The meaning and the normal range of blood test indicators

Red Blood Cells
Red Blood Cells is made in the spleen. Reveals the oxygen carrying ability of the blood.
Clinical Adult Female Range : 3.90 M cu/mm - 5.50 M cu/mm

Hemoglobin
Hemoglobin provides the main transport of oxygen and carbon in the blood. It is composed of "globin", a group of amino acids that form a protein and "heme", which contains iron. It is an important determinant of anemia (decreased hemoglobin) or poor diet / nutrition or malabsorption.
Clinical Adult Female Range : 12.5 g/dL - 16.0 g/dL

Hematocrit
Hematocrit is the measurement of the percentage of red blood cells in whole blood. It is an important determinant of anemia (decreased), dehydration (elevated) or possible overhydration (decreased).
Clinical Adult Female Range : 36.0 % - 47.0 %

Platelets
Platelets are concerned with the clotting of the blood.
Clinical Adult Range : 150,000 cu.mm - 450,000 cu.mm

Reticulocyte Count
This is an excellent test to confirm chronic microscopic bleeding.
Clinical Adult Range : 0.5 % - 1.5 %

MCV
The MCV indicates the volume occupied by the average red blood cell.
Clinical Adult Range : 81.0 um3 - 99.0 um3

MCH
The MCV indicates the volume occupied by the average red blood cell.
Clinical Adult Range : 26.0 micro-micro grams - 33.0 micro-micro grams

T3
T-3 is a thyroid hormone produced mainly from the peripheral conversion of thyroxine (T-4).
Clinical Adult Range : 22 % - 33 %

T4
T-4 is the major hormone secreted by the thyroid gland.
Clinical Adult Range : 4.0 mcg/dL - 12.0 mcg/dL

T7
FTI is an estimate, calculated from T-4 and T-3 uptake.
Clinical Adult Range : 4.0 mcg/dL - 12.0 mcg/dL

T-3 UPTAKE
T-3 uptake measures the unsaturated binding sites on the thyroid binding proteins.
Clinical Adult Range : 22 % - 36 %

TSH
Is used to confirm or rule out suspected hypothyroidism when T3, T4, T7 are essentially normal and clinical signs suggest hypothyroidism.
Clinical Adult Range : 0.4 mlU/L - 4.4 mlU/L

ESR
Documents if organic disease is truly present in patients with vague symptoms. Monitors the course of chronic inflammatory conditions. Elevated in patients with breakdown of tissue.
Clinical Adult Female > 50 Range : 0 mm/hr - 30 mm/hr

The meaning and the normal range of blood test indicators

CO2
The CO2 level is related to the respiratory exchange of carbon dioxide in the lungs and is part of the bodies buffering system. Generally, when used with the other electrolytes, carbon dioxide levels indicate pH or acid / alkaline balance in the tissues.

This is one of the most important testa that we measure. Most people have too much acid in their body. If you garden you will know that it is very difficult to grow plants in soil where the pH is incorrect.
Clinical Adult Range : 24 mmol/L - 32 mmol/L

White Blood Cells
White blood count measures the total number of white blood cells in a given volume of blood. Since WBCs kill bacteria, this count is a measure of the body's response to infection.
Clinical Adult Range : 4500 cu.mm - 11000 cu.mm

Neutrophils
Elevated in acute infection.
Clinical Adult Range : 35 % - 65 %

Monocytes
Elevated in bacterial infections, protozoal infections.
Clinical Adult Range : 0 % - 10 %

Lymphocytes
Elevated in acute and chronic infections. Decreased in viral infection and immune deficiency.
Clinical Adult Range : 20 % - 40 %

Eosinophils
Elevated in allergic conditions, skin diseases, parasitic diseases.
Clinical Adult Range : 0 % - 7 %

Basophils
Elevated in Infections.
Clinical Adult Range : 0 % - 2 %

The meaning and the normal range of blood test indicators

Total Protein
This is a measure of the total amount of protein in your blood. Total protein is the combination of albumin and total globulin and is affected by the albumin and total globulin. A low or high total protein does not indicate a specific disease, but it does indicate that some additional tests may be required to determine if there is a problem.
Clinical Adult Range : 6.0 g/dL - 8.5 g/dL 

Iron
The body must have iron to make hemoglobin and to help transfer oxygen to the muscle. If the body is low in iron, all body cells, particularly muscles in adults and brain cells in children, do not function up to par. If this test is low you should consider getting a Ferritin test, especially if you are female who still has menstrual cycles.
Clinical Adult Range : 40 ug/ml - 150 ug/ml

Ferritin
This test is considered the "gold standard" in documenting iron deficiency anemia. Low levels below 25 indicate a need for iron. High levels ma an inflammatory disorder, infections, rheumatoid arthritis, chronic kidney disease.
Clinical Female Adult Range (after menopause) : 12 ng/mL - 263 ng/mL

Triglycerides
These are fats used as fuel by the body, and as an energy source for metabolism. Increased levels are almost always a sign of too much carbohydrate intake and hyperlipidiam. Decreased levels are seen in hyperthyroidism, malnutrition and malabsorption.
Clinical Adult Range : 50 mg/dL - 150 mg/dL

Cholesterol
Group of fats vital to cell membranes, nerve fibers and bile salts, and a necessary precursor for the sex hormones. High levels indicate diet high in carbohydrates / sugars. Low levels indicate low fat diet, malabsorption, anemia, liver disorders, carbohydrate sensitivity. Cholesterol values below 140 are considered one of the four OMINOUS signs.
Clinical Adult Range : 120 mg/dL - 200 mg/dL

LDL Cholesterol
LDL is the cholesterol rich remnants of the lipid transport vehicle VLDL (very-low density lipoproteins) there have been many studies to correlate the association between high levels of LDL and arterial arteriosclerosis.
Clinical Adult Range : 130 mg/dL

HDL
HDL or High-density lipoprotein is the cholesterol carried by the alpha lipoproteins. A high level of HDL is an indication of a healthy metabolic system if there is no sign of liver disease or intoxication. The two mechanisms that explain how HDL offers protection against chronic heart disease are that HDL inhibits cellular uptake of LDL and serves as a carrier that removes cholesterol from the peripheral tissues and transports it back to the liver for catabolism.
Clinical Adult Female Range : 60 mg/dL 

Cholesteral / HDL Ratio
This ratio is an important marker for cardiovascular health. A ration Lessthan 4.0 is considered adequate. A ration Lessthan 3.1 is ideal.

The meaning and the normal range of blood test indicators

Albumin
Albumin is the major constituent of serum protein (usually over 50%). It is manufactured by the liver from the amino acids taken from the diet. It helps in osmotic pressure regulation, nutrient transport, and waste removal.

High levels are rarely seen and are primarily due to dehydration. Low levels are seen in poor diets, diarrhea, fever, infection, liver disease, inadequate iron intake, third-degree burns and edemas, and hypocalcemia.

Clinical Adult Range : 3.0 g/dL - 5.5 g/dL
Calcium / Albumin Ratio
Elevated in malnutrition or visceral protein loss.
Globulin
Globulins have many diverse functions such as, the carrier of some hormones, lipids, metals, and antibodies. High levels are found in chronic infections, liver disease, rheumatoid arthritis, myelomas and lupus. Lower levels may be seen in immune compromised patients, poor dietary habits, malabsorption, liver and kidney disease.

Clinical Adult Range : 2.0 g/dL - 4.0 g/dL
A / G Ratio
A/G Ration is an important indicator of disease states although a high level is not considered clinically significant. It is the ratio of albumin to globulin in the blood serum.

On the basis of differential solubility with a neutral salt solution, the normal values are 3.5 to 5 g/dL for albumin and 2.5 to 4 g/dL for globulin. Although albumin is made exclusively in the liver, globulins are produced in many sites throughout the body.

CLinical Adult Range : 1.1 - 2.5
Alkaline Phosphatase
Alkaline phosphatase is an enzyme that is found in all body tissue, but the most important sites are bone, liver, bile ducts and the gut.

A high level of alkaline phosphatase in your blood may indicate bone, liver or bile duct disease. Certain drugs may also cause high levels. Growing children, because of bone growth, normally have a higher level than adults do.

Clinical Adult Range : 30 U/L - 115 U/L
SGPT / ALT & SGOT / AST
These are enzymes that are primarily found in the liver. Drinking too much alcohol, certain drugs, liver disease and bile duct disease can cause high levels in the blood.

hepatitis is another problem that can raise these levels. Low levels of GGT may indicate a magnesium deficiency. Low levels of SGPT and SGOT may indicate deficiency of vitamin B6.

Clinical Adult Range : 0 U/L - 41 U/L
GGT
Believed to be involved in the transport of amino acids into cells as well as glutathione metabolism. Found in the liver and will rise with alcohol use, liver disease, or excess magnesium.

Clinical Adult Range : 0 U/L - 55 U/L
LDH
LDH is an enzyme found in all tissues in the body. A high level in the blood can result from a number of different diseases such as hepatitis, anemia etc. Also, slightly elevated levels in the blood are common and usually do not indicate disease. The most common sources of LDH are the heart, liver, muscles, and red blood cells.

Clinical Adult Range : 60 U/L - 225 U/L

The meaning and the normal range of blood test indicators

Creatinine
Creatinine is also a protein breakdown product. Its level is a reflection of the bodies muscle mass. Low levels are commonly seen in inadequate protein intake, liver disease, kidney damage or pregnancy. Elevated levels are generally reflective of kidney damage and need to be monitored very carefully.

Clinical Adult Range : 0.7 mg/dL - 1.5 mg/dL
Bun / Creatinine Ratio
Increased values may indicate catabolic states, dehydration, circulatory failure leading to fall in renal blood flow, congestive heart failure, acute and chronic renal (kidney) failure, urinary tract obstruction, prostatic enlargement, high protein diet. Decreased values may indicate overhydration, low protein / high carbohydrate diet, pregnancy.

Clinical Adult Range : 6 - 10
Uric Acid
Uric acid is the end product purine metabolism. High levels are seen in gout, infections, high protein diets, and kidney disease. Low levels generally indicate protein and molybdenum (trace mineral) deficiency, liver damage or an overly acid kidney.

Clinical female Range : 2.4 mg/dL - 6 mg/dL
Phosphorus
Phosphorus is closely associated with calcium in bone development. Therefore most of the phosphate in the body is found in the bones. But the phosphorus level in the blood is very important for muscle and nerve function.

Very low levels of phosphorus in the blood can be associated with starvation or malnutrition and this can lead to muscle weakness. High levels in the blood are usually associated with kidney disease.

Clinical Adult Range : 2.5 mg/dL - 4.5 mg/dL
Calcium
Calcium is the most abundant mineral in the body. It is involved in bone metabolism, protein absorption, fat transfer, muscular contraction, transmission of nerve impulses, blood clotting, and heart function.

It is highly sensitive to elements such as magnesium, iron, and phosphorous as well as hormonal activity, vitamin D levels, CO2 levels and many drugs. Diet, or even the presence of calcium in the diet has a lot to do with "calcium balance".

Clinical Adult Range : 8.5 mg/dL - 10.8 mg/dL

The meaning and the normal range of blood test indicators

Glucose
Glucose is the basic sugar needed to provide energy for all parts of the body. Glucose is the primary source of energy for the body's cells, and blood lipids (in the form of fats and oils) are primarily a compact energy store. Glucose is transported from the intestines or liver to body cells via the bloodstream, and is made available for cell absorption via the hormone insulin, produced by the body primarily in the pancreas.

if blood sugar levels drop too low, a potentially fatal condition called hypoglycemia develops. Symptoms may include lethargy, impaired mental functioning; irritability; shaking, twitching, weakness in arm and leg muscles; pale complexion; sweating; paranoid or aggressive mentality and loss of consciousness. brain damage is even possible.

Clinical Adult Range : 70 mg/dL - 115 mg/dL
Sodium
A sodium test checks how much sodium (an electrolyte and a mineral) is in the blood. Sodium is both an electrolyte and mineral. It helps keep the water (the amount of fluid inside and outside the body's cells) and electrolyte balance of the body. Sodium is also important in how nerves and muscles work.

Sodium is an essential nutrient that regulates blood volume, blood pressure, osmotic equilibrium and pH; the minimum physiological requirement for sodium is 500 milligrams per day.

Clinical Adult Range : 135 mmol/L - 145 mmol/L
Potassium
A potassium test checks how much potassium is in the blood. Potassium is both an electrolyte and a mineral. It helps keep the water (the amount of fluid inside and outside the body's cells) and electrolyte balance of the body.

Potassium is also important in low nerves and muscles work. This element is found primarily inside the cells of the body. Low levels in the blood may indicate severe diarrhea, alcoholism, or excessive use of water pills.
Clinical Adult Range : 3.5 mmol/L - 5.0 mmol/L
Magnesium
A magnesium test checks the level of magnesium in the blood. Magnesium is an important electrolyte needed for proper muscle, nerve, and enzyme function. It also helps the body make and use energy and is needed to move other electrolytes (potassium and sodium) into and out of cells.

A magnesium test is used to measure the level of magnesium in the blood. Abnormal levels of magnesium are most frequently seen in conditiona or diseases that cause impaired or excessive excretion.

Clinical Adult Range : 1.7 mg/dL - 2.4 mg/dL
Chloride
A chloride test measures the level of chloride in your blood or urine. Chloride is one of the most important electrolytes in the blood. It helps keep the amount of fluid inside and outside of your cells in balance. It also helps maintain proper blood volume, blood pressure, and pH of your body fluids. Tests for sodium, potassium, and bicarbonate are usually done at the same time as a blood test for chloride. 

Clinical Adult Range : 96 mmol/L - 110 mmol/L
Blood Urea Nitrogen
The blood urea nitrogen (BUN, pronounced "B-U-N") test is a measure of the amount of nitrogen in the blood in the form of urea, and a measurement of renal function. Urea is a by-product from metabolism of proteins by the liver and is removed from the blood by the kidney.

BUN is a waste product derived from protein breakdown in the liver. 

Clinical Adult Range : 10 mg/dL - 26 mg/dL

What is a kidney transplant ?

A kidney transplant is an operation performed by a transplant surgeon in which a healthy kidney from another person (donor) is placed into your body to replace your non-working kidneys.

Transplanted kidneys come from two sources :
Living donors - can be related or non-related
Cadaver donors - people who decide to donate their organs when they die
A transplanted kidney is the closest you can get to your own kidneys. Transplantation is just a treatment for kidney disease, not a cure. Not everyone is right for a kidney transplant. Doctors, social workers, and a transplant coordinator will look at your general health and low hard you work at staying healthy. They consider how well you follow your medical team's recommendations about diet, exercise, and, of course, dialysis therapy.

Unfortunately, there are very few kidneys donated compared to the number of people who are waiting for one, it can take years before a suitable donor is found.

Effects on life after kidney transplantation

After your transplant, you will have very few dietary restrictions. However, it is still important to eat a healthy, well-balanced diet. With your doctor's approval, you'll be able to participate in most sports and can travel freely.

Although you may be feeling fine with your kidney transplant, it is still very important to continue to visit your doctor regularly and take your medications as prescribed.

Advantages & Disadvantages

Advantages :
Is closest to having your own kidneys
No dialysis treatment required once kidneys start working
Fewer fluid and diet restrictions
Work full-time without worrying about a dialysis schedule
Disadvantages :
Stress of waiting for a match
Risks associated with major surgery
Rick of rejection - your transplant may not last a lifetime
Daily medications required - which can cause side effects
Susceptibility to infection
Possible changes in your appearance due to medication side effects