Deciphering Blood Test Abbreviations: A Comprehensive Guide for UK Patients
Navigating the Maze of Blood Test Abbreviations in the UK: A Comprehensive Guide for Patients
When it comes to understanding blood test results, the alphabet soup of abbreviations can be overwhelming. From A1C to WBC, these cryptic codes can leave patients scratching their heads.
Imagine receiving a blood test report filled with unfamiliar abbreviations, leaving you feeling lost and confused. It's like trying to decipher a secret code without the key.
The key to understanding blood test abbreviations lies in knowing what they stand for and what they measure. This guide will provide you with a comprehensive list of the most common blood test abbreviations used in the UK.
Blood test abbreviations are commonly used in the UK to provide concise and efficient reporting of laboratory results. These abbreviations help healthcare professionals quickly interpret the results and make informed decisions regarding patient care.
Understanding Blood Test Abbreviations in the UK: A Comprehensive Guide
Navigating the world of blood tests can be daunting, especially when faced with a plethora of unfamiliar abbreviations. In the United Kingdom, blood test results often contain a myriad of acronyms and shorthand notations. Comprehending these abbreviations is crucial for effectively interpreting your test results and engaging in informed discussions with healthcare professionals.
MCH: Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin
MCH stands for Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin. It measures the average amount of hemoglobin found in each red blood cell. Hemoglobin is the protein responsible for carrying oxygen throughout the body. Normal MCH levels typically range from 27 to 31 picograms per cell.
MCHC: Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin Concentration
MCHC stands for Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin Concentration. It measures the average concentration of hemoglobin within red blood cells. Normal MCHC levels typically range from 32 to 36 grams per deciliter.
MCV: Mean Corpuscular Volume
MCV stands for Mean Corpuscular Volume. It measures the average size of red blood cells. Normal MCV levels typically range from 80 to 96 femtoliters.
RDW: Red Blood Cell Distribution Width
RDW stands for Red Blood Cell Distribution Width. It measures the variation in the size of red blood cells. Normal RDW levels typically range from 11.5 to 14.5 percent.
PLT: Platelet Count
PLT stands for Platelet Count. It measures the number of platelets in the blood. Platelets are responsible for blood clotting. Normal platelet counts typically range from 150,000 to 400,000 platelets per microliter.
MPV: Mean Platelet Volume
MPV stands for Mean Platelet Volume. It measures the average size of platelets. Normal MPV levels typically range from 7 to 11 femtoliters.
PCT: Packed Cell Volume
PCT stands for Packed Cell Volume. It measures the percentage of red blood cells in the blood. Normal PCT levels typically range from 35 to 45 percent.
ESR: Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate
ESR stands for Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate. It measures the rate at which red blood cells settle to the bottom of a test tube. Normal ESR levels typically range from 0 to 15 millimeters per hour.
CRP: C-Reactive Protein
CRP stands for C-Reactive Protein. It measures the level of inflammation in the body. Normal CRP levels typically range from 0 to 10 milligrams per liter.
Urea: Blood Urea Nitrogen
Urea stands for Blood Urea Nitrogen. It measures the amount of urea in the blood. Urea is a waste product produced by the breakdown of protein. Normal urea levels typically range from 2.5 to 7.1 millimoles per liter.
Creatinine: Serum Creatinine
Creatinine stands for Serum Creatinine. It measures the amount of creatinine in the blood. Creatinine is a waste product produced by the breakdown of muscle tissue. Normal creatinine levels typically range from 50 to 110 micromoles per liter.
eGFR: Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate
eGFR stands for Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate. It measures the rate at which the kidneys filter waste products from the blood. Normal eGFR levels typically range from 90 to 120 milliliters per minute per 1.73 square meters.
ALT: Alanine Aminotransferase
ALT stands for Alanine Aminotransferase. It measures the level of liver damage. Normal ALT levels typically range from 7 to 55 units per liter.
AST: Aspartate Aminotransferase
AST stands for Aspartate Aminotransferase. It measures the level of liver damage. Normal AST levels typically range from 8 to 45 units per liter.
ALP: Alkaline Phosphatase
ALP stands for Alkaline Phosphatase. It measures the level of liver damage. Normal ALP levels typically range from 30 to 120 units per liter.
Conclusion
Comprehending blood test abbreviations is essential for interpreting
Source: CHANNET YOUTUBE LabTechnologistGuide