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Everything is better at the VA

I find it very interesting when comparing results of tests performed at Kaiser and the VA, all the results are better [higher] at the VA.

After receiving the latest blood test results (taken with 24 hours of each other) At the VA, my hemoglobin was 12.7 g/dl vs 11.5 g/dl at Kaiser, and my platelets were 212 thou/cumm at the VA vs 178 thou/cumm at Kaiser (both with the same reference range). Even my blood pressure was higher [not better]. At Kaiser, and when I check at home, my blood pressure always ranges from 110/60 to 120/70, but at the VA, it's always about 130/80 or higher.

I can certainly understand blood pressure being higher due to the environment, and a shorter wait to have my blood pressure taken at the VA (little time to relax after a brisk walk to the doctors office), but why the hemoglobin and platelets?

Oh well, I guess that just goes to show you how much variability there is in the equipment and/or the technicians interpreting the results, and a good reason not to focus on the results of just one test. You have to look at trends.

Fortunately though, my total lymphocyte counts were about the same at 90 thou/cumm, which is good.

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