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    Blood Chemistry 101 from a Functional Medicine Perspective

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    • Introduction to Blood Test Analysis
      • 1.1Why You Need Understanding of Your Blood Tests
      • 1.2Decoding Medical Jargon
      • 1.3Introduction to Functional and Lifestyle Medicine
    • Understanding Complete Blood Count (CBC)
      • 2.1What is CBC and Its Components
      • 2.2Understanding Laboratories Ranges
      • 2.3Interpretation from a Functional Medicine Perspective
    • Insight into Complete Metabolic Panel (CMP)
      • 3.1Importance of CMP
      • 3.2Knowing High and Low Ranges
      • 3.3Functional Medicine Perspective on CMP
    • Studying Vitamin D
      • 4.1The Role of Vitamin D
      • 4.2Laboratory Ranges for Vitamin D
      • 4.3Functional Medicine Advice for Vitamin D Levels
    • Inflammation Markers - CRP
      • 5.1Understanding CRP
      • 5.2CRP's Laboratory Ranges
      • 5.3CRP from a Functional Medicine Perspective
    • Decoding Thyroid Markers
      • 6.1The Significant Role of Thyroid
      • 6.2Understanding Thyroid Marker Ranges
      • 6.3Thyroid Markers and Functional medicine
    • Iron Markers
      • 7.1Understanding Iron and Its Markers
      • 7.2Iron Marker Ranges and Their Meanings
      • 7.3Iron Markers in Functional Medicine
    • Lipid Panel Assessment
      • 8.1What is a Lipid Panel
      • 8.2Interpreting High and Low Lipid Ranges
      • 8.3Lipid Panel: Functional Medicine View
    • Micronutrient Markers: Folate, Vitamin B12
      • 9.1Importance of Folate and B12
      • 9.2Understanding Their Ranges
      • 9.3Functional Medicine Approach to Folate and B12 Levels
    • Micronutrient Markers: Zinc, Copper, Magnesium
      • 10.1Significance of Zinc, Copper, Magnesium
      • 10.2Ranges and Their Meanings
      • 10.3Functional Medicine Take on These Micronutrients
    • Other Key Blood Chemistry Markers
      • 11.1Unpacking Lesser Known Blood Markers
      • 11.2Deciphering Their Ranges
      • 11.3The Functional Medicine perspective
    • Implementing Lifestyle Recommendations for Improved Markers
      • 12.1Nutrition for Better Blood Markers
      • 12.2Exercise and Your Blood
      • 12.3Role of Sleep and Stress Management
    • Pulling It All Together – Your Personal Health Assessment
      • 13.1Comprehensive Review
      • 13.2Case studies
      • 13.3Crafting Personal Action Plan

    Understanding Complete Blood Count (CBC)

    Understanding Laboratory Ranges in Complete Blood Count (CBC)

    medical laboratory test

    Medical laboratory test.

    A Complete Blood Count (CBC) is a blood test that provides information about the cells in your blood, including red blood cells (RBCs), white blood cells (WBCs), and platelets. Each of these components has a specific range that is considered normal. These ranges can vary slightly depending on the laboratory that analyzes the blood sample.

    Red Blood Cells (RBCs)

    RBCs, also known as erythrocytes, carry oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body. The normal range for RBC count is typically:

    • Men: 4.7 to 6.1 million cells per microliter (cells/mcL)
    • Women: 4.2 to 5.4 million cells/mcL

    A count significantly higher or lower than these ranges could indicate a variety of conditions, including anemia, dehydration, or heart disease.

    White Blood Cells (WBCs)

    WBCs, or leukocytes, are part of the body's immune system and help fight infections. The normal range for WBC count is usually between 4,500 and 11,000 cells/mcL. A high WBC count may indicate an infection, while a low count could suggest a weakened immune system.

    Platelets

    Platelets, or thrombocytes, are small cell fragments that play a crucial role in blood clotting. The normal range for platelets is typically between 150,000 and 450,000 cells/mcL. A count outside this range could indicate a bleeding disorder or a thrombotic condition.

    Hemoglobin

    Hemoglobin is a protein in RBCs that carries oxygen. The normal range for hemoglobin is:

    • Men: 13.5 to 17.5 grams per deciliter (g/dL)
    • Women: 12.0 to 15.5 g/dL

    Low hemoglobin levels often indicate anemia, while high levels could suggest polycythemia vera or lung disease.

    Hematocrit

    Hematocrit measures the proportion of blood volume that is occupied by RBCs. The normal range for hematocrit is:

    • Men: 38.8% to 50.0%
    • Women: 34.9% to 44.5%

    A low hematocrit could indicate anemia, while a high hematocrit could suggest dehydration or polycythemia vera.

    Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV)

    MCV measures the average size of your RBCs. The normal range for MCV is typically between 80 and 96 femtoliters. A low MCV could indicate iron-deficiency anemia, while a high MCV could suggest vitamin B12 or folate deficiency anemia.

    Understanding these laboratory ranges is crucial for interpreting your CBC results. However, it's important to remember that these ranges are just a guide. Many factors, such as age, sex, and overall health, can affect these ranges. Always consult with a healthcare professional for a comprehensive understanding of your CBC results.

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