A Comprehensive Look at Lab Tests
You just had some blood work done, and the friggin' doctor or his nurses are guarding
the results as if they're state secrets. However, after much cajoling and explaining
that you'd like to at least be an informed partner in your own goshdarn health
care, they begrudgingly give you a copy of your lab tests.
Trouble is, as much as you've been posturing about how you've had more than
a smattering of medical education, you still can't figure out what half the
tests are for and whether or not those abnormal values are anything to worry
about.
Well, in the following article, I'm going to go over each of the most common
tests. I'll include why it's performed, what it tells you, and what the typical
ranges are for normal humans. That way, you'll have something more to go on
in assessing your health other than your family doctor saying, "Well, these
few values are a little worrisome, but you'll probably be okay."
One note, though, before I get started. The values I'll be listing are merely
averages and the ranges may vary slightly from laboratory to laboratory. Also,
if there's only one range given, it applies to both men and women.
Lipid Panel Used to determine possible risk for coronary and vascular
disease. In other words, heart disease.
HDL/LDL and Total Cholesterol
These lipoproteins should look rather familiar to most of you. HDL is simply
the "good" lipoprotein that acts as a scavenger molecule and prevents
a buildup of material. LDL is the "bad" lipoprotein which collects
in arterial walls and causes blockage or a reduction in blood flow. The total
cholesterol to HDL ratio is also important. I went in to detail about this particular
subject as well as how to improve your lipid profile in my article
"Bad Blood".
Nevertheless, a quick remonder: your HDL should be 35 or higher; LDL below
130; and total to HDL ratio should be below 3.5. Oh and don't forget VLDL (very
low density lipoprotein) which can be extremely worrisome. You should have less
than 30 mg/dl in order to not be considered at risk for heart disease.
On a side note, I'm sure some of you are wishing that you had abnormally low
plasma cholesterol levels (as if it's something to brag about), but the fact
is that having extremely low cholesterol levels is actually indicative of severe
liver disease.
Triglycerides
Triglycerides are simply a form of fat that exists in the bloodstream. They're
transported by two other culprits, VLDL and LDL. A high level of triglycerides
is also a risk factor for heart disease as well. Triglycerides levels can be
increased if food or alcohol is consumed 12 to 24 hours prior to the blood draw
and this is the reason why you're asked to fast for 12-14 hours from food and
abstain from alcohol for 24 hours. Here are the normal ranges for healthy humans.
16-19 yr. old male
40-163 mg/dl
Adult Male
40-160 mg/dl
16-19 yr. old female
40-128 mg/dl
Adult Female
35-135 mg/dl
Homocysteine
Unfortunately, this test isn't always ordered by the doctor. It should be.
Homocysteine is formed in the metabolism of the dietary amino acid methionine.
The problem is that it's a strong risk factor for atherosclerosis. In other
words, high levels may cause you to have a heart attack. A good number of lifters
should be concerned with this value as homocysteine levels rise with anabolic
steroid usage.
Luckily, taking folic acid (about 400-800 mcg.) as well as taking a good amount
of all B vitamins in general will go a long way in terms of preventing a rise
in levels of homocysteine.
Normal ranges:
Males and Females age 0-30
4.6-8.1 umol/L
Males age 30-59
6.3-11.2 umol/L
Females age 30-59
4.5-7.9 umol/L
>59 years of age
5.8-11.9 umol/L
The Hemo Profile
These are various tests that examine a number of components of your blood and
look for any abnormalities that could be indicative of serious diseases that
may result in you being an extra in the HBO show, "Six Feet Under."
WBC Total (White Blood Cell)
Also referred to as leukocytes, a fluctuation in the number of these types
of cells can be an indicator of things like infections and disease states dealing
with immunity, cancer, stress, etc.
Normal ranges:
4,500-11,000/mm3
Neutrophils
This is one type of white blood cell that's in circulation for only a very
short time. Essentially their job is phagocytosis, which is the process of killing
and digesting bacteria that cause infection. Both severe trauma and bacterial
infections, as well as inflammatory or metabolic disorders and even stress,
can cause an increase in the number of these cells. Having a low number of neutrophils
can be indicative of a viral infection, a bacterial infection, or a rotten diet.
Normal ranges:
2,500-8,000 cells per mm3
RBC (Red Blood Cell)
These blood cells also called erythrocytes and their primary function is to
carry oxygen (via the hemoglobin contained in each RBC) to varioustissues as
well as giving our blood that cool "red" color. Unlike WBC, RBC survive
in peripheral blood circulation for approximately 120 days. A decrease in the
number of these cells can result in anemia which could stem from dietary insufficiencies.
An increase in number can occur when androgens are used. This is because androgens
increase EPO (erythropoietin) production which in turn increases RBC count and
thus elevates blood volume. This is essentially why some androgens are better
than others at increasing "vascularity." Anyhow, the danger in this
could be an increase in blood pressure or a stroke.
Androgen-using lifters who have high values should consider making modifications
to their stack and/or immediately donating some blood.
Normal ranges:
Adult Male
4,700,000-6,100,000 cells/uL
Adult Female
4,200,000-5,400,000 cells/uL
Hemoglobin
Hemoglobin is what serves as a carrier for both oxygen and carbon dioxide transportation.
Molecules of this are found within each red blood cell. An increase in hemoglobin
can be an indicator of congenital heart disease, congestive heart failure, sever
burns, or dehydration. Being at high altitudes, or the use of androgens, can
cause an increase as well. A decrease in number can be a sign of anemia, lymphoma,
kidney disease, sever hemorrhage, cancer, sickle cell anemia, etc.
Normal ranges:
Males and females 6-18 years
10-15.5 g/dl
Adult Males
14-18 g/dl
Adult Females
12-16 g/dl
Hematocrit
The hematocrit is used to measure the percentage of the total blood volume
that's made up of red blood cells. An increase in percentage may be indicative
of congenital heart disease, dehydration, diarrhea, burns, etc. A decrease in
levels may be indicative of anemia, hyperthyroidism, cirrhosis, hemorrhage,
leukemia, rheumatoid arthritis, pregnancy, malnutrition, a sucking knife wound
to the chest, etc.
Normal ranges:
Male and Females age 6-18 years
32-44%
Adult Men
42-52%
Adult Women
37-47%
MCV (Mean Corpuscular Volume)
This is one of three red blood cell indices used to check for abnormalities.
The MCV is the size or volume of the average red blood cell. A decrease in MCV
would then indicate that the RBC's are abnormally large(or macrocytic), and
this may be an indicator of iron deficiency anemia or thalassemia. When an increase
is noted, that would indicate abnormally small RBC (microcytic), and this may
be indicative of a vitamin B12 or folic acid deficiency as well as liver disease.
Normal ranges:
Adult Male
80-100 fL
Adult Female
79-98 fL
12-18 year olds
78-100 fL
MCH (Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin)
The MCH is the weight of hemoglobin present in the average red blood cell.
This is yet another way to assess whether some sort of anemia or deficiency
is present.
Normal ranges:
12-18 year old
35-45 pg
Adult Male
26-34 pg
Adult Female
26-34 pg
MCHC (Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin Concentration)
The MCHC is the measurement of the amount of hemoglobin present in the average
red blood cell as compared to its size. A decrease in number is an indicator
of iron deficiency, thalassemia, lead poisoning, etc. An increase is sometimes
seen after androgen use.
Normal ranges:
12-18 year old
31-37 g/dl
Adult Male
31-37 g/dl
Adult Female
30-36 g/dl
RDW (Red Cell Distribution Width)
The RDW is an indicator of the variation in red blood cell size. It's used
in order to help classify certain types of anemia, and to see if some of the
red blood cells need their suits tailored. An increase in RDW can be indicative
of iron deficiency anemia, vitamin B12 or folate deficiency anemia, and diseases
like sickle cell anemia.
Normal ranges:
Adult Mal
11.7-14.2%
Adult Female
11.7-14.2%
Platelets
Platelets or thrombocytes are essential for your body's ability to form blood
clots and thus stop bleeding. They're measured in order to assess the likelihood
of certain disorders or diseases. An increase can be indicative of a malignant
disorder, rheumatoid arthritis, iron deficiency anemia, etc. A decrease can
be indicative of much more, including things like infection, various types of
anemia, leukemia, etc.
On a side note for these ranges, anything above 1 million/mm3 would be considered
a critical value and should warrant concern and/or giving second thoughts as
to whether you should purchase a lifetime subscription to Muscle Media.
Normal ranges:
Child
150,000-400,000/mm3
(Most commonly displayed in SI units of 150-400 x 10(9th)/L
Adult
150,000-400,000/mm3
(Most commonly displayed in SI units of 150-400 x 10(9th)/L
ABS (Differential Count)
The differential count measures the percentage of each type of leukocyte or
white blood cell present in the same specimen. Using this, they can determine
whether there's a bacterial or parasitic infection, as well as immune reactions,
etc.
Pt. 2
Neutrophils
As explained previously, severe trauma and bacterial infections, as well as
inflammatory disorders, metabolic disorders, and even stress can cause an increase
in the number of these cells. Also, on the other side of the spectrum, a low
number of these cells can indicate a viral infection, a bacterial infection,
or a deficient diet.
Percentile Range:
55-70%
Basophils
These cells, and in particular, eosinophils, are present in the event of an
allergic reaction as well as when a parasite is present. These types of cells
don't increase in response to viral or bacterial infections so if an increased
count is noted, it can be deduced that either an allergic response has occurred
or a parasite has taken up residence in your shorts.
Percentile Range:
Basophils
0.5-1%
Eosinophils
1-4%
Lymphocytes and Monocytes
Lymphocytes can be divided in to two different types of cells: T cells and
B cells. T cells are involved in immune reactions and B cells are involved in
antibody production. The main job of lymphocytes in general is to fight off
Bruce Lee style bacterial and viral infections.
Monocytes are similar to neutrophils but are produced more rapidly and stay
in the system for a longer period of time.
Percentile Range:
Lymphocytes
20-40%
Monocytes
2-8%
Selected Clinical Values
Sodium
This cation (an ion with a postive charge) is mainly found in extracellular
spaces and is responsible for maintaining a balance of water in the body. When
sodium in the blood rises, the kidneys will conserve water and when the sodium
concentration is low, the kidneys conserve sodium and excrete water. Increased
levels can result from excessive dietary intake, Cushing's syndrome, excessive
sweating, burns, forgetting to drink for a week, etc. Decreased levels can result
from a deficient diet, Addison's disease, diarrhea, vomiting, chronic renal
insufficiency, excessive water intake, congestive heart failure, etc. Anabolic
steroids will lead to an increased level of sodium as well.
Normal range:
Adults
136-145 mEq/L
Potassium
On the other side of the spectrum, you have the most important intracellular
cation. Increased levels can be an indicator of excessive dietary intake, acute
renal failure, aldosterone-inhibiting diuretics, a crushing injury to tissues,
infection, acidosis, dehydration, etc. Decreased levels can be indicative of
a deficient dietary intake, burns, diarrhea or vomiting, diuretics, Cushing's
syndrome, licorice consumption, insulin use, cystic fibrosis, trauma, surgery,
etc.
Normal range:
Adults
3.5-5 mEq/L
Chloride
This is the major extracellular anion (an ion carrying a negative charge).
Its purpose it is to maintain electrical neutrality with sodium. It also serves
as a buffer in order to maintain the pH balance of the blood. Chloride typically
accompanies sodium and thus the causes for change are essentially the same.
Normal range:
Adult
98-106 mEq/L
Carbon Dioxide
The CO2 content is used to evaluate the pH of the blood as well as aid in evaluation
of electrolyte levels. Increased levels can be indicative of severe diarrhea,
starvation, vomiting, emphysema, metabolic alkalosis, etc. Increased levels
could also mean that you're a plant. Decreased levels can be indicative of kidney
failure, metabolic acidosis, shock, and starvation.
Normal range:
Adults
23-30 mEq/L
Glucose
The amount of glucose in the blood after a prolonged period of fasting (12-14
hours) is used to determine whether a person is in a hypoglycemic (low blood
glucose) or hyperglycemic (high blood glucose) state. Both can be indicators
of serious conditions. Increased levels can be indicative of diabetes mellitus,
acute stress, Cushing's syndrome, chronic renal failure, corticosteroid therapy,
acromegaly, etc. Decreased levels could be indicative of hypothyroidism, insulinoma,
liver disease, insulin overdose, and starvation.
Normal range:
Adult Male
65-120 mg/dl
Adult Female
65-120 mg/dl
BUN (Blood Urea Nitrogen)
This test measures the amount of urea nitrogen that's present in the blood.
When protein is metabolized, the end product is urea which is formed in the
liver and excreted from the bloodstream via the kidneys. This is why BUN is
a good indicator of both liver and kidney function. Increased levels can stem
from shock, burns, dehydration, congestive hear failure, myocardial infarction,
excessive protein ingestion, excessive protein catabolism, starvation, sepsis,
renal disease, renal failure, etc. Causes of a decrease in levels can be liver
failure, overhydration, negative nitrogen balance via malnutrition, pregnancy,
etc.
Normal range:
Adults
10-20 mg/dl
Creatinine
Creatinine is a byproduct of creatine phosphate, the chemical used in contraction
of skeletal muscle. So, the more muscle mass you have, the higher the creatine
levels and therefore the higher the levels of creatinine. Also, when you ingest
large amounts of beef or other meats that have high levels of creatine in them,
you can increase creatinine levels as well. Since creatinine levels are used
to measure the functioning of the kidneys, this easily explains why creatine
has been accused of causing kidney damage, since it naturally results in an
increase in creatinine levels.
However, we need to remember that these tests are only indicators of functioning
and thus outside drugs and supplements can influence them and give false results,
as creatine may do. This is why creatine, while increasing creatinine levels,
does not cause renal damage or impair function. Generally speaking, though,
increased levels are indicative of urinary tract obstruction, acute tubular
necrosis, reduced renal blood flow (stemming from shock, dehydration, congestive
heart failure, atherosclerosis), as well as acromegaly. Decreased levels can
be indicative of debilitation, and decreased muscle mass via disease or some
other cause.
Normal range:
Adult Male
0.6-1.2 mg/dl
Adult Female
0.5-1.1 mg/dl
BUN/Creatinine Ratio
A high ratio may be found in states of shock, volume depletion, hypotension,
dehydration, gastrointestinal bleeding, and in some cases, a catabolic state.
A low ratio can be indicative of a low protein diet, malnutrition, pregnancy,
severe liver disease, ketosis, etc. Keep in mind, though, that the term BUN,
when used in the same sentence as hamburger or hotdog, usually means something
else entirely. An important thing to note again is that with a high protein
diet, you'll likely have a higher ratio and this is nothing to worry about.
Normal range:
Adult
6-25
Calcium
Calcium is measured in order to assess the function of the parathyroid and
calcium metabolism. Increased levels can stem from hyperparathyroidism, metastatic
tumor to the bone, prolonged immobilization, lymphoma, hyperthyroidism, acromegaly,
etc. It's also important to note that anabolic steroids can also increase calcium
levels. Decreased levels can stem from renal failure, rickets, vitamin D deficiency,
malabsorption, pancreatitis, and alkalosis.
Normal range:
Adult
9-10.5 mg/dl
Liver Function
Total Protein
This measures the total level of albumin and globulin in the body. Albumin
is synthesized by the liver and as such is used as an indicator of liver function.
It functions to transport hormones, enzymes, drugs and other constituents of
the blood.
Globulins are the building blocks of your body's antibodies. Measuring the
levels of these two proteins is also an indicator of nutritional status. Increased
albumin levels can result from dehydration, while decreased albumin levels can
result from malnutrition, pregnancy, liver disease, overhydration, inflammatory
diseases, etc. Increased globulin levels can result from inflammatory diseases,
hypercholesterolemia (high cholesterol), iron deficiency anemia, as well as
infections. Decreased globulin levels can result from hyperthyroidism, liver
dysfunction, malnutrition, and immune deficiencies or disorders.
As another important side note, anabolic steroids, growth hormone, and insulin
can all increase protein levels.
Normal range:
Adult
Total Protein: 6.4-8.3 g/dl
Albumin: 3.5-5 g/dl
Globulin: 2.3-3.4 g/dl
Albumin/Globulin Ratio:
Adult
0.8-2.0
Bilirubin
Bilirubin is one of the many constituents of bile, which is formed in the liver.
An increase in levels of bilirubin can be indicative of liver stress or damage/inflammation.
Drugs that may increase bilirubin include oral anabolic steroids (17-AA), antibiotics,
diuretics, morphine, codeine, contraceptives, etc. Drugs that may decrease levels
are barbiturates and caffeine. Non-drug induced increased levels can be indicative
of gallstones, extensive liver metastasis, and cholestasis from certain drugs,
hepatitis, sepsis, sickle cell anemia, cirrhosis, etc.
Normal range:
Total Bilirubin for Adult
0.3-1.0 mg/dl
Alkaline Phosphatase
This enzyme is found in very high concentrations in the liver and for this
reason is used as an indicator of liver stress or damage. Increased levels can
stem from cirrhosis, liver tumor, pregnancy, healing fracture, normal bones
of growing children, and rheumatoid arthritis. Decreased levels can stem from
hypothyroidism, malnutrition, pernicious anemia, scurvy (vitamin C deficiency)
and excess vitamin B ingestion. As a side note, antibiotics can cause an increase
in the enzyme levels.
Normal range:
16-21 years
30-200 U/L
Adult
30-120 U/L
Pt. 3
AST (Aspartate Aminotransferase, previously known as SGOT)
This is yet another enzyme that's used to determine if there's damage or stress
to the liver. It may also be used to see if heart disease is a possibility as
well, but this isn't as accurate. When the liver is damaged or inflamed, AST
levels can rise to a very high level (20 times the normal value). This happens
because AST is released when the cells of that particular organ (liver) are
lysed. The AST then enters blood circulation and an elevation can be seen. Increased
levels can be indicative of heart disease, liver disease, skeletal muscle disease
or injuries, as well as heat stroke. Decreased levels can be indicative of acute
kidney disease, beriberi, diabetic ketoacidosis, pregnancy, and renal dialysis.
Normal range:
Adult
0-35 U/L (Females may have slightly lower levels)
ALT (Alanine Aminotransferase, previously known as SGPT)
This is yet another enzyme that is found in high levels within the liver. Injury
or disease of the liver will result in an increase in levels of ALT. I should
note however, that because lesser quantities are found in skeletal muscle, there
could be a weight-training induced increase . Weight training causes damage
to muscle tissue and thus could slightly elevate these levels, giving a false
indicator for liver disease. Still, for the most part, it's a rather accurate
diagnostic tool. Increased levels can be indicative of hepatitis, hepatic necrosis,
cirrhosis, cholestasis, hepatic tumor, hepatotoxic drugs, and jaundice, as well
as severe burns, trauma to striated muscle (via weight training), myocardial
infarction, mononucleosis, and shock.
Normal range:
Adult
4-36 U/L
Endocrine Function
Testosterone (Free and Total)
This is of course the hormone that you should all be extremely familiar with
as it's the name of this here magazine! Anyhow, just as some background info,
about 95% of the circulating Testosterone in a man's body is formed by the Leydig
cells, which are found in the testicles. Women also have a small amount of Testosterone
in their body as well. (Some more than others, which accounts for the bearded
ladies you see at the circus, or hanging around with Chris Shugart.) This is
from a very small amount of Testosterone secreted by the ovaries and the adrenal
gland (in which the majority is made from the adrenal conversion of androstenedione
to Testosterone via 17-beta HSD).
Nomal range, total Testosterone:
Male
Age 14
<1200 ng/dl
Age 15-16
100-1200 ng/dl
Age 17-18
300-1200 ng/dl
Age 19-40
300-950 ng/dl
Over 40
240-950 ng/dl
Female
Age 17-18
20-120 ng/dl
Over 18
20-80 ng/dl
Normal range, free Testosterone:
Male
50-210 pg/ml
LH (Luteinizing Hormone)
LH is a glycoprotein that's secreted by the anterior pituitary gland and is
responsible for signaling the leydig cells to produce Testosterone. Measuring
LH can be very useful in terms of determining whether a hypogonadic state (low
Testosterone) is caused by the testicles not being responsive despite high or
normal LH levels (primary), or whether it's the pituitary gland not secreting
enough LH (secondary). Of course, the hypothalamus which secretes LH-RH
(luteinizing hormone releasing hormone) could also be the culprit, as
well as perhaps both the hypothalamus and the pituitary.
If it's a case of the testicles not being responsive to LH, then things like
clomiphene and hCG really won't help. If the problem is secondary, then there's
a better chance for improvement with drug therapy. Increased levels can be indicative
of hypogonadism, precocious puberty, and pituitary adenoma. Decreased levels
can be indicative of pituitary failure, hypothalamic failure, stress, and malnutrition.
Normal ranges:
Adult Male
1.24-7.8 IU/L
Adult Female
Follicular phase: 1.68-15 IU/L
Ovulatory phase: 21.9-56.6 IU/L
Luteal phase: 0.61-16.3 IU/L
Postmenopausal: 14.2-52.3 IU/L
Estradiol
With this being the most potent of the estrogens, I'm sure you're all aware
that it can be responsible for things like water retention, hypertrophy of adipose
tissue, gynecomastia, and perhaps even prostate hypertrophy and tumors. As a
male it's very important to get your levels of this hormone checked for the
above reasons. Also, it's the primary estrogen that's responsible for the negative
feedback loop which suppresses endogenous Testosterone production. So, if your
levels of estradiol are rather high, you can bet your ass that you'll be hypogonadal
as well.
Increased estradiol levels can be indicative of a testicular tumor, adrenal
tumor, hepatic cirrhosis, necrosis of the liver, hyperthyroidism, etc.
Normal ranges:
Adult Male
10-50 pg/ml
Adult Female
Follicular phase: 20-350 pg/ml
Midcycle peak: 150-750 pg/ml
Luteal phase: 30-450 pg/ml
Postmenopausal: 20 pg/ml or less
Thyroid (T3, T4 Total and Free, TSH) t3 (Triiodothyronine) t3 is the more metabolically
active hormone out of T4 and t3. When levels are below normal it's generally
safe to assume that the individual is suffering from hypothyroidism. Drugs that
may increase t3 levels include estrogen and oral contraceptives. Drugs that
may decrease t3 levels include anabolic steroids/androgens as well as propanolol
(a beta adrenergic blocker) and high dosages of salicylates. Increased levels
can be indicative of Graves disease, acute thyroiditis, pregnancy, hepatitis,
etc. Decreased levels can be indicative of hypothyroidism, protein malnutrition,
kidney failure, Cushing's syndrome, cirrhosis, and liver diseases.
Normal ranges:
16-20 years old
80-210 ng/dl
20-50 years
75-220 ng/dl or 1.2-3.4 nmol/L
Over 50
40-180 ng/dl or 0.6-2.8 nmol/L
T4 (Thyroxine)
T4 is just another indicator of whether or not someone is in a hypo or hyperthyroid
state. It too is rather reliable but free thyroxine levels should be assessed
as well. Drugs that increase of decrease t3 will, in most cases, do the same
with T4. Increased levels are indicative of the same things as t3 and a decrease
can be indicative of protein depleted states, iodine insufficiency, kidney failure,
Cushing's syndrome, and cirrhosis.
Normal ranges:
Adult Male
4-12 ug/dl or 51-154 nmol/L
Adult Female
5-12 ug/dl or 64-154 nmol/L
Free T4 or Thyroxine
Since only 1-5% of the total amount of T4 is actually free and useable, this
test is a far better indicator of the thyroid status of the patient. An increase
indicates a hyperthyroid state and a decrease indicates a hypothyroid state.
Drugs that increase free T4 are heparin, aspirin, danazol, and propanolol. Drugs
that decrease it are furosemide, methadone, and rifampicin. Increased and decreased
levels are indicative of the same possible diseases and states that are seen
with T4 and t3.
Normal ranges:
0.8-2.8 ng/dl or 10-36 pmol/L
TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone)
Measuring the level of TSH can be very helpful in terms of determining if the
problem resides with the thyroid itself or the pituitary gland. If TSH levels
are high, then it's merely the thyroid gland not responding for some reason
but if TSH levels are low, it's the hypothalamus or pituitary gland that has
something wrong with it. The problem could be a tumor, some type of trauma,
or an infarction.
Drugs that can increase levels of TSH include lithium, potassium iodide and
TSH itself. Drugs that may decrease TSH are aspirin, heparin, dopamine, t3,
etc. Increased TSH is indicative of thyroiditis, hypothyroidism, and congenital
cretinism. Decreased levels are indicative of hypothyroidism (pituitary dysfunction),
hyperthyroidism, and pituitary hypofunction.
Normal ranges:
Adult
2-10 uU/ml or 2-10 mU/L
Knowing how to interpret these tests can be a very valuable tool in terms of
health and your body building and athletic progress. Use your new knowledge
wisely!