Understanding Lab Work

Blood tests give your healthcare team important clues about how your body is working. When you live with chronic conditions, lab work helps track progress, guide treatment, and catch problems early.

You don’t need to understand every number — but knowing what the tests are checking and what changes might mean can help you take a more active role in your care.

Why Lab Tests Matter for Older Adults

Lab tests can help:

• Monitor chronic conditions
• Check how medications are working
• Detect problems before symptoms appear
• Prevent complications and hospital visits

💡 Tip: Trends over time are often more important than one single result.

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Common Blood Tests Explained (in plain language)

Complete Blood Count (CBC)

What it checks:
The red blood cells, hemoglobin, white blood cells, and platelets in your blood

Key parts include:

• Red blood cells: Carry oxygen
• White blood cells: Help fight infection
• Hemoglobin: iron-rich protein in the red blood cell that carries oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body
• Platelets: Help blood clot

What changes may suggest:

• Fatigue or weakness, anemia
• Infection or inflammation
• Bleeding or clotting problems

Learn more about the CBC from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute: Blood Tests

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Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP)

What it checks:
How well some organs are working, chemical/electrolyte balance, response to certain treatments/medications, blood sugar (glucose) levels, etc.

Includes information about:

• Blood sugar
• Liver function
• Kidney function
• Sodium and potassium (fluid balance)

Why it matters:
Changes can affect energy, balance, heart rhythm, and medication safety.

Learn more about the CMP from Medline Plus: Comprehensive Metabolic Panel

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Hemoglobin A1C (A1C)

What it checks:
Your average blood sugar over the past 2–3 months.

Used for:

• Diagnosing diabetes
• Monitoring blood sugar control

Why it matters:
High A1C levels increase the risk of:

• Nerve damage
• Kidney disease
• Vision problems
• Heart disease

💡 A1C reflects long-term patterns, not just one day’s readings.

Learn more about HgbA1c from the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases: The A1c Test

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Cholesterol Panel (Lipid Panel)

What it checks:
Fats in your blood that affect cardiovascular health.

Includes:

• LDL (“bad” cholesterol)
• HDL (“good” cholesterol)
• Triglycerides

Why it matters:
Unhealthy cholesterol levels increase the risk of:

• Heart attack
• Stroke
• Circulation problems

Learn more about the lipid panel from Johns Hopkins Medicine: Lipid Panel

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Kidney Labs (Creatinine, eGFR, BUN)

What they check:
How well your kidneys are functioning and filtering.

Why kidney labs matter:

• Kidneys remove waste and excess fluid
• Many medications depend on kidney function
• Early kidney changes may have no symptoms

💡 Kidney labs often guide medication dosing and safety.

Learn more about kidney labs from the National Kidney Foundation: Kidney Health 101: Making Sense of Kidney Tests and Lab Results

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Lab Results Symptom Checklist

Contact your provider if you notice:

☐ Fatigue or weakness
☐ Dizziness or lightheadedness
☐ Swelling in legs or feet
☐ Shortness of breath
☐ Confusion or memory changes
☐ Changes in urination
☐ Unexplained weight changes
☐ Muscle cramps or irregular heartbeat

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How to Prepare for Lab Work

✔ Ask if fasting is needed
✔ Drink water unless told otherwise
✔ Bring a medication list
✔ Ask when and how you’ll get results

📌 Always ask: “Which results should I be watching closely?”

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Lab Tracking Worksheet

Use this to follow trends over time:

My Lab Tracking Plan

• Test name: ______________________
• Date drawn: _____________________
• Result (if known): _______________
• Was it normal? ☐ Yes ☐ No
• Provider comments: ______________
• Follow-up needed? ☐ Yes ☐ No

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Questions to Ask Your Provider About Lab Results

1. What does this test tell us about my health?
2. Are any results concerning?
3. Are these changes new or ongoing?
4. Could medications affect these results?
5. Do I need repeat testing?
6. What symptoms should I watch for?

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When to Seek Medical Help

Contact your healthcare provider if you have:

🚨 New or worsening symptoms
🚨 Lab results far outside your normal range
🚨 Medication side effects
🚨 Changes in urine, swelling, or breathing
🚨 Confusion or sudden weakness

Seek urgent care for chest pain, severe shortness of breath, fainting, or sudden confusion.

Always ask your healthcare provider for specific advice on when to call to report symptoms, and when to seek urgent/emergency care.  

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Key Takeaways

• Lab tests help monitor health and guide treatment
• Trends over time are more important than single numbers
• Understanding basics improves communication with providers
• Asking questions leads to safer, better care

Knowing what your lab work means helps you stay informed, involved, and proactive in managing your health.

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Medical Disclaimer

This information is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment from a qualified healthcare professional. Lab values and medical conditions vary between individuals, and results should always be interpreted in the context of your overall health.

Always consult your physician, nurse practitioner, or other licensed healthcare provider regarding lab results, symptoms, medications, or changes in your health. Do not delay or avoid seeking medical care based on information in this resource.

If you experience severe symptoms, sudden changes in mental status, chest pain, trouble breathing, or signs of a medical emergency, call 911 or seek immediate medical attention.