Basic blood and urine tests

The blood count and blood cells

The blood count assesses red blood cells, hemoglobin, white blood cells and platelets. Changes may point toward anemia, the response to an infection or other problems. Data on the size of the red cells help determine what further investigation makes sense.

Low hemoglobin does not automatically mean iron deficiency. Likewise, raised white cells do not always show a need for an antibiotic. Interpretation requires the symptoms, the clinical condition and, as appropriate, supplementary tests. Taking a supplement without clarifying the cause may delay the diagnosis.

Glucose, lipids and biochemistry

Glycemia (blood sugar) and, when indicated, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) help assess glucose metabolism. HbA1c reflects the average glycemia over roughly the last 2–3 months. The lipid profile includes fractions used to assess cardiovascular risk. The result must be linked to other risk factors and is not judged only by whether the laboratory has flagged it.

Creatinine and the estimate of kidney filtration, electrolytes and liver tests may be requested depending on the context. Raised liver enzymes are not a synonym for liver failure. A result should explain what is being measured and whether confirmation or further investigation is needed.

What a urine test adds

A urine test may examine appearance, chemical composition and elements under the microscope. It may detect blood, protein, glucose or data suggesting inflammation and infection. For assessing kidney damage in certain situations, a more specific measurement of albumin in the urine may be needed.

Blood or protein that is found requires interpretation according to quantity, persistence and context. Menstruation, physical exercise or an incorrect sample collection may affect it. If bacteria are present, the result does not by itself mean an infection that must be treated: symptoms, pregnancy and other circumstances change the decision.

How to prepare for blood and urine

Ask beforehand whether fasting is needed, for which tests and for how long. A blood count alone usually does not require going without food; tests ordered together may have other requirements. Do not stop medicines or change diabetes treatment without guidance.

For urine follow the laboratory’s instructions on the container and the method of collection. When a midstream sample is requested, the first part is not collected in the container. Delivery on time and avoiding contamination affect reliability. Report menstruation, antibiotic treatment or another circumstance that may change the interpretation.

What the reference interval means

The reference interval describes usual values for a certain population and varies with the method and the laboratory. A small deviation does not establish the diagnosis by itself. For some indicators, such as lipids, the treatment target may differ from the limit the laboratory marks.

The doctor considers the degree of change, the other results and the course. Not every abnormal test must be repeated at once and not every result should wait until the annual check. A plan is needed that distinguishes changes of immediate importance from those that can be followed.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to fast for blood tests? It depends on the tests. A blood count usually requires no fasting, while glucose and the lipid profile often require 8–12 hours without food, water only. Ask at booking and do not stop medicines without instruction.

Why do laboratories give different reference intervals? The reference interval depends on the method, the equipment and the comparison population. For the same indicator two laboratories may have slightly different limits. For this reason it is more useful to compare results from the same laboratory and to have the doctor interpret them.

Does a single test show that I have a disease? Rarely. A value outside the interval may relate to food, exercise, hydration, a past infection or normal variation. The doctor considers the degree of change, the other results and the symptoms, and as appropriate asks for repetition or additional tests.

How do I collect urine correctly? Wash your hands and the genital area, pass the first part of the urine into the toilet, collect the midstream part in the sterile container and close it. Deliver it to the laboratory within the stated time. Report menstruation, antibiotic use or urinary symptoms.

Is it dangerous if blood or protein appears in the urine? It is not always dangerous, but it must be assessed. It may relate to infection, stones, heavy exercise, menstruation or kidney disease. The doctor assesses the amount and the persistence and sometimes asks for measurement of albumin in the urine or other examinations.

Why does the doctor ask for a test to be repeated? To confirm an unusual value, to exclude a technical error or a temporary influence (insufficient fasting, recent illness, exercise) and to see the course over time. Repetition does not necessarily mean something serious.

When faster action is needed

If the laboratory or the doctor informs you of a critical value, follow the instruction and do not wait for a routine appointment. Visible blood in the urine, especially with clots, inability to pass urine, pain or fever, requires prompt assessment.

Care at Tirana Polyclinic: We offer laboratory tests of blood and urine, with interpretation by the relevant doctor. We advise that the list of tests and the need for repetition be linked to the consultation and the purpose of the check.