The Lab Tracker Tool
While monitoring your LDH (lactate dehydrogenase) is important, knowing your other lab values can provide a more complete picture of your PNH.
Understanding your other labs
To manage your PNH, your healthcare team may use many different tests. This tool can be used to track your lab values over time for the following tests:
Complete blood count (CBC): Provides information about the kinds and numbers of cells in the blood. Includes hematocrit, hemoglobin, platelets, and white blood cells (among other measurements):
- Hematocrit (HCT): Measures the volume of red blood cells in your blood. The test is given as a percentage of how much of your blood is made up of red blood cells
- Hemoglobin (Hgb): Hemoglobin is the substance in red blood cells that carries oxygen in the blood. This test measures the amount of hemoglobin in the blood and its ability to carry oxygen throughout the body
- Platelets (thrombocyte) count: Measures the amount of platelets in your blood. Platelets are used for clotting and play an important role in helping you heal from injury
- White blood cells (WBCs): This test measures the amount of white blood cells in your blood. WBCs protect the body against infection
Creatinine (CRT): Measures creatinine, a waste product in the blood. This test indicates how well your kidneys are working.
Keeping track of your other lab values combined with monitoring your LDH level is the best way to help you and your doctor manage your PNH.
How the Lab Tracker works
- At the very top of the grid, you will find a row labeled “Date.” Write in the date your blood was tested in the first empty box found in this row.
- Next to each of the tests, you can write in your lab values from that day, making sure that they correspond to the date in the top row.
- Continue to record your results in order in the columns to the right of your first entry on the grid.
