impaired renal function, massive muscle damage | Muscular dystrophy, pregnancy, eclampsia |
Child | 0.3–0.7 mg/dL | Impaired renal function, massive muscle damage | Muscular dystrophy, pregnancy, eclampsia | |
NB | 0.3–1.0 mg/dL | Impaired renal function, massive muscle damage | Muscular dystrophy, pregnancy, eclampsia | |
| Creatine Kinase or Creatine Phosphokinase (CK or CPK) | ||||
Male | 55–170 U/L | 0.94–2.89 µkat/L | Exercise, tissue damage or inflammation, MI (>within 4–6 hr, returning to normal within 3–4 days of MI), surgical procedures, pregnancy, muscular dystrophy | |
Female | 30–135 U/L | 0.51–2.30 µkat/L | Exercise, tissue damage or inflammation, MI (>within 4–6 hr, returning to normal within 3–4 days of MI), surgical procedures, pregnancy, muscular dystrophy | |
Child | 15–50 U/L | 0.26–0.85 µkat/L | Exercise, tissue damage or inflammation, MI (>within 4–6 hr, returning to normal within 3–4 days of MI), surgical procedures, pregnancy, muscular dystrophy | |
NB | 30–100 U/L | 0.51–1.70 µkat/L | Exercise, tissue damage or inflammation, MI (>within 4–6 hr, returning to normal within 3–4 days of MI), surgical procedures, pregnancy, muscular dystrophy | |
| D-Dimer | Negative | DIC and other thrombotic disorders, pulmonary embolism, venous or arterial thrombosis. | ||
| Erythrocyte Count, or Red Blood Cell Count | ||||
Male | 4.6–6.2 million/mm3 | 4.6–6.2 × 1012/L | Polycythemia vera, dehydration, COPD | Anemias, hemodilution |
Female | 4.2–5.4 million/mm3 | 4.2–5.4 × 1012/L | Polycythemia vera, dehydration, COPD | Anemias, hemodilution |
NB | Up to 7.1 million/mm3 | 4.8–7.1 × 1012/L | Polycythemia vera, dehydration, COPD | Anemias, hemodilution |
| Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR or Sed Rate) | ||||
Westergren Male | Up to 15 mm/h | Inflammation, infection, pregnancy, acute MI, cancer | Polycythemia vera, CHF, sickle cell anemia | |
Westergren Female | Up to 20 mm/h | Inflammation, infection, pregnancy, acute MI, cancer | Polycythemia vera, CHF, sickle cell anemia | |
Child | Up to 10 mm/h | Inflammation, infection, pregnancy, acute MI, cancer | Polycythemia vera, CHF, sickle cell anemia | |
| Fibrinogen | 200–400 mg/dL | Immune disorders of connective tissue, glomerulonephritis, late pregnancy, oral contraceptives, cancer of breast, stomach, or kidney | DIC, liver disease, cancer of prostate, lung, or pancreas | |
NB | 125–300 mg/dL | Immune disorders of connective tissue, glomerulonephritis, late pregnancy, oral contraceptives, cancer of breast, stomach, or kidney | DIC, liver disease, cancer of prostate, lung, or pancreas | |
| Gamma-Glutamyl Transpeptidase (GGT) | ||||
Male | 6–37 U/L | 0.10–0.63 µkat/L | Liver disease, biliary obstruction, CHF, MI, epilepsy, cancer, mono, diabetes mellitus, alcohol, numerous meds | Late pregnancy, oral contraceptives |
Female <45 yr | 5–27 U/L | 0.08–0.46 µkat/L | Liver disease, biliary obstruction, CHF, MI, epilepsy, cancer, mono, diabetes mellitus, alcohol, numerous meds | Late pregnancy, oral contraceptives |
>45 yr | 6–37 U/L | 0.10–0.63 µkat/L | Liver disease, biliary obstruction, CHF, MI, epilepsy, cancer, mono, diabetes mellitus, alcohol, numerous meds | Late pregnancy, oral contraceptives |
Child | 3–30 U/L | 0.5–0.51 µkat/L | Liver disease, biliary obstruction, CHF, MI, epilepsy, cancer, mono, diabetes mellitus, alcohol, numerous meds | Late pregnancy, oral contraceptives |
NB | 5 times child’s values | Liver disease, biliary obstruction, CHF, MI, epilepsy, cancer, mono, diabetes mellitus, alcohol, numerous meds | Late pregnancy, oral contraceptives | |
| Glucose, Whole Blood (Fasting) | 60–100 mg/dL | 3.3–5.6 mmol/L | Diabetes mellitus, Cushing’s syndrome, MI, trauma, burn, infection, renal failure, numerous meds | Insulin excess, cancer, malnutrition, alcoholism, cirrhosis, adrenal hypofunction |
NB 1 day | 25–51 mg/dL | 1.4–2.8 mmol/L | Diabetes mellitus, Cushing’s syndrome, MI, trauma, burn, infection, renal failure, numerous meds | Insulin excess, cancer, malnutrition, alcoholism, cirrhosis, adrenal hypofunction |
| Hematocrit (HCT) | ||||
Male | 40–54% | 0.40–0.54 | Polycythemia, dehydration | Anemia, hemodilution, leukemia |
Female | 36–46% | 0.38–0.47 | Polycythemia, dehydration | Anemia, hemodilution, leukemia |
Child | 35–41% | 0.35–0.41 | Polycythemia, dehydration | Anemia, hemodilution, leukemia |
6 mo | 30–40% | 0.30–0.40 | Polycythemia, dehydration | Anemia, hemodilution, leukemia |
NB | 44–64% | 0.44–0.64 | Polycythemia, dehydration | Anemia, hemodilution, leukemia |
| Hemoglobin (HB or HGB) | ||||
Male | 13.5–18 g/dL | 135–180 g/L | Polycythemia, chronic lung disease | Anemia |
Female | 12–16 g/dL | 120–160 g/L | Polycythemia, chronic lung disease | Anemia |
Child | 11–16 g/dL | 110–160 g/L | Polycythemia, chronic lung disease | Anemia |
3 mo | 10–11 g/dL | 100–110 g/L | Polycythemia, chronic lung disease | Anemia |
NB | 14–24 g/dL | 140–240 g/L | Polycythemia, chronic lung disease | Anemia |
| Inr | 2.0–3.0 INR | 2.0–3.0 INR | Refer to Prothrombin time (PT) | Refer to PT |
| Iron | ||||
Men | 60–170 µg/dL | 10.7–30.4 µmol/L | Hemolytic anemia, liver damage, folic acid deficiency, lead poisoning | Iron deficiency anemia, bleeding, rheumatoid arthritis |
Women | 50–130 µg/dL | 9.0–23.3 µmol/L | Hemolytic anemia, liver damage, folic acid deficiency, lead poisoning | Iron deficiency anemia, bleeding, rheumatoid arthritis |
Child | 40–200 µg/dL | 7.2–35.8 µmol/L | Hemolytic anemia, liver damage, folic acid deficiency, lead poisoning | Iron deficiency anemia, bleeding, rheumatoid arthritis |
NB | 350–500 µg/dL | 62.7–89.5 µmol/L | Hemolytic anemia, liver damage, folic acid deficiency, lead poisoning | Iron deficiency anemia, bleeding, rheumatoid arthritis |
| Total Iron-Binding Capacity (Tibc) | 300–360 µg/dL | 54–64 µmol/L | Iron deficiency anemia | Anemia of chronic disease, pernicious anemia |
Child | 100–350 µg/dL | 18–63 µmol/L | Iron deficiency anemia | Anemia of chronic disease, pernicious anemia |
Elderly | 200–310 µg/dL | 35–56 µmol/L | Iron deficiency anemia | Anemia of chronic disease, pernicious anemia |
| Lactic or Lactate Dehydrogenase (Ldh) | 70–200 U/L | 1.21–3.52 µkat/L | Cell damage or destruction, hemolytic anemia, liver disease, pulmonary infarct, shock with necrosis, renal disease, some narcotics | Indicates favorable response to cancer therapy |
Child | 420–750 U/L | Cell damage or destruction, hemolytic anemia, liver disease, pulmonary infarct, shock with necrosis, renal disease, some narcotics | Indicates favorable response to cancer therapy | |
Infant | 500–920 U/L | Cell damage or destruction, hemolytic anemia, liver disease, pulmonary infarct, shock with necrosis, renal disease, some narcotics | Indicates favorable response to cancer therapy | |
| Lead | 50 µg/dL or less | Lead ingestion or inhalation, heat stroke | ||
| Lipase | 14–280 U/L | 0–2.72 µkat/L | Pancreatic disorders, renal failure, perforated ulcer, some narcotics, steroids | Hepatitis, late cancer of pancreas |
Child | 20–136 IU/L | Pancreatic disorders, renal failure, perforated ulcer, some narcotics, steroids | Hepatitis, late cancer of pancreas | |
Infant | 9–105 IU/L | Pancreatic disorders, renal failure, perforated ulcer, some narcotics, steroids | Hepatitis, late cancer of pancreas | |
| Lipids, Total (See also Cholesterol and Triglycerides.) | 400–800 mg/dL | Hyperlipoproteinemia, acute MI, eclampsia, diabetes mellitus, nephrotic syndrome | COPD, abetalipoproteinemia | |
| Magnesium (Mg) | 1.4–2.4 mEq/L | 0.61–1.03 mmol/L | Addison’s disease, renal failure, DKA, hypothyroidism, hyperparathyroidism | Hyperaldosteronism, alcoholism, toxemia of pregnancy, nephrotic syndrome, malnutrition |
Child | 1.2–1.9 mEq/L | 0.65–1.07 mmol/L | Addison’s disease, renal failure, DKA, hypothyroidism, hyperparathyroidism | Hyperaldosteronism, alcoholism, toxemia of pregnancy, nephrotic syndrome, malnutrition |
| Myoglobin | ||||
Male | 20–90 ng/mL | 20–90 µg/L | Skeletal or cardiac muscle cell injury; increases in 2–6 hr p–injury and begins to return to normal in 12–18 hr | |
Female | 12–75 ng/mL | 12–75 µg/L | Skeletal or cardiac muscle cell injury; increases in 2–6 hr p–injury and begins to return to normal in 12–18 hr | |
| Osmolality | 285–310 mOsm/Kg | 280–300 mmol/kg | Chronic renal disease, diabetes mellitus | Diuretics, Addison’s disease |
| Paco2 | 35–45 mm Hg | |||
NB | 27–40 mm Hg | |||
| Pao2 | 75–100 mm Hg | Polycythemia vera, splenectomy, fractures, metastatic cancer | Hypoxemia due to impaired lung function, decreased cardiac output | |
1 day old | 60–90 mm Hg | Polycythemia vera, splenectomy, fractures, metastatic cancer | Hypoxemia due to impaired lung function, decreased cardiac output | |
| Partial Thromboplastin Time-Activated (Ptt) | 28–40 sec or within 5 sec of control | Heparin, vit K deficiency, hemophilia, liver disease, DIC, polycythemia, leukemia | Extensive cancer | |
| Ph | 7.35–7.45 | See Table 6–7, Acid-Base Disorders. | ||
1 day old | 7.29–7.45 | See Table 6–7, Acid-Base Disorders. | ||
| Phosphorus | 2.5–4.5 mg/dL | 0.78–1.50 mmol/L | Renal disorders, healing fractures, hypoparathyroidism, numerous meds | Starvation, hyperparathyroidism, continuous D5W IV |
Child | 4–6 mg/dL | 1.45–1.78 mmol/L | Renal disorders, healing fractures, hypoparathyroidism, numerous meds | Starvation, hyperparathyroidism, continuous D5W IV |
Infant | 4.5–6.7 mg/dL | 1.45–2.16 mmol/L | Renal disorders, healing fractures, hypoparathyroidism, numerous meds | Starvation, hyperparathyroidism, continuous D5W IV |
| Platelet Count | 150,000–450,000 mm3 | Polycythemia vera, splenectomy, fractures, metastatic cancer | ITP, anemias, bone marrow depression, DIC, eclampsia, hepatitis, salicylates | |
| Potassium (K+) | 3.5–5.0 mEq/L | 3.5–5.0 mmol/L | Renal disorders, acidosis, cell necrosis, DKA, Addison’s disease, false >with hemolyzed specimen or vigorous pumping of hand after tourniquet applied | Diuretics, insulin excess, increased corticosteroids, diarrhea, alkalosis, IV therapy without K+ added |
Child | 3.4–4.7 mEq/L | 3.4–4.7 mmol/L | Renal disorders, acidosis, cell necrosis, DKA, Addison’s disease, false >with hemolyzed specimen or vigorous pumping of hand after tourniquet applied | Diuretics, insulin excess, increased corticosteroids, diarrhea, alkalosis, IV therapy without K+ added |
Infant | 4.1–5.3 mEq/L | 4.1–5.3 mmol/L | Renal disorders, acidosis, cell necrosis, DKA, Addison’s disease, false >with hemolyzed specimen or vigorous pumping of hand after tourniquet applied | Diuretics, insulin excess, increased corticosteroids, diarrhea, alkalosis, IV therapy without K+ added |
| Protein, Total | 6–8 g/dL | 66–79 g/L | Dehydration, sarcoidosis, macroglobulinemias, numerous meds | Renal disorders, ulcerative colitis, water intoxication, cirrhosis, malnutrition |
15 yr | 6.5–8.6 g/dL | 65–86 g/L | Dehydration, sarcoidosis, macroglobulinemias, numerous meds | Renal disorders, ulcerative colitis, water intoxication, cirrhosis, malnutrition |
1 yr | 5.0–7.5 g/dL | 50–75 g/L | Dehydration, sarcoidosis, macroglobulinemias, numerous meds | Renal disorders, ulcerative colitis, water intoxication, cirrhosis, malnutrition |
| Prothrombin Time (Pro Time or Pt) | 11–13 sec or within 2 sec of control | Hemophilia, liver disease, coumadin, numerous meds | Thrombophlebitis, MI, pulmonary embolism, numerous meds | |
| Rapid Plasma Reagin (Rpr) | Negative | Positive may be caused by syphilis, SLE, or other immune complex diseases, or advanced age | ||
| Red Blood Cell Indices | ||||
| MCV | ||||
Male | 80–94 µm3 | Aplastic, hemolytic, or pernicious anemia, liver disease, hypothyroidism, anticonvulsants | Iron deficiency anemia, sickle cell anemia, thalassemia, cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, lead poisoning, radiation | |
Female | 81–99 µm3 | Aplastic, hemolytic, or pernicious anemia, liver disease, hypothyroidism, anticonvulsants | Iron deficiency anemia, sickle cell anemia, thalassemia, cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, lead poisoning, radiation | |
NB | 96–108 µm3 | Aplastic, hemolytic, or pernicious anemia, liver disease, hypothyroidism, anticonvulsants | Iron deficiency anemia, sickle cell anemia, thalassemia, cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, lead poisoning, radiation | |
| MCH | ||||
Male | 27–31 pg | Aplastic, hemolytic, or pernicious anemia | Hypochromic and microcytic anemias (including iron deficiency) | |
Female | 27–31 pg | Aplastic, hemolytic, or pernicious anemia | Hypochromic and microcytic anemias (including iron deficiency) | |
NB | 32–34 pg | Aplastic, hemolytic, or pernicious anemia | Hypochromic and microcytic anemias (including iron deficiency) | |
| MCHC | ||||
Male | 32–36% | Aplastic, hemolytic, or pernicious anemia | Iron deficiency anemia, thalassemia | |
Female | 32–36% | Aplastic, hemolytic, or pernicious anemia | Iron deficiency anemia, thalassemia | |
NB | 32–33% | Aplastic, hemolytic, or pernicious anemia | Iron deficiency anemia, thalassemia | |
| Red Blood Cell Count (Rbc) (See Erythrocyte count.) | ||||
| Red Blood Cell Distribution Width (Rdw) | 11.6–14.6 mm | Indicates greater size variability of RBCs; seen with reticulocytosis, iron deficiency, sideroblastic anemia, thalassemia, or after transfusion of normal blood into microcytic or macrocytic cell population (called anisocytosis) | ||
| Reticulocyte Count | 0.5–2.5% of RBCs | Hemolytic anemia, sickle cell anemia | Depressed bone marrow function, defective erythropoietin and/or hgb production | |
NB | 2.5–6.5% of RBCs | |||
| Rheumatoid Factor (Rf) | <1:20 or negative | Rheumatoid arthritis, SLE, scleroderma, dermatomyositis | ||
| SGOT (See Aspartate aminotransferase.) | ||||
| SGPT (See Alanine aminotransferase.) | ||||
| Sickle Cell Prep and sickledex | Negative | Positive indicates either sickle cell trait or disease. | ||
| Sodium (Na+) | 135–145 mEq/L | 135–145 mmol/L | Dehydration, CHF, inappropriate IV therapy, nephrotic syndrome, increased corticosteroids | Diuretics and other meds, Addison’s disease, renal disorders, burns, DKA, diaphoresis |
Infant | 134–150 mEq/L | 134–150 mmol/L | Dehydration, CHF, inappropriate IV therapy, nephrotic syndrome, increased corticosteroids | Diuretics and other meds, Addison’s disease, renal disorders, burns, DKA, diaphoresis |
| Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone (Tsh) | Below 10 mIU/mL | <10m U/L | Hypothyroidism, thyroiditis, autoimmune disease, cirrhosis | Pituitary or hypothalamic dysfunction, hyperthyroidism, aspirin, heparin, corticosteroids |
By 3 days old | Below 25 µIU/mL | <25m U/L | Hypothyroidism, thyroiditis, autoimmune disease, cirrhosis | Pituitary or hypothalamic dysfunction, hyperthyroidism, aspirin, heparin, corticosteroids |
| Thyroxine Ria (T4) | 4–12 mg/dL | 60–165 nmol/L | Hyperthyroidism, early thyroiditis, pregnancy, estrogen therapy, oral contraceptives, preeclampsia | Hypothyroidism, metastatic cancer, liver or renal disease, cardiovascular disorders, burns, trauma, strenuous exercise, numerous meds |
Child | 5.5–14.5 µg/dL | 60–170 nmol/L | Hyperthyroidism, early thyroiditis, pregnancy, estrogen therapy, oral contraceptives, preeclampsia | Hypothyroidism, metastatic cancer, liver or renal disease, cardiovascular disorders, burns, trauma, strenuous exercise, numerous meds |
NB | 11–23 µg/dL | 140–230 nmol/L | Hyperthyroidism, early thyroiditis, pregnancy, estrogen therapy, oral contraceptives, preeclampsia | Hypothyroidism, metastatic cancer, liver or renal disease, cardiovascular disorders, burns, trauma, strenuous exercise, numerous meds |
| Triiodothyronine Ria (T3) | 80–200 ng/dL | 1.2–3.0 nmol/L | Hyperthyroidism, protein malnutrition, malignancies, liver disease, nephrotic syndrome | Hypothyroidism, thyroiditis, pregnancy, menstruation, oral contraceptives, diuretics |
| triglycerides | 10–150 mg/dL | 0.11–1.68 mmol/L | Hyperlipoproteinemia, acute MI, CVA, hypothyroidism, nephrotic syndrome, pregnancy, numerous meds | Cirrhosis, inadequate dietary protein, hyperthyroidism Fanconi’s syndrome, numerous meds |
40–60 yr | 10–190 mg/dL | 0.11–2.21 mmol/L | Hyperlipoproteinemia, acute MI, CVA, hypothyroidism, nephrotic syndrome, pregnancy, numerous meds | Cirrhosis, inadequate dietary protein, hyperthyroidism Fanconi’s syndrome, numerous meds |
Child | 10–140 mg/dL | 0.11–1.58 mmol/L | Hyperlipoproteinemia, acute MI, CVA, hypothyroidism, nephrotic syndrome, pregnancy, numerous meds | Cirrhosis, inadequate dietary protein, hyperthyroidism Fanconi’s syndrome, numerous meds |
<2 yr | 5–40 mg/dL | 0.06–0.45 mmol/L | Hyperlipoproteinemia, acute MI, CVA, hypothyroidism, nephrotic syndrome, pregnancy, numerous meds | Cirrhosis, inadequate dietary protein, hyperthyroidism Fanconi’s syndrome, numerous meds |
| Troponin T | 0–0.1 ng/mL | Cardiac or skeletal muscle injury | ||
| Troponin i | <1.5 ng/mL | Acute MI and minor myocardial cell damage from a few hours after onset of symptoms up to 5–7 days | ||
| Uric Acid | ||||
Male | 4.0–8.5 mg/dL | 0.24–0.51 mmol/L | Gout, excessive purine intake, psoriasis, sickle cell anemia, chemotherapy, tissue destruction, eclampsia, alcohol, numerous meds | Fanconi’s syndrome, numerous meds |
Female | 2.7–7.3 mg/dL | 0.16–0.43 mmol/L | Gout, excessive purine intake, psoriasis, sickle cell anemia, chemotherapy, tissue destruction, eclampsia, alcohol, numerous meds | Fanconi’s syndrome, numerous meds |
Child | 2.5–5.5 mg/dL | 0.15–0.33 mmol/L | Gout, excessive purine intake, psoriasis, sickle cell anemia, chemotherapy, tissue destruction, eclampsia, alcohol, numerous meds | Fanconi’s syndrome, numerous meds |
| White Blood Cell Count (Wbc or Leukocytes) | 4300–10,800 mm3 | 4.3–10.8 × 109/L | Infection, inflammation, leukemia, parasitic infestation | Bone marrow depression, tissue damage, viral infection, autoimmune diseases, malignancies, malnutrition, alcoholism, severe infection |
1–10 yr | 5000–13,000 mm3 | 5.0–13.0 × 109/L | Infection, inflammation, leukemia, parasitic infestation | Bone marrow depression, tissue damage, viral infection, autoimmune diseases, malignancies, malnutrition, alcoholism, severe infection |
6 mo | 6000–16,000 mm3 | 6.0–16.0 × 109/L | Infection, inflammation, leukemia, parasitic infestation | Bone marrow depression, tissue damage, viral infection, autoimmune diseases, malignancies, malnutrition, alcoholism, severe infection |
NB | 9000–30,000 mm3 | 9.0–30.0 × 109/L | Infection, inflammation, leukemia, parasitic infestation | Bone marrow depression, tissue damage, viral infection, autoimmune diseases, malignancies, malnutrition, alcoholism, severe infection |
| White Blood Cell Count Differential | ||||
Neutrophils (polys or segs) | 54–75% (lower up to age 2 yr) | 0.54–0.75 | Bacterial infection, some viral infections, inflammation, tissue necrosis, stress | Bone marrow depression, malnutrition, malignancies, many meds |
Bands (stabs) | 0–5% | 0.03–0.08 | Infection, cancer, meds | None |
Eosinophils | 1–4% | 0.01–0.04 | Allergy, parasites, sickle cell disease, autoimmune diseases | Disseminated lupus erythromatosus, increased steroid levels, stress, infectious mono |
Basophils | 0–1% | 0–0.01 | Leukemia, chronic hypersensitivity states, polycythemia vera, ulcerative colitis, nephrosis | None |
Lymphocytes | 25–40% (higher up to age 2 yr) | 0.25–0.40 | Viral infection, some bacterial infections, ulcerative colitis, chronic illnesses | Immune deficiency disorders, Hodgkin’s disease, rheumatic fever, aplastic anemia |
Monocytes | 2–8% | 0.02–0.08 | Chronic infections or inflammation, cirrhosis, cancer, hemolytic anemias | None specific |
* References for lab tests: Cavanaugh, BM: Nurses Manual of Laboratory and Diagnostic Tests, ed 4. FA Davis, Philadelphia, 2003; Sacher, RA, and McPherson, RA: Widmann’s Clinical Interpretation of Laboratory Tests, ed 11, FA Davis, Philadelphia, 2000.