Lisa Peake – FLORIDA TODAY
Q: What should I know about the labs my doctor ordered?
A: Becoming an active participant in your own healthcare starts with understanding what our bodies are telling us—and one of the clearest ways it communicates is through lab results. Yes, medical terminology can seem overwhelming, but learning the basics of your lab values helps you to ask better questions!
According to the Cleveland Clinic, routine bloodwork often includes a (CBC) Complete Blood Count, (CMP) Comprehensive Metabolic Profile and a Lipid Panel. These tests provide a snapshot of your overall health. A CBC looks at components like red and white blood cells and can help detect conditions such as anemia or infection. A CMP evaluates kidney and liver function, blood sugar, and electrolyte balance. A lipid (fat) profile evaluates your cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Understanding whether your results fall within normal ranges—and how they’ve changed over time—can reveal important trends.
For many adults (especially seniors, certain lab values deserve closer attention. Blood glucose levels are critical for identifying and managing Type 2 Diabetes. Monitoring your fasting glucose or A1C can help catch early warning signs before symptoms develop.
Kidney function markers, such as creatinine and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), are also essential, particularly if you take multiple medications or have conditions like high blood pressure. Similarly, liver enzymes can indicate how well your body is processing medications and filtering toxins. Thyroid function tests are worth noting too, since imbalances can affect energy levels, weight, and mood—symptoms that are often overlooked.
Understanding your lab values isn’t about self-diagnosing—it’s about being informed. When you review your results, go ahead and ask your provider: “What does this number mean for me?” or “What can I do to keep my numbers in a good range?” Keeping a personal health record, whether digitally or in a simple folder, can help you track patterns over time.
Not every abnormal result is cause to go down an internet rabbit hole, but it IS an opportunity for conversation– and possibly lifestyle adjustments. Sometimes, relatively small changes can bring values back into a healthy range.
When you take the time to learn what your numbers mean, you’re gaining insight into YOU. Remember to look for trends between current and past results, rather than fixating on a single number. Don’t panic when you get an abnormal result, which can be caused by factors like a recent illness or poor sleep. Instead, discuss your questions with your health care professional, who can give you context. Ultimately, understanding your lab results strengthens your role as a partner in your healthcare.
Lisa Peake is a Registered Nurse, Certified Dementia Practitioner and Certified Care Manager for One Senior Place Care Management, Viera. Ms. Peake hosts a monthly seminar, ‘Senior Health Friday with Nurse Lisa.’ One Senior Place is a marketplace for resources and provider of information, advice, care and on-site services for seniors and their families. Submit your questions to AskOSP@OneSeniorPlace.com. For immediate help, call 321-751-6771 or visit One Senior Place, The Experts in Aging.
