Tag: Blood test interpretation

According to Medscape, the normal reference range for adult serum folate levels can be between 2-20 ng/mL, though modern fortified diets have altered average population ranges. Understanding what should your folic acid number be is crucial, as a low level can lead to health issues, particularly in pregnant women, while excessively high levels can mask a vitamin B12 deficiency. Your specific needs and test results will dictate the appropriate interpretation and next steps with your doctor.

Serum folate levels below 3 ng/mL generally indicate a folate deficiency, a condition that can have widespread effects on health. Understanding exactly what is the cut off for folate is essential for accurately interpreting blood test results and ensuring your body is receiving adequate levels of this vital nutrient.

While the recommended daily intake for Vitamin B12 is just 2.4 micrograms, levels found in supplement users or those with certain medical conditions can be significantly higher. A blood test result showing a B12 level of 2000 pg/mL is certainly elevated and warrants attention.

According to Quest Diagnostics, the adult normal plasma range for histidine is 60–109 µmol/L. This semi-essential amino acid, vital for numerous bodily functions, is typically measured through blood tests as part of a comprehensive amino acid analysis.

According to the National Institutes of Health, serum ferritin concentration is the most effective way to diagnose iron deficiency. When it comes to understanding your blood work, knowing what percentage should your iron be at is crucial, as this often refers to transferrin saturation, a key indicator of your body's iron transport system. This percentage, alongside other markers like ferritin, provides a comprehensive picture of your iron health.

While the standard 'normal' range for B12 is often cited as 200-900 pg/mL, some research suggests that higher levels may be necessary for optimal neurological function, especially in older adults. This variance is a key reason many people ask, 'What should be the ideal B12 level?' when reviewing their lab results.

According to one national survey, approximately 3.6% of adults have a vitamin B12 deficiency, but this number can be significantly higher in older populations. Understanding what level is considered severe B12 deficiency is crucial for interpreting lab results and addressing potential health risks.

According to the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), active vitamin B12 testing is recommended for certain patient groups because it offers a more specific assessment of B12 status. This article explains what is the normal active B12 level for adults and why measuring this specific form of the vitamin is often more accurate than a standard total B12 test.

The kidneys excrete approximately 85% of the body's urea, a waste product of protein metabolism. So, while a high protein diet can increase urea levels, the answer to the question, "Does high urea mean high protein?" is not always a simple yes.

The typical normal range for total protein in blood is 6.0 to 8.3 grams per deciliter (g/dL), but what is the normal range for low protein levels? A reading below this range is medically known as hypoproteinemia and can indicate a variety of underlying health issues requiring further investigation.