Also take a look at this site for a comprehensive list of all tests and explanations of results:
//www.labtestsonline.org
A Comprehensive Look at Lab Tests
by Cy Willson
You just had some blood work done, and the friggin' doctor or his nurses are
guarding the results as if they're state secrets. However, after much cajoling
and explaining that you'd like to at least be an informed partner in your own
goshdarn health care, they begrudgingly give you a copy of your lab tests.
Trouble is, as much as you've been posturing about how you've had more than a
smattering of medical education, you still can't figure out what half the tests
are for and whether or not those abnormal values are anything to worry about.
Well, in the following article, I'm going to go over each of the most common
tests. I'll include why it's performed, what it tells you, and what the typical
ranges are for normal humans. That way, you'll have something more to go on in
assessing your health other than your family doctor saying, "Well, these few
values are a little worrisome, but you'll probably be okay."
One note, though, before I get started. The values I'll be listing are merely
averages and the ranges may vary slightly from laboratory to laboratory. Also,
if there's only one range given, it applies to both men and women.
