Recent Articles by Marcela Lemos

Illustrative image of the article Ferritin: Normal Levels, What Result Mean & Why It's Ordered

Ferritin: Normal Levels, What Result Mean & Why It's Ordered

Updated in 12-15-2023

Ferritin is a protein produced by the liver that stores iron in the body. It can become elevated during periods of inflammation or infection, or decreased with iron deficiency. Learn what ferritin tests mean, what the normal levels are, and the symptoms associated with a high or low ferritin.
Illustrative image of the article FSH Blood Test: Normal Levels & What Results Mean

FSH Blood Test: Normal Levels & What Results Mean

Updated in 12-15-2023

FSH blood tests are ordered to evaluate testicular and ovarian function and is a good marker for fertility. Learn about what normal FSH levels are, what high or low levels mean, and why this test is ordered .
Illustrative image of the article Hematocrit Test (Hct): Reference Ranges & High or Low Levels

Hematocrit Test (Hct): Reference Ranges & High or Low Levels

Updated in 12-15-2023

Hematocrit, or Hct, is a blood test thatch identify anemia, dehydration and heart disease. This test is reported as a percentage, and looks at the ratio of red blood cells to total blood volume. Learn what normal Hot levels are, and what high or low levels mean.
Illustrative image of the article HBsAb Test: What Is It, How to Test & What Results Mean

HBsAb Test: What Is It, How to Test & What Results Mean

Updated in 12-15-2023

An HBsAb test is ordered to determine whether a patient is immune to hepatitis B. It can also be ordered to evaluate the effectiveness of treatment for an active Hep b infection. Learn more about how this test is done, what the results mean, and why it is ordered with the HbsAg test.
Illustrative image of the article Urate Crystals: Causes, Diagnosis & Treatment

Urate Crystals: Causes, Diagnosis & Treatment

Updated in 12-15-2023

Urate crystals are a type of sediment that can appear in the urine due to specimen mishandling or due to acidic urine pH. They are usually identified through a urine R&M test. Learn more about what causes urate crystals, how they are diagnosed and treatment approaches .
Illustrative image of the article MCH Blood Test: What Low or High Levels Mean

MCH Blood Test: What Low or High Levels Mean

Updated in 12-15-2023

A Mean Corpuscular Hemoblobin (MCH) is a blood test that measures the average amount of hemoglobin in a blood cell. It is done by adding a reagent to a blood specimen and assessing the color it produces. Low or high levels may be a sign of another health condition. Learn more about what can cause a low MCH or high MCG.
Illustrative image of the article Immunoglobulin E (IgE): Normal Ranges & What High Levels Mean

Immunoglobulin E (IgE): Normal Ranges & What High Levels Mean

Updated in 12-15-2023

Immunoglobulin E (IgE) is a protein that can be identified in high concentrations in the blood as a response to allergies. Learn more about what the IgE test is ordered for, what high immunoglobulin E levels can mean, and how this blood tes.
Illustrative image of the article Bacteria in Urine: What Results Mean & Common Causes

Bacteria in Urine: What Results Mean & Common Causes

Updated in 12-15-2023

Bacteria in urine frequently occurs due to incorrect collection of the urine, resulting in contamination of the specimen. It may also be a sign of a UTI or tuberculosis, especially if bacteria is observed in high quantities. Learn more about what results mean and what causes bacteria in the urine.
Illustrative image of the article Nitrites in Urine: What It Means & How to Treat

Nitrites in Urine: What It Means & How to Treat

Updated in 12-15-2023

Nitrites in the urine may be a sign of a urinary infection and should be treated as indicated by your doctor. Learn more about why nitrites appear in the urine, how they are tested and how to treat it.
Illustrative image of the article RDW Blood Test: Low and High levels & Why It’s Ordered

RDW Blood Test: Low and High levels & Why It’s Ordered

Updated in 12-15-2023

The RDW blood test looks at variations in size between red blood cells. It is typically ordered as part of a CBC blood test, and can be used to identify different conditions, like anemia and thalassemia. Read about what causes low or high RDW levels and what it is ordered for.
Illustrative image of the article ESR Blood Test: Normal Ranges & What It Means

ESR Blood Test: Normal Ranges & What It Means

Updated in 12-15-2023

An ESR (erythrocyte sedimentation rate) blood test is very useful for detecting inflammation or infections in the body. Learn how ESR is tested, what it is for, and what it means if you have a high ESR or low ESR level .
Illustrative image of the article Segmented Neutrophils: What High & Low Levels Mean

Segmented Neutrophils: What High & Low Levels Mean

Updated in 12-15-2023

Segmented neutrophils are the cells that are responsible for defending the body from foreign microorganisms. They are found in higher quantities during an infection, for example, and can become lower with stress. Learn more about what can cause high or low levels, and what the normal value should be.
Illustrative image of the article GGT Blood Test: What a High or Low Result Means

GGT Blood Test: What a High or Low Result Means

Updated in 12-15-2023

A GGT blood test is normally ordered to assess for liver injury, like hepatitis or cirrhosis, however it can also be apart of a routine work-up to assess whether the liver is functioning normally. Learn about what a high GGT or low GGT means and what the normal reference range is.
Illustrative image of the article CPK Test: High or Low Levels & What Results Mean

CPK Test: High or Low Levels & What Results Mean

Updated in 12-15-2023

A CPK test looks at the levels of creatinine phosphokinase in the blood. It is used to evaluate possible damage in the skeletal muscles, heart or brain. Learn about why this test is ordered, what a high or low level means, and the different types of CPK.
Illustrative image of the article Epithelial Cells in Urine: Types (including Squamous) & Causes

Epithelial Cells in Urine: Types (including Squamous) & Causes

Updated in 12-15-2023

Epithelial cells in the urine are considered to be a normal finding and usually is not of clinical relevance. However too many epithelial cells in the urine can be a sign of a UTI or kidney problem. Learn about what causes epthelial cells t.