Interpreting blood test results requires specialized knowledge. Here are some common interpretations:
Elevated White Blood Cells (WBCs) An elevated WBC count often indicates an infection. However, it can also be a sign of inflammation, stress, or other medical conditions.
Presence of Antibodies or Antigens Detecting specific antibodies or antigens suggests exposure to or current infection with a particular pathogen. For example, the presence of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) indicates a hepatitis B infection.
Positive PCR Results A positive PCR test confirms the presence of the pathogen's genetic material, indicating an active infection. This is particularly useful for diagnosing viral infections like HIV or COVID-19.
