Topic
Know Your Numbers
4 articles
Know Your Numbers
The Metabolic Panel in Plain English: Kidney Numbers, Liver Enzymes and Electrolytes
Contains: What the basic and comprehensive metabolic panels measure, how to read creatinine, eGFR, ALT, AST, sodium and potassium, and common reasons for mildly abnormal values.
Know Your Numbers
A1C vs Fasting Glucose vs Glucose Tolerance Test: How Prediabetes Is Measured
Contains: What the A1C, fasting plasma glucose and oral glucose tolerance tests each measure, the cutoffs for prediabetes and diabetes, and why results can disagree.
Know Your Numbers
Your Lipid Panel Explained: LDL, HDL, Triglycerides and Non-HDL Cholesterol
Contains: What each number on a cholesterol test measures, the commonly used categories, why non-HDL and overall risk matter, and the questions to ask before deciding on treatment.
Know Your Numbers
How to Read a Complete Blood Count: Hemoglobin, MCV, White Cells and Platelets
Contains: A plain-English guide to the complete blood count (CBC): what each main value measures, typical reference ranges, why a single flagged number is often minor, and what to ask your clinician.