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What Does My CBC Blood Test Result Indicate?

Posted on Mon, 15 Dec 2014

Question: I've had my CBC ran several times over the past year bc I haven't felt my normal. Everything is normal except my RDW it's anywhere from 15-21. My MCV is anywhere from 86-93. What does this mean? Is it something to be concerned with? Also I have tested for hetero MTHFR in c677t and in C1288 genes. I've had pulmonary emboli before last September. Do these mutations put me at more risk of PEs? Should I be on anticoagulants for life? Also on my lab test my Lp-PLa2 was extremely high at 280. What does that mean? Thanks for helping me with all these questions. I truly appreciate it! Thanks again

Answered by Dr. Hardik Sanghvi (51 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Risk for pulmonary embolism and heart disease

Detailed Answer:
Hi, dear
I have gone through your question. I can understand your concern.
MCV is the mean corpuscles volume, suggest the size of your rbc. It is normal.
RDW is the red cell distribution width. It suggest variation in the size of rbcs. It is also almost normal. You should not worry regarding any of them.

MTHFR gene mutation leads to increased the level of homocystein.
Homocystein is the independent risk factor for pulmonary embolism.
Your lp-lp2 is lipoprotein associated phospholipase A2. It is platelet activator. It is also a risk factor for cardiovascular heart disease.
You have multiple risk factors. So you should continue your anticoagulant and blood thinner for life time. You can take warfarin like drugs accordingly.
Hope I have answered your question, if you have doubt then I will be happy to answer. Thanks for using health care magic.
Wish you a very good health.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj

Follow up: Dr. Hardik Sanghvi (21 hours later)

My hemotologist told me that these factors were not big factors in blood clotting. That a baby aspirin a day would be enough. I'm concerned that he hasn't researched this enough. What is your honest opinion in the risk of blood clotting vs risk of bleeding event in anticoagulants?

Answered by Dr. Hardik Sanghvi (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
You should take anticoagulant drugs.

Detailed Answer:
Hi, dear
I have gone through your question. I can understand your concern.
You have multiple risk factors so you should take anticoagulant drug.
There are definite chances of bleeding. But chance of clotting is more. So take it according to your doctor's advice.
You should stop the drug before any operation or procedures. It will reduce the risk of bleeding.
Consult your doctor and take treatment accordingly.
Hope I have answered your question, if you have doubt then I will be happy to answer. Thanks for using health care magic. Wish you a very good health.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. Hardik Sanghvi (19 hours later)

My hemotologist just says a baby aspirin is enough. In your opinion is that enough anticoagulant? Or are you thinking warfarin/lovenox? Do you think I should get a second opinion or do you agree with what my hematologist says. He is saying a baby aspirin a day unless I have surgery then I would be on lovenox for 12 weeks after. That was after consulting with him yesterday morning?

Answered by Dr. Hardik Sanghvi (19 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Baby aspirin is ok.

Detailed Answer:
Hi, dear.
I have gone through your question. I can understand your concern. You should take any of them. But take at least one of them. If your consulting physician says baby aspirin is ok then you should take it. He is in far better position to prescribed that. He has all clinical data and he examined you throughly. Go with your doctor's advice.
Wish you a very good health.
Thanks for using health care magic.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Ashwin Bhandari