Each test has a target range. When your lab results come back with a number in the target range, it means your body is in balance in that area—not too much or too little. And that's just what you want.

Different tests have different measures. Some tests measure in grams per deciliter (g/dL), some in percents, and some use other standards. Let's use hemoglobin and hematocrit as examples.

The range for hemoglobin is:

• 14 to 18 g/dL for healthy men
• 12 to 16 g/dL for healthy women
• 10 to 12 g/dL for men and women on dialysis

The range for hematocrit is:

• 40 to 50% for healthy men
• 36 to 44% for healthy women
• 33 to 36% for men and women on dialysis

Since Medicare pays for most dialysis, they set the target levels of Hgb and Hct for people on dialysis. Studies continue to look at what levels of Hgb and Hct are healthiest for people on dialysis.

At the end of this module is a chart with all of the information you need—including target ranges. When you get your next lab test results, you can compare them to the chart. Each lab is a little different, though, so the target ranges for your tests might not quite match the chart. Ask your doctor or nurse if you have any questions.

We'll tell you about the tests in "families" to make them easier to remember. We'll think of this first set of tests as members of the anemia family.