Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation (DIC)

Description: A Prothrombin Time test will measure the speed of which your blood clots. This test can be used to detect a bleeding or clotting disorder or to determine in your blood is clotting too fast or too slow.

Also Known As: Pro Time with INR Test, Prothrombin Time and International Normalized Ratio test, Prothrombin Time PT with INR Test, Prothrombin Time with INR Test, Prothrombin with INR, Protime with INR, PT Test

Collection Method: Blood draw

Specimen Type: Whole Blood

Test Preparation: No preparation required

Average Processing Time: 1 to 2 days

When is a Prothrombin Time with INR test ordered?

When a person takes the anticoagulant medicine warfarin, a PT and INR are ordered on a regular basis to confirm that the prescription is working effectively and that the PT/INR is adequately extended. A doctor will prescribe them frequently enough to ensure that the treatment is having the desired effect, namely, boosting the person's clotting time to a therapeutic level while minimizing the danger of excessive bleeding or bruising.

When a person who isn't taking anticoagulants exhibits signs or symptoms of excessive bleeding or clotting, a PT may be ordered when they are experiencing:

• Bleeding that isn't explained or bruises that isn't easy to get rid of
• Nosebleeds
• Gums that are bleeding
• A blood clot in an artery or vein
• Disseminated intravascular coagulation
• A persistent disorder that affects hemostasis, such as severe liver disease

PT and PTT may be prescribed prior to surgery when there is a high risk of blood loss associated with the procedure and/or when the patient has a clinical history of bleeding, such as frequent or severe nosebleeds and easy bruising, which may indicate the presence of a bleeding problem.

What does a Prothrombin Time with INR blood test check for?

The prothrombin time is a test that determines a person's capacity to make blood clots properly. The international normalized ratio, or INR, is a calculation based on the results of a PT that is used to track people who are taking the blood thinner warfarin.

After chemicals are added to a person's blood sample, a PT measures how long it takes for a clot to develop. The PT is frequently used with a partial thromboplastin time to measure the number and function of proteins known as coagulation factors, which are essential for optimal blood clot formation.

When an injury develops in the body and bleeding ensues, the clotting process known as hemostasis begins. This process is aided by a series of chemical events known as the coagulation cascade, in which coagulation or "clotting" components are activated one by one, leading to the development of a clot. In order for normal clotting to occur, each coagulation factor must be present in appropriate quantities and operate effectively. Excessive bleeding can result from too little, while excessive clotting can result from too much.

There are two "pathways" that can trigger clotting in a test tube during a laboratory test, the extrinsic and intrinsic pathways. Both of these pathways subsequently converge to finish the clotting process. The PT test assesses how well all coagulation factors in the extrinsic and common routes of the coagulation cascade cooperate. Factors I, II, V, VII, and X are included. The PTT test examines the protein factors XII, XI, IX, VIII, X, V, II, and I, as well as prekallikrein and high molecular weight kininogen, which are all part of the intrinsic and common pathways. The PT and PTT examine the overall ability to generate a clot in a fair period of time, and the test results will be delayed if any of these elements are insufficient in quantity or are not operating effectively.

The PT test is normally done in seconds and the results are compared to a normal range that represents PT levels in healthy people. Because the reagents used to conduct the PT test vary from one laboratory to the next and even within the same laboratory over time, the normal ranges will change. The Internationalized Normalized Ratio, which is computed based on the PT test result, was developed and recommended for use by a World Health Organization committee to standardize results across various laboratories in the United States and around the globe for people taking the anticoagulant warfarin.

The INR is a formula that accounts for variations in PT reagents and enables for comparison of findings from different laboratories. When a PT test is performed, most laboratories report both PT and INR readings. However, the INR should only be used by people who are taking the blood thinner warfarin.

Lab tests often ordered with a Prothrombin Time with INR test:

• Partial Thromboplastin Time
• Fibrinogen Activity
• Platelet Count
• Complete Blood Count (CBC)
• Coagulation Factors
• Warfarin Sensitivity testing

Conditions where a Prothrombin Time with INR test is recommended:

• Bleeding Disorders
• Excessive Clotting Disorders
• Vitamin K Deficiency
• Liver Disease
• DIC

How does my health care provider use a Prothrombin Time with INR test?

The prothrombin time is used to diagnose the origin of unexplained bleeding or abnormal blood clots, generally in conjunction with a partial thromboplastin time. The international normalized ratio is a calculation based on the results of a PT that is used to monitor people on the blood thinner warfarin.

Coagulation factors are proteins that are involved in the body's process of forming blood clots to assist stop bleeding. When an injury occurs and bleeding begins, coagulation factors are triggered in a series of events that finally assist in the formation of a clot. In order for normal clotting to occur, each coagulation factor must be present in appropriate quantities and operate effectively. Excessive bleeding can result from too little, while excessive clotting can result from too much.

The PT and INR are used to monitor the anticoagulant warfarin's efficacy. This medication influences the coagulation cascade's function and aids in the prevention of blood clots. It is given to those who have a history of recurrent abnormal blood clotting on a long-term basis. Warfarin therapy's purpose is to strike a balance between preventing blood clots and causing excessive bleeding. This equilibrium must be carefully monitored. The INR can be used to change a person's medication dosage in order to get their PT into the ideal range for them and their condition.

What do my PT and INR test results mean?

Most laboratories report PT findings that have been corrected to the INR for persons taking warfarin. For basic "blood-thinning" needs, these persons should have an INR of 2.0 to 3.0. Some people with a high risk of blood clot require a higher INR, about 2.5 to 3.5.

The outcome of a PT test is determined by the method utilized, with results measured in seconds and compared to a normal range defined and maintained by the laboratory that administers the test. This normal range is based on the average value of healthy persons in the area, and it will differ somewhat from test to lab. Someone who isn't on warfarin would compare their PT test result to the usual range provided by the laboratory that conducted the test.

A prolonged PT indicates that the blood is taking an excessive amount of time to clot. This can be caused by liver illness, vitamin K inadequacy, or a coagulation factor shortage, among other things. The PT result is frequently combined with the PTT result to determine what condition is present.

We advise having your results reviewed by a licensed medical healthcare professional for proper interpretation of your results.

Description: A PTT test is used to diagnose and monitor bleeding disorders or excessive clotting disorders. The biomarker in the test is used to measure the tsime it takes for the blood to form a clot.

Also Known As: Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time Test, aPTT test, PTT Test

Collection Method: Blood Draw

Specimen Type: Whole Blood

Test Preparation: No preparation required

Average Processing Time: 1 to 2 days

When is Partial Thromboplastin Time test ordered?

When a person has the following symptoms, the PTT may be ordered along with other tests, such as a PT:

• Bleeding that isn't explained or bruises that isn't easy to get rid of
• A blood clot in a vein or artery is a serious condition.
• Disseminated intravascular coagulation
• A chronic disorder that affects hemostasis, such as liver disease

A PTT can be requested in the following situations:

• When a person develops a blood clot or a woman has repeated miscarriages, as part of a lupus anticoagulant, anticardiolipin antibodies, or antiphospholipid syndrome examination
• When a person is on standard heparin therapy, the two are overlapped and both the PTT and PT are monitored until the person has stabilized. When a person is switched from heparin therapy to extended warfarin therapy, the two are combined and both the PTT and PT are monitored until the person has stabilized
• Prior to surgery, if there is a high risk of blood loss and/or if the patient has a history of bleeding, such as frequent or severe nasal bleeds and easy bruising, which could suggest the presence of a bleeding problem

What does a Partial Thromboplastin Time blood test check for?

The partial thromboplastin time is a screening test that determines a person's capacity to form blood clots properly. It counts how long it takes for a clot to develop in a person's blood sample after chemicals have been administered. The PTT evaluates the number and function of specific proteins known as coagulation factors, which are crucial in blood clot formation.

When bodily tissues or blood vessel walls are harmed, bleeding ensues, and hemostasis is initiated. Platelets are little cell fragments that cling to the damage site and subsequently clump together. A process known as the coagulation cascade begins at the same time, and coagulation factors are activated. Fibrin threads develop and crosslink into a net that attaches to the damage site and stabilizes it as a result of the cascade reactions. This, combined with the platelets sticking, forms a stable blood clot that seals off injuries to blood arteries, prevents further blood loss, and allows damaged areas to heal.

For appropriate blood clot formation, each component of this hemostatic mechanism must operate effectively and be present in sufficient quantities. If one or more of these factors are deficient, or if they function improperly, a stable clot may not form, and bleeding may continue.

A PTT compares a person's sample to a normal clotting time reference period. A person's PTT is considered "prolonged" if it takes longer than usual to clot. A prolonged PTT could be caused by a disease that causes one or more coagulation factors to diminish or become dysfunctional. It's also possible that it's caused by a disorder in which the body creates antibodies that attack one or more coagulation factors, impairing their activity.

A PTT may take longer than expected if the person being tested creates an autoantibody termed an antiphospholipid antibody, which interferes with the test. Because it targets phospholipids, which are employed in the PTT, this type of antibody has an effect on the test findings. Antiphospholipid antibodies can extend the PTT test result, although they are linked to increased clotting in the body. A person who makes these antibodies may be more susceptible to blood clots. A PTT could be used to assess someone who has signs and symptoms of excessive clotting or antiphospholipid syndrome.

A PTT is frequently ordered in conjunction with a prothrombin time while investigating bleeding or clotting episodes. The results of these tests will be analyzed by a health professional in order to discover the reason of bleeding or clotting episodes.

Coagulation tests like the PT and PTT are now known to be reliant on what happens artificially in the test setting and so do not always reflect what happens in the body. They can, however, be utilized to assess certain aspects of the hemostasis system. The PTT and PT tests measure coagulation components that are part of the intrinsic, extrinsic, and common chemical reaction pathways in the cascade, respectively.

Lab tests often ordered with a Partial Thromboplastin Time test:

• PT and INR
• Fibrinogen
• D-Dimer
• Lupus Anticoagulant
• ACT
• Coagulation Factors
• Platelet Count
• Complete Blood Count (CBC)
• Von Willebrand Factor
• Antiphospholipid Antibodies

Conditions where a Partial Thromboplastin Time test is recommended:

• Bleeding Disorders
• Excessive Clotting Disorders
• Vitamin K Deficiency
• DIC
• Antiphospholipid Syndrome

How does my health care provider use a Partial Thromboplastin Time test?

The PTT is mostly used to look into unexplained bleeding or clotting. It may be ordered in conjunction with a prothrombin time test to assess hemostasis, the body's process of forming blood clots to stop bleeding. Excessive bleeding or clotting issues are frequently investigated with these tests as a starting point.

Coagulation factors are proteins that have a role in hemostasis and the development of blood clots. When an injury occurs and bleeding begins, coagulation factors are triggered in a series of events that finally assist in the formation of a clot.

Prekallikrein and high molecular weight kininogen, as well as coagulation factors XII, XI, IX, VIII, X, V, II, and I, are all assessed using the PTT. The coagulation factors VII, X, V, II, and I are evaluated in a PT test. A health practitioner can determine what type of bleeding or clotting condition is present by combining the findings of the two tests. The PTT and PT aren't diagnostic, but they can help you figure out if you need more tests.

The following are some examples of PTT applications:

• To detect coagulation factor deficit; if the PTT is extended, additional tests can be performed to ascertain whether coagulation factors are deficient or malfunctioning, or to see if the blood contains an antibody to a coagulation factor.
• Nonspecific autoantibodies, such as lupus anticoagulant, can be detected and are linked to clotting episodes and recurrent miscarriages. As a result, PTT testing may be included in a clotting disorder panel to aid in the investigation of recurrent miscarriages or the diagnosis of antiphospholipid syndrome. The LA-sensitive PTT, a version of the PTT, could be used for this.
• Heparin is an anticoagulant medicine that is given intravenously or by injection to prevent and treat blood clots; it is used to monitor routine heparin anticoagulant therapy. PTT is extended as a result of it. Heparin must be constantly managed when it is used for medicinal purposes. If too much is given, the patient may bleed excessively; if not enough is given, the patient may continue to clot.

The PTT and PT tests are sometimes used to screen for potential bleeding tendencies before surgical or other invasive treatments based on carefully acquired patient histories.

Other tests that may be done in conjunction with a PTT or in response to aberrant results include:

• Platelet count — should be checked often during heparin therapy to detect any thrombocytopenia caused by the drug.
• Thrombin time testing – used to rule out the possibility of heparin contamination.
• Fibrinogen testing - to rule out a low level of fibrinogen as the cause of a delayed PTT.
• A second PTT test is conducted after a first PTT is delayed by mixing the person's plasma with pooled normal plasma.  If the PTT time returns to normal, it indicates that one or more coagulation factors in the person's plasma are deficient. If the condition persists, it could be caused by the presence of an aberrant specific factor inhibitor or nonspecific lupus anticoagulant.
• Coagulation factor tests are used to determine how active coagulation factors are. They can identify low protein levels or proteins that aren't working properly. A coagulation factor's antigen level is occasionally tested.
• If the presence of lupus anticoagulant is suspected, a test for dilute Russell viper venom may be performed.
• Von Willebrand factor is a test that is sometimes conducted to see if von Willebrand disease is causing a prolonged PTT.

What do my Partial Thromboplastin Time test results mean?

PTT findings are usually available in seconds. A normal clotting function is usually indicated by a PTT result that falls within a laboratory's reference interval. However, a single coagulation factor deficiency may be present in low to moderate amounts. The PTT should not be extended until the factor levels have dropped to 30% to 40% of normal. Lupus anticoagulant may also be present, but it is unlikely to affect the PTT result. A more sensitive LA-sensitive PTT or a dilute Russell viper venom time can be used to test for the lupus anticoagulant if it is suspected.

A delayed PTT indicates that clotting is taking longer than usual and could be caused by a number of factors. This frequently indicates that the body's clotting ability is being harmed by a coagulation factor deficit or a particular or nonspecific antibody. Defects in coagulation factors can be acquired or inherited.

It's possible that prolonged PTT tests are caused by:

• Von Willebrand disease is the most prevalent inherited bleeding disorder, and it inhibits platelet function because von Willebrand factor levels are low.
• Hemophilia A and B are two more inherited bleeding disorders that are caused by a lack of factors VIII and IX, respectively.
• Other coagulation factors, such as factors XII and XI, are deficient.

Deficiencies in acquired factors:

• A vitamin K insufficiency. Vitamin K is required for the production of clotting factors. Vitamin K deficiency is uncommon, but it can occur as a result of a poor diet, malabsorption issues, or the use of certain antibiotics over an extended period of time, for example.
• Because the liver produces the majority of coagulation components, liver illness might result in extended PT and PTT. PT is more likely to be prolonged than PTT in patients with liver disease and vitamin K insufficiency.
• A nonspecific inhibitor, such as lupus anticoagulant—the presence of these inhibitors is usually linked to abnormal clotting, but they can also lengthen the PTT. For further information, see the individual test articles.
• Antibodies that selectively target certain coagulation factors, such as antibodies that target factor VIII, are known as specific inhibitors. They can form in people who are receiving factor replacements or they can develop spontaneously as an autoantibody in people who have a bleeding condition. Factor-specific inhibitors have the potential to induce serious bleeding.
• Heparin is an anticoagulant that will prolong a PTT if it is present in the sample as a contaminant or as part of anticoagulation therapy. The goal PTT for anticoagulant therapy is usually 1.5 to 2.5 times longer than the pretreatment level.
• The PTT is not used to monitor warfarin anticoagulation therapy, but it may be influenced by it. The PT is commonly used to track warfarin therapy.
• Anticoagulation therapy with a direct thrombin inhibitor or a direct factor Xa inhibitor are examples of other anticoagulants.
• Leukemia, severe bleeding in pregnant women prior to or after delivery, and recurrent miscarriages can all cause elevated PTT levels

The PTT results are frequently combined with the PT results to determine what ailment is present.

PTT testing may be shortened as a result of:

• Disseminated intravascular coagulation—circulating procoagulants shorten the PTT in the early phases of DIC.
• Extensive cancer
• An acute-phase reaction is a disease that causes significant tissue inflammation or trauma, which causes factor VIII levels to rise. It's frequently a one-time occurrence that isn't tracked with a PTT test. The PTT will return to normal once the condition that caused the acute phase reaction is resolved.

We advise having your results reviewed by a licensed medical healthcare professional for proper interpretation of your results.

Description: The D-Dimer Quantitative test is used to evaluate fibrinolytic activation and intravascular thrombosis.

Also Known As: Fragment D-Dimer Test, Fibrin Degradation Fragment Test

Collection Method: Blood Draw

Specimen Type: Whole Blood

Test Preparation: No preparation required

Average Processing Time: 1 to 2 days

When is a D-Dimer test ordered?

When a patient presents to the emergency room with signs of a dangerous disease, D-dimer testing is frequently prescribed.

When a patient exhibits signs of pulmonary embolism or deep vein thrombosis, a D-dimer test may be prescribed.

When a doctor suspects that another condition other than deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism is the likely cause of symptoms, D-dimer is particularly helpful. It is a rapid, non-invasive method that can help rule out excessive or irregular coagulation. However, it should not be taken if a clinical examination indicates that there is a high likelihood of pulmonary embolism.

To help in the diagnosis of disseminated intravascular coagulation, a D-dimer test coupled with a PT, PTT, fibrinogen, and platelet count may be prescribed for someone who exhibits symptoms like bleeding gums, nausea, vomiting, intense muscle and abdominal pain, seizures, and decreased urine output. When someone is receiving therapy for DIC, D-dimer orders may also be placed periodically to help track the condition's development.

What does a D-Dimer blood test check for?

One of the protein fragments created when a blood clot dissolves in the body is called D-dimer. Normally, it goes unnoticed until the body is generating and dissolving blood clots. Its blood level may then increase as a result. D-dimer in the blood is found using this test.

The body starts a process known as hemostasis when a blood vessel or tissue is injured and starts bleeding in order to form a blood clot that will eventually stop the bleeding. A fibrin net is created by the crosslinking of fibrin threads, which are produced as a result of this process. Platelets and that net work together to contain the blood clot that is forming until the wound has healed.

The body utilizes an enzyme called plasmin to break the thrombus into small pieces so that it can be eliminated after the area has had time to heal and the clot is no longer required. Known as fibrin degradation products, the fragments of the breaking down fibrin in the clot are made up of different sized bits of crosslinked fibrin. D-dimer, one of the last byproducts of fibrin breakdown, can be detected in blood samples and quantified. When blood clots are formed and broken down significantly in the body, the level of D-dimer in the blood may increase.

The D-dimer test's strength is that it can be utilized in a hospital emergency room setting to assess the likelihood of a clot's existence for a person who is at low or moderate risk for blood clotting and/or thrombotic embolism. If the D-dimer test is negative, a thrombus is extremely unlikely to be present. A positive D-dimer test, however, cannot indicate the presence or absence of a clot. It suggests that additional testing is necessary.

Unwanted blood clot formation is related to a number of variables and diseases. Deep vein thrombosis, which causes clots to form in the body's deep veins, most usually in the legs, is one of the most frequent. These clots have the potential to become very large and obstruct blood flow to the legs, resulting in swelling, discomfort, and tissue damage. It is possible for a fragment of the clot to separate and spread to different bodily regions. This "embolus" may become lodged in the lungs and result in pulmonary embolism. Up to 300,000 deaths in the U.S. are attributed to pulmonary embolisms brought on by DVT each year.

Clots can develop in different places, though they most frequently do so in the veins of the legs. Any of these places may benefit from D-dimer measurements to aid in the discovery of clots. For instance, myocardial infarction is brought on by clots in the coronary arteries. When the heart is pounding irregularly or when the valves are damaged, clots are more likely to form on the lining of the heart or its valves. Additionally, clots can develop in big arteries due to atherosclerosis-related constriction and damage. Such clot fragments may break off and create an embolus, which stops an artery in another organ, such the kidneys or the brain.

In addition to other tests, D-dimer measurements may be requested to assist in the diagnosis of disseminated intravascular coagulation. DIC is a condition when the body's clotting factors are activated and subsequently depleted. This causes multiple small blood clots to form while also making the victim susceptible to heavy bleeding. It is a challenging, occasionally fatal illness that can develop following a number of medical procedures, infections, toxic snake bites, liver diseases, and postpartum conditions. While the underlying ailment gets better, measures are taken to support the affected person. In DIC, the D-dimer level is frequently very high.

Lab tests often ordered with a D-Dimer test:

• PT and INR
• PTT
• Fibrinogen Activity
• Platelet Count
• Complete Blood Count (CBC)

Conditions where a D-Dimer test is recommended:

• Excessive Clotting
• Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation
• Pulmonary Embolism
• Deep Vein Thrombosis

How does my health care provider use a D-Dimer test?

D-dimer tests are used to assist in excluding the possibility of an unexpected blood clot.

This test can assist establish whether more testing is required to evaluate diseases and conditions that lead to hypercoagulability, or a propensity to clot unnecessarily.

A D-dimer level can be used to monitor DIC therapy effectiveness and aid in the diagnosis of disseminated intravascular coagulation.

What do my D-Dimer test results mean?

The likelihood that a person examined does not have an acute ailment or disease that causes aberrant clot formation and breakdown increases if the D-dimer result is normal or negative. The majority of medical professionals concur that a negative D-dimer test is most reliable and helpful when it is performed on individuals who are thought to have a low to moderate risk of thrombosis. The test is employed to assist in excluding coagulation as the root of the symptoms.

A high level of fibrin breakdown products may be present if the D-dimer test is positive. It does not specify the location or origin, but rather suggests that there may be major blood clot development and disintegration in the body. For instance, it might be caused by disseminated intravascular coagulation or venous thromboembolism. In DIC, the D-dimer level is frequently very high.

However, because a number of different causes might result in a raised level, an elevated D-dimer does not always mean that a clot is present. Elevated amounts may be present in diseases or conditions where fibrin is not regularly eliminated, such as liver illness, or diseases or conditions where fibrin is not normally cleared, such as recent surgery, trauma, infection, heart attack, and several malignancies. D-dimer is therefore rarely used to exclude VTE in hospitalized patients.

During pregnancy, fibrin is also produced and degraded, which could cause a rise in D-dimer levels. The D-dimer test, combined with a PT, PTT, fibrinogen, and platelet count, may be utilized, however, to help detect DIC in a woman who is pregnant or who is soon after giving birth. Her D-dimer level will be exceedingly high if the woman has DIC.

D-dimer is advised as an additional test. The D-dimer test should only be performed to rule out deep vein thrombosis and not to confirm a diagnosis because it is a sensitive test but has low specificity. When the clinical likelihood of pulmonary embolism is high, it shouldn't be utilized to treat the condition. Follow-up and additional testing may be necessary for both elevated and normal D-dimer levels. Further investigation using diagnostic imaging is necessary for patients with positive D-dimer tests and those who have a moderate to high risk for DVT.

When used to track the effectiveness of DIC treatment, decreasing levels signify success while rising levels could mean treatment failure.

We advise having your results reviewed by a licensed medical healthcare professional for proper interpretation of your results.

Description: A CBC or Complete Blood Count with Differential and Platelets test is a blood test that measures many important features of your blood’s red and white blood cells and platelets. A Complete Blood Count can be used to evaluate your overall health and detect a wide variety of conditions such as infection, anemia, and leukemia. It also looks at other important aspects of your blood health such as hemoglobin, which carries oxygen. 

Also Known As: CBC test, Complete Blood Count Test, Total Blood Count Test, CBC with Differential and Platelets test, Hemogram test  

Collection Method: Blood Draw 

Specimen Type: Whole Blood 

Test Preparation: No preparation required 

Average Processing Time: 1 to 2 days

When is a Complete Blood Count test ordered?  

The complete blood count (CBC) is an extremely common test. When people go to the doctor for a standard checkup or blood work, they often get a CBC. Suppose a person is healthy and their results are within normal ranges. In that case, they may not need another CBC unless their health condition changes, or their healthcare professional believes it is necessary. 

When a person exhibits a variety of signs and symptoms that could be connected to blood cell abnormalities, a CBC may be done. A health practitioner may request a CBC to help diagnose and determine the severity of lethargy or weakness, as well as infection, inflammation, bruises, or bleeding. 

When a person is diagnosed with a disease that affects blood cells, a CBC is frequently done regularly to keep track of their progress. Similarly, if someone is being treated for a blood condition, a CBC may be performed on a regular basis to see if the treatment is working. 

Chemotherapy, for example, can influence the generation of cells in the bone marrow. Some drugs can lower WBC counts in the long run. To monitor various medication regimens, a CBC may be required on a regular basis. 

What does a Complete Blood Count test check for? 

The complete blood count (CBC) is a blood test that determines the number of cells in circulation. White blood cells (WBCs), red blood cells (RBCs), and platelets (PLTs) are three types of cells suspended in a fluid called plasma. They are largely created and matured in the bone marrow and are released into the bloodstream when needed under normal circumstances. 

A CBC is mainly performed with an automated machine that measures a variety of factors, including the number of cells present in a person's blood sample. The findings of a CBC can reveal not only the quantity of different cell types but also the physical properties of some of the cells. 

Significant differences in one or more blood cell populations may suggest the presence of one or more diseases. Other tests are frequently performed to assist in determining the reason for aberrant results. This frequently necessitates visual confirmation via a microscope examination of a blood smear. A skilled laboratory technician can assess the appearance and physical features of blood cells, such as size, shape, and color, and note any anomalies. Any extra information is taken note of and communicated to the healthcare provider. This information provides the health care provider with further information about the cause of abnormal CBC results. 

The CBC focuses on three different types of cells: 

WBCs (White Blood Cells) 

The body uses five different types of WBCs, also known as leukocytes, to keep itself healthy and battle infections and other types of harm. The five different leukocytes are eosinophiles, lymphocytes, neutrophiles, basophils, and monocytes. They are found in relatively steady numbers in the blood. Depending on what is going on in the body, these values may momentarily rise or fall. An infection, for example, can cause the body to manufacture more neutrophils in order to combat bacterial infection. The amount of eosinophils in the body may increase as a result of allergies. A viral infection may cause an increase in lymphocyte production. Abnormal (immature or mature) white cells multiply fast in certain illness situations, such as leukemia, raising the WBC count. 

RBCs (Red Blood Cells) 

The bone marrow produces red blood cells, also known as erythrocytes, which are transferred into the bloodstream after maturing. Hemoglobin, a protein that distributes oxygen throughout the body, is found in these cells. Because RBCs have a 120-day lifespan, the bone marrow must constantly manufacture new RBCs to replace those that have aged and disintegrated or have been lost due to hemorrhage. A variety of diseases, including those that cause severe bleeding, can alter the creation of new RBCs and their longevity. 

The CBC measures the number of RBCs and hemoglobin in the blood, as well as the proportion of RBCs in the blood (hematocrit), and if the RBC population appears to be normal. RBCs are generally homogeneous in size and shape, with only minor differences; however, considerable variances can arise in illnesses including vitamin B12 and folate inadequacy, iron deficiency, and a range of other ailments. Anemia occurs when the concentration of red blood cells and/or the amount of hemoglobin in the blood falls below normal, resulting in symptoms such as weariness and weakness. In a far smaller percentage of cases, there may be an excess of RBCs in the blood (erythrocytosis or polycythemia). This might obstruct the flow of blood through the tiny veins and arteries in extreme circumstances. 

Platelets 

Platelets, also known as thrombocytes, are small cell fragments that aid in the regular clotting of blood. A person with insufficient platelets is more likely to experience excessive bleeding and bruises. Excess platelets can induce excessive clotting or excessive bleeding if the platelets are not operating properly. The platelet count and size are determined by the CBC. 

Lab tests often ordered with a Complete Blood Count test: 

• Reticulocytes
• Iron and Total Iron Binding Capacity
• Basic Metabolic Panel
• Comprehensive Metabolic Panel
• Lipid Panel
• Vitamin B12 and Folate
• Prothrombin with INR and Partial Thromboplastin Times
• Sed Rate (ESR)
• C-Reactive Protein
• Epstein-Barr Virus
• Von Willebrand Factor Antigen

Conditions where a Complete Blood Count test is recommended: 

• Anemia
• Aplastic Anemia
• Iron Deficiency Anemia
• Vitamin B12 and Folate Deficiency
• Sickle Cell Anemia
• Heart Disease
• Thalassemia
• Leukemia
• Autoimmune Disorders
• Cancer
• Bleeding Disorders
• Inflammation
• Epstein-Barr Virus
• Mononucleosis

Commonly Asked Questions: 

How does my health care provider use a Complete Blood Count test? 

The complete blood count (CBC) is a common, comprehensive screening test used to measure a person's overall health status.  

What do my Complete Blood Count results mean? 

A low Red Blood Cell Count, also known as anemia, could be due many different causes such as chronic bleeding, a bone marrow disorder, and nutritional deficiency just to name a few. A high Red Blood Cell Count, also known as polycythemia, could be due to several conditions including lung disease, dehydration, and smoking. Both Hemoglobin and Hematocrit tend to reflect Red Blood Cell Count results, so if your Red Blood Cell Count is low, your Hematocrit and Hemoglobin will likely also be low. Results should be discussed with your health care provider who can provide interpretation of your results and determine the appropriate next steps or lab tests to further investigate your health. 

What do my Differential results mean? 

A low White Blood Cell count or low WBC count, also known as leukopenia, could be due to a number of different disorders including autoimmune issues, severe infection, and lymphoma. A high White Blood Cell count, or high WBC count, also known as leukocytosis, can also be due to many different disorders including infection, leukemia, and inflammation. Abnormal levels in your White Blood Cell Count will be reflected in one or more of your different white blood cells. Knowing which white blood cell types are affected will help your healthcare provider narrow down the issue. Results should be discussed with your health care provider who can provide interpretation of your results and determine the appropriate next steps or lab tests to further investigate your health. 

What do my Platelet results mean? 

A low Platelet Count, also known as thrombocytopenia, could be due to a number of different disorders including autoimmune issues, viral infection, and leukemia. A high Platelet Count, also known as Thrombocytosis, can also be due to many different disorders including cancer, iron deficiency, and rheumatoid arthritis. Results should be discussed with your health care provider who can provide interpretation of your results and determine the appropriate next steps or lab tests to further investigate your health. 

NOTE: Ulta Lab Tests provides CBC test results from Quest Diagnostics as they are reported. Often, different biomarker results are made available at different time intervals. When reporting the results, Ulta Lab Tests denotes those biomarkers not yet reported as 'pending' for every biomarker the test might report. Only biomarkers Quest Diagnostics observes are incorporated and represented in the final CBC test results provided by Ulta Lab Tests. 

NOTE: Only measurable biomarkers will be reported. Certain biomarkers do not appear in healthy individuals. 

We advise having your results reviewed by a licensed medical healthcare professional for proper interpretation of your results.

Reflex Parameters for Manual Slide Review

CBC Reflex Pathway

Step 1 - The slide review is performed by qualified Laboratory staff and includes:

• Confirmation of differential percentages
• WBC and platelet estimates, when needed
• Full review of RBC morphology
• Comments for toxic changes, RBC inclusions, abnormal lymphs, and other
• significant findings
• If the differential percentages agree with the automated counts and no abnormal cells are seen, the automated differential is reported with appropriate comments

Step 2 - The slide review is performed by qualified Laboratory staff and includes: If any of the following are seen on the slide review, Laboratory staff will perform a manual differential:

• Immature, abnormal, or toxic cells
• nRBC’s
• Disagreement with automated differential
• Atypical/abnormal RBC morphology
• Any RBC inclusions

Step 3 - If any of the following are seen on the manual differential, a Pathologist will review the slide:

• WBC<1,500 with abnormal cells noted
• Blasts/immature cells, hairy cell lymphs, or megakaryocytes
• New abnormal lymphocytes or monocytes
• Variant or atypical lymphs >15%
• Blood parasites
• RBC morphology with 3+ spherocytes, RBC inclusions, suspect Hgb-C,
• crystals, Pappenheimer bodies or bizarre morphology
• nRBC’s

Description: A Comprehensive Metabolic Panel or CMP is a blood test that is a combination of a Basic Metabolic Panel, a Liver Panel, and electrolyte panel, and is used to screen for, diagnose, and monitor a variety of conditions and diseases such as liver disease, diabetes, and kidney disease. 

Also Known As: CMP, Chem, Chem-14, Chem-12, Chem-21, Chemistry Panel, Chem Panel, Chem Screen, Chemistry Screen, SMA 12, SMA 20, SMA 21, SMAC, Chem test

Collection Method: Blood Draw 

Specimen Type: Serum 

Test Preparation: 9-12 hours fasting is preferred.

Average Processing Time: 1 to 2 days 

When is a Comprehensive Metabolic Panel test ordered:  

A CMP is frequently requested as part of a lab test for a medical evaluation or yearly physical. A CMP test consists of many different tests that give healthcare providers a range of information about your health, including liver and kidney function, electrolyte balance, and blood sugar levels. To confirm or rule out a suspected diagnosis, abnormal test results are frequently followed up with other tests that provide a more in depth or targeted analysis of key areas that need investigating. 

What does a Comprehensive Metabolic Panel blood test check for? 

The complete metabolic panel (CMP) is a set of 20 tests that provides critical information to a healthcare professional about a person's current metabolic status, check for liver or kidney disease, electrolyte and acid/base balance, and blood glucose and blood protein levels. Abnormal results, particularly when they are combined, can suggest a problem that needs to be addressed. 

The following tests are included in the CMP: 

• Albumin: this is a measure of Albumin levels in your blood. Albumin is a protein made by the liver that is responsible for many vital roles including transporting nutrients throughout the body and preventing fluid from leaking out of blood vessels. 

• Albumin/Globulin Ratio: this is a ratio between your total Albumin and Globulin  

• Alkaline Phosphatase: this is a measure of Alkaline phosphatase or ALP in your blood. Alkaline phosphatase is a protein found in all body tissues, however the ALP found in blood comes from the liver and bones. Elevated levels are often associated with liver damage, gallbladder disease, or bone disorder. 

• Alt: this is a measure of Alanine transaminase or ALT in your blood. Alanine Aminotransferase is an enzyme found in the highest amounts in the liver with small amounts in the heart and muscles. Elevated levels are often associated with liver damage. 

• AST: this is a measure of Aspartate Aminotransferase or AST. Aspartate Aminotransferase is an enzyme found mostly in the heart and liver, with smaller amounts in the kidney and muscles. Elevated levels are often associated with liver damage. 

• Bilirubin, Total: this is a measure of bilirubin in your blood. Bilirubin is an orange-yellowish waste product produced from the breakdown of heme which is a component of hemoglobin found in red blood cells. The liver is responsible for removal of bilirubin from the body. 

• Bun/Creatinine Ratio: this is a ratio between your Urea Nitrogen (BUN) result and Creatinine result.  

• Calcium: this is a measurement of calcium in your blood. Calcium is the most abundant and one of the most important minerals in the body as it essential for proper nerve, muscle, and heart function. 

• Calcium: is used for blood clot formation and the formation and maintenance of bones and teeth. 

• Carbon Dioxide: this is a measure of carbon dioxide in your blood. Carbon dioxide is a negatively charged electrolyte that works with other electrolytes such as chloride, potassium, and sodium to regulate the body’s acid-base balance and fluid levels.  

• Chloride: this is a measure of Chloride in your blood. Chloride is a negatively charged electrolyte that works with other electrolytes such as potassium and sodium to regulate the body’s acid-base balance and fluid levels. 

• Creatinine: this is a measure of Creatinine levels in your blood. Creatinine is created from the breakdown of creatine in your muscles and is removed from your body by the kidneys. Elevated creatinine levels are often associated with kidney damage. 

• Egfr African American: this is a measure of how well your kidneys are functioning. Glomeruli are tiny filters in your kidneys that filter out waste products from your blood for removal while retaining important substances such as nutrients and blood cells. 

• Egfr Non-Afr. American: this is a measure of how well your kidneys are functioning. Glomeruli are tiny filters in your kidneys that filter out waste products from your blood for removal while retaining important substances such as nutrients and blood cells. 

• Globulin: this is a measure of all blood proteins in your blood that are not albumin. 

• Glucose: this is a measure of glucose in your blood. Glucose is created from the breakdown of carbohydrates during digestion and is the body’s primary source of energy. 

• Potassium: this is a measure of Potassium in your blood. Potassium is an electrolyte that plays a vital role in cell metabolism, nerve and muscle function, and transport of nutrients into cells and removal of wastes products out of cells. 

• Protein, Total: this is a measure of total protein levels in your blood. 
  Sodium: this is a measure of Sodium in your blood. Sodium is an electrolyte that plays a vital role in nerve and muscle function. 

• Sodium: this is a measure of sodium in your blood's serum. Sodium is a vital mineral for nerve and muscle cell function.

• Urea Nitrogen (Bun): this is a measure of Urea Nitrogen in your blood, also known as Blood UreaNitrogen (BUN). Urea is a waste product created in the liver when proteins are broken down into amino acids. Elevated levels are often associated with kidney damage. 

Lab tests often ordered with a Comprehensive Metabolic Panel test: 

• Complete Blood Count with Differential and Platelets
• Iron and Total Iron Binding Capacity
• Lipid Panel
• Vitamin B12 and Folate
• Prothrombin with INR and Partial Thromboplastin Times
• Sed Rate (ESR)
• C-Reactive Protein

Conditions where a Comprehensive Metabolic Panel test is recommended: 

• Diabetes
• Kidney Disease
• Liver Disease
• Hypertension

Commonly Asked Questions: 

How does my health care provider use a Comprehensive Metabolic Panel test? 

The comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP) is a broad screening tool for assessing organ function and detecting diseases like diabetes, liver disease, and kidney disease. The CMP test may also be requested to monitor known disorders such as hypertension and to check for any renal or liver-related side effects in persons taking specific drugs. If a health practitioner wants to follow two or more separate CMP components, the full CMP might be ordered because it contains more information. 

What do my Comprehensive Metabolic Panel test results mean? 

The results of the tests included in the CMP are usually analyzed together to look for patterns. A single abnormal test result may indicate something different than a series of abnormal test findings. A high result on one of the liver enzyme tests, for example, is not the same as a high result on several liver enzyme tests. 

Several sets of CMPs, frequently performed on various days, may be examined to gain insights into the underlying disease and response to treatment, especially in hospitalized patients. 

Out-of-range findings for any of the CMP tests can be caused by a variety of illnesses, including kidney failure, breathing issues, and diabetes-related complications, to name a few. If any of the results are abnormal, one or more follow-up tests are usually ordered to help determine the reason and/or establish a diagnosis. 

Is there anything else I should know? 

A wide range of prescription and over-the-counter medications can have an impact on the results of the CMP's components. Any medications you're taking should be disclosed to your healthcare professional. Similarly, it is critical to provide a thorough history because many other circumstances can influence how your results are interpreted. 

What's the difference between the CMP and the BMP tests, and why would my doctor choose one over the other? 

The CMP consists of 14 tests, while the basic metabolic panel (BMP) is a subset of those with eight tests. The liver (ALP, ALT, AST, and bilirubin) and protein (albumin and total protein) tests are not included. If a healthcare provider wants a more thorough picture of a person's organ function or to check for specific illnesses like diabetes or liver or kidney disease, he or she may prescribe a CMP rather than a BMP. 

We advise having your results reviewed by a licensed medical healthcare professional for proper interpretation of your results.

Please note the following regarding BUN/Creatinine ratio: 

The lab does not report the calculation for the BUN/Creatinine Ratio unless one or both biomarkers’ results fall out of the published range. 

If you still wish to see the value, it's easy to calculate. Simply take your Urea Nitrogen (BUN) result and divide it by your Creatinine result.  

As an example, if your Urea Nitrogen result is 11 and your Creatinine result is 0.86, then you would divide 11 by 0.86 and get a BUN/Creatinine Ratio result of 12.79.