Does anyone know what causes a high free plasma hemoglobin level. I just got a blood test back and it's ridiculously high. Normal is 0-5. Mine was 72!!
Posted by feelfit (Member # 12770) on :
Seek,
Did a little Google search, I am sure that you did too.
I imagine that M ordered this? What is the doctor saying? From what I have read it isn't too positive....and your # is really high.
Could they have goofed the test?
Feelfit
Posted by seekhelp (Member # 15067) on :
Yes, I Googled it. Yes, Dr. M ordered it. The normal HgB on the CBC w/Differential and Plt was normal and always has been. Normal is between 13.5-17.0. My # was 15.6. Dr. L ordered that panel. I don't know the difference between the standalone plasma Hgb ordered by Dr. M and the one included in the typical metabolic panel ordered by Dr. L.
The lab test that is abnormal says strict measure need to be taken with transportation of the blood and it must be tested in 4 hours. It seems like there is a lot of room for error. One cause for error is excessive exercise and it certainly wasn't that!
We'll see if Dr. M calls me on this number. It looks like Malaria was a possible cause..hmmm. Sickle cell anemia and other bad stuff. I WILL NOT play doctor and get concerned yet. It's nor worth it as I can't possibly know how one test is supposed to be interpreted. All others he ran were completely normal.
On another note, my Eos is ALWAYS elevated too to a degree. Normal is 0.0-0.4. Mine was 0.6.
Posted by feelfit (Member # 12770) on :
I saw the Malaria part. That would make sense of some sort. As these tick borne things respond to anti-malarials (BABESIA)...which you have been going after. Maybe they could also be responsible for the result.
That one made the most sense to me.
Sickle cell anemia is out I am assuming?
And the other ones just seem like barking up the wrong tree.
I would look at it as something that you may be able to hang your hat on in regards to Babesia dx.
Obviously, wait and see what Dr. says....if anything at all.
Best, Feelfit
Posted by seekhelp (Member # 15067) on :
Anytime you see a 70+ on a test with 5 being the high end of normal, it's a 'freak out' scenario!
I always thought Babesia causeds low RBC counts? The chance of Dr. M buying into Babesia is as good as me winning the Mega Millions tonight. lol. Time to go buy a ticket. Posted by seibertneurolyme (Member # 6416) on :
One rule I have learned with abnormal lab results -- never assume they are normal or abnormal without a 2nd test. Some docs might say that the sample got too hot and not to worry. Yes, that could be true, but without retesting there is no way to know. It would be much better to retest now and then move on. Results of a 2nd test may show everything ok or they could indicate the need for further testing.
Bea Seibert
Posted by seekhelp (Member # 15067) on :
Bingo.....Babesia is one of 39 possible reasons. FYI, this is one cool tool!
I would consider retesting though. If you are that far out of range for real, SOMEONE better start to take this seriously....and treat.
And no, I am not talking about you....maybe the ID guy.
Feelfit
ps awesome link!
Posted by seekhelp (Member # 15067) on :
Thanks Feelfit. I'm guessing the lab didn't process it quickly enough. I had it done at a doctor's office with a hospital outpatient lab. The sample needs to be processed in 2-4 hours.
The woman who drew the blood isn't the sharpest knife in the drawer. I'd bet a lot she let the sample of blood sit at room temp until the end of the day until a courier drove it to the main hospital laboratory. I have no faith in this facility. She can't even show up on time when the lab opens!
Posted by Pinelady (Member # 18524) on :
You know I think we are learning more than they know
I too have high HG counts. How I don't know
I told my MD I thought they messed up the test
Or someone needed to actually look at the cells
to see whats up.
He did not think it important. Is low lymph count important?
He says no as long as the white count is in normal range?
Posted by seekhelp (Member # 15067) on :
ID doc is sending me to a hematologist to do more testing due to the riduclously high free plasms Hg level. My appt is next week. We'll see.......hey, it's the one specialist I have not been to in the last 15 months. I guess the circle needs to be completed.
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