QuestionI have a question about my lab results. Thank you in advance.
I had a cbc done and the only things that came back slightly abnormal is:
RBC 3.92 (L) 4.20 - 6.10
HCT 36 (L) 37-47
MCH 35.7 (H) 27-31
MPV 6.2 (L) 7.4-9.4
monos 1.8 (L) 1.9-9.3
Had a Chemistry Panel 8
CO2 34 (H) 22-30
I thought I was coming down with a cold or something as I was running a fever. I am scheduled for a colonoscopy on Friday and I have been waiting for awhile on the list. Do you think any of my these results are of concern for having this test? What is the CO2? Thank you very much for your ideas.
AnswerHi Debbie. All of your CBC results that are slightly abnormal are just that - slightly abnormal, and unlikely to be of any clinical significance. CO2 (also called carbon dioxide or bicarbonate) is almost never ordered by itself. It is usually ordered along with sodium, potassium, and chloride as part of an electrolyte panel. The electrolyte panel is used to detect, evaluate, and monitor electrolyte imbalances. It may be ordered as part of a routine exam or to help evaluate a chronic or acute illness. When bicarbonate levels are higher or lower than normal, it suggests that your body is having trouble maintaining its acid-base balance or that you have upset your electrolyte balance, perhaps by losing or retaining fluid. This all being said, though, your CO2 is only slightly high, and may just be a result of your cold/fever at the time.
Samantha
