Understanding Your Potassium Blood Test Results
Quick answer: Potassium is an electrolyte essential for nerve signals, muscle function, and — critically — a steady heartbeat. The […]
Metrics Explained
Plain-language guides to understanding your medical test results — blood tests, imaging, spirometry, and specialist measurements. Each guide explains what the key numbers mean, what a high or low result indicates, and what your doctor is likely to recommend next. No medical background required.
Understanding Your Albumin-Creatinine Ratio (ACR) Results
Quick answer: The urine albumin-creatinine ratio (ACR) measures how much albumin (a protein) is leaking into your urine — an
Understanding Your Iron Studies Results
Quick answer: Iron studies are a panel of tests — usually serum iron, ferritin, transferrin (or TIBC), and transferrin saturation
Understanding Your ESR Test Results
Quick answer: ESR (erythrocyte sedimentation rate) is a non-specific marker of inflammation — it measures how quickly red blood cells
Understanding Your D-Dimer Test Results
Quick answer: D-dimer is a protein fragment released when a blood clot dissolves. A negative (low) D-dimer result reliably rules
Understanding Your LDL and Cholesterol Ratio Results
Quick answer: LDL (“bad”) cholesterol should be below 3.0 mmol/L for most adults, and below 1.8 mmol/L if you have
Understanding Your Cortisol Test Result
Quick Answer: Cortisol is a hormone produced by the adrenal glands; a normal morning (AM) serum cortisol is typically 140–690
Understanding Your Lipase and Amylase Test Results
Quick Answer: Lipase and amylase are digestive enzymes produced by the pancreas; normal lipase is typically 10–140 U/L and normal
Understanding Your MRI Scan Results
Quick Answer: An MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) scan produces detailed images of soft tissues, organs, joints, and the nervous system
Understanding Your Urinalysis (Urine Test) Results
Quick Answer: A urinalysis is a urine test that evaluates the appearance, chemical composition, and microscopic cell content of your