Recent Articles by Marcela Lemos

Illustrative image of the article Arterial Blood Gases (ABG's): What It's For & Normal Levels

Arterial Blood Gases (ABG's): What It's For & Normal Levels

Updated in 12-15-2023

Arterial blood gases (ABGs) are a blood test done on patients admitted to the hospital. It evaluates whether gases (oxygen and carbon dioxide) are being properly exchanged in the lungs. Learn more about why this test is done, how it's done and what normal levels should be.
Illustrative image of the article Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP): Why It’s High or Low (& Normal Ranges)

Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP): Why It’s High or Low (& Normal Ranges)

Updated in 12-15-2023

Alkaline phosphate is an enzyme that is present in the liver and bones and is helpful for evaluating for liver or bone disease. Learn more about when it’s ordered, what causes high or low levels, and what the normal ranges are.
Illustrative image of the article Creatinine: What Is It, Normal Levels & When to Worry

Creatinine: What Is It, Normal Levels & When to Worry

Updated in 12-15-2023

Creatinine levels are used to evaluate kidney function. Elevated levels may help to identify a kidney injury or infection. Learn what creatinine tests are for, and what the normal levels are, as well as what can cause high or low creatinine .
Illustrative image of the article Bilirubin: Types, Normal Ranges & What Causes High Levels

Bilirubin: Types, Normal Ranges & What Causes High Levels

Updated in 12-15-2023

Bilirubin is a substance produced by the liver using hemoglobin that is released by destroyed or damaged red blood cells. Learn more about what the normal ranges are, the types of bilirubin (direct, indirect and total), as well as what can cause high levels .
Illustrative image of the article BUN Blood Test: What Is It, Uses & What Results Mean

BUN Blood Test: What Is It, Uses & What Results Mean

Updated in 12-15-2023

A BUN blood test is ordered to evaluate kidney and liver function. Urea is a substance produced by the liver and is an end-product of breakdown of protein. Learn more about how it can measure liver and kidney function, why it’s ordered, and what normal ranges are. Also read about what high or low BUN levels mean.
Illustrative image of the article Protein in Urine: Causes, Types & Symptoms

Protein in Urine: Causes, Types & Symptoms

Updated in 12-15-2023

High levels of protein in the urine can occur for many reasons, like high blood pressure, diabetes or dehydration. Learn more about what can cause protein in the urine, symptoms associated with proteinuria and how it is treated .
Illustrative image of the article Lymphocytes: What Are They, Types & High or Low Levels

Lymphocytes: What Are They, Types & High or Low Levels

Updated in 12-15-2023

Lymphocytes are a type of white blood cell that help to protect the body from infections. Low lymphocytes can be a sign of illnesses like AIDS or a side-effect of medication or cancer therapy. High levels can occur with infections or allergies. Learn more about the different types and causes high or low lymphocytes.
Illustrative image of the article CEA Blood Test: What It Tests & Normal Levels

CEA Blood Test: What It Tests & Normal Levels

Updated in 12-15-2023

CEA blood tests are usually ordered to help with the diagnosis and monitoring of patients with colorectal cancer. However, it can also be elevated with other health conditions, like liver or pancreatic problems. Learn more about what the CEA test, what it tests for and what normal levels are.
Illustrative image of the article Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH): Uses & High or Low Levels

Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH): Uses & High or Low Levels

Updated in 12-15-2023

The LDH blood test is an exam that is ordered to investigate for cardiac and liver disease. Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) is an enzyme present in the cells that metabolizes sugar in the body. Learn more about what this test is used for and what high or low levels mean.
Illustrative image of the article TB Test: What Is It, How It’s Done & Positive or Negative Result

TB Test: What Is It, How It’s Done & Positive or Negative Result

Updated in 12-15-2023

A TB test is done by injecting a small amount of tuberculin (protein from the tuberculosis bacteria) beneath the skin of the forearm. The skin reaction to this injection is then assessed 72 hours later. Learn more about how this test is done, and what a positive or negative result mean.
Illustrative image of the article Leukocytes: High or Low Levels & What Results Mean

Leukocytes: High or Low Levels & What Results Mean

Updated in 12-15-2023

Changes to leukocyte levels can happen due to several problems, such as infections or even cancer. Find out what leukocytes are, what causes a high white blood cell count, or a low count, and what to do in each situation.
Illustrative image of the article TSH Blood Test: What It's For & Why It's High or Low

TSH Blood Test: What It's For & Why It's High or Low

Updated in 12-15-2023

The TSH blood test is a type of test that is generally ordered to evaluate thyroid health. Learn about what the normal values are, and what it means if your TSH level is too high or low, as well as what it means to order a sensitive TSH.
Illustrative image of the article Monocytes: High & Low Levels (& Reference Ranges)

Monocytes: High & Low Levels (& Reference Ranges)

Updated in 12-15-2023

Monocytes are a type of white blood cell that are apart of the immune system. High levels are usually a sign of infection, and can be a marker for doctors to guide treatment. Learn more about what causes high monocytes or low monocytes, and what the normal levels are.
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 .