Lab Report Abbreviation Dictionary: How to Read Your Pet’s Test Results

ImmunityQ&AMeongsiljang Veterinary Advisory Board

We’ve organized the English abbreviations commonly found on veterinary lab reports by test type—blood, biochemistry, urinalysis, and imaging—so pet owners can easily understand them. We also explain what it means when results fall outside the normal range.

What Are Lab Report Abbreviations?

An illustration of someone using a magnifying glass to closely examine the abbreviations on a test result sheet.

Test report abbreviations are English shorthand that veterinarians use to concisely record blood, urine, and imaging results. The most important thing is to look at the numbers next to the "reference range." If a value falls within the range, there will be no H (High) or L (Low) indicator; if it falls outside the range, it will be highlighted with an arrow or an asterisk (*). You don't need to memorize every abbreviation—knowing just the 10 to 15 most common ones will make it much easier to understand your veterinarian's explanations.

Why Is It Helpful for Pet Owners to Know Abbreviations?

Veterinary lab reports are typically printed using English abbreviations. When you understand what each value means during your vet’s explanation, it becomes easier to ask questions and reference the results at other clinics in the future. This is especially helpful for pets with chronic conditions, as they often undergo the same tests repeatedly. By tracking changes in these values yourself, you can manage your pet’s health more effectively.

Basic Abbreviations for Complete Blood Count (CBC)

A CBC, or Complete Blood Count, is the most basic blood test, often referred to as a full blood count. It helps assess your pet’s overall health, including conditions such as anemia, infection, inflammation, and dehydration. The following abbreviations are commonly found at the top of the results sheet: - WBC: White Blood Cell count — indicates infection or inflammation - RBC: Red Blood Cell count — used to evaluate anemia - HGB/Hb: Hemoglobin — reflects oxygen-carrying capacity - HCT/PCV: Hematocrit/Packed Cell Volume — provides insight into hydration status and anemia - PLT: Platelets — involved in blood clotting

An illustration of a veterinarian holding a blood test tube with a puppy.

Key Biochemistry Test Abbreviations and Their Meanings

Item	Full Name	What does it measure?
ALT	Alanine Aminotransferase	Marker of liver cell damage
ALP	Alkaline Phosphatase	Related to liver, bile ducts, and bone
AST	Aspartate Aminotransferase	Liver and muscle damage
BUN	Blood Urea Nitrogen	Kidney function and dehydration
CREA	Creatinine	Key marker of kidney function
GLU	Glucose	Blood sugar — diabetes and hypoglycemia
TP	Total Protein	Total amount of protein
ALB	Albumin	Reference for nutrition, liver, and kidney

A value outside the reference range doesn't automatically mean disease. It can also change due to diet, stress, or dehydration, so a recheck may be needed.

It’s Also Good to Know Urinalysis Abbreviations

A urinalysis is a key test for assessing the health of the kidneys, bladder, and liver. Here are some common abbreviations you may see on the results: - USG (Urine Specific Gravity): Urine specific gravity — reflects kidney concentrating ability - pH: Acidity — helps predict bladder stones - PRO: Protein — suggests possible kidney damage - GLU: Glucose — indicates possible diabetes - KET: Ketones — associated with diabetes or starvation - BIL: Bilirubin — points to liver or bile duct issues - RBC/WBC: Red blood cells/white blood cells — suggests cystitis or bleeding USG (urine specific gravity) shows how well the kidneys are concentrating urine. The normal range can vary depending on the species, testing equipment, and your pet’s hydration status on the day of the test. Reference ranges may also differ slightly between clinics. Therefore, it’s most accurate to compare the result with the reference range provided on the report, and it’s important to monitor trends through repeated tests rather than relying on a single value.

Be Cautious When H or L Appears Next to These Abbreviations

If H (High) or L (Low) flags appear next to CREA, BUN, ALT, ALP, or GLU, and the values deviate significantly from the reference ranges, this may indicate more than just normal fluctuation. In particular, simultaneous elevations in CREA and BUN can suggest impaired kidney function, while concurrent increases in ALT and ALP may point to liver or biliary tract issues. These findings are signals that retesting and additional diagnostics—such as urine specific gravity or ultrasound—are warranted. Be sure to ask your veterinarian how these values compare to previous results.

Common Abbreviations in Imaging and Other Tests

Abbreviations frequently appear in imaging and specialized test results. - X-ray/RAD: Radiography - US/USG: Ultrasound examination - CT: Computed tomography - MRI: Magnetic resonance imaging - ECG/EKG: Electrocardiogram - T4: Thyroid hormone - SDMA: Kidney function indicator - cPL/fPL: Canine/feline pancreatic lipase - 4DX: Comprehensive test for heartworm and tick-borne infections SDMA is an indicator used alongside other metrics to assess kidney function, and it is increasingly included in health screenings for senior pets. However, rather than determining kidney status based on a single value, it is more accurate to interpret SDMA in conjunction with other kidney-related values such as CREA and BUN, urine specific gravity (USG), and your pet’s clinical symptoms. Monitoring trends by repeating the same tests over time is also important.

An illustration of a veterinarian reviewing imaging results with a cat.

Three Things to Remember When Reviewing Lab Reports

First, reference ranges vary slightly depending on the hospital and testing equipment, so avoid comparing only the numerical values from different clinics. Second, trends are more important than a single abnormal result; you should repeat the same test at intervals of several weeks to months to observe the pattern. Third, your pet’s condition—such as diet, stress, exercise, and hydration—can affect the results, so be sure to inform your veterinarian about their current state before the test.

Reviewed by a veterinarian

Dr. Tony — Punnawat Phongkittirak

Veterinarian

A veterinarian who majored in veterinary medicine at Khon Kaen University, Thailand, and completed the IVSA program at North Carolina State University in the United States. Drawing on clinical experience at animal hospitals, he works in the pet healthcare field and is dedicated to building a digital care environment that connects pet parents with veterinarians.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to return to the clinic immediately if there is even one H or L mark on the test results?

Not necessarily. Slightly abnormal values can occur due to diet, stress, or dehydration. However, if key indicators of organ function such as CREA or ALT are flagged as high (H), or if multiple test results are abnormal, we recommend retesting in 2 to 4 weeks.

Do dogs and cats have different normal ranges even when the same medical abbreviations are used?

Yes, they do vary. Reference ranges for parameters such as urine specific gravity (USG) and liver enzymes like ALP and ALT can differ by species. Moreover, even within the same species, reference intervals may vary slightly depending on the veterinary clinic and the specific testing equipment used. Therefore, it is essential to interpret the results using the reference range printed alongside them on the report.

What’s the difference between SDMA and CREA?

Both are indicators used together to assess kidney function. Creatinine (CREA) has long been a key marker for kidney health, while SDMA is a relatively newer addition to routine wellness screenings. Rather than relying on a single value, it’s important to interpret both markers alongside urine specific gravity (USG) and clinical signs, and to monitor trends through repeat testing. They are commonly used together in senior dog and cat wellness exams.

What does the 4DX test check for?

This antibody screening test checks for heartworm and tick-borne diseases (such as Lyme disease and ehrlichiosis) all at once. If you’ve been consistently preventing external parasites, annual testing is recommended; if there have been any lapses, your veterinarian may advise more frequent testing.

Would it be a good idea to take a photo of the test results?

Yes, please keep them safely. Having these records allows you to compare previous values with current ones if you change clinics or face an emergency, which is incredibly helpful for diagnosis. It’s also a good idea to jot down the date, the clinic’s name, and the reason for the test.