Understanding Your Blood Test Results: A Comprehensive Guide

Question
Hi Samantha,

Could you please tell me what the folling blood test results mean:

CO2   20 L   (Range 21-32)
MPV   11.6 H (Range 6.0-9.5)
RDW   11.5 L (Range 11.6-14.8%)
Alk Phos 34 L (Range 39-130 IU/L)      

ANA Mixed Pattern  Neg <1:40-Ref Range
Homogeneous Pattern >=1:1280 (Ref. Range 1:40)
Speckled Pattern 1:640  (Ref. Range 1:40)

Thank you,

Roslynn

Answer
Hi Roslynn.  The first 4 lab results you gave me are only slightly out of normal range, and therefore unlikely to be of any clinical significance.  Your ANA (Anti-Nuclear Antigen) test, though, is abnormal.  A homogenous pattern can be associated with SLE (lupus) and mixed connective tissue disease, and a speckled pattern can be associated with SLE (lupus), Sjogren's syndrome, scleroderma, polymyositis, rheumatoid arthritis, and/or mixed connective tissue disease.  Check with your doctor.  You may need further testing to determine if you have any of these diseases.

Samantha