Emergency Clinical Guide Presents The Laboratory Compendium

Laboratory Compendium

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Lab
Normal
Comments

Acetominophen
<200 ug/ml @ 4 hrs Used to check for Tylenol overdose

Acetone
Negative in all dilutions Ordered to help determine if patient in suspected DKA is experiencing lactic vs ketoacidosis. Note that negative screen does not rule out DKA (there are ketoacids that are not measured).

AFB
No mycobacteria isolated Used to check for mycobacteria - specify if order is for blood, urine, feces, respiratory/sputum, or miscellaneous (with or without smear)

AFP
?? Alpha-Fetoprotein. Part of triple marker. Also used as a tumor marker for hepatocellular carcinoma, and is used as a screening test for Hep B and C patients.

Albumin
3.0-5.5 g/dl (see LFT page) Usually used as a marker of hepatic synthetic capacity or as a nutrition marker

Alcohol screen
None detected Tests for ethanol, methanol, and isopropanol. Usually part of tox screening

Aldosterone (serum)
1.0-21.0 if >11 yo (send-out to Mayo) Used in checking for HTN, renal function, adrenal function

Alkaline Phosphatase
38-126 u/L (see LFT page) Used to check for hepatic damage. Also elevated in cholestasis, bone CA.

ALA
1.5-7.5 mg/24 if >6 yo (send-out to Mayo) Aminolevulonic Acid. Urine test. A heme breakdown product that increases in porphyria.

ALT (SGPT)
15-75 u/L (see LFT page) Elevated levels indicate hepatic damage

Ammonia
9-33 umol/L Used in liver patients to help diagnose hepatic encephalopathy, which is seen in patients with cirrhosis or portal shunts.

Amphetamine Screen
Negative Screen Screen only. Confirmation sent out to Mayo.

Amylase
30-110 u/L Elevated in pancreatic damage (sensitive but not specific marker for pancreatitis), pancreatic duct blockage

Anaerobe Culture
No growth Specify if order is for bone marrow, fluid, respiratory, tissue, or other. Use special collection tubes, deliver immediately. Reported when positive, negative is final at 48 hrs

Anti-DNA
Negative (send-out to Mayo) This test is a variant on the anti-nuclear antibody screens. Can order either single or double stranded - double is more specific for SLE. Can also send out for Quantitative if this is positive

Anti-Gliaden Antibodies (IgG, IgA)
Varies with age and Ig (Send-out to Mayo) Used to screen for gluten-sensitive enteropathy

Anti Glomerular Basement Membrane Antibody
Negative Two tests - one at FAHC, one at Mayo. Used to test for Goodpasture's or Anti GBM Disease.

Anti Neutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibody (ANCA)
Negative Elevated in the "pauci-immune vasculidities."
C-ANCA associated with Wegener's
P-ANCA associated with polyarteritis

Anti Nuclear Antibody (ANA)
<40 dils Elevated in lupus, other autoimmune coditions

Antibody Screen
negative aka "Coomb's Test (indirect). Used in working up hemolytic anemia.

Arginine Vasopressin
?? (Send-out to Mayo) Used to check serum ADH (Vasopressin) levels, in SIADH or DI

AST (SGOT)
8-50 u/L (see LFT page) Elevated levels indicate hepatic damage

Acetominophen	<200 ug/ml @ 4 hrs	Used to check for Tylenol overdose
Acetone	Negative in all dilutions	Ordered to help determine if patient in suspected DKA is experiencing lactic vs ketoacidosis. Note that negative screen does not rule out DKA (there are ketoacids that are not measured).
AFB	No mycobacteria isolated	Used to check for mycobacteria - specify if order is for blood, urine, feces, respiratory/sputum, or miscellaneous (with or without smear)
AFP	??	Alpha-Fetoprotein. Part of triple marker. Also used as a tumor marker for hepatocellular carcinoma, and is used as a screening test for Hep B and C patients.
Albumin	3.0-5.5 g/dl	(see LFT page) Usually used as a marker of hepatic synthetic capacity or as a nutrition marker
Alcohol screen	None detected	Tests for ethanol, methanol, and isopropanol. Usually part of tox screening
Aldosterone (serum)	1.0-21.0 if >11 yo	(send-out to Mayo) Used in checking for HTN, renal function, adrenal function
Alkaline Phosphatase	38-126 u/L	(see LFT page) Used to check for hepatic damage. Also elevated in cholestasis, bone CA.
ALA	1.5-7.5 mg/24 if >6 yo	(send-out to Mayo) Aminolevulonic Acid. Urine test. A heme breakdown product that increases in porphyria.
ALT (SGPT)	15-75 u/L	(see LFT page) Elevated levels indicate hepatic damage
Ammonia	9-33 umol/L	Used in liver patients to help diagnose hepatic encephalopathy, which is seen in patients with cirrhosis or portal shunts.
Amphetamine Screen	Negative Screen	Screen only. Confirmation sent out to Mayo.
Amylase	30-110 u/L	Elevated in pancreatic damage (sensitive but not specific marker for pancreatitis), pancreatic duct blockage
Anaerobe Culture	No growth	Specify if order is for bone marrow, fluid, respiratory, tissue, or other. Use special collection tubes, deliver immediately. Reported when positive, negative is final at 48 hrs
Anti-DNA	Negative	(send-out to Mayo) This test is a variant on the anti-nuclear antibody screens. Can order either single or double stranded - double is more specific for SLE. Can also send out for Quantitative if this is positive
Anti-Gliaden Antibodies (IgG, IgA)	Varies with age and Ig	(Send-out to Mayo) Used to screen for gluten-sensitive enteropathy
Anti Glomerular Basement Membrane Antibody	Negative	Two tests - one at FAHC, one at Mayo. Used to test for Goodpasture's or Anti GBM Disease.
Anti Neutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibody (ANCA)	Negative	Elevated in the "pauci-immune vasculidities." C-ANCA associated with Wegener's P-ANCA associated with polyarteritis
Anti Nuclear Antibody (ANA)	<40 dils	Elevated in lupus, other autoimmune coditions
Antibody Screen	negative	aka "Coomb's Test (indirect). Used in working up hemolytic anemia.
Arginine Vasopressin	??	(Send-out to Mayo) Used to check serum ADH (Vasopressin) levels, in SIADH or DI
AST (SGOT)	8-50 u/L	(see LFT page) Elevated levels indicate hepatic damage

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Lab
Normal
Comments

Bacterial Culture
No growth Specify if order is for blood, bone marrow, feces (with or without smear), genital, object, respiratory/sputum, tissue, urine, or other.

Barbiturate Screen
Negative screen Screen only. Confirmation sent out to Mayo.

Basic Metabolic Panel (BMP)
see individual tests see electrolytes and blood pages. Includes BUN, Calcium, Chloride, CO2, Creatinine, Glucose, Potassium, Sodium

Benzodiazepine Screen
Negative screen Screen only. Confirmation sent out to Mayo.

Bilirubin
Unconj: 0.0-1.1 / Conj: 0.0-0.3 mg/dl (see LFT page) Unconjugated increased with hepatic damage or increased heme breakdown. Conjugated increases with cholestasis or hepatocellular damage. Note that unconj + conj does NOT equal total - there are other fractions (delta, etc.)

Bleeding Time
3-10 minutes Coag study. High operator variability.

Blood Gas
see ABG see ABG page. Helpful for analyzing respiratory, renal function; acid-base status.

Blood Gas with Whole Blood Electrolytes
see individual tests Includes pH, pCO2, pO2, Chloride, Potassium, Sodium

BUN
10-26 mg/dl see electrolytes page. Decreased in malnutrition, liver disease. Increases in GI bleeds or any decreased GFR (such as renal failure), and in catabolic states. Ratio of BUN/Creat is often analyzed: if the ratio is >20:1, then volume depletion &/or hypoperfusion is probably present.

Bacterial Culture	No growth	Specify if order is for blood, bone marrow, feces (with or without smear), genital, object, respiratory/sputum, tissue, urine, or other.
Barbiturate Screen	Negative screen	Screen only. Confirmation sent out to Mayo.
Basic Metabolic Panel (BMP)	see individual tests	see electrolytes and blood pages. Includes BUN, Calcium, Chloride, CO2, Creatinine, Glucose, Potassium, Sodium
Benzodiazepine Screen	Negative screen	Screen only. Confirmation sent out to Mayo.
Bilirubin	Unconj: 0.0-1.1 / Conj: 0.0-0.3 mg/dl	(see LFT page) Unconjugated increased with hepatic damage or increased heme breakdown. Conjugated increases with cholestasis or hepatocellular damage. Note that unconj + conj does NOT equal total - there are other fractions (delta, etc.)
Bleeding Time	3-10 minutes	Coag study. High operator variability.
Blood Gas	see ABG	see ABG page. Helpful for analyzing respiratory, renal function; acid-base status.
Blood Gas with Whole Blood Electrolytes	see individual tests	Includes pH, pCO2, pO2, Chloride, Potassium, Sodium
BUN	10-26 mg/dl	see electrolytes page. Decreased in malnutrition, liver disease. Increases in GI bleeds or any decreased GFR (such as renal failure), and in catabolic states. Ratio of BUN/Creat is often analyzed: if the ratio is >20:1, then volume depletion &/or hypoperfusion is probably present.

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Lab
Normal
Comments

C-Reactive Protein
< or = 1.0 mg/dl Non-specific measure of inflammatory activity.

C. Dificile Toxin
Negative Fecal study to detect C. diff (pseudomembranous) colitis, which is common in patients on ABX.

C3 Complement
79-152 mg/dl Autoimmune response- will measure as decreased if reaction present, as complement is consumed. Measured as part of workup for renal failure - immune complexes will clog tubules.

C4 Complement
16-38 mg/dl Autoimmune response- will measure as decreased if reaction present, as complement is consumed. Measured as part of workup for renal failure - immune complexes will clog tubules.

CA 125
<35 u/ml Tumor marker for ovarian CA.

Calcium
8.5-10.5 mg/dl Increased in malignancy, hyperparathyroid. Decreased in hypoalbuminemia, renal insufficiency, vit D deficiency. Can also order Ionized serum or Ionized whole blood, or urine Ca.

Cannabinoid Screen
Negative screen Screen only for marijuana products. Confirmation sent out to Mayo.

Carbamezapine
4-10 ug/ml Carbamezapine = Tegretol, an anticonvulsant. Too much leads to lethargy, hepatic and renal damage. Too little does not control seizures. Reference range may not be accurate for specific patients.

Carbon Dioxide (CO2)
24-30 mEq Proxy for bicarbonate - useful for assessing acid-base status. see ABG and electrolytes pages.

Carboxyhemoglobin
<1.5% (non-smoker)
1.5-5.0% (smoker) Used to test for CO (carbon monoxide) poisoning. Tends to be normally elevated in smokers.

CBC
see individual tests aka Hemagram. see blood page. Includes WBC, RBC, Hgb, Hct, MCV, MCH, MCHC, RDW, Platelets

CD4 / CD8
see individual tests see HIV page. CD4 count is used as a marker in HIV progression.

CEA
<3.0 ng/ml in non-smokers A tumor marker that is used for monitoring recurrence in patients with known CEA-producing tumors. These can be any adenocarcinomas, although typically used for colon CA. Note that this is used for progression or recurrence - NOT as a screening tool, an application for which this test is not particularly useful.

Chloride
96-110 mEq/L see electrolytes page. Increased in dehydration, CF, hyperparathyroid. Decreased in dilution, SIADH, DKA.

Cholesterol
<200 mg/dl Total chol - needs breakdown to be clinically useful (HDL, LDL, TG). 200-239 = Borderline. >240 = High Risk.

CK-MB
0-5 ng/ml Used to rule out MI. Starts to rise 4-6 hours after a cardiac event, and peaks at 12-24 hours. Returns to normal by 1-3 days. Remains negative in patients with angina, even if high-risk and unstable - specific for infarction of cardiac muscle. Can be falsely elevated in skeletal muscle damage or with renal failure.

CK-MB with Total CK
see individual tests Using both values allows you to calculate the CK Index. The Index is calculated as CK-MB/Total CK. If the index is elevated, then the increase in CK-MB is probably due to cardiac damage, whereas if it's low (<1%), then the cause is probably skeletal muscle.

Cocaine Metabolites
Negative screen Screen only. Confirmation sent out to Mayo.

Cold Agglutinins
Negative screen Are a cause of normocytic anemia.

Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP)
see individual tests Includes Albumin, Alk Phos, ALT, AST, Bili (conj & unconj), BUN, Calcium, Chloride, CO2, Creatinine, Glucose, Potassium, Sodium, Total Protein

Coomb's - Direct
negative aka "Direct Antiglobulin" - part of workup for hemolytic anemia. This test looks specifically for antibodies attached to RBC's, and will be positive in autoimmune hemolytic anemias (HA) and transfusion reactions, but negative in non-autoimmune HA.

Coomb's - Indirect
negative aka "Antibody Screen" - part of workup for hemolytic anemia. This test looks for RBC antibodies in serum. If a person has received a blood transfusion in the past and has developed antibodies to an RBC antigen, then this test will be positive.

Cortisol
7-9am: 4.3-22.4 ug/dl
3-5pm:3.1-16.7 ug/dl Can help to diagnose Cushing's, Addison's. Dexamethasone, given at night, should suppres AM peak of cortisol - if it doesn't, susupect Cushing's ("Dexamethasone Suppression Test").

Creatinine
0.7-1.5 mg/dl see electrolytes page. Increases in renal insufficiency (decreased GFR). Decreases in states of increased GFR (such as pregnancy), decreased muscle mass/use. Ratio of BUN/Creat is often analyzed: if the ratio is >20:1, then volume depletion &/or hypoperfusion is probably present.

Creatinine Clearance
: 107-139 ml/min
: 87-107 ml/min Proxy measurement for GFR, renal function. In the kidney, creatinine is filtered but not reabsorbed.

Cryoglobulins
Negative screen at 72 hours see anemia page - same as cold agglutinin, which clogs vessels when <98^o and thereby causes vasculitis. Seen in renal failure, and associated with liver disease (particularly Hep C), as well as being caused by mycoplasma and EBV.

C-Reactive Protein	< or = 1.0 mg/dl	Non-specific measure of inflammatory activity.
C. Dificile Toxin	Negative	Fecal study to detect C. diff (pseudomembranous) colitis, which is common in patients on ABX.
C3 Complement	79-152 mg/dl	Autoimmune response- will measure as decreased if reaction present, as complement is consumed. Measured as part of workup for renal failure - immune complexes will clog tubules.
C4 Complement	16-38 mg/dl	Autoimmune response- will measure as decreased if reaction present, as complement is consumed. Measured as part of workup for renal failure - immune complexes will clog tubules.
CA 125	<35 u/ml	Tumor marker for ovarian CA.
Calcium	8.5-10.5 mg/dl	Increased in malignancy, hyperparathyroid. Decreased in hypoalbuminemia, renal insufficiency, vit D deficiency. Can also order Ionized serum or Ionized whole blood, or urine Ca.
Cannabinoid Screen	Negative screen	Screen only for marijuana products. Confirmation sent out to Mayo.
Carbamezapine	4-10 ug/ml	Carbamezapine = Tegretol, an anticonvulsant. Too much leads to lethargy, hepatic and renal damage. Too little does not control seizures. Reference range may not be accurate for specific patients.
Carbon Dioxide (CO2)	24-30 mEq	Proxy for bicarbonate - useful for assessing acid-base status. see ABG and electrolytes pages.
Carboxyhemoglobin	<1.5% (non-smoker) 1.5-5.0% (smoker)	Used to test for CO (carbon monoxide) poisoning. Tends to be normally elevated in smokers.
CBC	see individual tests	aka Hemagram. see blood page. Includes WBC, RBC, Hgb, Hct, MCV, MCH, MCHC, RDW, Platelets
CD4 / CD8	see individual tests	see HIV page. CD4 count is used as a marker in HIV progression.
CEA	<3.0 ng/ml in non-smokers	A tumor marker that is used for monitoring recurrence in patients with known CEA-producing tumors. These can be any adenocarcinomas, although typically used for colon CA. Note that this is used for progression or recurrence - NOT as a screening tool, an application for which this test is not particularly useful.
Chloride	96-110 mEq/L	see electrolytes page. Increased in dehydration, CF, hyperparathyroid. Decreased in dilution, SIADH, DKA.
Cholesterol	<200 mg/dl	Total chol - needs breakdown to be clinically useful (HDL, LDL, TG). 200-239 = Borderline. >240 = High Risk.
CK-MB	0-5 ng/ml	Used to rule out MI. Starts to rise 4-6 hours after a cardiac event, and peaks at 12-24 hours. Returns to normal by 1-3 days. Remains negative in patients with angina, even if high-risk and unstable - specific for infarction of cardiac muscle. Can be falsely elevated in skeletal muscle damage or with renal failure.
CK-MB with Total CK	see individual tests	Using both values allows you to calculate the CK Index. The Index is calculated as CK-MB/Total CK. If the index is elevated, then the increase in CK-MB is probably due to cardiac damage, whereas if it's low (<1%), then the cause is probably skeletal muscle.
Cocaine Metabolites	Negative screen	Screen only. Confirmation sent out to Mayo.
Cold Agglutinins	Negative screen	Are a cause of normocytic anemia.
Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP)	see individual tests	Includes Albumin, Alk Phos, ALT, AST, Bili (conj & unconj), BUN, Calcium, Chloride, CO2, Creatinine, Glucose, Potassium, Sodium, Total Protein
Coomb's - Direct	negative	aka "Direct Antiglobulin" - part of workup for hemolytic anemia. This test looks specifically for antibodies attached to RBC's, and will be positive in autoimmune hemolytic anemias (HA) and transfusion reactions, but negative in non-autoimmune HA.
Coomb's - Indirect	negative	aka "Antibody Screen" - part of workup for hemolytic anemia. This test looks for RBC antibodies in serum. If a person has received a blood transfusion in the past and has developed antibodies to an RBC antigen, then this test will be positive.
Cortisol	7-9am: 4.3-22.4 ug/dl 3-5pm:3.1-16.7 ug/dl	Can help to diagnose Cushing's, Addison's. Dexamethasone, given at night, should suppres AM peak of cortisol - if it doesn't, susupect Cushing's ("Dexamethasone Suppression Test").
Creatinine	0.7-1.5 mg/dl	see electrolytes page. Increases in renal insufficiency (decreased GFR). Decreases in states of increased GFR (such as pregnancy), decreased muscle mass/use. Ratio of BUN/Creat is often analyzed: if the ratio is >20:1, then volume depletion &/or hypoperfusion is probably present.
Creatinine Clearance	: 107-139 ml/min : 87-107 ml/min	Proxy measurement for GFR, renal function. In the kidney, creatinine is filtered but not reabsorbed.
Cryoglobulins	Negative screen at 72 hours	see anemia page - same as cold agglutinin, which clogs vessels when <98^o and thereby causes vasculitis. Seen in renal failure, and associated with liver disease (particularly Hep C), as well as being caused by mycoplasma and EBV.

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Lab
Normal
Comments

D-Dimer
<50 ug/ml Fibrinogen breakdown product. Extremely non-specific acute phase reactant. Reliably elevated in PE, DVT, DIC.

Depakote
50-100 ug/ml aka Valproic Acid

Dexamethasone Suppression Test
50-100 ug/ml Baseline level, then three post-test samples are drawn. Used to diagnose Cushing's - if 1^o, dexamethasone will NOT suppress cortisol.

Digoxin
0.5-2.0 ng/ml Dig levels need to be monitored to ensure therapeutic range, although values within reference range may not be therapeutic for individual patients. Dig toxicity can occur at any level and can be fatal.

Dilantin
?? aka Phenytoin

Direct Antiglobulin
Negative aka Coomb's Test (direct) - used for working up hemolytic anemia.

Drug Screen 6
Negative Screen Includes Amphetamines, Barbiturates, Benzodiazepines, Cocaine, Cannabinoids, and Opiates.

Drug Screen - Agitated
Negative Screen Includes Cocaine and Amphetamines

Drug Screen - Sedated
Negative Screen Includes Barbiturates, Benzodiazepines, and Opiates

Drug Screen - Comprehensive
Negative Screen (send-out to Mayo) - takes 2-3 days. Can specify blood, urine, or both.

D-Dimer	<50 ug/ml	Fibrinogen breakdown product. Extremely non-specific acute phase reactant. Reliably elevated in PE, DVT, DIC.
Depakote	50-100 ug/ml	aka Valproic Acid
Dexamethasone Suppression Test	50-100 ug/ml	Baseline level, then three post-test samples are drawn. Used to diagnose Cushing's - if 1^o, dexamethasone will NOT suppress cortisol.
Digoxin	0.5-2.0 ng/ml	Dig levels need to be monitored to ensure therapeutic range, although values within reference range may not be therapeutic for individual patients. Dig toxicity can occur at any level and can be fatal.
Dilantin	??	aka Phenytoin
Direct Antiglobulin	Negative	aka Coomb's Test (direct) - used for working up hemolytic anemia.
Drug Screen 6	Negative Screen	Includes Amphetamines, Barbiturates, Benzodiazepines, Cocaine, Cannabinoids, and Opiates.
Drug Screen - Agitated	Negative Screen	Includes Cocaine and Amphetamines
Drug Screen - Sedated	Negative Screen	Includes Barbiturates, Benzodiazepines, and Opiates
Drug Screen - Comprehensive	Negative Screen	(send-out to Mayo) - takes 2-3 days. Can specify blood, urine, or both.

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Lab
Normal
Comments

Electrolytes
see individual tests Includes Chloride, CO2, Potassium, Sodium

Electrophoresis, Hemoglobin
No abnormal hemoglobins identified Useful for diagnosing hemoglobinopathies, such as thalassemias.

Electrophoresis, Serum
Albumin: 49-61%
Alpha 1: 2.4-4.9%
Alpha 2: 10-19%
Beta: 9-14%
Gamma: 11-21%
Total Protein: 6.0-8.5 g/dl Individual bands are stronger in myeloma

Erythropoeitin
4-24 mU/mL (send-out to Mayo) Created in kidneys, stimulates red blood cell production. Occasionally tested when other causes of anemia are ruled out.

Estradiol
?? Elevated in polycystic ovarian disease, but not as useful a marker as the LH/FSH ratio. Used as part of a fertility workup to assess the menstrual cycle, and to time in vitro fertilization. Can be used to confirm menopause, but is not as good as FSH for this purpose.

Ethanol, Blood
<10 mg/dl Blood alcohol

Ethylene Glycol
None detected Antifreeze

Electrolytes	see individual tests	Includes Chloride, CO2, Potassium, Sodium
Electrophoresis, Hemoglobin	No abnormal hemoglobins identified	Useful for diagnosing hemoglobinopathies, such as thalassemias.
Electrophoresis, Serum	Albumin: 49-61% Alpha 1: 2.4-4.9% Alpha 2: 10-19% Beta: 9-14% Gamma: 11-21% Total Protein: 6.0-8.5 g/dl	Individual bands are stronger in myeloma
Erythropoeitin	4-24 mU/mL	(send-out to Mayo) Created in kidneys, stimulates red blood cell production. Occasionally tested when other causes of anemia are ruled out.
Estradiol	??	Elevated in polycystic ovarian disease, but not as useful a marker as the LH/FSH ratio. Used as part of a fertility workup to assess the menstrual cycle, and to time in vitro fertilization. Can be used to confirm menopause, but is not as good as FSH for this purpose.
Ethanol, Blood	<10 mg/dl	Blood alcohol
Ethylene Glycol	None detected	Antifreeze

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Lab
Normal
Comments

Factor __ Assay
60-140% of normal Assays available for Factors: 2, 5, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12. Tested to rule out various specific hereditary coagulopathies. An antigen test is also available for Factor 8.

Factor V Leiden
Negative (send-out to Mayo) Part of hypercoagulability workup. Factor V Leiden is a hereditary deficiency in the clotting cascade.

Fecal Occult Blood
Negative Non-specific, non-sensitive test for GI bleeding.

Ferritin
: 42-313 ng/ml
: 8-151 ng/ml see anemia page. Ferritin is storage form of iron. Low in iron-deficiency states, increased (particularly >70%) indicates hemochromatosis. Is also an acute phase reactant (meaning that it rises non-specifically in many inflammatory conditions).

Fetal Lung Maturity
>55 mg/g <39 = immature
40-54 = borderline
Blood, meconium and bilirubin (and other contaminants) may give false readings.

Fibrinogen
144-399 mg/dl Increases in coagulopathies or any inflammatory process (it's an "acute phase reactant"). It drops in DIC.

Folate
2.8-18.0 ng/ml see anemia page. Common cause of macrocytic anemia. Often low in alcoholics or with celiac sprue (and other intestinal conditions)

Free Thyroxine Index
1.3-4.1 Includes T3 uptake, T4, and T7 calculation

FSH
: 1-18 mIU/ml
follicular phase: 2-11 mIU/ml
midcycle: 3.4-35 mIU/ml
luteal phase: 1-9 mIU/ml
>menopause: 25-120 mIU/ml Part of amenorrhea workup, and a common test to confirm menopause. Also, used in conjunction with LH to diagnose POD (polycystic ovarian disease) - in this condition, the LH/FSH ratio is >2.

Fungus Culture
No fungus isolated/seen Can order for Blood, Fluid, Genital, Nails, Oral, Respiratory/Sputum, Skin, Spinal Fluid, Tissue, Urine, or Other

Factor __ Assay	60-140% of normal	Assays available for Factors: 2, 5, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12. Tested to rule out various specific hereditary coagulopathies. An antigen test is also available for Factor 8.
Factor V Leiden	Negative	(send-out to Mayo) Part of hypercoagulability workup. Factor V Leiden is a hereditary deficiency in the clotting cascade.
Fecal Occult Blood	Negative	Non-specific, non-sensitive test for GI bleeding.
Ferritin	: 42-313 ng/ml : 8-151 ng/ml	see anemia page. Ferritin is storage form of iron. Low in iron-deficiency states, increased (particularly >70%) indicates hemochromatosis. Is also an acute phase reactant (meaning that it rises non-specifically in many inflammatory conditions).
Fetal Lung Maturity	>55 mg/g	<39 = immature 40-54 = borderline Blood, meconium and bilirubin (and other contaminants) may give false readings.
Fibrinogen	144-399 mg/dl	Increases in coagulopathies or any inflammatory process (it's an "acute phase reactant"). It drops in DIC.
Folate	2.8-18.0 ng/ml	see anemia page. Common cause of macrocytic anemia. Often low in alcoholics or with celiac sprue (and other intestinal conditions)
Free Thyroxine Index	1.3-4.1	Includes T3 uptake, T4, and T7 calculation
FSH	: 1-18 mIU/ml follicular phase: 2-11 mIU/ml midcycle: 3.4-35 mIU/ml luteal phase: 1-9 mIU/ml >menopause: 25-120 mIU/ml	Part of amenorrhea workup, and a common test to confirm menopause. Also, used in conjunction with LH to diagnose POD (polycystic ovarian disease) - in this condition, the LH/FSH ratio is >2.
Fungus Culture	No fungus isolated/seen	Can order for Blood, Fluid, Genital, Nails, Oral, Respiratory/Sputum, Skin, Spinal Fluid, Tissue, Urine, or Other

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Lab
Normal
Comments

Gabapentin
2.0-12.0 ug/ml (send-out to Mayo) aka Neurontin. Loss of efficacy when serum concentrations below reference range.

GC Screen Culture
No Neisseria Gonorrhea isolated Gonorrhea test - reported when positive, negative final at 48 hours.

GGT
: 15-73 U/L
: 12-43 U/L Gamma Glutyl Transerfase. see LFT page. A more specific LFT than AST or ALT - more directly indicates hepatic (as opposed to another source) damage.

Glucose 1 Hr Screen
<135 mg/dl Gestational diabetes screen. If elevated, need to perform 3 hour tolerance test.

Glucose 2 Hr Screen
<200 mg/dl General diabetes screen. If elevated, meets criteria for DM. see diabetes page.

Glucose 3 Hr Screen
?? Gestational diabetes screen.

Glucose
?? see diabetes page for all diagnostic criteria - >200 on more than one occasion = diabetes.

Glucose-6-Phosphate
8.6-18.6 u/g of Hgb If a patient has this deficiency, the use of sulfa (or some other) drugs can cause hemolytic crisis.

Glucose, CSF
60-80% of plasma glucose Decreased with CSF bacteria (who eat sugar)

Glucose, Serum or Plasma (Fasting)
<50yo: 70-115 mg/dl
>50yo: 85-125 mg/dl >125 needed on two occasions for diagnosis of DM. see diabetes page.

Glucose, Urine
0.003-0.025 g/dl Rule of thumb is that blood glucose should be >250 before glucose spills into urine.

GNRH
?? (send-out to Mayo) Gonadotropin Releasing Hormone. If pan-hypopituitary, this (and TSH and ACTH) will be decreased.

Growth Hormone
: < or = 5 ng/ml
: < or = 10 ng/ml (send-out to Mayo) Increased in acromegaly. Decreased in some short-stature conditions.

Gabapentin	2.0-12.0 ug/ml	(send-out to Mayo) aka Neurontin. Loss of efficacy when serum concentrations below reference range.
GC Screen Culture	No Neisseria Gonorrhea isolated	Gonorrhea test - reported when positive, negative final at 48 hours.
GGT	: 15-73 U/L : 12-43 U/L	Gamma Glutyl Transerfase. see LFT page. A more specific LFT than AST or ALT - more directly indicates hepatic (as opposed to another source) damage.
Glucose 1 Hr Screen	<135 mg/dl	Gestational diabetes screen. If elevated, need to perform 3 hour tolerance test.
Glucose 2 Hr Screen	<200 mg/dl	General diabetes screen. If elevated, meets criteria for DM. see diabetes page.
Glucose 3 Hr Screen	??	Gestational diabetes screen.
Glucose	??	see diabetes page for all diagnostic criteria - >200 on more than one occasion = diabetes.
Glucose-6-Phosphate	8.6-18.6 u/g of Hgb	If a patient has this deficiency, the use of sulfa (or some other) drugs can cause hemolytic crisis.
Glucose, CSF	60-80% of plasma glucose	Decreased with CSF bacteria (who eat sugar)
Glucose, Serum or Plasma (Fasting)	<50yo: 70-115 mg/dl >50yo: 85-125 mg/dl	>125 needed on two occasions for diagnosis of DM. see diabetes page.
Glucose, Urine	0.003-0.025 g/dl	Rule of thumb is that blood glucose should be >250 before glucose spills into urine.
GNRH	??	(send-out to Mayo) Gonadotropin Releasing Hormone. If pan-hypopituitary, this (and TSH and ACTH) will be decreased.
Growth Hormone	: < or = 5 ng/ml : < or = 10 ng/ml	(send-out to Mayo) Increased in acromegaly. Decreased in some short-stature conditions.

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Lab
Normal
Comments

Haloperidol
5-16 ng/ml aka Haldol. Low dose therapeutic = 2-5 ng/ml. High dose therapeutic = 10-40 ng/ml. Different ranges are therapeutic for individuals. Overdose can lead to extrapyramidal symptoms and tardive dyskinesia.

Ham's Test
No hemolysis aka "sugar water test," used to diagnose paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (a cause of anemia, which also leads to false positive urine dipsticks for blood). The test looks for fragile red blood cells, and has a reputation for not being reliable.

Haptoglobin
36-195 mg/dl A test for intravascular hemolysis (seen in DIC, TTP, heart valve shearing). Haptoblogin binds to free hemoglobin, so it is consumed (and therefore decreases) in intravascular hemolysis, when lots of hemoglobin is freed.

HCG
<4 mIU/ml Human Chorionic Gonadotropin. Used as pregnancy test. If 4-10 mIU/ml, must repeat - not diagnostic. This is serum test - there is also a urine test, see Pregnancy test, urine

HDL
>35 mg/dl High-Density Lipoprotein. Must be taken fasting. Increases with exercise.

Heavy Metal Panel
Arsenic: <0.07 ug/ml
Cadmium: <5.0 ng/ml
Lead, Adult: <20 ug/dl
Lead, Peds: <10 ug/dl
Mercury: <10 ng/ml (send-out to Mayo) Test for Arsenic, Cadmium, Lead, Mercury. Not that toxic ranges include:
Lead, Adult: >30 ug/dl
Lead, Peds: >20 ug/dl
Mercury: >50 ng/ml

Hemagram
see individual tests aka CBC. Includes WBC, RBC, Hgb, HCT, MCV, MCH, MCHC, RDW, and Platelets. see blood page for details

Hemagram & Diff
see individual tests Hemagram with 5-part differential (neutrophils, lymphocytes, basophils, monocytes, eosinophils). see blood page for details

Hematocrit (HCT)
: 39-49%
: 33-43% Decreased in blood loss, anemia. Increased in polycythemia, smokers.

Hemoglobin (Hgb)
: 13-17
: 12-15 Decreased in blood loss, anemia. Increased in hemoconcentration, polycythemia.

Hemoglobin A1C
<6% (non-diabetic) Used to measure effectiveness of maintaining blood glucose over an extended period - the test is said to summarize glucose control over the 6 months prior to the blood draw. Glucose Control Index (for diabetics:)
>= 10%: Poor
9-10%: Fair
8-9%: Good
7-8%: Excellent
6-7%: Near-Normal
<=6%: Normal

Heparin Platelet Antibody
Negative Used to look for Heparin-induced, antibody-meidated platelet aggregation, seen in Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (potentially fatal if untreated)

Hep A Antibody
Negative see hepatitis page. Positive indicates prior exposure - in which case the lab checks for IgM, which would indicate acute infection.

Hep B
Negative see hepatitis page. Surface antigen indicates acute infection, surface antibody indicates cleared infection. Core antibody indicates current or prior exposure.

Hep C Antibody
Negative see hepatitis page. 10% false positive, otherwise indicates prior infection with or without currently active viremia - confirm viremia with PCR.

Hep C Genotype
variable see hepatitis page. (send-out to Mayo) Used to distinguish between various strains of Hep C, which have different susceptibilities to various medications.

Hep C RNA PCR
Negative see hepatitis page. (send-out to Mayo) Used to confirm active Hep C.

Hep D Antibody
Negative see hepatitis page. (send-out to Mayo) Indicates current or prior exposure to Hep D.

Herpes IgG Antibody
<=0.90 Herpes test. Note that 0.91-1.09 is equivocal (non-diagnostic) - >1.10 is positive.

Herpes Culture (HSV)
No herpes simplex recovered Used for swab of vesicular fluid

HIV Antibody
Non-reactive see HIV page. HIV Test. If reactive, sent to Mayo for confirmation. Lab will not report results to patients - only to physicians. Sensitivity is currently >50 copies. Also, see viral load on this page

HIV Confirmation
Negative see HIV page. (send-out to Mayo) Used to confirm HIV. Done by Western blot, and positives are reported as either HIV1 or HIV2 positive. Actually a serotype (not a genotype, as often called), since it characterizes the antibody to HIV, not the HIV virus itself.

HLA B27
Detected or Not Detected Increased in patients who are predisposed to seronegative spondylarthropathies, such as Reiter's, ankylosing spondylitis, Crohn's. Part of workup for patients with monoarticular arthridities.

Homocysteine
4.5-12.5 umol/L Elevated in homocysteinuria, or other genetic defects. Recent studies show that an increase in homocysteine is correlated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease.

HPV
Negative (send-out to Mayo) Human Papilloma Virus - predisposes to cervical CA. If positive, will determine which groups are present.

HVA Urine
<8 mg/24 hrs (adult) (send-out to Mayo) Homovanillic Acid - used to confirm pheochromocytoma, along with MVA

Haloperidol	5-16 ng/ml	aka Haldol. Low dose therapeutic = 2-5 ng/ml. High dose therapeutic = 10-40 ng/ml. Different ranges are therapeutic for individuals. Overdose can lead to extrapyramidal symptoms and tardive dyskinesia.
Ham's Test	No hemolysis	aka "sugar water test," used to diagnose paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (a cause of anemia, which also leads to false positive urine dipsticks for blood). The test looks for fragile red blood cells, and has a reputation for not being reliable.
Haptoglobin	36-195 mg/dl	A test for intravascular hemolysis (seen in DIC, TTP, heart valve shearing). Haptoblogin binds to free hemoglobin, so it is consumed (and therefore decreases) in intravascular hemolysis, when lots of hemoglobin is freed.
HCG	<4 mIU/ml	Human Chorionic Gonadotropin. Used as pregnancy test. If 4-10 mIU/ml, must repeat - not diagnostic. This is serum test - there is also a urine test, see Pregnancy test, urine
HDL	>35 mg/dl	High-Density Lipoprotein. Must be taken fasting. Increases with exercise.
Heavy Metal Panel	Arsenic: <0.07 ug/ml Cadmium: <5.0 ng/ml Lead, Adult: <20 ug/dl Lead, Peds: <10 ug/dl Mercury: <10 ng/ml	(send-out to Mayo) Test for Arsenic, Cadmium, Lead, Mercury. Not that toxic ranges include: Lead, Adult: >30 ug/dl Lead, Peds: >20 ug/dl Mercury: >50 ng/ml
Hemagram	see individual tests	aka CBC. Includes WBC, RBC, Hgb, HCT, MCV, MCH, MCHC, RDW, and Platelets. see blood page for details
Hemagram & Diff	see individual tests	Hemagram with 5-part differential (neutrophils, lymphocytes, basophils, monocytes, eosinophils). see blood page for details
Hematocrit (HCT)	: 39-49% : 33-43%	Decreased in blood loss, anemia. Increased in polycythemia, smokers.
Hemoglobin (Hgb)	: 13-17 : 12-15	Decreased in blood loss, anemia. Increased in hemoconcentration, polycythemia.
Hemoglobin A1C	<6% (non-diabetic)	Used to measure effectiveness of maintaining blood glucose over an extended period - the test is said to summarize glucose control over the 6 months prior to the blood draw. Glucose Control Index (for diabetics:) >= 10%: Poor 9-10%: Fair 8-9%: Good 7-8%: Excellent 6-7%: Near-Normal <=6%: Normal
Heparin Platelet Antibody	Negative	Used to look for Heparin-induced, antibody-meidated platelet aggregation, seen in Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (potentially fatal if untreated)
Hep A Antibody	Negative	see hepatitis page. Positive indicates prior exposure - in which case the lab checks for IgM, which would indicate acute infection.
Hep B	Negative	see hepatitis page. Surface antigen indicates acute infection, surface antibody indicates cleared infection. Core antibody indicates current or prior exposure.
Hep C Antibody	Negative	see hepatitis page. 10% false positive, otherwise indicates prior infection with or without currently active viremia - confirm viremia with PCR.
Hep C Genotype	variable	see hepatitis page. (send-out to Mayo) Used to distinguish between various strains of Hep C, which have different susceptibilities to various medications.
Hep C RNA PCR	Negative	see hepatitis page. (send-out to Mayo) Used to confirm active Hep C.
Hep D Antibody	Negative	see hepatitis page. (send-out to Mayo) Indicates current or prior exposure to Hep D.
Herpes IgG Antibody	<=0.90	Herpes test. Note that 0.91-1.09 is equivocal (non-diagnostic) - >1.10 is positive.
Herpes Culture (HSV)	No herpes simplex recovered	Used for swab of vesicular fluid
HIV Antibody	Non-reactive	see HIV page. HIV Test. If reactive, sent to Mayo for confirmation. Lab will not report results to patients - only to physicians. Sensitivity is currently >50 copies. Also, see viral load on this page
HIV Confirmation	Negative	see HIV page. (send-out to Mayo) Used to confirm HIV. Done by Western blot, and positives are reported as either HIV1 or HIV2 positive. Actually a serotype (not a genotype, as often called), since it characterizes the antibody to HIV, not the HIV virus itself.
HLA B27	Detected or Not Detected	Increased in patients who are predisposed to seronegative spondylarthropathies, such as Reiter's, ankylosing spondylitis, Crohn's. Part of workup for patients with monoarticular arthridities.
Homocysteine	4.5-12.5 umol/L	Elevated in homocysteinuria, or other genetic defects. Recent studies show that an increase in homocysteine is correlated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease.
HPV	Negative	(send-out to Mayo) Human Papilloma Virus - predisposes to cervical CA. If positive, will determine which groups are present.
HVA Urine	<8 mg/24 hrs (adult)	(send-out to Mayo) Homovanillic Acid - used to confirm pheochromocytoma, along with MVA

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Lab
Normal
Comments

Imipramine
150-250 ng/ml Therapeutic range, but different patients may respond to different levels

Immunodeficiency Panel
CD3: 67-84%
CD4: 40-65%
CD8: 10-38%
Absolute CD4: 702-1791/ul Can also be ordered with B and NK Cell markers:
CD19: 7-22%
CD16/56: 2-22%

Immunofixation, serum
Negative Looks for monoclonal immunoglobulins, as seen in myeloma

Immunofixation, urine
Negative Looks for monoclonal immunoglobulins, as seen in myeloma. Called Bence-Jones proteins when found in urine.

Influenza
Negative (send-out to state lab) Can order Influenza A Antibody, Influenza B Antibody, or Influenza B Vaccine Response. Can also order Influenza Culture.

INR
0.8-1.2 International Normalized Ratio. Standardized lab used in place of PT to follow Warfarin (Coumadin) effectiveness.

Insulin
Fasting: 0-22 ug/ml Can be used to check for insulinoma (pancreatic cell tumor)

Insulin Antibodies
<3% Can be used to confirm this specific variant of DM2

Iron
: 70-180 ug/dl
: 60-180 ug/dl see anemia page. Decreased in iron-deficiency anemia or anemia of chronic disease.

Iron Binding Capacity (IBC or TIBC)
250-450 ug/dl see anemia page. Decreases in malnutrition, anemia of chronic disease or iron deficiency, or hemochromatosis.

Iron Saturation
0.2-0.55 A calculated value from Iron and IBC. Iron sat = Iron/IBC.
Saturation >50% with Fe⁺: Hemochromatosis.
Saturation normal with Fe⁺: Chronic disease.
Saturation with Fe⁺: Iron deficiency (in this case, the lower the sat the more specific - <10% is >90% specific.).

Imipramine	150-250 ng/ml	Therapeutic range, but different patients may respond to different levels
Immunodeficiency Panel	CD3: 67-84% CD4: 40-65% CD8: 10-38% Absolute CD4: 702-1791/ul	Can also be ordered with B and NK Cell markers: CD19: 7-22% CD16/56: 2-22%
Immunofixation, serum	Negative	Looks for monoclonal immunoglobulins, as seen in myeloma
Immunofixation, urine	Negative	Looks for monoclonal immunoglobulins, as seen in myeloma. Called Bence-Jones proteins when found in urine.
Influenza	Negative	(send-out to state lab) Can order Influenza A Antibody, Influenza B Antibody, or Influenza B Vaccine Response. Can also order Influenza Culture.
INR	0.8-1.2	International Normalized Ratio. Standardized lab used in place of PT to follow Warfarin (Coumadin) effectiveness.
Insulin	Fasting: 0-22 ug/ml	Can be used to check for insulinoma (pancreatic cell tumor)
Insulin Antibodies	<3%	Can be used to confirm this specific variant of DM2
Iron	: 70-180 ug/dl : 60-180 ug/dl	see anemia page. Decreased in iron-deficiency anemia or anemia of chronic disease.
Iron Binding Capacity (IBC or TIBC)	250-450 ug/dl	see anemia page. Decreases in malnutrition, anemia of chronic disease or iron deficiency, or hemochromatosis.
Iron Saturation	0.2-0.55	A calculated value from Iron and IBC. Iron sat = Iron/IBC. Saturation >50% with Fe⁺: Hemochromatosis. Saturation normal with Fe⁺: Chronic disease. Saturation with Fe⁺: Iron deficiency (in this case, the lower the sat the more specific - <10% is >90% specific.).

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Lab
Normal
Comments

Kidney Stone Analysis
report If not calcium-carbonate, unlikely to show up on x-ray.

Lactose Tolerance
?? Used to confirm suspected lactose intolerance.

LDH
313-618 u/L Lactose dehydrogenase Non-specific. Rises in hemolysis and PCP (penumonia).

LDL
<130 mg/dl see lipids page. Low-Density Lipoprotein. This value is generally calculated on the lipid panel - the only reason to order this test is if TG are high (>400), making calculation innacurate (and direct measurement needed). 130-160 = Borderline. >160 = High Risk.

Lead
Child: 0-9 ug/dl
Adult: 0-20 ug/dl also part of Heavy Metal Screen

Leukemia Panel
report Can be ordered for Bone Marrow or Peripheral Blood

LH
20-70 yo: 2-9 mIU/ml
<70 yo: 3-34 mIU/ml
follicular phase: 1-18 mIU/ml
midcycle: 15-80 mIU/ml
luteal phase: 0.5-18 mIU/ml
>menopause: 12-55 mIU/ml Used as part of workup for amennorrhea / oligomennorrhea, or as test for menopause or ovarian failure. Also, used in conjunction with FSH to diagnose POD (polycystic ovarian disease) - in this condition, the LH/FSH ratio is >2.

Lipase
0-210 u/L Elevated in pancreatic damage (sensitive but not specific marker for pancreatitis), pancreatic duct blockage

Lipid Panel
see individual tests see lipids page. Should be fasting x 8 hours. Includes Cholesterol, Triglycerides, HDL, LDL (LDL is calculated using the formula LDL = total chol - HDL - TG/5), and Chol/LDL ratio.

Lithium
0.6-1.2 mmol/L Therapeutic range. Toxic = >2.5 mmol/L, although toxicity can occur at any level.

Liver Panel (LFT)
see individual tests Includes Albumin, Alk Phos, ALT, AST, Bili-Conj, Bili-Unconj, Bili-Total, and Total Protein. see LFT page.

Lupus Anticoagulant Workup
see individual tests Includes PTT, 50/50 Mix, Dilute Russell Viper Venom Time. Will confirm if positive.

Lyme Antibody
Negative A screening test - cannot distinguish between IgG and IgM, although it will detect both. Confirm with Lyme Antibody by Western Blot (a send-out to Mayo).

Kidney Stone Analysis	report	If not calcium-carbonate, unlikely to show up on x-ray.

Lactose Tolerance	??	Used to confirm suspected lactose intolerance.
LDH	313-618 u/L	Lactose dehydrogenase Non-specific. Rises in hemolysis and PCP (penumonia).
LDL	<130 mg/dl	see lipids page. Low-Density Lipoprotein. This value is generally calculated on the lipid panel - the only reason to order this test is if TG are high (>400), making calculation innacurate (and direct measurement needed). 130-160 = Borderline. >160 = High Risk.
Lead	Child: 0-9 ug/dl Adult: 0-20 ug/dl	also part of Heavy Metal Screen
Leukemia Panel	report	Can be ordered for Bone Marrow or Peripheral Blood
LH	20-70 yo: 2-9 mIU/ml <70 yo: 3-34 mIU/ml follicular phase: 1-18 mIU/ml midcycle: 15-80 mIU/ml luteal phase: 0.5-18 mIU/ml >menopause: 12-55 mIU/ml	Used as part of workup for amennorrhea / oligomennorrhea, or as test for menopause or ovarian failure. Also, used in conjunction with FSH to diagnose POD (polycystic ovarian disease) - in this condition, the LH/FSH ratio is >2.
Lipase	0-210 u/L	Elevated in pancreatic damage (sensitive but not specific marker for pancreatitis), pancreatic duct blockage
Lipid Panel	see individual tests	see lipids page. Should be fasting x 8 hours. Includes Cholesterol, Triglycerides, HDL, LDL (LDL is calculated using the formula LDL = total chol - HDL - TG/5), and Chol/LDL ratio.
Lithium	0.6-1.2 mmol/L	Therapeutic range. Toxic = >2.5 mmol/L, although toxicity can occur at any level.
Liver Panel (LFT)	see individual tests	Includes Albumin, Alk Phos, ALT, AST, Bili-Conj, Bili-Unconj, Bili-Total, and Total Protein. see LFT page.
Lupus Anticoagulant Workup	see individual tests	Includes PTT, 50/50 Mix, Dilute Russell Viper Venom Time. Will confirm if positive.
Lyme Antibody	Negative	A screening test - cannot distinguish between IgG and IgM, although it will detect both. Confirm with Lyme Antibody by Western Blot (a send-out to Mayo).

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Lab
Normal
Comments

Magnesium
1.4-2.3 mEq/L Decreased in malnutrition. Should check mag when K+ or Ca+ are decreased - they often coincide. Low mag leads to tetany. Elevated in renal failure. Bartlett's can lead to increased mag loss by kidneys.

Methanol
Negative Part of Alcohol Screen

Methemoglobin
0.004-0.015 A breakdown product of hemoglobin. Increased in CO poisoning. Biochemically, methemoglobin has had its iron changed from ferrous (2⁺) to ferric (3⁺) by oxidation - this is caused by a variety of chemicals, including primaquin, sulfonamides, Dapsone, and others.

Microalbumin
<1.9 mg/dl Microalbumin
<20 mg/g Creatinine Urine test. Increases in renal failure.

Monoclonal Protein, Quantitative
interpretation Urine test - a follow-up to positive electophoresis indicating myeloma

Monospot
Negative Blood test for mononucleosis

Myoglobin
0.00-0.09 ug/ml (send-out to Mayo) A urine test. Increased in rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown). Buildup in kidneys can cause renal failure (ATN).

Magnesium	1.4-2.3 mEq/L	Decreased in malnutrition. Should check mag when K+ or Ca+ are decreased - they often coincide. Low mag leads to tetany. Elevated in renal failure. Bartlett's can lead to increased mag loss by kidneys.
Methanol	Negative	Part of Alcohol Screen
Methemoglobin	0.004-0.015	A breakdown product of hemoglobin. Increased in CO poisoning. Biochemically, methemoglobin has had its iron changed from ferrous (2⁺) to ferric (3⁺) by oxidation - this is caused by a variety of chemicals, including primaquin, sulfonamides, Dapsone, and others.
Microalbumin	<1.9 mg/dl Microalbumin <20 mg/g Creatinine	Urine test. Increases in renal failure.
Monoclonal Protein, Quantitative	interpretation	Urine test - a follow-up to positive electophoresis indicating myeloma
Monospot	Negative	Blood test for mononucleosis
Myoglobin	0.00-0.09 ug/ml	(send-out to Mayo) A urine test. Increased in rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown). Buildup in kidneys can cause renal failure (ATN).

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Lab
Normal
Comments

Newborn Screen
see individual tests (send-out to state lab) Includes PKU, T4, Galactose screen.

Niacin
?? (send-out to Mayo) Decrease leads to dermatitis, diarrhea, dementia. Seen in alcoholics

Nortriptyline
50-150 ng/ml Tricyclic antidepressant. Can use to check for therapeutic range or overdose

Opiate Screen
Negative screen Screen only. Confirmation send out to Mayo.

Osmolality
Serum: 280-300 mOsm/Kg
Serum: 275-295 mOsm/Kg
Urine: 392-1090 mOsm/Kg
Urine: 301-1090 mOsm/Kg Can also order for CSF, but no reference range. Use to check for hemoconcentration / hemodilution, and for concentration of urine (particularly in working up suspected SIADH/DI)

Osmotic Fragility
Hemolysis less than or equal to control Used to help diagnose paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH).

Oxygen Saturation (O2 Sat)
0.95-0.99 Arterial sample. Decreased in V/Q problems, multiple pulmonary or cardiac causes.

Newborn Screen	see individual tests	(send-out to state lab) Includes PKU, T4, Galactose screen.
Niacin	??	(send-out to Mayo) Decrease leads to dermatitis, diarrhea, dementia. Seen in alcoholics
Nortriptyline	50-150 ng/ml	Tricyclic antidepressant. Can use to check for therapeutic range or overdose

Opiate Screen	Negative screen	Screen only. Confirmation send out to Mayo.
Osmolality	Serum: 280-300 mOsm/Kg Serum: 275-295 mOsm/Kg Urine: 392-1090 mOsm/Kg Urine: 301-1090 mOsm/Kg	Can also order for CSF, but no reference range. Use to check for hemoconcentration / hemodilution, and for concentration of urine (particularly in working up suspected SIADH/DI)
Osmotic Fragility	Hemolysis less than or equal to control	Used to help diagnose paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH).
Oxygen Saturation (O2 Sat)	0.95-0.99	Arterial sample. Decreased in V/Q problems, multiple pulmonary or cardiac causes.

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Lab
Normal
Comments

Parathyroid Hormone
10-65 pg/dl Reference range assumes normal calcium. The hormone leads to increased absorption and release of Ca into the bloodstream (at the expense of bone)

pH
7.38-7.42 See ABG page. Low means acidosis, high means alkalosis.

Phenobarbital
15-40 ug/ml Barbiturate used as anticonvulsant. Too low leads to seizures, too high leads to respiratory depression, hepatic dysfunction, megaloblastic anemia

Phenylalanine
0.4-3.7 mg/dl Newborn screen used to test for an inborn error of metabolism - PKU, or phenylketonuria.
Borderline: 3.8-10.0 mg/dl
Elevated: >10.0 mg/dl

Phenytoin
10.0-20.0 ug/ml aka Dilantin, an anticonvulsant. High levels can lead to arrythmia, multi-organ damage

Phosphorous
2.5-4.5 mg/dl Decreased in malnutrition. Tends to trend with Mag and Ca⁺. Decreased in PKA, refeeding syndrome (both K+ and phos will be decreased). Decreased phos leads to hemolytic anemia and heart failure. Elevated in renal failure - can cause calciphylaxis (CaPO₄ deposits throughout the body).

Platelet Aggregation
See path report Ordered when unexplained coagulopathy present

Porphobilinogen Screen
Negative screen Increased in porphyrias.

Porphyrins
many individual tests (send out to Mayo) Used when porphyria screen positive for further analysis. Includes Uroporphyrins, Heptacarboxylporphyrins, Hexacarboxylporphyrins, Pentacarboxlporphyrins, Coproporphyrins, Porphobilinogen

Porphyrin Screen
Negative screen Used when porphyria suspected - if positive, order porphyrins.

Potassium (K)
3.5-5.0 mEq/L see electrolytes page. Decreased in dilution, alkalosis, diuretic use. Increased in acidemia, renal insufficiency

Prealbumin
18-38 mg/dl Nutrition lab - low prealbumin indicates poor nutritional status

Preformed Antibody Screen
>5% Looks for specific antibodies, the presence of which you've determined with an indirect Coomb's test. For example, the if the anti-D preformed antibody test is positive, the patient has an antibody to the D antigen on RBCs, so must get only Rh- blood.

Pregnancy Test
Negative or Positive Looks for elevated HCG. This test is equivalent to home pregnancy test. Serum test is more sensitive

Profile Arthritis
see individual tests Includes ANA and Rheumatoid Factor

Profile Hepatitis A/B/C
see individual tests Includes Hep A Antibody, Hep B Surface Ab and Ag, Hep B Core Ab, Hep C Ab.

Profile Hepatitis B
see individual tests Includes Surface Ab, Surface Ag, Core Ab

Profile Prenatal
see individual tests Includes Antibody Screen, ABO/Rh, Hep B Surface Ag, Syphilis Serology, Rubella IgG Ab, Hemagram. Can also be ordered without Rubella

Profile Thyroid
see individual tests Includes Free T4 and TSH

Progesterone
see next column : 0.3-1.2 ng/ml
Non-pregnant, Follicular Phase: 0.2-1.4 ng/ml
Non-pregnant, Luteal Phase: 3.3-25.6 ng/ml
Non-pregnant, Mid-Luteal Phase: 4.4-28.0 ng/ml
Postmenopausal: <0.7 ng/ml
Pregnant, First Trimester: 11.2-90.0 ng/ml
Pregnant, Second Trimester: 25.6-89.4 ng/ml
Pregnant, Third Trimester: 484.4-422.5 ng/ml

Prolactin
see next column : 2.1-17.1 ng/ml
Non-pregnant: 2.8-29.2 ng/ml
Pregnant: 9.7-208.5 ng/ml
Postmenopausal: 1.8-20.3 ng/ml

Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA)
<50yo: 0-2.5 ng/ml
50-59yo: 0-3.5 ng/ml
60-69yo: 0-4.5 ng/ml
>70yo: 0-6.5 ng/ml
Screening test for prostate CA. Confirm with biopsy

Protein
6.0-8.5 g/dl Low in malnutrition or protein wasting states (enteropathy or nephropathy, for example). Can be followed daily - any decrease of ~1 g/dl is considered dramatic and evidence of protein wasting, as seen in exudative diarrhea. Protein elevated in gammopathies. Protein:Albumin ratio is increased in myeloma, autoimmune hepatitis.

Protein, CSF
15-60 mg/dl Elevated when any organism in CSF, or when leaky BBB. Also, if CSF protein is elevated but no CSF bugs are grown, consider Guillian-Barre syndrome.

Protein, Urine
<150 mg/24 hr Increased in renal failure

Prothrombin Time (PT)
12.3-13.9 seconds INR is more widely used indicator. Affected by Warfarin (Coumadin)

Prothrombin Time 50/50 Mix
Requires interpretation Mix is used when the question remains whether the coagulopathy is caused by a deficiency of a clotting factor or an antibody to that factor. The patient's blood is mixed with normal - if the problem is deficiency, the mixture will correct the coagulopathy - if it is an antibody, the coagulopathy will remain.

PTT
21-30 seconds Affected by Heparin

PTT 50/50 Mix
Requires interpretation Mix is used when the question remains whether the coagulopathy is caused by a deficiency of a clotting factor or an antibody to that factor. The patient's blood is mixed with normal - if the problem is deficiency, the mixture will correct the coagulopathy - if it is an antibody, the coagulopathy will remain.

Parathyroid Hormone	10-65 pg/dl	Reference range assumes normal calcium. The hormone leads to increased absorption and release of Ca into the bloodstream (at the expense of bone)
pH	7.38-7.42	See ABG page. Low means acidosis, high means alkalosis.
Phenobarbital	15-40 ug/ml	Barbiturate used as anticonvulsant. Too low leads to seizures, too high leads to respiratory depression, hepatic dysfunction, megaloblastic anemia
Phenylalanine	0.4-3.7 mg/dl	Newborn screen used to test for an inborn error of metabolism - PKU, or phenylketonuria. Borderline: 3.8-10.0 mg/dl Elevated: >10.0 mg/dl
Phenytoin	10.0-20.0 ug/ml	aka Dilantin, an anticonvulsant. High levels can lead to arrythmia, multi-organ damage
Phosphorous	2.5-4.5 mg/dl	Decreased in malnutrition. Tends to trend with Mag and Ca⁺. Decreased in PKA, refeeding syndrome (both K+ and phos will be decreased). Decreased phos leads to hemolytic anemia and heart failure. Elevated in renal failure - can cause calciphylaxis (CaPO₄ deposits throughout the body).
Platelet Aggregation	See path report	Ordered when unexplained coagulopathy present
Porphobilinogen Screen	Negative screen	Increased in porphyrias.
Porphyrins	many individual tests	(send out to Mayo) Used when porphyria screen positive for further analysis. Includes Uroporphyrins, Heptacarboxylporphyrins, Hexacarboxylporphyrins, Pentacarboxlporphyrins, Coproporphyrins, Porphobilinogen
Porphyrin Screen	Negative screen	Used when porphyria suspected - if positive, order porphyrins.
Potassium (K)	3.5-5.0 mEq/L	see electrolytes page. Decreased in dilution, alkalosis, diuretic use. Increased in acidemia, renal insufficiency
Prealbumin	18-38 mg/dl	Nutrition lab - low prealbumin indicates poor nutritional status
Preformed Antibody Screen	>5%	Looks for specific antibodies, the presence of which you've determined with an indirect Coomb's test. For example, the if the anti-D preformed antibody test is positive, the patient has an antibody to the D antigen on RBCs, so must get only Rh- blood.
Pregnancy Test	Negative or Positive	Looks for elevated HCG. This test is equivalent to home pregnancy test. Serum test is more sensitive
Profile Arthritis	see individual tests	Includes ANA and Rheumatoid Factor
Profile Hepatitis A/B/C	see individual tests	Includes Hep A Antibody, Hep B Surface Ab and Ag, Hep B Core Ab, Hep C Ab.
Profile Hepatitis B	see individual tests	Includes Surface Ab, Surface Ag, Core Ab
Profile Prenatal	see individual tests	Includes Antibody Screen, ABO/Rh, Hep B Surface Ag, Syphilis Serology, Rubella IgG Ab, Hemagram. Can also be ordered without Rubella
Profile Thyroid	see individual tests	Includes Free T4 and TSH
Progesterone	see next column	: 0.3-1.2 ng/ml Non-pregnant, Follicular Phase: 0.2-1.4 ng/ml Non-pregnant, Luteal Phase: 3.3-25.6 ng/ml Non-pregnant, Mid-Luteal Phase: 4.4-28.0 ng/ml Postmenopausal: <0.7 ng/ml Pregnant, First Trimester: 11.2-90.0 ng/ml Pregnant, Second Trimester: 25.6-89.4 ng/ml Pregnant, Third Trimester: 484.4-422.5 ng/ml
Prolactin	see next column	: 2.1-17.1 ng/ml Non-pregnant: 2.8-29.2 ng/ml Pregnant: 9.7-208.5 ng/ml Postmenopausal: 1.8-20.3 ng/ml
Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA)	<50yo: 0-2.5 ng/ml 50-59yo: 0-3.5 ng/ml 60-69yo: 0-4.5 ng/ml >70yo: 0-6.5 ng/ml	Screening test for prostate CA. Confirm with biopsy
Protein	6.0-8.5 g/dl	Low in malnutrition or protein wasting states (enteropathy or nephropathy, for example). Can be followed daily - any decrease of ~1 g/dl is considered dramatic and evidence of protein wasting, as seen in exudative diarrhea. Protein elevated in gammopathies. Protein:Albumin ratio is increased in myeloma, autoimmune hepatitis.
Protein, CSF	15-60 mg/dl	Elevated when any organism in CSF, or when leaky BBB. Also, if CSF protein is elevated but no CSF bugs are grown, consider Guillian-Barre syndrome.
Protein, Urine	<150 mg/24 hr	Increased in renal failure
Prothrombin Time (PT)	12.3-13.9 seconds	INR is more widely used indicator. Affected by Warfarin (Coumadin)
Prothrombin Time 50/50 Mix	Requires interpretation	Mix is used when the question remains whether the coagulopathy is caused by a deficiency of a clotting factor or an antibody to that factor. The patient's blood is mixed with normal - if the problem is deficiency, the mixture will correct the coagulopathy - if it is an antibody, the coagulopathy will remain.
PTT	21-30 seconds	Affected by Heparin
PTT 50/50 Mix	Requires interpretation	Mix is used when the question remains whether the coagulopathy is caused by a deficiency of a clotting factor or an antibody to that factor. The patient's blood is mixed with normal - if the problem is deficiency, the mixture will correct the coagulopathy - if it is an antibody, the coagulopathy will remain.

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Lab
Normal
Comments

Rabies Antibody
?? (send-out to Mayo) Rabies test

Renal Transplant Panel
CD3: 67-84% ??

Renin
0.5-2.5 ng/ml/hr Part of a workup for renal vascular disease - if renal artery stenosis, would be increased. Not used by itself - also get aldosterone level

Reticulocyte Count
0.01-0.029 +/- 100% inter-operator variability! Increased whenever increased red cell production.

Rheumatoid Factor
<20 IU/ml Elevated in rheumatoid arthritis

RPR
see Syphilis serology. This is the newer syphilis test, more sensitive with fewer false positives.

Rabies Antibody	??	(send-out to Mayo) Rabies test
Renal Transplant Panel	CD3: 67-84%	??
Renin	0.5-2.5 ng/ml/hr	Part of a workup for renal vascular disease - if renal artery stenosis, would be increased. Not used by itself - also get aldosterone level
Reticulocyte Count	0.01-0.029	+/- 100% inter-operator variability! Increased whenever increased red cell production.
Rheumatoid Factor	<20 IU/ml	Elevated in rheumatoid arthritis
RPR		see Syphilis serology. This is the newer syphilis test, more sensitive with fewer false positives.

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Lab
Normal
Comments

Salicylate
Negative: <2 mg/dl
Therapeutic: <20 mg/dl Toxic: >30 mg/dl
Lethal: >60 mg/dl

Sed. Rate
: <15 mm
: <20 mm Non-specific indicator for inflammation

Sickle Cell
Negative Fairly definitive test for sickle-cell disease

Sjogren's Antibodies
Negative Test for Sjogren's, an autoimmune disease with anti-SS DNA antibodies

Sodium
136-145 mEq/L see electrolytes page. Decreased in hemodilution, SIADH, renal failure. Increased in vomiting, diarrhea, DI.

Sperm Antibody
<20% Percentage of sperm bound to antibody must be weighed against total sperm count for meaningful interpretation. Test is used in cases of difficulty conceiving.

Sputum Cytology
varies Three consecutive morning samples should be ordered.

Strep Screen
None isolated Can be ordered for Group A or Group B. Reported when positive, negative is final at 48 hours.

Sweat Test
Chloride: <30 mEq/L
Sodium: <60 mEq/L Used to diagnose cystic fibrosis - one of the findings in CF is elevated Cl- production.
Equivocal: 40-60 mEq/L
Abnormal: >60 mEq/L

Spyhilis Serology
Negative RPR or VRDL ??

Salicylate	Negative: <2 mg/dl Therapeutic: <20 mg/dl	Toxic: >30 mg/dl Lethal: >60 mg/dl
Sed. Rate	: <15 mm : <20 mm	Non-specific indicator for inflammation
Sickle Cell	Negative	Fairly definitive test for sickle-cell disease
Sjogren's Antibodies	Negative	Test for Sjogren's, an autoimmune disease with anti-SS DNA antibodies
Sodium	136-145 mEq/L	see electrolytes page. Decreased in hemodilution, SIADH, renal failure. Increased in vomiting, diarrhea, DI.
Sperm Antibody	<20%	Percentage of sperm bound to antibody must be weighed against total sperm count for meaningful interpretation. Test is used in cases of difficulty conceiving.
Sputum Cytology	varies	Three consecutive morning samples should be ordered.
Strep Screen	None isolated	Can be ordered for Group A or Group B. Reported when positive, negative is final at 48 hours.
Sweat Test	Chloride: <30 mEq/L Sodium: <60 mEq/L	Used to diagnose cystic fibrosis - one of the findings in CF is elevated Cl- production. Equivocal: 40-60 mEq/L Abnormal: >60 mEq/L
Spyhilis Serology	Negative	RPR or VRDL ??

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Lab
Normal
Comments

T3 Uptake
28-36% An indirect measure of thyroid-binding globulin. T3 Uptake, when multiplied by total T4, is equivalent to the "free thyroxine index," or FTI. The FTI is also known as T7, or a "calculated free T4."

T3, Free
2.3-4.2 pg/ml (send-out to Mayo) see thyroid page. Elevated in hyperthyroid, decreased in hypothyroid. The free test is more accurate than the total, as it is not affected by changes in binding proteins.

T3, Total
60-181 ng/dl see thyroid page. Elevated in hyperthyroid, decreased in hypothyroid

T4
4.5-10.9 ug/dl see thyroid page. Elevated in hyperthyroid, decreased in hypothyroid

T4, Free
0.8-1.8 ng/dl see thyroid page. Elevated in hyperthyroid, decreased in hypothyroid. The free test is more accurate than the total, as it is not affected by changes in binding proteins.

Testosterone
: 241-827 ng/dl
: 14-76 ng/dl Tested in multiple conditions, including prostate conditions, sperm production problems, female hirsutism, suspected androgen-insensitivity, etc. Can send-out to Mayo for Total & Free studies

Thiamine (B1)
?? (send-out to Mayo) Deficiency is common in alcoholics, and leads to Wernicke's Encephalopathy &/or Korsakoff's Dementia. Giving glucose without giving thiamine can cause Wernicke's - always give thiamine with glucose

Thyroid Cascade
see individual tests see thyroid page for complete algorithm. (TSH +/- => Free T4 +/- => Total T3)

TORCH Screen
see individual tests Includes Toxoplasmosis IgG Ab, Rubella IgG Ab, CMV, Herpes. Commonly transmitted diseases during childbirth

Transferrin
202-336 mg/dl see anemia page. Transporter for iron in serum. Increases during iron deficiency

TRH Stimulation
report TSH levels are drawn at baseline, 30, and 60 minutes after admin of TRH. Can help to distinguish between secondary (pituitary) and tertiary (hypotahalamic) causes of thyroid dysfunction

Tricyclic Screen
:<500 ng/ml Potentially toxic > 500, although different levels are appropriate for different patients. Helpful in assessing possible OD

Triglyceride
35-160 mg/dl see lipids page. Part of lipid profile. >1000 can cause pancreatitis. High TG is an independent (although not widely cited) risk factor for CAD. Hypertriglyceridemia is often familial, and is also often seen in insulin resistance.

Triple Markers
report Includes AFP, HCG, and Unconjugated Estriol

Troponin I
<0.15 ng/ml Used to help rule out MI, along with CK-MB. Troponin I rises 4-8 hours after an event, peaks 12-24 hours after the event, and stays elevated for 7-10 days, as compared to CK-MB, which only stays elevated for 1-3 days. Troponin I is specific for cardiac damage, but not for MI - it is useful as a marker of generalized myocardial injury, including high-risk unstable angina.
Indeterminate: 0.15-1.50 ng/ml
Positive: >1.50 ng/dl

TSH
0.35-5.50 uIU/ml see thyroid page. Elevated in primary hypothyroid, decreased in primary hyperthyroid. Elevated in secondary hyperthyroid, decreased in secondary hypothyroid

Tzank Smear
Negative Herpes test

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Lab
Normal
Comments

Uric Acid (Urate)
: 3.9-9.0 mg/dl
: 2.2-7.7 mg/dl Elevated in renal insufficiency &/or gout.

Urinalysis
see individual tests see urinalysis page

Urine Cytology
report Be certain to include any history of CA, radiation, chemo in order

Valproic Acid
50-100 ug/dl aka Depakote, for seizure disorder or bipolar disorder. OD can lead to hepatic failure, bone marrow suppression

VDRL
?? see Syphilis Serology. Can send CSF to state lab. This test has been replaced by RPR (which is more sensitive and specific for syphilis), but is still available by specific request.

Viral Load
negative see HIV page. An HIV test, done by PCR. Used to follow the progress of therapy and to help plan for prophylaxis. Also is used to diagnose HIV seroconversion syndrome - the mono-like syndrome that occurs during first exposure to HIV. When first infected, patients' HIV screens will be negative, but viral load will be positive.

Vitamin __
varies Can order Vitamins A, B1, B6, B12, C, D,125-Dihydroxy, D,25-Hydroxy, E, K1

VMA
2-10 mg/24 hrs Vanillylmandelic acid - 24 hour urine test used to diagnose pheochromocytoma, along with HVA

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Lab
Normal
Comments

WBC
3.2-9.8 see blood page. Increased in infection, inflammation, leukemias. Decreased in autoimmune disease, bone marrow dysfunction.

Zinc
0.66-1.10 ug/ml Elevated zinc most likely from over ingestion, can cause copper deficiency &/or leukopenia.

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

T3 Uptake	28-36%	An indirect measure of thyroid-binding globulin. T3 Uptake, when multiplied by total T4, is equivalent to the "free thyroxine index," or FTI. The FTI is also known as T7, or a "calculated free T4."
T3, Free	2.3-4.2 pg/ml	(send-out to Mayo) see thyroid page. Elevated in hyperthyroid, decreased in hypothyroid. The free test is more accurate than the total, as it is not affected by changes in binding proteins.
T3, Total	60-181 ng/dl	see thyroid page. Elevated in hyperthyroid, decreased in hypothyroid
T4	4.5-10.9 ug/dl	see thyroid page. Elevated in hyperthyroid, decreased in hypothyroid
T4, Free	0.8-1.8 ng/dl	see thyroid page. Elevated in hyperthyroid, decreased in hypothyroid. The free test is more accurate than the total, as it is not affected by changes in binding proteins.
Testosterone	: 241-827 ng/dl : 14-76 ng/dl	Tested in multiple conditions, including prostate conditions, sperm production problems, female hirsutism, suspected androgen-insensitivity, etc. Can send-out to Mayo for Total & Free studies
Thiamine (B1)	??	(send-out to Mayo) Deficiency is common in alcoholics, and leads to Wernicke's Encephalopathy &/or Korsakoff's Dementia. Giving glucose without giving thiamine can cause Wernicke's - always give thiamine with glucose
Thyroid Cascade	see individual tests	see thyroid page for complete algorithm. (TSH +/- => Free T4 +/- => Total T3)
TORCH Screen	see individual tests	Includes Toxoplasmosis IgG Ab, Rubella IgG Ab, CMV, Herpes. Commonly transmitted diseases during childbirth
Transferrin	202-336 mg/dl	see anemia page. Transporter for iron in serum. Increases during iron deficiency
TRH Stimulation	report	TSH levels are drawn at baseline, 30, and 60 minutes after admin of TRH. Can help to distinguish between secondary (pituitary) and tertiary (hypotahalamic) causes of thyroid dysfunction
Tricyclic Screen	:<500 ng/ml	Potentially toxic > 500, although different levels are appropriate for different patients. Helpful in assessing possible OD
Triglyceride	35-160 mg/dl	see lipids page. Part of lipid profile. >1000 can cause pancreatitis. High TG is an independent (although not widely cited) risk factor for CAD. Hypertriglyceridemia is often familial, and is also often seen in insulin resistance.
Triple Markers	report	Includes AFP, HCG, and Unconjugated Estriol
Troponin I	<0.15 ng/ml	Used to help rule out MI, along with CK-MB. Troponin I rises 4-8 hours after an event, peaks 12-24 hours after the event, and stays elevated for 7-10 days, as compared to CK-MB, which only stays elevated for 1-3 days. Troponin I is specific for cardiac damage, but not for MI - it is useful as a marker of generalized myocardial injury, including high-risk unstable angina. Indeterminate: 0.15-1.50 ng/ml Positive: >1.50 ng/dl
TSH	0.35-5.50 uIU/ml	see thyroid page. Elevated in primary hypothyroid, decreased in primary hyperthyroid. Elevated in secondary hyperthyroid, decreased in secondary hypothyroid
Tzank Smear	Negative	Herpes test

Uric Acid (Urate)	: 3.9-9.0 mg/dl : 2.2-7.7 mg/dl	Elevated in renal insufficiency &/or gout.
Urinalysis	see individual tests	see urinalysis page
Urine Cytology	report	Be certain to include any history of CA, radiation, chemo in order

Valproic Acid	50-100 ug/dl	aka Depakote, for seizure disorder or bipolar disorder. OD can lead to hepatic failure, bone marrow suppression
VDRL	??	see Syphilis Serology. Can send CSF to state lab. This test has been replaced by RPR (which is more sensitive and specific for syphilis), but is still available by specific request.
Viral Load	negative	see HIV page. An HIV test, done by PCR. Used to follow the progress of therapy and to help plan for prophylaxis. Also is used to diagnose HIV seroconversion syndrome - the mono-like syndrome that occurs during first exposure to HIV. When first infected, patients' HIV screens will be negative, but viral load will be positive.
Vitamin __	varies	Can order Vitamins A, B1, B6, B12, C, D,125-Dihydroxy, D,25-Hydroxy, E, K1
VMA	2-10 mg/24 hrs	Vanillylmandelic acid - 24 hour urine test used to diagnose pheochromocytoma, along with HVA