Your Blood Test Results are Here! What Do They Mean?
March 24, 2025 | Tags:
A blood test is like a report card for your body. It provides a detailed assessment of how different parts of your system are performing and highlighting areas that might need improvement.
Getting a blood test can help your provider monitor your overall health or help diagnose medical conditions.
What is a blood test?
A blood test is one of the most common tests healthcare providers use. Your primary care provider (PCP) may order a blood test as part of a routine exam, if you don’t feel well and have certain symptoms, or to monitor a disease or treatment.
Blood tests aren’t diagnoses, but they do help healthcare providers diagnose health issues. If you receive abnormal test results, it doesn’t necessarily mean you have a serious medical condition.
Normal range for blood test components
Just like blood pressure readings, the numbers in your blood test provide important insights into your health.
Understanding which elements are being measured can help you make sense of results and take proactive steps towards maintaining your well-being.
Below are the normal ranges for blood test results, according to Cleveland Clinic:
| Element | Description | Normal Range for Adults |
|---|---|---|
| Red blood cells (RBC) | Help carry oxygen from your lungs to the rest of your body. | 4.2 million to 6.1 million RBC per microliter (µL) |
| White blood cells (WBC) | Part of your immune system that helps fight infection. | 4,000 to 11,000 cells per microliter (µL) |
| Platelet count (PLT) | Aids in blood clotting to stop bleeding. | 150,000 to 400,000 platelets per microliter (k/µL) |
| Hemoglobin | A protein in your RBC that carries oxygen. | 12.3 to 17.5 grams per deciliter (gm/dL) |
| Hematocrit | The percentage of RBC in your blood. | 36% to 50% |
| Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV) | The average size of your RBC. | 80 to 100 femtoliters (fL) |
| Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin (MCH) | The average amount of hemoglobin in your RBC. | 27 to 33 picograms (pg) per cell |
Remember that what may be considered a “normal range for adults” may not be “normal” for you. This is why it’s important to have a PCP who is familiar with your unique health needs.
Common types of blood tests
There are a wide range of blood tests, each designed to assess different parts of your blood that show changes in your body.
- Lipid Panel: Measures LDL (low-density lipoprotein) and HLD (high-density lipoprotein) cholesterol levels, which contribute to plaque buildup in arteries, and triglycerides, a type of fat used for energy. It assesses your risk of cardiovascular disease.
- Complete Blood Count (CBC): The most common blood test that measures hematocrit and hemoglobin. It checks for anemia, bleeding and blood clot disorders, sickle cell disease or helps detect infection.
- Basic Metabolic Panel (BMP): Measures eight substances in the blood, including sugars, minerals, electrolytes and waste products, and provides information about your body’s chemical balance and metabolism.
- Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP): More extensive than a BMP, measuring 14 different substances in your blood, like proteins and liver function markers, to check body functions and provide a broader view of your overall health.
If your PCP notices certain changes in your results, they may order additional blood tests for a more detailed look.
Preparing for a blood test
Preparing for a blood test can involve several steps, and your PCP may ask you to follow strict instructions before you go.
Because your bloodstream absorbs sugar, fat, protein and other nutrients that can affect results, some blood tests require you to fast beforehand to acquire more accurate numbers.
Your PCP may ask you to avoid the following eight to 12 hours before your blood test:
- Eating or drinking, except water
- Chewing gum
- Alcohol or tobacco
- Exercising
Inform your healthcare provider if you take any medications, prescriptions, supplements or vitamins, especially if you are a person with diabetes. Only stop taking your prescription if your doctor advises you to do so.
Talk with your primary care provider
If you have an upcoming visit with your PCP, ask if you’ll need bloodwork. Your provider may be able to order the blood test before your appointment, allowing you to discuss the results during the appointment.
If you don’t have a PCP or need help finding a lab in your plan’s network for your blood test, use the MedMutual Find a Provider tool on My Health Plan.