Blood Values and Their Abbreviations – Simply Explained

Almost everyone has had a blood test at some point, whether as part of a routine check-up or due to specific symptoms. The procedure is always the same: after the blood sample is taken, it is sent to a laboratory where it is analyzed. Depending on the type of examination, the results are usually available within a few days. However, interpreting these results can often be complicated.

What exactly do the different values indicate? Which blood values exist, and when or why are they tested? We explain everything you need to know about the most important blood values and their abbreviations.

Understanding Blood Values and Blood Tests – Why Blood Tests Are Performed

Doctors may order a blood test for a wide range of reasons. Often, it is used to diagnose specific conditions, for example when patients report symptoms such as fatigue, persistent exhaustion, unexplained weight loss or gain, or recurring infections. Especially when conditions such as diabetes, hypothyroidism, or anemia are suspected, a blood test is carried out to confirm or rule out a diagnosis.

Blood tests can also be part of a routine check-up, primarily aimed at early detection of diseases. Practices such as general medicine clinics assess your overall health status based on these results. Blood tests may also be ordered during ongoing treatment. For example, your internal medicine practice can monitor the progression of conditions such as diabetes and assess responses to medical interventions.

Blood tests are also performed in preparation for surgery, allowing doctors to rule out risks such as coagulation disorders. During pregnancy, blood tests may also be carried out, for example if an ultrasound examination indicates atypical developments.

Blood Values – The Most Important Abbreviations Explained

There is a wide variety of blood values that can provide important information about physical health. These values can broadly be grouped according to different functions.

General Blood Values

These blood values are measured as part of a complete blood count. They provide information about overall blood health.

Leukocytes (Leu, WBC)
Normal range: 4,000–10,000/µl
Leukocytes are white blood cells. They play a central role in the immune system and protect the body against infections. Low levels may indicate a weakened immune system.

Erythrocytes (Ery, RBC)
Normal range: 4.7–6.1 million/µl (men)
4.2–5.4 million/µl (women)
Erythrocytes, or red blood cells, transport oxygen from the lungs to body tissues and carry carbon dioxide back to the lungs. Deviations may be a sign of anemia.

Platelets (Thrombocytes)
Normal range: 150,000–400,000/µl
Platelets are responsible for blood clotting and support wound healing. Elevated values may indicate inflammation, while reduced values may point to an increased risk of bleeding.

Hemoglobin (Hb)
Normal range: 14–18 g/dl (men)
12–16 g/dl (women)
Hemoglobin binds and transports oxygen in red blood cells. Reduced levels may indicate iron deficiency.

Hematocrit (Hct)
Normal range: 40–52% (men)
37–46% (women)
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Hematocrit represents the proportion of red blood cells in the blood. Low levels may indicate anemia.

Metabolic Values

These values provide information about various metabolic processes in the body.

Blood Sugar (Glucose)
Normal range: 70–100 mg/dl
Indicates the concentration of glucose in the blood. Elevated fasting blood sugar levels may suggest diabetes mellitus.

Cholesterol (Chol)
Normal range: Total cholesterol < 200 mg/dl
LDL cholesterol < 130 mg/dl
HDL cholesterol > 40 mg/dl
Cholesterol is a fat-like substance required for various bodily functions. Elevated cholesterol levels are considered a risk factor for atherosclerosis and heart attacks.

Triglycerides (TG)
Normal range: < 150 mg/dl
Triglycerides are fats used to store energy. Excess levels pose a risk to heart health.

Uric Acid (UA)
Normal range: 3.5–7.0 mg/dl (men)
2.5–5.7 mg/dl (women)
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Uric acid is a breakdown product of purine metabolism. Elevated levels may indicate gout.

Organ Function Values

These blood values are used to assess the function of various organs.

Creatinine (Crea)
Normal range: 0.64–1.05 mg/dl (men)
0.56–0.91 mg/dl (women)
Creatinine is a breakdown product of muscle metabolism and is excreted via the kidneys. Elevated levels may indicate impaired kidney function.

Urea
Normal range: 15–45 mg/dl
Urea is the end product of the urea cycle and is excreted by the kidneys. Elevated levels may indicate kidney insufficiency.

Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT / GPT)
Normal range: 10–50 U/l (men)
10–35 U/l (women)
ALT is a liver enzyme. Elevated levels may indicate liver cell damage.

Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone (TSH)
Normal range: 0.2–4.5 mU/l
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TSH regulates thyroid function. Elevated levels suggest hypothyroidism, while reduced levels indicate hyperthyroidism.

Inflammation and Deficiency Markers

Blood tests can also assess inflammation and nutrient deficiencies. These values act as markers for inflammatory processes or deficiency states.

C-Reactive Protein (CRP)
Normal range: < 5 mg/l
CRP is a non-specific marker of inflammation produced in the liver. Elevated values may indicate infections.

Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR)
Normal range:
< 15 mm/h (men under 50 years)
< 20 mm/h (men over 50 years, women under 50 years)
< 30 mm/h (women over 50 years)
ESR is an inflammation parameter that measures how quickly erythrocytes settle. It provides indications of inflammatory diseases.

Ferritin (Fer)
Normal range: approx. 15–400 ng/ml
Ferritin is a protein that stores iron. Reduced levels may indicate iron deficiency.

Vitamin B12
Normal range: 200–1000 pg/ml
Vitamin B12 is involved in blood formation and nerve function. A deficiency may lead to anemia and nerve damage.

Folic Acid (Folate)
Normal range: 2.5–9.1 µg/l

Folic acid is a B vitamin that is important for cell division and blood formation. A deficiency may be a sign of anemia.

Blood Tests – How to Interpret Laboratory Results Correctly

The blood values listed provide a general overview of your health, but they should always be interpreted in context. Factors such as age, gender, ethnicity, and lifestyle can influence blood values. Medications and existing medical conditions may also cause deviations. In most cases, slight deviations from normal ranges are not a cause for concern. If you are unsure about your results, discuss them with your doctor at ETERNO, who can provide further guidance and arrange additional examinations if necessary.

FAQs About Blood Tests, Values, and Their Abbreviations

What do blood test values indicate?‍

Blood test values provide information about different aspects of health. General blood values such as leukocytes, erythrocytes, and platelets offer insight into blood health, immune function, and possible anemia or bleeding disorders. Metabolic values such as blood sugar and cholesterol reflect metabolic activity. Organ values such as creatinine and urea indicate organ function. Inflammation and deficiency markers point to inflammation, infections, or nutrient deficiencies.

Which blood values indicate heart problems?‍

Elevated cholesterol and triglyceride levels are the primary indicators associated with heart problems. Other blood values may also be indirectly linked to heart disease. For example, elevated creatinine and urea levels may indicate kidney insufficiency, which can be related to impaired heart function. If you have concerns, consult your cardiology practice for further evaluation.

Which five blood values are most important?‍

The five most important blood values include:

1. General blood values – provide an overview of overall blood health
2. Cholesterol – a marker for cardiovascular disease
3. Blood sugar – may indicate diabetes mellitus
4. Creatinine – reflects kidney function
5. Liver enzymes (ALT/GPT) – indicate liver damage