| Vital Signs | | | | |
| Heart Rate (HR) | 60-100 bpm | Assessing cardiac function | High HR: Tachycardia (may indicate stress, fever, or heart disease) | Low HR: Bradycardia (may indicate heart block or certain medications) |
| Blood Pressure (BP) | 90/60 to 120/80 mm Hg | Assessing cardiovascular health | High BP: Hypertension (increased risk of cardiovascular disease) | Low BP: Hypotension (may lead to insufficient blood flow to organs) |
| Respiratory Rate (RR) | 12 to 20 breaths per minute | Assessing respiratory function | High RR: Tachypnea (may indicate respiratory distress or fever) | Low RR: Bradypnea (may indicate respiratory depression or neurological issues) |
| Temperature (Temp) | 36.5 to 37.2°C (97.8-99°F) | Monitoring body temperature | High Temp: Fever (infection or inflammation) | Low Temp: Hypothermia (body can't maintain normal temperature) |
| Blood Gas | | | | |
| pH | 7.35-7.45 | Assessing acid-base balance | High pH: Alkalosis (respiratory or metabolic) | Low pH: Acidosis (respiratory or metabolic) |
| PaO2 (Partial Pressure of Oxygen) | 80-100 mm Hg | Evaluating oxygenation | High PaO2: Oxygen excess (may indicate overventilation) | Low PaO2: Hypoxemia (inadequate oxygen in the blood) |
| PaCO2 (Partial Pressure of Carbon Dioxide) | 35-45 mm Hg | Assessing ventilation | High PaCO2: Hypercapnia (respiratory issue) | Low PaCO2: Hypocapnia (hyperventilation or metabolic issue) |
| HCO3 (Bicarbonate) | 22-26 mEq/L | Evaluating metabolic status | High HCO3: Metabolic alkalosis | Low HCO3: Metabolic acidosis |
| SaO2 (Oxygen Saturation) | > 95% | Assessing oxygen saturation | High SaO2: Oxygen saturation above normal (rare) | Low SaO2: Hypoxemia (oxygen saturation below normal) |
| Lipoproteins & Triglycerides | | | | |
| Total Cholesterol | < 200 mg/dL | Assessing cardiovascular risk | High Cholesterol: Hypercholesterolemia (risk of atherosclerosis) | Low Cholesterol: Uncommon, but can affect lipid metabolism |
| Triglycerides | < 150 mg/dL | Assessing lipid metabolism | High Triglycerides: Hypertriglyceridemia (associated with cardiovascular risk) | Low Triglycerides: Generally not concerning |
| HDL Cholesterol | > 60 mg/dL | Evaluating "good" cholesterol | High HDL: Lower risk of cardiovascular disease | Low HDL: Increased cardiovascular risk |
| LDL Cholesterol | < 70 mg/dL | Assessing "bad" cholesterol | High LDL: High cardiovascular risk | Low LDL: Generally considered better |
| Hematology | | | | |
| Hematocrit (HCT) | Female: 37-47% Male: 42-52% | Assessing red blood cell volume | High HCT: Polycythemia (increased red blood cells) | Low HCT: Anemia (decreased red blood cells) |
| Hemoglobin (HGB) | Female: 12-16 g/dL Male: 14-18 g/dL | Measuring oxygen-carrying capacity | High HGB: Polycythemia (increased oxygen-carrying capacity) | Low HGB: Anemia (reduced oxygen-carrying capacity) |
| White Blood Cell (WBC) Count | 5,000-10,000 /uL | Evaluating immune function | High WBC: Leukocytosis (infection or inflammation) | Low WBC: Leukopenia (immune system suppression) |
| Platelet Count | 150,000-400,000 mm3 | Assessing clotting function | High Platelets: Thrombocytosis (risk of clotting) | Low Platelets: Thrombocytopenia (bleeding risk) |
| Prothrombin Time (PT) | 11-12.5 seconds | Monitoring clotting time | High PT: Prolonged clotting time (coagulation disorder) | - |
| Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time (aPTT) | 30-40 seconds | Assessing clotting factors | High aPTT: Prolonged clotting time (coagulation disorder) | - |
| International Normalized Ratio (INR) | On Warfarin: 2-3 Not on Warfarin: 0.8-1.1 | Monitoring Warfarin therapy | High INR: Increased risk of bleeding | - |
| Cardiac Markers | | | | |
| Troponin | < 0.01 ng/mL | Evaluating myocardial injury | High Troponin: Myocardial damage (heart attack) | - |
| C-reactive Protein | ≤ 0.8 mg/dL | Assessing inflammation | High CRP: Inflammation or infection | - |
| CD40 Ligand | 1.51-5.35 mg/L | Measuring platelet activation | High CD40 Ligand: Increased platelet activation | - |
| Creatinine Kinase (CK) | 0-3 mcg/L | Assessing muscle damage | High CK: Muscle injury or disease | - |
| Serum Electrolytes | | | | |
| Sodium (Na) | 135-145 mEq/L | Evaluating electrolyte balance | High Sodium: Hypernatremia (dehydration or kidney issues) | Low Sodium: Hyponatremia (water excess or adrenal issues) |
| Potassium (K) | 3.5-5 mEq/L | Assessing potassium levels | High Potassium: Hyperkalemia (heart arrhythmias) | Low Potassium: Hypokalemia (muscle weakness, arrhythmias) |
| Chloride (Cl) | 98-106 mEq/L | Monitoring chloride levels | High Chloride: Hyperchloremia (dehydration or metabolic issues) | Low Chloride: Hypochloremia (vomiting or metabolic alkalosis) |
| Calcium (Ca) | 9-10.5 mEq/L | Assessing calcium levels | High Calcium: Hypercalcemia (kidney or parathyroid | |
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| Lab/Diagnostic Test | Normal Range | Indication | Meaning of High Result | Meaning of Low Result |
| Serum Electrolytes | | | | |
| Magnesium (Mg) | 1.3-2.1 mEq/L (therapeutic range) 4-7 mEq/L if on magnesium | Evaluating magnesium status | High Magnesium: Hypermagnesemia (renal dysfunction or excessive intake) | Low Magnesium: Hypomagnesemia (muscle cramps, arrhythmias) |
| Phosphorus (PO4) | 3.5-4.5 mEq/L | Assessing phosphate levels | High Phosphorus: Hyperphosphatemia (renal dysfunction or metabolic issues) | Low Phosphorus: Hypophosphatemia (muscle weakness, bone issues) |
| Chemistry | | | | |
| Amylase | 56-90 IU/L | Assessing pancreatic function | High Amylase: Pancreatic inflammation or injury (pancreatitis) | Low Amylase: Uncommon, but may indicate pancreatic insufficiency |
| Lipase | 0-110 units/L | Monitoring pancreatic enzymes | High Lipase: Pancreatic inflammation or injury (pancreatitis) | - |
| Total Bilirubin | 0-1 mg/dL | Evaluating liver function | High Bilirubin: Liver dysfunction or obstruction (jaundice) | - |
| Albumin | 3.5-5 g/dL | Assessing liver and kidney function | High Albumin: Uncommon, may indicate dehydration | Low Albumin: Liver or kidney disease, malnutrition |
| Alfa-fetoprotein (AFP) | < 10 ng/mL (normal for adults) > 500 could indicate liver tumors | Screening for liver tumors | High AFP: Possible liver tumor or certain cancers | - |
| Ammonia | 15-110 mg/dL | Assessing liver function | High Ammonia: Liver dysfunction (hepatic encephalopathy) | - |
| Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN) | 10-20 mg/dL | Evaluating kidney function | High BUN: Kidney dysfunction, dehydration, or high protein intake | Low BUN: Rare, may indicate liver disease or malnutrition |
| Serum Creatinine | 0.6-1.2 mg/dL | Assessing kidney function | High Creatinine: Kidney dysfunction or reduced kidney filtration | Low Creatinine: Uncommon, may indicate low muscle mass or certain conditions |
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| Lab/Diagnostic Test | Normal Range | Indication | Meaning of High Result | Meaning of Low Result |
| Thyroid Function | | | | |
| Total T3 (Triiodothyronine) | 70-205 ng/dL | Assessing thyroid function | High Total T3: Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) | Low Total T3: Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) |
| T4 (Thyroxine) | 4-12 mcg/dL | Evaluating thyroid hormone levels | High T4: Hyperthyroidism | Low T4: Hypothyroidism |
| TSH (Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone) | 0.4-0.6 microunits/mL | Monitoring thyroid function | High TSH: Hypothyroidism | Low TSH: Hyperthyroidism |
| Urinalysis | | | | |
| Urine Specific Gravity | 1.003-1.030 | Assessing urine concentration | High Specific Gravity: Dehydration | Low Specific Gravity: Overhydration or kidney dysfunction |
| Urine Volume | 1-2 L/day | Monitoring daily urine output | High Urine Volume: Polyuria (excessive urination) | Low Urine Volume: Oliguria (decreased urination) |
| Urine pH | 4.5-8 | Evaluating urine acidity | High Urine pH: Alkaline urine (metabolic alkalosis) | Low Urine pH: Acidic urine (metabolic acidosis) |
| Glucose in Urine | < 130 mg/dL | Detecting hyperglycemia | High Glucose: Hyperglycemia (diabetes or stress) | - |
| Red Blood Cells (RBCs) in Urine | ≤ 3 RBCs | Evaluating kidney or urinary tract issues | High RBCs: Hematuria (kidney stones, infection) | - |
| White Blood Cells (WBCs) in Urine | ≤ 2-5 WBCs/hpf | Detecting urinary tract infection | High WBCs: Pyuria (infection or inflammation) | - |
| Protein in Urine | ≤ 150 mg/dL | Assessing kidney function | High Protein: Proteinuria (kidney disease or injury) | - |
| Bacteria in Urine | None | Detecting urinary tract infection | High Bacteria: UTI (urinary tract infection) | - |
| Ketones in Urine | None | Evaluating for diabetic ketoacidosis | High Ketones: Diabetic ketoacidosis (uncontrolled diabetes) | - |
| Nitrites in Urine | Negative | Detecting UTI (urinary tract infection) | High Nitrites: UTI (urinary tract infection) | - |
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| Diagnostic Procedure | Organ System | Indication | Meaning of Abnormality | |
| X-Ray | Various | Imaging for bones and tissues | Abnormal findings may include fractures, tumors, or infections. | |
| CT Scan (Computed Tomography) | Various | Detailed cross-sectional imaging | Abnormalities can range from organ lesions to structural abnormalities. | |
| MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) | Various | Imaging soft tissues, brain, spinal cord | Abnormalities may include tumors, strokes, or multiple sclerosis. | |
| Ultrasound | Various | Imaging for organs, blood vessels, fetus | Abnormalities can include cysts, tumors, or fetal anomalies. | |
| Endoscopy | Gastrointestinal, Respiratory | Visual inspection of internal organs | Abnormalities may include ulcers, polyps, or tumors. | |
| Colonoscopy | Gastrointestinal | Examination of the colon | Abnormalities can include colorectal polyps or cancer. | |
| Bronchoscopy | Respiratory | Inspection of airways | Abnormalities may include lung tumors or infections. | |
| Echocardiogram | Cardiovascular | Imaging the heart and blood flow | Abnormalities can include valve defects or heart wall abnormalities. | |
| Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) | Cardiovascular | Recording heart's electrical activity | Abnormalities may indicate arrhythmias or heart disease. | |
| Pulmonary Function Tests | Respiratory | Assess lung function | Abnormal results may indicate lung disease or obstructive disorders. | |
| Bone Densitometry (DEXA) | Musculoskeletal | Assess bone density | Abnormalities can indicate osteoporosis or bone fractures. | |
| Mammography | Breast | Breast cancer screening | Abnormalities may include breast masses or calcifications. | |
| Pap Smear | Gynecological | Cervical cancer screening | Abnormalities can indicate cervical dysplasia or cancer. | |
| Biopsy | Various | Tissue sample collection | Abnormal results may reveal malignancies or infections. | |
| Lumbar Puncture | Nervous System | Cerebrospinal fluid analysis | Abnormalities can indicate infections or neurological conditions. | |
| Electroencephalogram (EEG) | Nervous System | Recording brain activity | Abnormalities may indicate epilepsy or other neurological disorders. | |
| Colonoscopy | Gastrointestinal | Examination of the colon | Abnormalities can include colorectal polyps or cancer. | |
| Arthroscopy | Musculoskeletal | Joint examination | Abnormalities may include cartilage tears or joint inflammation. | |
| Doppler Ultrasound | Cardiovascular | Assess blood flow | Abnormalities may indicate vascular blockages or aneurysms. | |
| Liver Biopsy | Hepatobiliary | Liver tissue sample | Abnormalities can reveal liver diseases or cirrhosis. | |
| Thyroid Function Tests | Endocrine | Assess thyroid hormones | Abnormalities may indicate hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism. | |
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| Diagnostic Procedure | Organ System | Indication | Meaning of Abnormality | |
| Spirometry | Respiratory | Assess lung function | Abnormalities may indicate obstructive lung diseases like asthma or COPD. | |
| Cardiac Catheterization | Cardiovascular | Visualizing heart vessels | Abnormalities can reveal coronary artery disease or blockages. | |
| Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA) | Cardiovascular | Imaging blood vessels | Abnormalities may indicate aneurysms or vascular diseases. | |
| Cystoscopy | Urinary | Bladder examination | Abnormalities can include bladder tumors or inflammation. | |
| Sigmoidoscopy | Gastrointestinal | Lower bowel examination | Abnormalities may indicate colorectal polyps or disease. | |
| Electromyography (EMG) | Musculoskeletal | Assess muscle and nerve function | Abnormalities can indicate neuromuscular disorders. | |
| Hysteroscopy | Gynecological | Uterine cavity inspection | Abnormalities can include uterine polyps or fibroids. | |
| Nuclear Medicine Scans | Various | Assess organ function | Abnormal findings may indicate tumors, infections, or functional issues. | |
| Fluoroscopy | Various | Real-time X-ray imaging | Abnormalities can reveal movement or blockages in organs. | |
| Positron Emission Tomography (PET) | Various | Functional imaging | Abnormalities may indicate cancer, neurological conditions, or infections. | |
| Thallium Stress Test | Cardiovascular | Assess heart function under stress | Abnormalities may indicate coronary artery disease or reduced blood flow to the heart. | |
| Hemodynamic Monitoring | Cardiovascular | Measure heart and blood pressure | Abnormalities can indicate heart failure or circulatory issues. | |
| Nasogastric Tube Placement | Gastrointestinal | Verify tube placement | Abnormal placement can lead to complications like aspiration. | |
| Skin Biopsy | Integumentary | Skin tissue sampling | Abnormalities can reveal skin cancer or dermatological conditions. | |
| Serum Protein Electrophoresis (SPEP) | Hematological | Assess blood proteins | Abnormalities can indicate multiple myeloma or other blood disorders. | |
| Fecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT) | Gastrointestinal | Detect hidden blood in stool | Abnormal results may suggest gastrointestinal bleeding or cancer. | |
| Sputum Culture | Respiratory | Identify respiratory infections | Abnormalities can indicate bacterial or fungal infections. | |
| Treadmill Stress Test | Cardiovascular | Assess heart function during exercise | Abnormalities may indicate heart disease or arrhythmias. | |
| Laryngoscopy | Respiratory | Examination of the larynx | Abnormalities can include vocal cord disorders or tumors. | |
| Transvaginal Ultrasound | Gynecological | Imaging pelvic organs | Abnormalities may reveal ovarian cysts or uterine abnormalities. | |
| Dobutamine Stress Echocardiogram | Cardiovascular | Assess heart function with dobutamine | Abnormalities can indicate coronary artery disease or heart muscle problems. | |
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| Remember that interpretation of test results should always consider the patient's clinical history, symptoms, and other relevant factors. | | | | |