Lab values

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

This probably isn't the answer you wanted, but from our experiences

the " normal " lab ranges can vary quite a bit between labs so it's

difficult to get a standard range. I think you could use your labs

reference range as the best starting point to see what's within

limits. Also, even when some of the values appear out of range that

doesn't mean it's abnormal for children. I forget specifically what

tests can be higher/lower for children, but our rheum walked us

through each test and would tell us which " abnormal " results didn't

concern her because of my sons age. She gave pretty good insight and

made sure we were comfortable. I'd take a quick glance at the results

and ask your Dr to explain each item specifically that concerns you. I

do think it's important to clarify each item specifically that looks

awry to you to both give you peace of mind and to make sure that they

saw the abnormality.

Just as a side note, my son's PT was prolonged. I tried looking it up

online and while it was out of our labs range it was within every

other standard I was finding. I thought since it was fairly close to

our range and within other ranges it didn't matter. My son's Dr

assured me that we needed to follow up. Turns out that this particular

test varies considerably between labs and my son definitely does have

an issue. Feel like I need a medical degree to go to his appts and

understand what's going on sometimes! The values that panic me are

typically nothing and the other ones that I think " close enough! " are

usually our problem.

Vivian

[Guest guest]

We had full blood work up done when was completely healthy. I use those

numbers as my " normal " because he looks great when not fevering.

[Guest guest]

Lab normals can vary from lab to lab. In general, I use the Harriet

Lane for age-appropriate normals. This is a handbook frequently used

by pediatricians. In my experience, the most frequent reason for PT

to be elevated is inadequate specimen. For this test, you have to

have a precise amount of blood for the test to be accurate because of

the reagent in the collection tube. Too much or too little blood can

give an inaccurate value. This is different from most of the other

lab tests out there - like blood counts and chemistry levels.

hope this helps.

[Guest guest]

Is there a good book or reference source for lab values after bariatric

surgery?? I am struggling with determining how much people should take when the

lab values are low.

[Guest guest]

Laboratory Assessment of Nutritional Status: Bridging Theory & Practice includes some information on lab values after bariatric surgery that are often low. This reference also includes some vitamin and mineral labs that are excluded from other lab book texts. It does not tie values to recommendations for supplementation after bariatric surgery. ASMBS is working on a new book that includes a chapter about vitamin mineral needs/deficiencies following bariatric surgery. I don't know if there is a chapter that addresses lab values tied to recommended levels of vitamin mineral supplementation. I wrote the chapter on macronutrients. Jeanne Blankenship is the editor. Cordially, Litchford

PhD, RD, LDNwww.casesoftware.commdlphd@... From: "laurenmm@..." <laurenmm@...> Sent: Monday, July 2, 2012 3:51 PM Subject: Lab values

Is there a good book or reference source for lab values after bariatric surgery?? I am struggling with determining how much people should take when the lab values are low.