Hi all, i wish i understood my blood results! i collected my blood booklet as it has been with my gp's for a while and i just presume that if all's well they don't need to contact me. I'm due to see my Rheumatologist soon and last time i went their computor was down and so they couldn't access my details and i didn't take my book with me! The thing is, i was leafing through it and the last months results looked a bit well, funny. My WCC was 4.1 and my ALT was 16. The other figures looked very constant to the previous ones and my latest one reads WCC 4.5 and ALT 28. I just wondered what they all meant. I'm presuming that they mustn't be too concerened at my gp's i was just me wondering!

Take care, dawnybee

Hi Dawn

Here's a breakdown!

Hb Haemaglobin - the oxygen carrying protein pigment in the blood, and specifically in the red blood cells. Normal values 11.5-18
(low Hb can be caused anaemia)

WBC - White blood cells. . These increase in number due to infection. Normal values 4.0-11.0

Platelets - An irregular disc shaped element in the blood that assists in blood clotting. Normal values 150-400

Lymphocytes - A small white blood cell that plays a large role in defending the body against disease. They are responsible for immune responses. Normal values 1.0-3.0

Neutrophils - type of white blood cell filled with enzymes used to kill and digest micro-organisms. Normal values 2.0-7.0

ALT- (Alanine transaminase) An enzyme normally present in the liver and heart cells that is released into the bloodstream when the liver or heart is damaged. Rising ALT levels may indicate liver damage. Normal values 7-56

AST - (Aspartate aminotransferase) measures the amount of this enzyme in the blood. AST is normally found in red blood cells, liver, heart, muscle tissue, pancreas, and kidneys. Low levels are found in the blood. When an organ such as the liver is diseased or damaged, additional AST is released into the bloodstream increasing the levels. Normal values7-40

ALK Phos - An enzyme made in the liver which which is usually released into the blood during injury. Abnormally high levels may indicate liver damage. Some RA patients have high levels due to inflammation. Normal values 30-125

CRP - C-Reactive Protein. A plasma protein that rises in the blood with the inflammation of RA. Normal values <6

ESR - Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate. A blood test that detects and monitors inflammation in the body. The rate increases with more inflammation. Normal values 1-7 (but can vary with individuals)

It looks like your white cell count is low both times so perhaps this is usual for you. It is however within the 'normal' range so should be okay; mine is always low. Your ALT is a little low too, so might be worth asking about this for reassurance.

I have taken these details from my monitoring book so they should be okay. Not all internet sites will reflect the same values, not too sure why not!

Hope this helps!

Lyn x

Hello Dawn

Just want to add.............My ALT results are normally high teens, low twenties but I did get a little worried in January because they had risen to 31. I had just had my dose increased from 15mg to 20mg and beings it was the first test after Christmas and I had had a few more glasses of wine than normal over Christmas I was worried. I was reassured by my specialist nurse that I was still well within acceptable levels. She told me that because I am taking MTX they would expect levels to be higher than what would be within the normal range and they do not get concerned until it hit 70. Went on to say that anything that we swallow can alter levels, I thought it was just drugs and alcohol but she told me that what we ate before blood tests can affect readings.

Just want to add about letting us know if there is a problem with our blood results. I was talking to a friend of mine a few weeks ago and her mum had had the police knocking on her door. She had gone for routine blood test, got some sort of thyroid problem and there was a really bad reading and she needed urgent treatment. The doctor had tried to ring her several times, couldn't get an answer so he had contacted the police. She ended up in hospital for a few days. So, yes there must be plans in place to contact us.

Paula

Hi I had raised Alt 90 something and my rheumy told my gp they don't worry unless it goes over 100. The bottom end of the range doesn't mean it is necessarily low. Low is when it goes under the lowest figure. High is when it goes over the highest figure. The range is the normal differences between people. Some people have normal high values or normal low values. I seem to have high ALT consistently and no one is in the slightest bit worried about it! I think my consultant said a drink can make it go up! I don't drink much btw!