Lab Values

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Specializes in Paramedic 15 years, RN now.

So, I'm about to pull my hair out with this. I'm comprising a list of normal lab values to refer to. Yeh, I know the big ones, like K and Na, Ca, stuff like that. But then, I get to the smaller ones, in this case, Protein. And the "normal" labs I can find are all over the place. One internet site says normal protein is 2.2-4.2, my lab book I was REQUIRED to buy says 6.6-7.9, and yes, I am making sure I am reading the correct units after the result. Seems everywhere I look, there is a different number. I'm not talking a few off, but huge differences. I'm steaming irritated right now but I'm trying not to use foul language. My final is tomorrow and I'm loosing my mind!!!

GRrrrrrrrrrrr

:angryfire

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Specializes in Psych, Chem Dependency, Occ. Health.

Sorry you are so irritated with this and good luck on your final!

"Normal" lab values vary from book and book and even facility to facility. In general, I have always seen a normal range of total protein to be between 6.0-8.5/9.0 depending on the source. So I'd be looking for something in that range. So your lab book is not far off.

Sue, RN

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Specializes in med/surg, telemetry, IV therapy, mgmt.

I'd go with what is in the lab book you were required to buy.

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Specializes in Emergency!.

I would go with what the book says or what the hospital your school is affiliated with says. If they wanted you to buy the book, that means they are probable using the values and info from those books.

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