What to Do If Your Blood Test Results Are Abnormal

Table of Contents

1. Introduction: Understanding the Initial Shock
2. Why Blood Tests Are Ordered
3. What Are Abnormal Blood Test Results?
4. Common Types of Blood Test Abnormalities
5. How to Interpret Your Blood Test Report
6. What to Do After Abnormal Blood Test Results
7. Emotional Reactions and When to Seek Support
8. When to Retest or Seek Specialist Consultation
9. Conclusion: Stay Informed, Stay Proactive

Receiving abnormal blood test results can feel overwhelming, even frightening. Whether you were getting a routine checkup or testing for a specific concern, seeing “abnormal” marked on your report might trigger confusion, anxiety, or even panic. However, it's important to remember that abnormal results do not necessarily mean you have a serious illness. They are simply a signal that something needs closer attention.

Why Blood Tests Are Ordered

Blood tests are one of the most fundamental tools in modern healthcare. They help assess overall health, detect underlying conditions, monitor chronic diseases, and guide treatment decisions. A commonly ordered test is the Complete Blood Count (CBC), which evaluates components such as red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.

Other common blood tests include:

• Lipid profile (cholesterol)
• Liver and kidney function tests
• Thyroid panel
• Blood glucose tests
• Vitamin and mineral levels

Each of these tests has its own range of normal values, which can vary based on age, sex, and lab standards.

What Are Abnormal Blood Test Results?

“Abnormal” means a value falls outside the reference range considered normal for most healthy individuals. These ranges are based on population averages, so an abnormal result does not always indicate disease—it may reflect temporary changes due to stress, diet, hydration, medication, or even lab error.

There are two types of abnormalities:

• Slightly abnormal: A minor deviation from normal that may not be clinically significant.
• Critically abnormal: Values far from the normal range that require immediate attention.

Common Types of Blood Test Abnormalities

Test	Possible Abnormality	What It Could Indicate
Complete Blood Count (CBC)	Low hemoglobin	Anemia
CBC	High white cell count	Infection or inflammation
Liver Function Test	Elevated ALT/AST	Liver inflammation or damage
Blood Glucose	High fasting sugar	Prediabetes or diabetes
Lipid Profile	High LDL cholesterol	Cardiovascular risk
Thyroid Panel	High TSH	Hypothyroidism

Always interpret these in context with your symptoms and medical history.

How to Interpret Your Blood Test Report

Interpreting lab results is not always straightforward. Here's how to start:

• Look for flagged values: Labs often highlight results that fall outside the normal range.
• Compare with reference ranges: These are usually printed next to your result.
• Avoid self-diagnosing: A single result should never be the basis for a conclusion.
• Note patterns: Repeated abnormalities over time are often more meaningful than a one-off result.

Your doctor considers your symptoms, medical history, medications, and lifestyle before determining if a result is truly concerning.

What to Do After Abnormal Blood Test Results

If your blood test results are abnormal:

1. Don't panic:
   Many results normalize on repeat testing. Factors like dehydration, stress, or fasting errors can skew results.
2. Schedule a follow-up with your doctor:
   This is the most important step. Your provider can explain the significance and whether further action is needed.
3. Ask questions:
   • What could have caused this result?
   • Is it urgent?
   • Do I need more tests?
   • Should I change my diet, medications, or routine?
4. Follow your doctor’s recommendations:
   You may be advised to repeat the test, monitor the situation, adjust your medications, or consult a specialist.
5. Keep records:
   Maintain copies of your results for future comparisons.

Emotional Reactions and When to Seek Support

It’s natural to feel stressed after receiving unexpected results. If you're feeling persistently anxious, consider:

• Talking with your healthcare provider about your fears
• Seeking emotional support from friends or family
• Consulting a mental health professional if anxiety interferes with daily life

Staying informed and proactive can reduce fear and give you a sense of control.

When to Retest or Seek Specialist Consultation

Your physician may recommend:

• Repeat testing in a few weeks to confirm results
• More specific blood tests or imaging studies
• Referral to a specialist such as an endocrinologist, hematologist, or gastroenterologist based on the abnormality

Certain conditions require ongoing monitoring. For example, if you have persistently low vitamin B12 or abnormal thyroid levels, regular blood tests might become part of your routine care.

Conclusion: Stay Informed, Stay Proactive

Abnormal blood test results can feel unsettling, but they are often the first step toward better understanding your health. In many cases, minor deviations resolve on their own or with simple lifestyle adjustments. What matters most is your response—calm, informed, and guided by professional advice.

If you're ever in doubt about your blood test interpretation, speak with a trusted healthcare provider. Apollo Diagnostics offers comprehensive blood testing services along with access to experienced medical professionals who can help interpret your results and guide you on the next steps.