Lab Results
Brief Explanation of Laboratory Blood Tests
The Following Tests are Red Cell Indices
These results are calculated from measured values and are usually only considered if there are abnormal RBC counts. These tests can help your doctor diagnose different types of anemias.
Differential Cell Count
The differential white blood cell count is performed to determine the relative number of each type of white blood cell in the blood. There are normally five main types of cells in the blood: neutrophils (PMN’s), lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils and basophils. Each type of cell has a unique function in fighting disease and infection. Findings of increased or decreased numbers of individual cell types, or of immature cells can help your physician make a differential diagnosis of diseases such as bacterial and viral infections. Rarely, abnormal white blood cells may indicate other diseases, such as leukemia.
More information about most of the tests that were performed can be found at www.labtestsonline.org.