Table of Contents

● Complete Blood Count (CBC) ............................................................................................................... 3

Core Components ...................................................................................................................................... 3
RBC Indices ................................................................................................................................................ 3
WBC Differential ........................................................................................................................................ 4
General Causes of Variation ....................................................................................................................... 4

● Liver Function Test (LFT) ....................................................................................................................... 5

Bilirubin & Liver Enzymes ........................................................................................................................... 5
Proteins & Synthetic Function .................................................................................................................... 6
General Causes of Variation ....................................................................................................................... 6

● Lipid Profile............................................................................................................................................... 7
Core Components ...................................................................................................................................... 7
General Causes of Variation ....................................................................................................................... 8

● Renal Function Test (RFT) ..................................................................................................................... 9

Kidney Function Markers ........................................................................................................................... 9
Electrolytes .............................................................................................................................................. 10
General Causes of Variation ..................................................................................................................... 10

● Common Laboratory Tests ................................................................................................................. 11

Blood Glucose .......................................................................................................................................... 11
Thyroid Function Test (TFT) ...................................................................................................................... 11
ESR (Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate) ...................................................................................................... 11
CRP (C-Reactive Protein) .......................................................................................................................... 12
Coagulation Profile................................................................................................................................... 12
HbA1c (Glycated Hemoglobin) ................................................................................................................. 12
Serum Calcium (Ca²⁺) ............................................................................................................................... 13
Serum Uric Acid ....................................................................................................................................... 13
Iron Profile ............................................................................................................................................... 13
Vitamin Tests ........................................................................................................................................... 14
Arterial Blood Gas (ABG) .......................................................................................................................... 14
 Clinical Laboratory Reference Guide

CBC Complete Blood Count (CBC)

Core Components

Component Normal Value Increased — Causes Decreased — Causes

● Dehydration ● Blood loss

M: 4.5–5.5
● High altitude ● Iron/B12/folate deficiency
RBC million/µL
(Erythrocytes) F: 4.0–5.0
● Chronic hypoxia (COPD) ● Marrow suppression
million/µL ● Polycythemia vera ● Chronic kidney disease
● Excess erythropoietin ● Hemolysis

● Anemia (all types)

● Dehydration
M: 13.5–17.5 ● Pregnancy (dilutional)
Hemoglobin ● Polycythemia
g/dL ● Hemorrhage
(Hb) ● High altitude
F: 12.0–15.5 g/dL ● Chronic disease
● Smoking (compensatory)
● Malnutrition

● Dehydration ● Anemia
Hematocrit M: 41–53% ● Polycythemia ● Overhydration
(Hct) F: 36–46% ● Burns (plasma loss) ● Hemorrhage
● Chronic hypoxia ● Pregnancy

● Bacterial infection ● Viral infections

● Inflammation, stress, trauma ● Marrow suppression (chemo/RT)
WBC
4,000–11,000/µL ● Leukemia ● Autoimmune disease (lupus)
(Leukocytes)
● Steroid use ● Severe sepsis
● Exertion, pregnancy ● Certain drugs (clozapine)

● Infection/inflammation ● Viral infection (dengue)

● Iron deficiency ● Marrow disorders
Platelets 150,000–
(Thrombocytes) 450,000/µL
● Post-splenectomy ● ITP
● Myeloproliferative disorders ● Chemo/radiation
● Malignancy ● Liver disease, hypersplenism

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 Clinical Laboratory Reference Guide
RBC Indices

Component Normal Range Increased — Causes Decreased — Causes

● B12/folate deficiency
● Iron deficiency
MCV — avg. ● Liver disease
RBC size
80–100 fL ● Thalassemia
● Alcoholism
● Chronic disease (microcytic)
● Hypothyroidism (macrocytic)

MCH — avg. Hb
27–33 pg ● Macrocytic anemias ● Microcytic/hypochromic anemias
per RBC

MCHC — Hb
● Iron deficiency anemia
concentration 32–36 g/dL ● Hereditary spherocytosis
(hypochromic)
per RBC

RDW —
● Mixed deficiency anemias
variation in RBC 11.5–14.5% —
size ● Recent blood transfusion

WBC Differential

Component Normal % Increased — Causes Decreased — Causes

● Bacterial infection ● Viral infection

Neutrophils 40–75%
● Stress, inflammation ● Bone marrow failure

● Viral infection ● Steroid use

Lymphocytes 20–45% ● Chronic infection (TB) ● HIV/AIDS
● Leukemia ● Immunosuppression

● Chronic infection (TB)

Monocytes 2–10% ● Rare; marrow suppression
● Autoimmune disease

● Allergies, asthma ● Steroid use

Eosinophils 1–6%
● Parasitic infection ● Cushing's syndrome

● Chronic inflammation
● Acute infection
Basophils 0–1% ● Allergic reaction
● Hyperthyroidism
● Leukemia

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 Clinical Laboratory Reference Guide

LFT Liver Function Test (LFT)

Bilirubin & Liver Enzymes

Component Normal Value Increased — Causes Decreased — Causes

● Hemolysis
● Hepatitis
● Cirrhosis
Total Bilirubin 0.3–1.2 mg/dL —
● Biliary obstruction
● Gilbert's syndrome
● Neonatal jaundice

● Biliary obstruction
Direct
● Cholestasis
(Conjugated) 0–0.3 mg/dL —
Bilirubin ● Hepatocellular disease
● Dubin-Johnson syndrome

● Hemolysis
Indirect
● Gilbert's syndrome
(Unconjugated) 0.2–0.8 mg/dL —
Bilirubin ● Ineffective erythropoiesis
● Neonatal jaundice

● Hepatocellular injury (hepatitis,

cirrhosis)
AST (SGOT) 10–40 U/L ● Myocardial infarction —
● Muscle injury
● Alcohol use

● Hepatocellular injury (more liver-

specific)
ALT (SGPT) 7–56 U/L ● Fatty liver disease —
● Viral hepatitis
● Drug-induced liver injury

● Cholestasis, biliary obstruction

● Hypothyroidism
ALP (Alkaline ● Bone disease (Paget's, fractures)
Phosphatase)
44–147 U/L ● Malnutrition, zinc deficiency
● Pregnancy
● Wilson's disease
● Childhood growth

● Alcohol use
GGT 9–48 U/L ● Biliary obstruction, cholestasis —
● Drug-induced liver injury

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 Clinical Laboratory Reference Guide
Proteins & Synthetic Function

Component Normal Value Increased — Causes Decreased — Causes

● Malnutrition
● Dehydration
● Liver disease
Total Protein 6.0–8.3 g/dL ● Chronic inflammation
● Nephrotic syndrome
● Multiple myeloma
● Malabsorption

● Liver disease (cirrhosis)

● Nephrotic syndrome
Albumin 3.5–5.0 g/dL ● Dehydration ● Malnutrition
● Chronic inflammation
● Burns

● Chronic infection
● Immunodeficiency
Globulin 2.0–3.5 g/dL ● Autoimmune disease
● Nephrotic syndrome
● Multiple myeloma

● Liver disease
A/G Ratio 1.1–2.5 ● Rare (e.g., agammaglobulinemia) ● Chronic inflammation
● Multiple myeloma

● Liver disease (↓ clotting factor

synthesis)
PT: 11–13.5 sec
PT / INR ● Vitamin K deficiency —
INR: 0.8–1.1
● Warfarin use
● DIC

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 Clinical Laboratory Reference Guide

LIPID Lipid Profile

A Lipid Profile is a panel of blood tests that measures cholesterol and triglyceride levels to assess cardiovascular risk. It typically
requires a 9–12 hour fast and includes total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, triglycerides, and derived ratios used to guide decisions on
diet, lifestyle, and lipid-lowering therapy.

Core Components

Component Desirable Value Increased — Causes Decreased — Causes

● High saturated/trans fat diet

● Obesity
● Hyperthyroidism
● Hypothyroidism
Total ● Malnutrition
< 200 mg/dL ● Diabetes mellitus
Cholesterol ● Severe liver disease
● Nephrotic syndrome
● Malabsorption
● Familial hypercholesterolemia
● Cholestasis, pregnancy

● High saturated/trans fat diet

● Hyperthyroidism
● Obesity
● Statin/lipid-lowering therapy
● Hypothyroidism
LDL Cholesterol < 100 mg/dL ● Malnutrition
● Diabetes mellitus
● Liver disease
● Familial hypercholesterolemia
● Malabsorption
● Smoking

● Smoking
● Regular aerobic exercise
● Obesity, sedentary lifestyle
● Moderate alcohol intake
M: ≥ 40 mg/dL ● Diabetes mellitus
HDL Cholesterol ● Estrogen therapy
F: ≥ 50 mg/dL ● High triglycerides
● Weight loss
● Anabolic steroids
● Niacin therapy
● Beta-blockers

● Obesity
● Diabetes mellitus
● Alcohol use
● Malnutrition
● High-carbohydrate diet
Triglycerides < 150 mg/dL ● Hyperthyroidism
● Hypothyroidism
● Malabsorption
● Nephrotic syndrome
● Drugs (steroids, estrogen, beta-
blockers)

● Same causes as elevated

VLDL 5–40 mg/dL ● Same causes as low triglycerides
triglycerides (VLDL ≈ TG ÷ 5)

Total ● High total cholesterol

● High HDL relative to total
Cholesterol / < 5 (ideal < 3.5) ● Low HDL
cholesterol (favorable)
HDL Ratio ● ↑ Cardiovascular risk

● High LDL
● High HDL relative to LDL
LDL / HDL Ratio <3 ● Low HDL
(favorable)
● ↑ Cardiovascular risk

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 Clinical Laboratory Reference Guide

RFT Renal Function Test (RFT)

A Renal Function Test (RFT), also called a Kidney Function Test (KFT), is a panel of blood tests that evaluates how well the
kidneys are filtering waste and maintaining fluid/electrolyte balance. It measures nitrogenous waste products, electrolytes,
and filtration markers, and is used to detect and monitor acute or chronic kidney disease.

Kidney Function Markers

Component Normal Value Increased — Causes Decreased — Causes

● Dehydration
● High-protein diet
● GI bleeding ● Liver disease/failure
Blood Urea ● Acute/chronic kidney disease ● Malnutrition, low-protein diet
7–20 mg/dL
(BUN) ● Heart failure ● Overhydration
● Urinary obstruction ● Pregnancy
● Catabolic states (fever, sepsis,
steroids)

● Acute kidney injury

● Chronic kidney disease
● Dehydration ● Reduced muscle mass
M: 0.7–1.3
Serum ● Urinary tract obstruction ● Pregnancy
mg/dL
Creatinine ● Rhabdomyolysis ● Malnutrition
F: 0.6–1.1 mg/dL
● High muscle mass ● Liver disease
● Drugs (NSAIDs, ACEi,
aminoglycosides)

● Chronic kidney disease

● Hyperfiltration
> 90 ● Acute kidney injury
eGFR
mL/min/1.73m²
● Early diabetic nephropathy
● Aging
● Pregnancy
● Dehydration

● Gout
● Renal impairment
● SIADH
M: 3.4–7.0 ● High-purine diet
mg/dL
● Fanconi syndrome
Uric Acid ● Tumor lysis syndrome
F: 2.4–6.0 mg/dL ● Low-purine diet
● Dehydration
● Liver disease
● Alcohol use
● Diuretics

● Liver disease
● Dehydration (prerenal)
BUN / ● Low-protein diet
10:1 – 20:1 ● GI bleeding
Creatinine Ratio ● Rhabdomyolysis
● High-protein intake
● SIADH

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 Clinical Laboratory Reference Guide
Electrolytes

Component Normal Value Increased — Causes Decreased — Causes

● SIADH
● Dehydration ● Heart failure
● Diabetes insipidus ● Liver cirrhosis
Sodium (Na⁺) 135–145 mEq/L
● Excess salt intake ● Diuretics
● Cushing's syndrome ● Vomiting/diarrhea
● Adrenal insufficiency

● Renal failure
● Diuretics (loop/thiazide)
● Hemolysis
● Vomiting/diarrhea
● Acidosis
Potassium (K⁺) 3.5–5.0 mEq/L ● Hyperaldosteronism
● ACE inhibitors, K-sparing
● Insulin therapy
diuretics
● Alkalosis
● Rhabdomyolysis

● Dehydration ● Vomiting
● Renal tubular acidosis ● Diuretics
Chloride (Cl⁻) 96–106 mEq/L
● Excess saline infusion ● Metabolic alkalosis
● Hyperparathyroidism ● SIADH

● Metabolic alkalosis ● Metabolic acidosis

Bicarbonate ● Vomiting ● Renal failure
22–28 mEq/L
(HCO₃⁻) ● Diuretic use ● Diarrhea
● Cushing's syndrome ● Diabetic ketoacidosis

LABS Common Laboratory Tests

A quick-reference guide to commonly ordered laboratory panels, their individual components, normal (reference) values, and
the physiological, pathological, and drug-related causes behind abnormal results.

Blood Glucose

Component Normal Value Increased — Causes Decreased — Causes

● Diabetes mellitus ● Insulin overdose

● Stress, Cushing's syndrome ● Insulinoma
FBS (Fasting
Blood Sugar)
70–100 mg/dL ● Acromegaly ● Adrenal insufficiency
● Acute pancreatitis ● Prolonged fasting
● Corticosteroid use ● Liver disease

PPBS ● Diabetes mellitus

● Reactive hypoglycemia
(Postprandial, < 140 mg/dL ● Impaired glucose tolerance
2-hr) ● Excess insulin/oral hypoglycemics
● Stress hyperglycemia

● Diabetes mellitus ● Hypoglycemia

RBS (Random
70–140 mg/dL ● Acute stress/illness ● Insulin overdose
Blood Sugar)
● Steroid use ● Malnutrition, prolonged fasting

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 Clinical Laboratory Reference Guide
Thyroid Function Test (TFT)

Component Normal Value Increased — Causes Decreased — Causes

● Hyperthyroidism (Graves'
disease)
● Primary hypothyroidism
● Secondary hypothyroidism
TSH 0.4–4.0 mIU/L ● Hashimoto's thyroiditis
(pituitary)
● Pituitary TSH-secreting tumor
● Over-replacement with
levothyroxine

● Hyperthyroidism ● Hypothyroidism
T3 (Total) 80–200 ng/dL ● T3 toxicosis ● Euthyroid sick syndrome
● Pregnancy (↑ TBG) ● Malnutrition

● Hyperthyroidism ● Hypothyroidism
T4 (Total) 5–12 µg/dL ● Pregnancy ● Protein malnutrition
● Estrogen therapy ● Nephrotic syndrome

ESR (Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate)

Component Normal Value Increased — Causes Decreased — Causes

● Infection, inflammation
● Polycythemia
● Autoimmune disease (RA, SLE)
● Sickle cell disease
M: < 15 mm/hr ● Malignancy
ESR ● Congestive heart failure
F: < 20 mm/hr ● Anemia
● Extreme leukocytosis
● Pregnancy
● Hypofibrinogenemia
● Tissue necrosis

CRP (C-Reactive Protein)

Component Normal Value Increased — Causes Decreased — Causes

● Acute infection/inflammation
● Autoimmune disease
CRP < 10 mg/L
● Tissue injury, trauma, surgery
—
● Malignancy
● Elevated cardiovascular risk (hs-
CRP)

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 Clinical Laboratory Reference Guide
Coagulation Profile

Component Normal Value Increased — Causes Decreased — Causes

● Liver disease
PT ● Vitamin K deficiency
(Prothrombin 11–13.5 sec ● Warfarin therapy —
Time) ● DIC
● Factor deficiency (VII, X, V, II, I)

● Warfarin therapy
● Liver disease
INR 0.8–1.1 —
● Vitamin K deficiency
● DIC

● Heparin therapy
● Hemophilia (factor VIII/IX
● Early/hypercoagulable DIC
deficiency)
aPTT 25–35 sec ● Extensive malignancy
● Von Willebrand disease
● Acute phase reaction
● Liver disease, DIC
● Lupus anticoagulant

HbA1c (Glycated Hemoglobin)

Component Normal Value Increased — Causes Decreased — Causes

● Poor glycemic control ● Hemolytic anemia

● Diabetes mellitus ● Chronic blood loss
HbA1c < 5.7% ● Chronic kidney disease ● Pregnancy
● Iron deficiency anemia (falsely ● Recent transfusion
high) ● Hemoglobinopathies (falsely low)

Serum Calcium (Ca²⁺)

Component Normal Value Increased — Causes Decreased — Causes

● Hyperparathyroidism ● Hypoparathyroidism
● Malignancy (bone mets, ● Vitamin D deficiency
myeloma) ● Chronic kidney disease
Serum Calcium 8.5–10.5 mg/dL
● Vitamin D toxicity ● Hypoalbuminemia
● Prolonged immobilization ● Acute pancreatitis
● Thiazide diuretics ● Malabsorption

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 Clinical Laboratory Reference Guide
Serum Uric Acid

Component Normal Value Increased — Causes Decreased — Causes

● Gout
● SIADH
● Renal impairment
M: 3.4–7.0 ● Fanconi syndrome
● High-purine diet
Uric Acid mg/dL ● Low-purine diet
F: 2.4–6.0 mg/dL ● Tumor lysis syndrome
● Liver disease
● Dehydration, alcohol use
● Wilson's disease
● Diuretics

Iron Profile

Component Normal Value Increased — Causes Decreased — Causes

● Hemochromatosis ● Iron deficiency anemia

● Hemolytic anemia ● Chronic blood loss
M: 65–175 µg/dL
Serum Iron ● Iron poisoning ● Pregnancy
F: 50–170 µg/dL
● Liver disease ● Chronic disease
● Multiple transfusions ● Malabsorption

● Iron overload/hemochromatosis
M: 20–250 ● Inflammation (acute phase
ng/mL reactant)
● Iron deficiency anemia (most
Ferritin
sensitive marker)
F: 10–120 ng/mL ● Liver disease
● Malignancy

● Hemochromatosis
● Iron deficiency anemia
● Chronic disease/inflammation
TIBC 250–450 µg/dL ● Pregnancy
● Malnutrition
● Oral contraceptive use
● Nephrotic syndrome

Transferrin ● Hemochromatosis, iron overload ● Iron deficiency anemia

20–50%
Saturation ● Hemolytic anemia ● Chronic disease

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 Clinical Laboratory Reference Guide
Vitamin Tests

Component Normal Value Increased — Causes Decreased — Causes

● Inadequate sun exposure

● Vitamin D toxicity/over-
● Malabsorption
Vitamin D (25- supplementation
OH)
30–100 ng/mL ● Liver/kidney disease
● Granulomatous disease
(sarcoidosis)
● Obesity
● Dietary deficiency

● Pernicious anemia
● Excess supplementation ● Vegan diet
Vitamin B12 200–900 pg/mL ● Liver disease ● Malabsorption (Crohn's, celiac)
● Myeloproliferative disorders ● Gastric bypass
● Metformin use

● Poor diet
● Alcoholism
Folate 2.7–17.0 ng/mL ● Excess supplementation ● Malabsorption
● Pregnancy
● Drugs (methotrexate, phenytoin)

Arterial Blood Gas (ABG)

Component Normal Value Increased — Causes Decreased — Causes

● Alkalosis: hyperventilation ● Acidosis: respiratory failure

● Vomiting ● Diabetic ketoacidosis
pH 7.35–7.45
● Diuretics ● Renal failure
● Excess bicarbonate intake ● Diarrhea, sepsis

● Hypoventilation ● Hyperventilation
● COPD ● Anxiety
PaCO2 35–45 mmHg
● Respiratory depression (opioids, ● Pulmonary embolism
sedation) ● High altitude

● Hypoxemia
● COPD, pneumonia
PaO2 75–100 mmHg ● Excess supplemental oxygen
● Pulmonary edema
● High altitude

● Metabolic alkalosis ● Metabolic acidosis

HCO3⁻ 22–26 mEq/L ● Compensation for respiratory ● Diarrhea
acidosis ● Renal tubular acidosis

● Hypoxemia
SaO2 95–100% — ● Respiratory failure
● Severe anemia (functional)

Base Excess −2 to +2 mEq/L ● Metabolic alkalosis ● Metabolic acidosis

Reference ranges vary slightly by laboratory, analyzer, method, and population. Always interpret results alongside clinical context.

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