Blood tests can include a variety of abbreviations, each representing specific tests, components, or measurements. Below is a list of some common blood test abbreviations along with their detailed meanings:
Complete Blood Count (CBC)
- WBC: White Blood Cells – Measures the number of white blood cells, indicating immune function and infection.
- RBC: Red Blood Cells – Measures the number of red blood cells, important for oxygen transport.
- Hb or Hgb: Hemoglobin – The protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen.
- Hct: Hematocrit – The proportion of blood volume that is occupied by red blood cells.
- MCV: Mean Corpuscular Volume – The average volume of red blood cells, indicating size.
- MCH: Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin – The average amount of hemoglobin per red blood cell.
- MCHC: Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin Concentration – The concentration of hemoglobin in a given volume of packed red blood cells.
- PLT: Platelets – Measures the number of platelets, important for blood clotting.
Basic Metabolic Panel (BMP)
- Na: Sodium – An electrolyte that helps regulate fluid balance and blood pressure.
- K: Potassium – An electrolyte important for heart and muscle function.
- Cl: Chloride – An electrolyte that helps balance other electrolytes and maintain acid-base balance.
- CO2: Carbon Dioxide – Measures the concentration of CO2 in the blood, important for acid-base balance.
- BUN: Blood Urea Nitrogen – Measures the amount of nitrogen in the blood from urea, indicating kidney function.
- Creat: Creatinine – A waste product from muscle metabolism, used to assess kidney function.
- Glucose: Blood sugar level, important for diagnosing diabetes and monitoring blood sugar levels.
Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP)
- Includes all BMP tests plus additional tests:
- Alk Phos: Alkaline Phosphatase – An enzyme related to the liver and bones.
- ALT: Alanine Aminotransferase – An enzyme primarily found in the liver; elevated levels can indicate liver damage.
- AST: Aspartate Aminotransferase – An enzyme found in the liver and muscles; elevated levels can indicate liver damage.
- Bilirubin: A waste product from the breakdown of red blood cells; elevated levels can indicate liver problems or hemolysis.
- Total Protein: Measures the total amount of proteins (albumin and globulin) in the blood.
- Albumin: A protein made by the liver; indicates liver function and nutritional status.
Lipid Panel
- TC: Total Cholesterol – Measures the overall cholesterol level.
- LDL: Low-Density Lipoprotein – Often referred to as "bad" cholesterol; high levels can lead to heart disease.
- HDL: High-Density Lipoprotein – Known as "good" cholesterol; helps remove other forms of cholesterol from the bloodstream.
- Trig: Triglycerides – Type of fat (lipid) found in the blood; elevated levels can increase the risk of heart disease.
Coagulation Tests
- PT: Prothrombin Time – Measures how long it takes blood to clot; used to assess bleeding disorders.
- INR: International Normalized Ratio – Standardized measure of PT; used to monitor anticoagulant therapy.
- aPTT or PTT: Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time – Measures the time it takes for blood to clot; assesses the intrinsic pathway of coagulation.
Thyroid Function Tests
- TSH: Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone – Tests the function of the thyroid; elevated levels may indicate hypothyroidism.
- FT4: Free Thyroxine – Measures the level of free (active) thyroxine in the blood.
- FT3: Free Triiodothyronine – Measures the level of free (active) triiodothyronine.
Other Common Abbreviations
- CRP: C-Reactive Protein – A marker for inflammation; elevated levels can indicate infection or chronic diseases.
- ESR: Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate – A test that measures inflammation by the rate at which red blood cells fall in a tube.
- HbA1c: Hemoglobin A1c – A measure of average blood glucose levels over two to three months; important for diabetes management.
- LDH: Lactate Dehydrogenase – An enzyme that can indicate tissue damage and is measured to assess various conditions.
This is not an exhaustive list, and depending on the laboratory and specific tests ordered, additional abbreviations and tests may be present. For accurate interpretation, it is important to consult with a healthcare provider.