Full Blood Count

ComponentWhat the Test ShowsHigh Levels (Possible Causes)Low Levels (Possible Causes)
Hemoglobin (Hb)Oxygen-carrying capacity of red blood cells.- Dehydration- Anaemia (iron, vitamin B12, or folate deficiency)
- polycythaemia (increased red blood cell production)- Chronic diseases (Chronic Kidney Disease, inflammation)
- Blood loss (bleeding, menstruation)
Hematocrit (Hct)Volume of red blood cells as a percentage of total blood volume.- Dehydration- Anemia (iron, vitamin B12, or folate deficiency)
- Polycythemia (increased red blood cell production)- Chronic diseases (chronic kidney disease, inflammation)
- Blood loss (bleeding, menstruation)
White Blood CellsImmune system response to infections and other diseases.- Infection or inflammation- Bone marrow disorders (aplastic anemia)
Red Blood CellsQuantity of red blood cells in a specific volume of blood.- Polycythemia (increased red blood cell production)- Anemia (iron, vitamin B12, or folate deficiency)
- Dehydration- Chronic diseases (chronic kidney disease, inflammation)
- Blood loss (bleeding, menstruation)
MCV (Mean Corpuscular Volume)Average volume of red blood cells.- Macrocytic anemia (larger than normal red blood cells)- Microcytic anemia (smaller than normal red blood cells)
PCV (Packed Cell Volume)Volume of red blood cells as a percentage of total blood volume.- Dehydration- Anemia (iron, vitamin B12, or folate deficiency)
- Polycythemia (increased red blood cell production)- Chronic diseases (chronic kidney disease, inflammation)
- Blood loss (bleeding, menstruation)
MCHC (Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin Concentration)Concentration of hemoglobin in red blood cells.- Spherocytosis (a type of anemia where red blood cells are spherical)- Hypochromic anemia (lower than normal hemoglobin content in red cells)
RDW (Red Cell Distribution Width)Variation in size of red blood cells.- Iron deficiency anemia- Normal iron levels, recent blood transfusion
PlateletsBlood clotting ability and risk of bleeding.- Infection or inflammation- Bone marrow disorders (thrombocytopenia)
- Certain medications (chemotherapy)- Autoimmune disorders (immune thrombocytopenia)
NeutrophilsType of white blood cells involved in bacterial infection.- Infection (bacterial)- Bone marrow disorders (aplastic anemia)
LymphocytesType of white blood cells involved in viral infections.- Viral infections (e.g., influenza, HIV)- Immune deficiency disorders
MonocytesType of white blood cells involved in immune response.- Chronic inflammatory conditions- Bone marrow disorders (aplastic anemia)
EosinophilsType of white blood cells involved in allergic reactions.- Allergic reactions- Hyperthyroidism
BasophilsType of white blood cells involved in allergic reactions.- Allergic reactions- Hypothyroidism

Liver Function Tests

LFT ComponentReference RangeHigh Levels (Possible Causes)Low Levels (Possible Causes)What the Test Shows
1. Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT)7 to 56 units/L (may vary slightly between labs)- Liver inflammation (Hepatitis)- Malnutrition, especially severe protein deficiencyIndicates liver cell damage, particularly hepatocellular.
2. Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST)10 to 40 units/L (may vary slightly between labs)- Liver inflammation (Hepatitis)- Malnutrition, especially severe protein deficiencyIndicates liver cell damage; not specific to the liver.
3. Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP)44 to 147 units/L (may vary slightly between labs)- Biliary obstruction (cholestasis)- Malnutrition, especially severe protein deficiencyReflects liver or Bone disease; additional tests help pinpoint.
4. Total Bilirubin0.3 to 1.9 mg/dL- Liver disease, hemolysis- Gilbert Syndrome (mild increase)Measures breakdown product of hemoglobin; assesses liver function.
5. Direct Bilirubin0 to 0.3 mg/dL- Biliary obstruction (cholestasis)- Reduced liver function due to severe disease or failureMeasures bilirubin that has been processed by the liver.
6. Albumin3.4 to 5.4 g/dL- Liver disease, Malnutrition- Kidney disease, malabsorptionMeasures protein produced by the liver; assesses liver function.
7. Total Protein6.0 to 8.3 g/dL- Liver disease, inflammation, dehydration- Malnutrition, malabsorption, kidney diseaseReflects overall protein levels in the blood.
8. Prothrombin Time (PT)10 to 14 seconds- Liver disease, decreased vitamin K absorption- Blood clotting disorders, anticoagulant medication useMeasures the time it takes for blood to clot.