Memorization Tips for Medical Lab Values

Sep 15, 2024

Medical Lab Values and Memorization Tricks

Basic Metabolic Panel

  • Sodium
    • Association: "OD" in sodium for Odd numbers
    • Normal Range: 135 to 145
  • Potassium
    • Association: Bananas
    • Normal Range: 3.5 to 5
  • BUN (Blood Urea Nitrogen)
    • Association: Bunion (digits per limb)
    • Normal Range: 5 to 20
  • Creatinine
    • Association: Number 9 in creatinine
    • Normal Range: 0.6 to 1.2
  • Glucose
    • Association: Energy decline (70 to 100)
    • Normal Range: 70 to 100
  • Calcium
    • Association: Milk (gallon weight + 2%)
    • Normal Range: 8.5 to 10.5
  • Chloride
    • Association: Chlorine in hot tubs (temperature)
    • Normal Range: 95 to 105
  • Bicarbonate
    • Association: Carbonation in a soda 12-pack
    • Normal Range: 23 to 29

Comprehensive Metabolic Panel

  • AST (Aspartate Transaminase)
    • Association: School hours
    • Normal Range: 9 to 40
  • ALT (Alanine Transaminase)
    • Association: Labor (work) hours
    • Normal Range: 7 to 60
  • Alkaline Phosphatase
    • Association: Phosphate (ending 8)
    • Normal Range: 40 to 120
  • Bilirubin
    • Association: Reuben sandwich
    • Normal Range: <1
  • Albumin
    • Association: Protein shake ingredients
    • Normal Range: 3.4 to 5.4

Complete Blood Count (CBC)

  • WBC (White Blood Cell Count)
    • Association: Want to buy a car ($5,000 to $10,000)
    • Normal Range: 5,000 to 10,000
  • RBC (Red Blood Cell Count)
    • Association: Blood volume in liters
    • Normal Range: 4.5 to 5.5
  • Hemoglobin
    • Association: Breaths per minute
    • Normal Range: 12 to 18 (Females: 12-16, Males: 14-18)
  • Hematocrit
    • Association: Midlife crisis age
    • Normal Range: 37 to 50% (Females: 37-47%, Males: 42-50%)
  • Platelets
    • Association: China plates cost
    • Normal Range: 150,000 to 400,000

Arterial Blood Gas (ABG)

  • pH
    • Association: "4" spelled with pH
    • Normal Range: 7.35 to 7.45
  • PCO2
    • Association: Numbers after pH decimal
    • Normal Range: 35 to 45
  • Bicarbonate
    • Association: Carbonation in a soda 12-pack
    • Normal Range: 22 to 26

Coagulation Studies

  • INR (International Normalized Ratio)
    • Association: I as in one
    • Normal Range: <1
  • PT (Prothrombin Time)
    • Association: Single T as in 10
    • Normal Range: 10 to 12 seconds
  • PTT (Partial Thromboplastin Time)
    • Association: Double T, 10 + 20
    • Normal Range: 30 to 40 seconds

These associations aim to make remembering normal lab values easier. Adjustments may be needed based on specific lab references. Always cross-check if preparing for exams or clinical practice.