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List of normal lab values

Clinical laboratory tests and adult normal values.

This table lists reference values for the interpretation of laboratory results provided in the Medical Council of Canada exams. All values apply to adults.

Normal values were obtained primarily from the University of Ottawa’s laboratory (Eastern Ontario Regional Laboratory Association [EORLA]), the AMA Manual of Style, and Ottawa Hospital Laboratory Services.

Arterial blood gasesa

Clinical laboratory test Normal value
pH, arterial blood 7.38–7.46
Pco2, arterial blood 32–45 mm Hg
Po2, arterial blood 83–116 mm Hg
Bicarbonate (HCO3), arterial blood 22–27 mmol/L
Base excess, arterial blood −2.5 to 2.5 mmol/L
aEastern Ontario Regional Laboratory Association. EORLA regional biochemistry recommended reference intervals by instrumentation/analyzer: Blood Gas & Oximetry. Last updated June 28, 2019.

Blood

Clinical laboratory testNormal value
Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), blooda 
    Female0–20 mm/h
    Male0–10 mm/h
Hematocrit (Hct), blooda0.38–0.50 L/L
Hemoglobin (Hgb), blooda 
    Female115–155 g/L
    Male125–170 g/L
Mean corpuscular volume (MCV), blooda80–100 fL
Mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), blooda 
    Female25–34 pg
    Male27–34 pg
Mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), blooda315–355 g/L
Mean platelet volume (MPV), blooda9.0–14.0 fL
Platelet count, blooda130–380 × 109/L
Red blood cell (RBC) count, blooda 
    Female3.50–5.00 × 1012/L
    Male4.00–5.50 × 1012/L
Red cell distribution width (RDW), blooda11.5%–15.5%
Reticulocyte count, absolute, bloodb23–90 × 109/L
Reticulocyte percentage, bloodc0.5%–1.5%

aEastern Ontario Regional Laboratory Association. Hematology reference ranges. Glengarry Memorial Hospital. Effective date June 25, 2019.
bFrom The Ottawa Hospital laboratory (2019).
cSzigeti, R. G. (2014, September 5). Reticulocyte count and reticulocyte hemoglobin content. Retrieved April 27, 2020.

Clinical laboratory testNormal value
Bleeding time (Ivy method), bloodd1–9 min
International normalized ratio (INR), nonanticoagulated, blooda0.9–1.2
Activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), nonanticoagulated, blooda22–30 s
Prothrombin time (PT), bloode10–14 s

aEastern Ontario Regional Laboratory Association. Hematology reference ranges. Glengarry Memorial Hospital. Effective date June 25, 2019.
dCharbek, E. (2016, March 2). Bleeding time. Retrieved April 15, 2020.
eGamma Dynacare.

Clinical laboratory testNormal value
White blood cell (WBC) count, blooda3.5–10.5 × 109/L
    Neutrophils, absolute, blooda2.0–7.5 × 109/L
    Basophils, blooda0–0.1 × 109/L
    Eosinophils, blooda0–0.5 × 109/L
    Lymphocytes, blooda 
      Female0.8–3.3 × 109/L
      Male0.8–3.5 × 109/L
    Monocytes, blooda0.1–1.0 × 109/L

aEastern Ontario Regional Laboratory Association. Hematology reference ranges. Glengarry Memorial Hospital. Effective date June 25, 2019.

Clinical laboratory testNormal value
Ferritin, bloodf 
    Female11–307 µg/L
    Male24–336 µg/L
Iron, bloodg 
    Female9–30 µmol/L
    Male12–31 µmol/L
Iron-binding capacity, total (TIBC), bloodg45–81 µmol/L
Transferrin, bloodg2.0–3.6 g/L
Transferrin saturation, bloode0.20–0.50

eGamma Dynacare.
fEastern Ontario Regional Laboratory Association. EORLA regional biochemistry recommended reference intervals by instrumentation/analyzer: Beckman DXI. Last updated June 28, 2019.
gEastern Ontario Regional Laboratory Association. EORLA regional biochemistry recommended reference intervals by instrumentation/analyzer: Siemens Vista. Last updated June 28, 2019.

Clinical laboratory testNormal value
Thyroid peroxidase antibody, bloodh< 35 IU/mL
Thyrotropin (thyroid-stimulating hormone), bloodf0.34–5.60 mIU/L
Thyroxine, free (FT4), bloodf7.0–17.0 pmol/L
Triiodothyronine, free (FT3), bloodf3.3–6.0 pmol/L

fEastern Ontario Regional Laboratory Association. EORLA regional biochemistry recommended reference intervals by instrumentation/analyzer: Beckman DXI. Last updated June 28, 2019.
hElhomsy, G. (2014, December 4). Antithyroid antibody. Retrieved April 15, 2020.

Clinical laboratory testNormal value
Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), bloodi 
    At 8 a.m.2.2–13.3 pmol/L
    At 4 p.m.< 4.5 pmol/L
Albumin, bloodg34–50 g/L
Aldosterone, bloodj61–978 pmol/L
Alkaline phosphatase, bloodg50–136 IU/L
Transaminaseg 
    Alanine aminotransferase (ALT), blood17–63 IU/L
    Aspartate aminotransferase (AST), blood15–37 IU/L
    γ-Glutamyltransferase (GGT), blood 
        Female5.0–55.0 IU/L
        Male15.0–85.0 IU/L
Ammonia, bloodg≤ 35 µmol/L
Amylase, bloodg25–115 IU/L
Anion gap, bloodg5–12 mmol/L
Bicarbonate (HCO3), bloodb21–32 mmol/L
Bilirubin, bloodg 
    Direct (conjugated)2–9 µmol/L
    Total3–17 µmol/L
Brain-type natriuretic peptide (BNP)k 
    BNP, blood≤ 50 pg/mL
    𝘕-terminal pro–brain-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), blood≤ 125 pg/mL
CD4 T-cell count, bloodl500–2000 cells/μL
C-reactive protein, bloodg≤ 10 mg/L
Calcium (Ca), blood 
    Totalg2.12–2.52 mmol/L
    Ionizedm1.14–1.28 mmol/L
Cancer antigen (CA) 125, bloodf< 35 kIU/L
Cancer antigen (CA) 19-9, bloodf< 35 kIU/L
Carbamazepine, bloodn17–51 µmol/L
Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), bloodf< 3.0 µg/L
Chloride (Cl), bloodg98–107 mmol/L
Cortisol, bloodf 
    a.m.185–624 nmol/L
    p.m.≤ 276 nmol/L
Creatine kinase (CK), bloodg 
    Female30–190 IU/L
    Male30–250 IU/L
Creatinine, bloodg 
    Female22–75 µmol/L
    Male49–93 µmol/L
D-dimer, blooda< 600 µg/L
Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), bloodb≥ 60 mL/min/1.73 m2
α1-Fetoprotein, bloodf≤ 9.0 µg/L
Folate (folic acid), bloodf≥ 10.0 nmol/L
Glucose, bloodg 
    Fasting4.0–6.0 mmol/L
    Random4.0–11.0 mmol/L
Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), bloodg4.8%–6.0%
Hepatitis B surface antibodies, bloodo≥ 10 mIU/mL (Positive)
< 10 mIU/mL (Negative)
Lactate, bloodm0.5–2.5 mmol/L
Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), bloodg100–205 IU/L
Lipase, bloodg73–393 IU/L
Lithium (Li), bloodn 
      Age 18–65 y0.6–1.2 mmol/L
      Age > 65 y0.4–0.8 mmol/L
Magnesium (Mg), bloodg0.74–1.03 mmol/L
Osmolality, bloodp275–295 mmol/kg
Parathyroid hormone (PTH), bloodf1.6–9.3 pmol/L
Phosphate (PO4), bloodg0.81–1.58 mmol/L
Potassium (K), bloodg3.5–5.1 mmol/L
Prostate-specific antigen (PSA), bloodf< 3.1 µg/L
Protein, total, bloodq 
      Age 18–<30 y65–83 g/L
      Age ≥30 y65–78 g/L
Rheumatoid factor (RF), bloodg≤ 20 kIU/L
Sodium (Na), bloodg136–146 mmol/L
Troponin I, bloodg≤ 45 ng/L
Troponin T (TnT), bloodp≤ 0.1 µg/L
Uric acid, bloodg 
    Female155–400 µmol/L
    Male208–400 µmol/L
Urea, bloodg2.1–8.0 mmol/L
Valproic acid, bloodn350–700 µmol/L
Vitamin B12, bloodf133–675 pmol/L
Vitamin D (25-hydroxyvitamin D), bloodf75–250 nmol/L

aEastern Ontario Regional Laboratory Association. Hematology reference ranges. Glengarry Memorial Hospital. Effective date June 25, 2019.
bFrom The Ottawa Hospital laboratory (2019).
fEastern Ontario Regional Laboratory Association. EORLA regional biochemistry recommended reference intervals by instrumentation/analyzer: Beckman DXI. Last updated June 28, 2019.
gEastern Ontario Regional Laboratory Association. EORLA regional biochemistry recommended reference intervals by instrumentation/analyzer: Siemens Vista. Last updated June 28, 2019.
iNieman, L. K., Lacroix, A., Martin, K. A. (2019, September 9). Measurement of ACTH, CRH, and other hypothalamic and pituitary peptides. Retrieved April 14, 2020.
jEastern Ontario Regional Laboratory Association. EORLA regional biochemistry recommended reference intervals by instrumentation/analyzer: Liaison XL. Last updated June 28, 2019.
kEzekowitz, J. A., O’Meara, E., McDonald, M. A., Abrams, H., Chan, M., Ducharme, A., et al. (2017). 2017 comprehensive update of the Canadian Cardiovascular Society guidelines for the management of heart failure. Canadian Journal of Cardiology, 33, 1342–1433. Retrieved April 14, 2020.
lGilroy, S. A. (2020, March 5). HIV infection and AIDS. Retrieved April 15, 2020.
mEastern Ontario Regional Laboratory Association. EORLA regional biochemistry recommended reference intervals by instrumentation/analyzer: Blood Gas & Oximetry. Last updated June 28, 2019.
nEastern Ontario Regional Laboratory Association. EORLA regional biochemistry recommended reference intervals by instrumentation/analyzer: TDM. Last updated June 28, 2019.
oPublic Health Ontario. (2018, May 7). Hepatitis B surface antibody serologic testing updated – Changes to screening test. Retrieved April 14, 2020.
pIverson, C. (Chair). (2007). AMA manual of style: A guide for authors and editors (11th ed.). Chicago: American Medical Association.
qEastern Ontario Regional Laboratory Association. EORLA regional biochemistry recommended reference intervals by instrumentation/analyzer: Ortho Vitros. Last updated June 28, 2019.

Lipidsa

Clinical laboratory testNormal value
Cholesterol, total, blood3.5–5.2 mmol/L
Cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), blood 
    Female> 1.3 mmol/L
    Male> 1.0 mmol/L
Cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), bloodbSee table below
Non–high-density lipoprotein (non-HDL), blood≤ 4.5 mmol/L
Triglycerides, blood≤ 1.7 mmol/L

aEastern Ontario Regional Laboratory Association. EORLA regional biochemistry recommended reference intervals by instrumentation/analyzer: Siemens Vista. Last updated June 28, 2019.
bInterpretation of normal values for LDL varies depending on risk factors. Authors can decide if they want to include the LDL analysis table (see below).

Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL) Analysisa

Cardiovascular disease risk When to consider initiating treatment Treatment target
High and intermediate LDL level of ≥ 3.5 mmol/L LDL level of < 2.0 mmol/L or ≥ 50% reduction in pretherapy LDL level
Low LDL level of ≥ 5.0 mmol/L ≥ 50% reduction in pretherapy LDL level
aAdapted from the Ottawa Hospital Laboratory Services 2020.

Urinea

Clinical laboratory testNormal value
Specific gravity, urine1.005–1.030
pH, urine5.0–8.5
Urobilinogen, urine≤ 16.0 µmol/L
Albumin to creatinine ratio, urinec≤ 2.0 g/mol Cr
Osmolality, urined38–1400 mOsm/kg H2O

aAll items refer to a random specimen unless specified otherwise (e.g., 24-h specimen).
bEastern Ontario Regional Laboratory Association. EORLA regional biochemistry recommended reference intervals by instrumentation/analyzer: Urinalysis. Last updated June 28, 2019.
cEastern Ontario Regional Laboratory Association. EORLA regional biochemistry recommended reference intervals by instrumentation/analyzer: Vista Urine Biochemistry. Last updated June 28, 2019.
dPadilla, O. (2018, September). Urine Tests: Normal Values. In Merck manual professional edition. Retrieved April 14, 2020.

Clinical laboratory testNormal value
Urine calcium (Ca), unrestricted diet, 24-h specimenc2.5–7.5 mmol/24 h
Urine chloride (Cl), 24-h specimenc110.0–250.0 mmol/24 h
Urine creatinine, weight-based, 24-h specimenc 
    Female5.3–15.9 mmol/24 h
    Male7.1–17.7 mmol/24 h
Urine metanephrine, 24-h specimene 
    Female0.2–1.3 µmol/24 h
    Male0.3–2.0 µmol/24 h
Urine protein, 24-h specimen< 0.2 g/24 h
Urine potassium (K), 24-h specimenc25.0–125.0 mmol/24 h
Urinary free cortisol, 24-h specimenc58.0–306.0 µg/24 h
Urine sodium (Na), 24-h specimenc40.0–220.0 mmol/24 h

cEastern Ontario Regional Laboratory Association. EORLA regional biochemistry recommended reference intervals by instrumentation/analyzer: Vista Urine Biochemistry. Last updated June 28, 2019.
eEastern Ontario Regional Laboratory Association. EORLA regional biochemistry recommended reference intervals by instrumentation/analyzer: HPLC. Last updated June 28, 2019.

Reproductive hormones

Clinical laboratory testNormal value
Dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S), blooda 
  Female 
      18–20 y1.4–8.7 µmol/L
      21–29 y0.5–10.6 µmol/L
      30–39 y0.6–7.2 µmol/L
      40–49 y0.5–6.3 µmol/L
      50–59 y0.2–5.1 µmol/L
      60–69 y0.3–3.6 µmol/L
      70–118 y0.2–4.8 µmol/L
  Male 
      18–20 y0.7–14.6 µmol/L
      21–29 y2.3–18.7 µmol/L
      30–39 y2.9–12.6 µmol/L
      40–49 y1.9–13.4 µmol/L
      50–59 y1.0–8.5 µmol/L
      60–69 y0.7–6.6 µmol/L
      70–118 y0.1–6.9 µmol/L
Estrogens, total, bloodb60–400 ng/L
Estradiol (E2) [report the phase of the menstrual cycle], bloodc,d 
    Female 
        Follicular phase50–100 pmol/L
        Midcycle peak50–200 pmol/L
        Luteal phase70–150 pmol/L
    Male37–110 pmol/L
Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) [report the phase of the menstrual cycle], blooda,d 
    Female 
      Midfollicular phase3.9–8.8 IU/L
      Midcycle peak4.5–22.5 IU/L
      Midluteal phase1.8–5.1 IU/L
      Postmenopausal16.7–113.6 IU/L
    Male1.0–19.0 IU/L
Human chorionic gonadotropin (β-hCG), nonpregnant, blooda< 5 IU/L
Luteinizing hormone (LH) [report the phase of the menstrual cycle], blooda.d 
    Female 
        Midfollicular phase2.1–10.8 IU/L
        Midcycle peak19.2–103.0 IU/L
        Midluteal phase1.2–12.9 IU/L
        Postmenopausal10.9–58.6 IU/L
    Male1.0–9.0 IU/L
Progesterone [report the phase of the menstrual cycle], blooda.d 
    Female 
      Midfollicular phase1.0–4.8 nmol/L
      Midluteal phase16.4–59.0 nmol/L
    Male0.5–6.6 nmol/L
Prolactin, blooda 
    Female 
        Premenopausal3–27 µg/L
        Postmenopausal3–20 µg/L
    Male3–13 µg/L
Testosterone, blooda 
    Female≤ 2.6 nmol/L
    Male6.1–27.1 nmol/L

aEastern Ontario Regional Laboratory Association. EORLA regional biochemistry recommended reference intervals by instrumentation/analyzer: Beckman DXI. Last updated June 28, 2019.
bIverson, C. (Chair). (2007). AMA manual of style: A guide for authors and editors (11th ed.). Chicago: American Medical Association.
cPadilla, O. (2018, September). Blood Tests: Normal Values. In Merck manual professional edition. Retrieved April 14, 2020.
dFor phase of the menstrual cycle, generally, follicular phase is 0–10 days, midcycle peak is day 11–20, and luteal phase is day 21–30.

Semen analysisa

Clinical laboratory testNormal value
Ejaculate volume, semen≥ 1.5 mL
pH, semen≥ 7.2
Sperm concentration, semen≥ 15 × 106 spermatozoa/mL
Total sperm number, semen≥ 39 × 106 spermatozoa/ejaculate
Motility, semen≥ 40%
Forward progression, semen≥ 32%
Normal morphology, semen≥ 4% normal
Sperm agglutination, semenAbsent
Viscosity, semen≤ 2-cm thread after liquefaction

aPractice Committee of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine. (2015). Diagnostic evaluation of the infertile male: a committee opinion. Fertility and Sterility, 103, e18–e125. Retrieved April 14, 2020.

Stoola

Clinical laboratory testNormal value
Fecal fat< 5 g/day in patients on a 100-g fat diet

aPadilla, O. (2018, September). Stool Tests: Normal Values. In Merck manual professional edition. Retrieved April 14, 2020.

Tests and analyses that do not require a normal value

Clinical laboratory test
Urine (not dipstick)
Eosinophils, urine
Sodium (Na), urine
Glucose, urine
Bilirubin, urine
Ketone, urine
Blood, urine
Protein, urine
Nitrite, urine
Leukocytes, urine
Urinalysis, dipstick testing
Bilirubin, urine
Blood, urine
Glucose, urine
Ketones, urine
Leukocyte esterase, urine
Nitrite, urine
Protein, urine
Chemical Constituents
Ethanol (ethyl alcohol)
Hepatitis A IgM antibody
Hepatitis A IgG antibody
Hepatitis C antibody
HIV viral load
Stool
Stool culture
Analyses
Pleural fluid
Cerebrospinal fluid
Synovial fluid
Ascitic fluid

Last updated: December 2020