3 minute read
Understanding Blood Counts: A Patient’s Guide to Lab Results
from MBMH Issue 7
by healcanada
A CBC is a routine blood test that evaluates your overall health and detects a variety of disorders.
Questions to Ask Your Doctor
Bring your lab report to your next appointment, and consider asking: What do these results mean for my condition? Are these changes significant since my last test? Could any of these results be caused by my medications? What follow-up tests or actions are needed? Should I be referred to a hematologist?
Tracking Your Lab Trends
Trusted Resources
Educational Websites
Leukemia&Lymphoma Society of Canada(LLSc)
Canadian Cancer Society
My Blood My Health – Heal Canada
Lab Tests Online
Mobile Apps
My Chart – Access and track lab results.
CareClinic–Tracks symptoms, labs, and medication. BloodCountsExplained–App for understanding test meanings (if available regionally).
Advocate for Yourself
You have the right to access your test results. It’s OK to ask for a second opinion.
You can request a referral to a hematologist.
Ask your healthcare team to explain results in plain language. Being informed is a key part of your treatment plan, so don’t be afraid to speak up.
When to Seek Medical Attention Immediately
Call your healthcare provider or go to the ER if you experience:
Sudden bruising or bleeding
Unexplained fatigue or weakness
Fever with low white cell counts
Shortness of breath or chest pain
Dizziness with low hemoglobin
Final Thoughts
Understanding your bloodwork can feel like learning a new language, but you’re not alone. With the right tools, explanations, and support, you can take charge of your health. Use this guide as a companion, ask questions, and connect with patient advocacy organizations who can help you every step of the way.
15 Questions to Ask Your Doctor
A handy guide for patients to bring to their healthcare appointments.
Generalunderstanding
Can you explainwhatthesetestresultsmeaninplainlanguage?
Which of my results are outside the normal range, and should I be concerned?
3. How do these results compare to my previous tests? Are there any trends?
4. What could be causing any abnormal results?
5. Are these results typical for someone with my condition or treatment plan?
Follow-up and next steps
Do anyoftheseresultssuggestIneedmoretestsorareferraltoaspecialist?
Would you recommend a bone marrow biopsy or other diagnostics based on this?
3. Should I be monitoring any of these values regularly? How often?
4. Do these results explain the symptoms I’ve been experiencing?
Is this a one-time issue, or does it indicate a chronic condition?
Medication & Lifestyle Impact
Could any of my medications or supplements be affecting these results?
2. Are there lifestyle changes I should consider based on these results?
Learning & Support
1. Can you walk me through what each of the CBC values means for my health?
2. Where can I find trusted resources to help me understand my lab results better?
Check out our website for some printer-friendly resources to use in your physician appointments. www.healcanada.org
