How Do You Find Information on Blood Test Codes?
Discuss information from blood tests with a doctor to determine what numbers and codes mean on specific tests, the AARP suggests. Common code examples for blood tests include FBC, ESR, CRP, INR and PSA tests, according to the U.K.’s National Health Service.
To find information about codes used in blood tests, use the AARP’s list of normal results for test codes, states its website. For example, a WBC, or white blood cell count, is considered normal when it sits between 4,500 and 10,000 cells per microliter. Abnormal test results are sometimes caused by exercise, frequent testing or improper blood draws, and are not always the cause of a serious condition.
The FBC test code stands for full blood count, the National Health Service states. This test includes information about haemoglobin, white blood cells and platelets in the blood. The ESR code stands for erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and refers to how long it takes red blood cells to reach the bottom of the test tube. Doctors use this code to test for inflammation. The CRP code means C-reactive protein, and it also tests inflammation. This protein comes from the liver, and high levels of it usually mean high levels of inflammation. The INR test is the international normalised ratio code for anticoagulants. The test blood goes through a clotting process, and the amount of time this takes provides this code ratio. The PSA code represents the prostate-specific antigen in the blood. This gives information about prostate health.
