Blood work is often ordered to check for the causes of your symptoms when you aren’t feeling well. While your physician should go over the results with you at the health clinic, asking the right questions can give you insight into your own body and health.

What to Ask When You Get Blood Work Results

Was anything unusual or outside of standard healthy guidelines?

Abnormal blood results signal internal problems that you should know about. A low platelet count, called thrombocytopenia, puts you at high risk for excessive and internal bleeding. High red blood cell counts can be caused by pulmonary disease, dehydration, tumors, or high altitudes, and low red blood cell counts (anemia) can be the result of severe bleeding, kidney disease, and nutrient deficiencies.

A high level of white blood cells indicates that your body is fighting an illness or injury, while a low count may reveal bone marrow or immunodeficiency disorders.

Does it explain why I’ve been feeling ill or experiencing symptoms?

If your test was done because you’ve been experiencing specific symptoms or illnesses, ask your physician if they found an explanation or lead in your work. It also encourages them to put their response in easy-to-understand terms, so you get a direct answer. If it doesn’t explain your condition, then they’ll tell you how they’ll proceed and what other tests may need to be done.

Do I need to follow up with more tests?

Which tests are done depend on what was abnormal about your results. Common tests include metabolic panels, which test blood glucose levels, kidney function, and electrolyte balances, as well as enzyme tests, which can detect if you’ve had a heart attack.

Can I have a copy of my results?

Ask for a copy of your results now so you don’t need to go through any hassle trying to get them later. You can also look at them yourself. Do research to help you understand the results, and if you’re not certain about the findings, you can take them to another clinic for a second opinion. 

If you need blood work done or want a second opinion for previous results, see the licensed and skilled physicians at Kona-Kohala Health Care Services in Kailua-Kona, HI. Dr. Donald Nikaitani & Dr. Richard Pekala have years of experience and a positive reputation in the community. They work with most major insurances, and their advanced facility offers preventive, acute, and general care. Learn about their team online, and call (808) 329-1346 for an appointment.