Blood Test Abbreviation Meanings and Reference Range

image001Blood tests are performed to determine the biochemical and physiological state of the blood, which can determine if a patient is ill, if there is an imbalance in a mineral, if drugs are working or present, or if organs are functioning properly. There are many test abbreviations, so referring to the lists below can be very helpful.

Common Blood Test Codes

Blood Test Code

Definition

CBC: Complete Blood Count

This is one of the most common tests administered, which measures the cell count in the blood and the ratios and weights of blood components by comparing white and red blood cell counts, hemoglobin, hematocrit, and corpuscular volume.. It helps doctors determine if a patient is affected by infection, anemia, blood cancers, immunity issues, or platelet problems.

BMP: Basic Metabolic Panel

This series of tests is used to measure chemicals present in the blood. The test is administered on the plasma and measures electrolyte levels, glucose, calcium, and other chemicals. It is used to determine a patient’s overall health and if there are any underlying imbalances causes various health problems.

CK: Creatine Kinase Tests

This measures an enzyme in your body that is produced when the heart is injured. This test is used when a patient has a heart attack. It indicates the severity of the heart attack.

LDL and HDL

This tests measures the amount of bad (LDL) and good (HDL) cholesterol in the blood. If results are out of the norm, your doctor will likely suggest dietary changes and potentially cholesterol medication.

CRP: C-Reactive Protein Test

This test measures how much protein in the blood which indicates if a patient has inflammation and is at risk for a heart attack. Result can be used to encourage a patient to make lifestyle changes to reduce his or her risk.

TSH: Thyroid Stimulating Hormone Test

This test is used to diagnose thyroid disorders, such as when the thyroid is underactive or there is a problem with fertility.

AST: Asparate Aminotransferase

This measures an enzyme found in the blood that rises when an injury occurs in the body’s tissue or an organ. It helps a doctor determine if there are internal injuries.

Other Blood Test Codes

The following are codes for less common blood tests:

Codes

Common Names

Test For

25 Hydroxy Vitamin D

Vitamin D

Levels of Vitamin D

ALT

Alanine Transaminase

Liver Function

ANA

Antinuclear antibody

Autoimmune disease

BAC

Blood Alcohol Concentration

Blood alcohol

BNP

Beta natriuretic peptide

Congestive heart failure

BUN

Blood Urea Nitrogen

Kidney Function

Ca

Calcium

Levels of Blood Calcium

CBL

Cobalamin (Vitamin B12)

Levels of Vitamin B12

CMP

Comprehensive Metabolic Panel

Refer to a group of tests

CPK

Creatine phosphokinase

Muscle Damage

Cr

Creatinine

Kidney Function

ESR

Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate

'sed rate'. Test for inflammation

Hct

Hematocrit

Part of the CBC Blood Test

Hgb

Hemoglobin

Part of the CBC Blood Test

INR

International Normalized Ratio

A test of blood clotting

K

Potassium

Measures potassium level in blood

MCV

Mean Corpuscle Volume

One of the CBC

Mg

Magnesium

Measures magnesium level in blood

Na

Sodium

Measures sodium level of the blood

Platelets

Platelets

One of the CBC

PSA

Prostate Specific Antigen

Prostate Cancer

PT

Prothrombin Time

Blood clotting

PTT

Partial Thromboplastin Time

Blood clotting

RBC

Red Blood Cell Count

One of the CBC

TPO

Thyroid Peroxidase Antibodies

Measurement of antibodies to the thyroid

Trig

Triglygerides

Cholesterol

WBC

White Blood Cell Count

One of the CBC

Blood Test Reference Range

The above information only is not enough for cracking the blood test codes. The charts below indicate normal levels for blood test results. It applies to adults, so adjustments will be needed if testing a child. If your test results indicate something abnormal, your doctor will discuss potential causes and whether or not changes or medications are needed to restore levels to normal.

1. Complete Blood Count

Test Items

Normal Results

Red blood cell

5 to 6 million cells/mcL (male)

4 to 5 million cells/mcL (female)

White blood cell

4,500 to 10,000 cells/mcL

Platelets

140,000 to 450,000 cells/mcL

Hemoglobin

14 to 17 gm/dL (male)

12 to 15 gm/dL (female)

Hematocrit

41% to 50% (male)

36% to 44% (female)

Mean corpuscular volume

80 to 95 femtoliter

2. Blood Glucose

Plasma Glucose (mg/dL)

Results

<99

Normal

100 - 125

Prediabetes

>126

Diabetes

3. Lipoprotein Panel

Total Cholesterol (mg/dL)

Diagnosis

<200

Optimal

200–239

Borderline High

>240

High

LDL Cholesterol (mg/dL)

Diagnosis

<100

Desirable

100–129

Near Desirable

130–159

Borderline High

160–189

High

>190

Very High

HDL Cholesterol (mg/dL)

Diagnosis

<40

Risk of heart disease

40–59

Better to be higher

>60

Protect against heart disease

 
 
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