*I don't know about you but all the tests the doctors do sometimes they make my head spin. I never kept track of my blood work and how the results fluctuated month to month. I figured "why bother, the doctor will just tell me when some thing is off". I have an amazing team of doctors so this is still pretty much my attitude.
I have made a promise to all in my online support group to educate a spread awareness regarding this disease. I know many are confused with all the monthly blood work, what the results mean, and if they are really necessary. Below I have broken down the tests as best as I can.
CBC
Complete Blood Count
why it's done
measures the number of red blood cells (RBC)
measures the number of white blood cells (WBC)
measures the total hemoglobin (carries oxygen in the blood) in blood and each red blood cell
the fraction of blood that contains red blood cells
the size if your red blood cells
measures your platelet (circulate the blood and aids in clotting) count
what results mean
high RBC- dehydration, pulmonary problems, heart problems
low RBC- anemia, autoimmune diseases
high WBC- infection, inflammatory disease, severe emotional stress or physical trauma
low WBC- bone marrow failure, liver, spleen, autoimmune vascular disease
high platelets- blood clots can form
low platelets- excessive bleeding
ANA
Antinuclear Antibodies
why it's done
measures the number of antibodies in your blood
what the results mean
ANA appears in those patients with systemic autoimmune diseases
RF
Rheumatoid Factor
why it's done
measures the the IgG (cells that help the immune system fight) and if antibodies have formed
what the results mean
positive results suggest Rheumatoid Arthritis
CRP
C-reactive protein
why it's done
detects the systemic inflammatory process, infection, and if you are responding to antibiotic treatment
what the results mean
elevated levels are consistent with an acute inflammatory process
LFT
Liver Function Test
why it's done
certain medications used to treat autoimmune diseases metabolize in the liver
what the results mean
elevated levels indicate a backup of medication in the liver
ESR, SR
Erythrocyte sedimentation
why it's done
measures inflammation in body
what the results mean
high ESR- anemia, kidney disease, pregnancy, systemic rheumatic conditions
very high ESR- multiple myeloma, vasculitits
lower ESR- congestive heart failure, low plasma protien as in certain liver and kidney diseases
M Component, Paraprotein, Bence Jones Protein
Monoclonal Protein
why it's done
detects the presence of immunoglobulins (antibodies) in B cells which can be associated with inflammation
what the results mean
high levels can indicate an autoimmune deficiency
IgG, IgA, IgM
Globulins
monitors immune deficiencies
what the results mean
decreased levels indicate immune deficiencies
Well there you go! I hope this post was informative and has helped you understand a little more about what your body is telling your doctors each time you get a needle prick in the arm.
* photo provided by http://www.managemypractice.com
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