The province of Alberta, Canada, has a well-established healthcare system that includes comprehensive blood testing to diagnose and monitor various health conditions. When it comes to interpreting blood test results, it's essential to understand what each parameter measures and what the results indicate. In this article, we'll delve into 12 common blood test results in Alberta, explaining each parameter, its reference range, and what the results might mean for patients.
Introduction to Blood Test Results in Alberta
Blood tests are a crucial diagnostic tool used by healthcare professionals in Alberta to assess patients’ overall health, detect potential health issues, and monitor the effectiveness of treatments. The results of these tests provide valuable insights into various aspects of a patient’s health, from blood cell counts to organ function. Understanding these results is vital for patients to take an active role in their healthcare and make informed decisions.
1. Complete Blood Count (CBC)
A Complete Blood Count (CBC) is a common blood test that measures various components of the blood, including red blood cells, white blood cells, hemoglobin, hematocrit, and platelets. The reference ranges for CBC parameters in Alberta are as follows:
| Parameter | Reference Range |
|---|---|
| Red Blood Cells (RBC) | 4.32-5.72 million cells/μL (male), 3.90-5.30 million cells/μL (female) |
| White Blood Cells (WBC) | 3.5-12.5 thousand cells/μL |
| Hemoglobin (Hb) | 135-175 g/L (male), 120-160 g/L (female) |
| Hematocrit (Hct) | 40-54% (male), 37-48% (female) |
| Platelets | 150-450 thousand cells/μL |
Abnormal results may indicate conditions such as anemia, infection, or blood disorders.
2. Blood Glucose
Blood glucose tests measure the level of glucose (sugar) in the blood. The reference range for blood glucose in Alberta is:
| Parameter | Reference Range |
|---|---|
| Fasting Blood Glucose | 3.6-6.1 mmol/L |
| Postprandial Blood Glucose (2 hours after eating) | < 7.8 mmol/L |
Elevated blood glucose levels can indicate diabetes or prediabetes, while low levels may suggest hypoglycemia.
3. Electrolyte Panel
An electrolyte panel measures the levels of essential electrolytes in the blood, including sodium, potassium, chloride, and bicarbonate. The reference ranges for electrolytes in Alberta are:
| Parameter | Reference Range |
|---|---|
| Sodium (Na) | 135-145 mmol/L |
| Potassium (K) | 3.5-5.0 mmol/L |
| Chloride (Cl) | 96-106 mmol/L |
| Bicarbonate (HCO3) | 22-28 mmol/L |
Abnormal electrolyte levels can indicate dehydration, kidney disease, or hormonal imbalances.
4. Kidney Function Tests
Kidney function tests, including creatinine and urea, assess the kidneys’ ability to filter waste and excess fluids from the blood. The reference ranges for kidney function tests in Alberta are:
| Parameter | Reference Range |
|---|---|
| Creatinine | 62-115 μmol/L (male), 53-97 μmol/L (female) |
| Urea | 2.5-7.5 mmol/L |
Elevated creatinine and urea levels may indicate kidney disease or impaired kidney function.
5. Liver Function Tests
Liver function tests, including alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), and bilirubin, assess the liver’s ability to process toxins and produce essential proteins. The reference ranges for liver function tests in Alberta are:
| Parameter | Reference Range |
|---|---|
| ALT | 0-55 U/L |
| AST | 0-45 U/L |
| Bilirubin | 3-20 μmol/L |
Elevated liver enzymes and bilirubin levels may indicate liver damage, hepatitis, or cirrhosis.
6. Lipid Profile
A lipid profile measures the levels of cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood. The reference ranges for lipid profiles in Alberta are:
| Parameter | Reference Range |
|---|---|
| Total Cholesterol | < 5.2 mmol/L |
| Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL) Cholesterol | < 3.5 mmol/L |
| High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL) Cholesterol | |
| Triglycerides | < 2.3 mmol/L |
Abnormal lipid profiles may indicate increased risk of cardiovascular disease or lipid disorders.
7. Thyroid Function Tests
Thyroid function tests, including thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), free thyroxine (FT4), and free triiodothyronine (FT3), assess the thyroid gland’s function. The reference ranges for thyroid function tests in Alberta are:
| Parameter | Reference Range |
|---|---|
| TSH | 0.3-4.2 mU/L |
| FT4 | 10-20 pmol/L |
| FT3 | 3.5-6.5 pmol/L |
Abnormal thyroid function test results may indicate hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, or thyroid disorders.
8. Inflammatory Markers
Inflammatory markers, including C-reactive protein (CRP) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), assess the level of inflammation in the body. The reference ranges for inflammatory markers in Alberta are:
| Parameter | Reference Range |
|---|---|
| CRP | < 10 mg/L |
| ESR | < 20 mm/h |
Elevated inflammatory markers may indicate chronic inflammation, infection, or autoimmune disorders.
9. Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN)
BUN measures the level of urea in the blood, which can indicate kidney function or dehydration. The reference range for BUN in Alberta is:
| Parameter | Reference Range |
|---|---|
| BUN | 2.5-7.5 mmol/L |
Elevated BUN levels may indicate kidney disease, dehydration, or impaired kidney function.
10. Creatine Kinase (CK)
CK measures the level of creatine kinase in the blood, which can indicate muscle damage or disease. The reference range for CK in Alberta is:
| Parameter | Reference Range |
|---|---|
| CK | 24-195 U/L |
Elevated CK levels may indicate muscle damage, muscle disease, or myocardial infarction.
11. Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH)
LDH measures the level of lactate dehydrogenase in the blood, which can indicate tissue damage or disease. The reference range for LDH in Alberta is:
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