Blood Tests

Your Blood Is Talking And We Want to Listen...

Did you know that 50% of all heart attack victims had 'normal' cholesterol markers and the the leading cause of death world wide is heart disease? Did you know there are comprehensive blood tests that can be ran to uncover these early risks?

Dr. Bastidas has partnered with Innovative Diagnostics to bring to his patients the most comprehensive blood testing solution on the market today. The 99 panel test performs risk assessments on four major categories: Metabolic, Heart, Hormone, and Nutrition. By early detection and prevention, we can assist you on a wellness plan to avoid many of the diseases plaguing our bodies. Depending on your insurance there could be no out of pocket cost.

This can give you more information about the type of test that was performed, its significance and give you some of the early warning detection signs. This test, along with Dr. Bastidas guidance, is designed to give you an informed decision to better health. Welcome to better living!

HEMATOLOGY

CBC WITH AUTO DIFF

WBC A low white blood cell count (leukopenia) may be caused by a medical condition, such as an autoimmune disorder that destroys white blood cells, bone marrow problems or cancer. Certain medications also can cause white blood cell counts to drop.

If your white blood cell count is higher than normal, you may have an infection or inflammation. Or, it could indicate that you have an immune system disorder or a bone marrow disease. A high white blood cell count can also be a reaction to medication.

RBC, HGB, HCT Red blood cell count, hemoglobin and hematocrit. The results of your red blood cell count, hemoglobin and hematocrit are related because they each measure aspects of your red blood cells. If the measures in these three areas are lower than normal, you have anemia. Anemia causes fatigue and weakness. Anemia has many causes, including low levels of certain vitamins or iron, blood loss, or an underlying condition. A red blood cell count that's higher than normal (erythrocytosis), or high hemoglobin or hematocrit levels, could point to an underlying medical condition, such as polycythemia vera or heart disease.

MCV Mean corpuscular volume (MCV) laboratory test, as part of a standard complete blood count (CBC), is used along with other RBC indices (MCH and MCHC) to help classify the cause of anemia based on red cell morphology.

MCH MCH is the initialism for Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin. Macrocytic RBCs are large so tend to have a higher MCH, while microcytic red cells would have a lower value. High MCH levels can indicate macrocytic anemia, which can be caused by insufficient vitamin B12. Insufficient folic acid can be another cause of macrocytic anemia. Alcohol abuse can be a contributing factor, and should be disclosed in the diagnostic process to better enable accuracy in diagnosis and in treatment determination.

MCHC Mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration. Low levels can be due to blood loss over time, too little iron in the body or hypochromic anemia. Hypochromic anemia often means the red blood cells do not have enough hemoglobin to function correctly. High levels can be the result of macrocytic anemia. A deficiency in folic acid could lead to this. Also, liver disease, hereditary spherocytes and vitamin B12 deficiency are sometimes responsible for this type of result. Burn victims also show elevated mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration.

RDW Red cell distribution width (abbreviated as RDW) is a measurement of the amount that red blood cells vary in size. A low RDW (below 10.2%) means that the red blood cells vary very little in size. One reason for a low RDW level is macrocytic anemia. Another cause of a low RDW level is microcytic anemia. Microcytic anemia is a condition in which abnormally small red blood cells are present.

PLT A platelet count that's lower than normal (thrombocytopenia) or higher than normal (thrombocytosis) is often a sign of an underlying medical condition, or it may be a side effect from medication.

NE NE is a neutrophil. A neutrophil is a type of mature (developed) white blood cell. Neutrophils are essential in protecting the body against disease and infections by removing and destroying some types of bacteria, wastes, foreign substances, and other cells. One basic cause of a high neutrophil count is when a high level of stress is placed on the body. The stress can due to many factors such as nervousness, exercise, or seizures (involuntary muscle movements due to overexcitement of nerve cells in the brain). Another cause is a sudden infection from bacteria. Damage or inflammation of tissues can also lead to a high neutrophil count. Examples would be burn injuries and a heart attack. A high neutrophil count can be caused by cancer spreading in the body. When the number of neutrophils are abnormally low (less than 1500), this condition is known as neutropenia. Neutropenia can be caused by a decreased production of neutrophils. A decreased production of neutrophils can be caused by leukemia.

LY A lymphocyte is a type of white blood cell present in the blood. There are two types of lymphocytes. One type of lymphocyte is known as a T cell. The other type is known as a B cell. Some basic causes of a high lymphocyte count are the flu and the chickenpox. Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) cause increases in lymphocytes. Causes of low lymphocyte counts are steroid usage and AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Deficiency Syndrome).

MO MO Is Monocyte Percentage. This is a white blood cell that responds to inflammation primarily.

EO EO is Eosonophil Percentage. This is also a white blood cell, that modulates allergic reactions, and several orders of oxygen dependent immune process.

BA Basophils are a type of white blood cell. These cells are responsible for controlling inflammation and damage of tissues in the body, such as liver inflammation due to hepatitis. Multiplying the percentage of basophils by the total number of white blood cells will give the "absolute" number of these types of cells.

NE (ABSOLUTE) The absolute neutrophil count is measured indirectly by multiplying the white blood cell count times the percent of neutrophils in the differential of the white count. Causes of low count are B12 or folate deficiency, severe bacterial infection, leukemia, and autoimmune diseases.

LY (ABSOLUTE) Higher than normal results of the absolute lymphocytes blood test may indicate:
B-Cell lymphocytic leukemia 
Lymphoma
Hepatitis 
Infectious mononucleosis
Multiple myeloma. Lower than normal results of the absolute lymphocytes blood test may indicate:
AIDS
Viral infection
Cancer
Hodgkin’s disease
Leukemia
HIV infection.

MO (ABSOLUTE) A higher percentage in the absolute monocytes blood test can indicate; Parasite infection, viral infection, tuberculosis, mononucleosis,and chronic inflammation.

EO (ABSOLUTE) Abnormal eosinophils can indicate an extreme allergic reaction, the initial stages of Cushing’s disease (a disorder caused by too much of the steroid hormone cortisol), and a parasitic infection

BA (ABSOLUTE) Abnormal basophil counts can be caused by Crohn's Disease, Hodgkin's Lymphoma, Hemolytic Anemia, Tendency Toward Allergic Reactions, Hypothyroidism, Splenectomy Side-Effects, Sinusitis, and Collagen Vascular Disease.

CHEMISTRY

Creatine Kinase Creatine Kinase (CK) activity is greatest in striated muscle, heart tissue, and brain. The determination of CK activity is a proven tool in the investigation of skeletal muscle disease (muscular dystrophy) and is also useful in the diagnosis of myocardial infarction (MI) and cerebrovascular accidents. Increased levels of CK also can be found in viral myositis, polymyositis, and hypothyroidism. Exercise and muscle trauma (contact sports, traffic accidents, intramuscular injections, surgery, convulsions, wasp or bee stings, and burns) can elevate serum creatine kinase values.

Folate Vitamin B12 and folate are separate tests often used in conjunction to detect deficiencies and to help diagnose the cause of certain anemias, such as pernicious anemia, an autoimmune disease that affects the absorption of B12. B12 and folate are two vitamins that cannot be produced in the body and must be supplied by the diet. They are required for normal red blood cell (RBC) formation, repair of tissues and cells, and synthesis of DNA, the genetic material in cells. B12 is essential for proper nerve function.

Uric Acid The uric acid blood test is used to detect high levels of this compound in the blood in order to help diagnose gout. The test is also used to monitor uric acid levels in people undergoing chemotherapy or radiation treatment for cancer. Rapid cell turnover from such treatment can result in an increased uric acid level.

Vitamin B12 See Folate explanation above.

IRON PROFILE

Iron Iron level is determined by measuring the quantity of iron bound to the protein transferrin. Transferrin, which is formed in the liver, is the major carrier of iron in the bloodstream.

Ferritin Ferritin—the major iron-storage protein—is measured to determine the amount of iron stored in the body.

Transferrin Transferrin levels rise with iron deficiency and fall in cases of iron overload. Transferrin is also responsible for circadian variation in serum iron (which peaks in the AM). Normally, iron is absorbed from food and transported throughout the body by transferrin, which is produced by the liver.

UIBC The unsaturated iron binding capacity (UIBC) test can help diagnose iron deficiency and iron poisoning,

TIBC Total iron-binding capacity (TIBC) measures all of the proteins available for transporting iron; since transferrin is the primary carrier, this test indirectly measures transferrin levels.

Iron Saturation Transferrin saturations of less than 20% indicate iron deficiency, while transferrin saturations of more than 50% suggest iron overload. The terms transferrin saturation and iron-binding capacity, saturation, are interchangeable

BONE HEALTH

Vitamin D, 250H The 25-hydroxy vitamin D test is the most accurate way to measure how much vitamin D is in your body. In the kidney, 25-hydroxy vitamin D changes into an active form of the vitamin. The active form of vitamin D helps control calcium and phosphate levels in the body. Abnormal levels are caused by; Lack of exposure to sunlight, Lack of enough vitamin D in the diet, Liver and kidney diseases, Poor food absorption, Use of certain medicines, including phenytoin, phenobarbital, and rifampin.

N-MID Osteocalcin Osteocalcin, the most abundant non-collagen protein in bone matrix, is a bone-specific, calcium binding protein. Serum osteocalcin levels are related to the rate of bone turnover in various disorders of bone metabolism, eg, osteoporosis, primary and secondary hyperparathyroidism, and Paget's disease.

Parathyroid Hormone Parathyroid hormone (PTH) is released by the parathyroid glands. The four tiny parathyroid glands are located in the neck, near or attached to the back side of the thyroid gland. PTH controls calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin D levels in the blood.

Beta-Crosslaps (CTx) CTx is useful to assess bone resorption in patients with metabolic bone disease. The test is also useful in monitoring therapy to slow or halt osteoporotic bone loss.

ADVANCED ELECTROLYTE PROFILE

Calcium Calcium levels monitor conditions relating to the bones, heart, nerves, kidneys, and teeth. The test may also be ordered if a person has symptoms of a parathyroid disorder, malabsorption, or an overactive thyroid.

Chloride Chloride works with other electrolytes such as potassium, sodium, and carbon dioxide (CO2). These substances help keep the proper balance of body fluids and maintain the body's acid-base balance.

Carbon Dioxide (CO2) The Carbon Dioxide test is used to determine if there’s an imbalance between the oxygen and carbon dioxide in your blood or a pH imbalance in your blood. These imbalances can be signs of a kidney, respiratory, or metabolic disorder. The body contains two major forms of CO2: HCO3 (bicarbonate, the main form of CO2 in the body), and PCO2 (carbon dioxide).

Glucose A blood glucose test measures the amount of a type of sugar, called glucose, in your blood. Abnormal blood glucose levels are hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia.

Potassium Normal range for serum potassium is narrow (3.5 to 5.1 mEq/L), and minor departure from this range (by less than 1.0 mEq/L) is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Hyperkalemia is the medical term that describes a potassium level in your blood that's higher than normal. Potassium is a nutrient that is critical to the function of nerve and muscle cells, including those in your heart. The most common cause of genuinely high potassium (hyperkalemia) is related to your kidneys, such as:

Acute kidney failure, Chronic kidney disease, Addison’s disease, illicit drug usage, and alcoholism. Low potassium (hypokalemia) has many causes. The most common cause is excessive potassium loss in urine due to prescription water or fluid pills (diuretics). Vomiting or diarrhea or both can result in excessive potassium loss from the digestive tract. Only rarely is low potassium caused by not getting enough potassium in your diet.

Sodium Measurement of serum sodium is routine in assessing electrolyte, acid-base, and water balance, and renal function. Sodium accounts for approximately 95% of the osmotically active substances in the extracellular compartment, provided the patient is not in renal failure or has severe hyperglycemia.

Magnesium Magnesium is a cofactor of many enzyme systems. All adenosine triphosphate (ATP)-dependent enzymatic reactions require magnesium as a cofactor. Conditions that interfere with glomerular filtration result in retention of magnesium and hence elevation of serum concentrations. Numerous studies have shown a correlation between magnesium deficiency and changes in calcium-, potassium-, and phosphate-homeostasis which are associated with cardiac disorders such as ventricular arrhythmias.

Phosphorus Phosphorus is an important element that is vital to several of your body’s physiologic processes. It helps with bone growth, energy storage, and nerve and muscle production. Many foods — especially meat and dairy products — contain phosphorus, so it’s usually easy to get enough of this mineral in your diet. Various conditions, including liver disease and vitamin D deficiency, can cause your blood phosphorus level to become too high or too low.

Anion Gap The anion gap = (Na+ + K+) - (Cl- + HCO3-) where Na- is sodium, K+ is potassium, Cl- is chloride, and HCO3- is bicarbonate. The anion gap can be normal, high, or low. A high anion gap indicated metabolic acidosis, the increased acidity of the blood due to metabolic processes. Too high of an anion gap level can mean that there is acidosis (too much acid in the blood) due to diabetes mellitus. The high anion gap level can also be due to lactic acidosis, in which the high level of acid is due a buildup of a substance called lactic acid.

RENAL PROFILE

Urea Nitrogen A blood urea nitrogen (BUN) test measures the amount of nitrogen in your blood that comes from the waste product urea. Urea is made when protein is broken down in your body. Urea is made in the liver and passed out of your body in the urine. A BUN test is done to see how well your kidneys are working.

Creatinine Creatinine is a chemical waste molecule that is generated from muscle metabolism. Creatinine is produced from creatine, a molecule of major importance for energy production in muscles. Approximately 2% of the body's creatine is converted to creatinine every day. Creatinine is transported through the bloodstream to the kidneys. The kidneys filter out most of the creatinine and dispose of it in the urine. Because the muscle mass in the body is relatively constant from day to day, the creatinine production normally remains essentially unchanged on a daily basis. As the kidneys become impaired for any reason, the creatinine level in the blood will rise due to poor clearance of creatinine by the kidneys.

Cystatin-C Cystatin C is a protein that is produced by the cells in your body. When kidneys are working well, they keep the level of cystatin C in your blood within normal range. If the level of cystatin C in your blood is too high, it may mean that your kidneys are not working well.

EGFR (NON-AA) The “Non-AA” stands for Non African American patients. Creatinine-based Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR). Serum creatinine measurement is used in estimating GFR for people with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and those with risk factors for CKD (diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and family history of kidney disease).

EGFR (AA) This test is for African Americans (AA) for Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate. The reason for differentiation in Non-African American and African American patients is due to numerous studies noting different “normal” eGFR’s for the ethnic groups studied to date.

BUN/Creatinine Ratio The ratio of BUN to creatinine is usually between 6.0-22.0. An increased ratio may be due to a condition that causes a decrease in the flow of blood to the kidneys, such as congestive heart failure or dehydration.

LIVER PROFILE

ALP The alkaline phosphatase test (ALP) is used to help detect liver disease or bone disorders. In conditions affecting the liver, damaged liver cells release increased amounts of ALP into the blood.

ALT (SGPT) Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT) An alanine aminotransferase (ALT) test measures the amount of this enzyme in the blood. ALT is found mainly in the liver, but also in smaller amounts in the kidneys, heart, muscles, and pancreas . ALT was formerly called serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase (SGPT). Very high levels of ALT (more than 10 times normal) are usually due to acute hepatitis, sometimes due to a viral infection.

AST (SGOT) Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST) Guide. An aspartate aminotransferase (AST) test measures the amount of this enzyme in the blood. AST is normally found in red blood cells, liver, heart, muscle tissue, pancreas, and kidneys. AST formerly was called serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (SGOT).

***** It is important to clarify that ALT and AST levels do not reflect the function of the liver, even though in the medical community and in medical publications they commonly, and incorrectly, are referred to as liver function tests. Even in conditions when AST and ALT are very elevated, the liver still may function properly. The most reliable blood tests to accurately detect liver function are: Coagulation panel (prothrombin time or PT, and international normalized ratio or INR), Albumin level (hypoalbuminemia), Bilirubin, Platelet count, Glucose, GGT (Gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase), ALP (alkaline phosphatase), and LD or LDH (Lactate dehydrogenase): ******

Albumin This test measures the amount of the protein albumin in your blood. Your liver makes albumin. Albumin carries substances such as hormones, drugs, and enzymes throughout your body. This test can help diagnose, evaluate, and watch kidney and liver conditions. Low albumin levels can also be seen in inflammation, shock, and malnutrition. They may be seen with conditions in which the body does not properly absorb and digest protein, such as Crohn's disease or celiac disease, or in which large volumes of protein are lost from the intestines.

Total Protein A total serum protein test measures the total amount of protein in the blood. It also measures the amounts of two major groups of proteins in the blood: albumin and globulin. Albumin is made mainly in the liver. It helps keep the blood from leaking out of blood vessels.

Bilirubin, Total A bilirubin test measures the amount of bilirubin in a blood sample. Bilirubin is a brownish yellow substance found in bile. It is produced when the liver breaks down old red blood cells. Bilirubin is then removed from the body through the stool (feces) and gives stool its normal color. Higher than normal levels of bilirubin may indicate different types of liver problems. Occasionally, higher bilirubin levels may indicate an increased rate of destruction of red blood cells (hemolysis). Bilirubin tests are also used to evaluate people with sickle cell disease or other causes of hemolytic anemia.

Bilirubin, Direct There are two types of bilirubin, conjugated and un-conjugated. DIRECT measures conjugated bilirubin—formed in the liver when sugars are attached (conjugated) to bilirubin. It enters the bile and passes from the liver to the small intestines and is eventually eliminated in the stool. Normally, no conjugated bilirubin is present in the blood.

GGT The gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) test may be used to determine the cause of elevated alkaline phosphatase (ALP). Both ALP and GGT are elevated in disease of the bile ducts and in some liver diseases, but only ALP will be elevated in bone disease. An elevated GGT level suggests that something is damaging the liver but does not indicate specifically what. In general, the higher the level, the greater the "insult" – or damage – to the liver. Elevated levels may be due to liver diseases, such as hepatitis or cirrhosis, but they may also be due to other conditions, such as congestive heart failure, diabetes, or pancreatitis. They may also be caused by alcohol abuse or use of drugs that are toxic to the liver.

LDH When tissues are damaged by injury or disease, they release more LDH into the bloodstream. Conditions that can cause increased LDH in the blood include liver disease, heart attack, anemia, muscle trauma, bone fractures, cancers, and infections such as meningitis, encephalitis, and HIV.

A/G Ratio This test is the Albumin/Globulin Ratio. Normally, there is a little more albumin than globulins, giving a normal A/G ratio of slightly over 1. Because disease states affect the relative amounts of albumin and globulin, the A/G ratio may provide a clue as to the cause of the change in protein levels. A low A/G ratio may reflect overproduction of globulins, such as seen in multiple myeloma or autoimmune diseases, or underproduction of albumin, such as may occur with cirrhosis, or selective loss of albumin from the circulation, as may occur with kidney disease (nephrotic syndrome). A high A/G ratio suggests underproduction of immunoglobulins as may be seen in some genetic deficiencies and in some leukemias.

PANCREATIC PROFILE

Amylase (Pancreatic) An amylase test measures the amount of this enzyme in a sample of blood. Normally, only low levels of amylase are found in the blood. But if the pancreas or salivary glands become damaged or blocked, more amylase is usually released into the blood and urine.

Lipase A lipase test measures the amount of this enzyme in a blood sample. High amounts of lipase may be found in the blood when the pancreas is damaged or when the tube leading from the pancreas (pancreatic duct) to the beginning of the small intestine is blocked.

LIPID PROFILE ADVANCED

Cholesterol, Total Total cholesterol is defined as the sum of HDL, LDL, and VLDL. ***** Your body naturally produces all the cholesterol that it needs. Cholesterol is essential to producing vitamin D, hormones and substances that aid digestion. However, certain components of cholesterol can lead to worsened morbidity/mortality regarding cardiovascular health. NCEP ATP Guidelines are included on the comprehensive lipid profile test results.******

HDL HDL stands for high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, which is traditionally called "good" cholesterol

LDL (Calculated) LDL stands for low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, which is traditionally called "bad" cholesterol.

Triglycerides Triglycerides are a type of fat (lipid) found in your blood. When you eat, your body converts any calories it doesn't need to use right away into triglycerides. The triglycerides are stored in fat cells. Later, hormones release triglycerides for energy between meals. Patients ingesting more calories than are “burned,”, particularly "easy" calories like carbohydrates and fats, have a higher risk of hypertriglyceridemia. Hypertriglyceridemia can increase a patient’s risk of cardiovascular disease.

CHOL/HDL Ratio Cholesterol ratio is calculated by dividing the high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol number into the total cholesterol number. An optimal ratio is less than 3.5-to-1. A higher ratio means a higher risk of heart disease.

LDL/HDL Ratio The LDL/HDL ratio is calculated by dividing the high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol into the low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol number. An optimal ratio is less than 3.0-to-1.

Apolipoprotein A1 Apo A-I is a protein that has a specific role in the metabolism of lipids and is the main protein component in HDL, the "good cholesterol").

Apolipoprotein B Apo B is a protein that is involved in the metabolism of lipids and is the main protein constituent of lipoproteins such as very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL, the "bad cholesterol").

APO B/A1 Ratio The APO B/A1 Ratio is calculated by dividing the Apolipoprotein A1 number into the Apolipoprotein B number. An optimal ratio is less 0.70.

Lipoprotein (a) The Lp(a) test is used to identify an elevated level of lipoprotein (a) as a possible risk factor in the development of cardiovascular disease (CVD). The Lp(a) level is genetically determined and remains relatively constant over an individual's lifetime. Since it is usually not affected by lifestyle changes or by most drugs, it is not the target of therapy. Instead, when Lp(a) is high, the presence of this added risk factor may suggest the need for more aggressive treatment of other, more treatable risk factors such as an elevated low-density lipoprotein (LDL).

CARDIAC RISK PROFILE

NT-proBNP NT-proBNP is a substance that is produced in the heart and released when the heart is stretched and working hard to pump blood. N-terminal pro b-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) is primarily used to help detect, diagnose, and evaluate the severity of heart failure. It can be used, along with other cardiac biomarker tests, to detect heart stress and damage and/or along with lung function tests to distinguish between causes of shortness of breath. NT-proBNP are usually used to recognize heart failure, an increased level in people with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) indicates an increased risk of recurrent events. For NT-proBNP < 300 ng/mL - HF unlikely. Age < 50 years, NT-proBNP >450 pg/mL - HF likely. Age 50-75 years, NT-proBNP >900 pg/mL – HF likely. Age >75 years, NT-proBNP >1800 – HF likely.

C-Reactive Protein (hs) High Sensitivity C-reactive protein (CRP) is a biomarker of inflammation. Plasma CRP concentrations increase rapidly and dramatically (100-fold or more) in response to tissue injury or inflammation. High-sensitivity CRP (hs-CRP) is more precise than standard CRP when measuring baseline (ie, normal) concentrations and enables a measure of chronic inflammation.

Homocysteine A homocysteine blood test is done to: Help identify vitamin B12 deficiency or folic acid deficiency. But other tests for these deficiencies are available. Help identify a rare inherited disease (homocystinuria) that causes a deficiency of one of several enzymes needed to convert food to energy. Elevated levels of homocysteine in the blood appear to make for an elevated risk of cardiovascular (heart and vessel) disease.

INFLAMMATORY PROFILE

RBC Sedimentation Rate A sedimentation rate is common blood test that is used to detect and monitor inflammation in the body. The sedimentation rate is also called the erythrocyte sedimentation rate because it is a measure of the speed that the red blood cells (erythrocytes) in a tube of blood fall to the bottom of the tube, or sediment. An RBC Sedimentation Rate test isn't a stand-alone diagnostic tool, but it may help your doctor diagnose or monitor the progress of an inflammatory disease. When your blood is placed in a tall, thin tube, red blood cells (erythrocytes) gradually settle to the bottom. Inflammation can cause the cells to clump together.

C-Reactive Protein The level of C-reactive protein (CRP) increases when there's inflammation in your body due to infections or other medical conditions.

DIABETIC PROFILE

Hemoglobin A1c The A1C test is a blood test that provides information about a person's average levels of blood glucose, also called blood sugar, over the past 3 months. The A1C test is based on the attachment of glucose to hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen.

Fructosamine A high fructosamine means that a diabetic's average glucose over the previous 2 to 3 weeks has been elevated. In general, the higher the fructosamine level, the higher the average blood glucose level.

Insulin Insulin is a hormone that is produced and stored in the beta cells of the pancreas. Insulin helps transport glucose , the body's main source of energy, from the blood to within cells. If a person makes too little insulin or is resistant to its effects, cells starve. If someone makes too much, as may happen with an insulin-producing tumor (insulinoma) for example, then symptoms of low blood glucose (hypoglycemia) emerge.

C-Peptide The C-peptide test measures the level of this peptide in the blood. It is generally found in amounts equal to insulin because insulin and C-peptide are linked when first made by the pancreas. Insulin helps the body use and control the amount of sugar (glucose) in the blood.

Estimated Ave Glucose An average blood glucose level, expressed in milligrams per deciliter (mg/dl), based on a person’s glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) level. Estimated average glucose (eAG) is considered easier for people with diabetes and their doctors to work with than HbA1c, since it is given in the same units as everyday blood glucose readings.

THYROID PROFILE

Thyrotropin (TSH) A thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) blood test is used to check for thyroid gland problems. TSH is produced when the hypothalamus releases a substance called thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH). TRH then triggers the pituitary gland to release TSH.

T3, Free T3, also called triiodothyronine , is the active hormone. T3 comes from the conversion of T4 to T3, and it’s also made directly by the thyroid. Free T3 measures the amount of T3 that is not bound to proteins, and that which is useable.

T3, Total The Total T3, which measures the total amount of T3 in blood–both the T3 attached to proteins and thus unuseable, and that which is not attached, and thus useable. Proteins helps transport T3 through your blood.

T4, Total Total thyroxine (T4). Most of the thyroxine (T4) in the blood is attached to a protein called thyroxine-binding globulin. Less than 1% of the T4 is unattached. A total T4 blood test measures both bound and free thyroxine.

T4, Free Free thyroxine (free T4) tests are used to help evaluate thyroid function and diagnose thyroid diseases, including hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism, usually after discovering that the thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) level is abnormal. Free T4 measures the amount of active T4.

TPO Ab Testing for thyroid antibodies, such as thyroid peroxidase antibody (TPO), is primarily ordered to help diagnose an autoimmune thyroid disease and to distinguish it from other forms of thyroid dysfunction. Thyroid autoantibodies develop when a person's immune system mistakenly targets components of the thyroid gland or thyroid proteins, leading to chronic inflammation of the thyroid (thyroiditis), tissue damage, and/or disruption of thyroid function. Thyroid peroxidase antibody (TPO)—the most common test for autoimmune thyroid disease; it can be detected in Graves disease or Hashimoto thyroiditis.

Thyroglobulin Ab Thyroglobulin antibody (TGAb)— this antibody targets thyroglobulin, the storage form of thyroid hormones.

HORMONE BALANCE PROFILE

Cortisol (Random) Cortisol is a steroid hormone made by your adrenal glands. It helps your body respond to stress, regulate blood sugar, and fight infections. In most people, cortisol levels are highest in the morning when they wake up and lowest around midnight. Your body also pumps out excess cortisol when you're anxious or under intense stress. test may help in the diagnosis of two fairly uncommon medical conditions: Cushing's syndrome and Addison's disease. The test also screens for other diseases that affect your pituitary and adrenal glands. It does so by measuring your blood level of a stress hormone called cortisol.

DHEA-Sulfate The DHEA-sulfate test measures the amount of DHEA-sulfate in the blood. DHEA-sulfate is a weak male hormone (androgen) produced by the adrenal gland in both men and women. DHEA stands for dehydroepiandrosterone.

Estradiol Estradiol is a form of the hormone estrogen, and it's also called “17 beta-estradiol.” The ovaries, breasts, and adrenal glands make estradiol.

FSH The follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) blood test measures the level of FSH in blood. FSH is a hormone released by the pituitary gland, located on the underside of the brain. In women, FSH helps manage a women’s cycle and stimulates the ovaries to produce eggs. In men, FSH stimulates production of sperm.

Luteinizing Hormone (LH) A hormone secreted by the anterior pituitary gland that stimulates ovulation in females and the synthesis of androgen in males.

SHBG This test measures the level of sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) in your blood. SHBG is a protein made by your liver. It binds tightly to 3 sex hormones found in both men and women. These hormones are estrogen; dihydrotestosterone (DHT), and testosterone. SHBG carries these three hormones throughout your blood.

Testosterone Most of the testosterone in your blood attaches to two proteins: albumin and sex hormone binding globulin, or SHBG. Some testosterone is unattached to proteins, or free. It can be important to measure a person's level of free testosterone because this hormone is responsible for sexual traits.

Testosterone, Free See above note

Progesterone Progesterone is a female hormone produced by the ovaries during release of a mature egg from an ovary (ovulation).

Prolactin Prolactin (also called PRL or lactogenic hormone) is a hormone produced by the pituitary gland in the brain. Prolactin plays an important role in the reproductive health of both women and men. Its main role, however, is to stimulate the production of milk in women after childbirth.

Testosterone, Bio Typically, a test for total testosterone is used for diagnosis. The total testosterone test measures testosterone that is bound to proteins in the blood (e.g., albumin and sex-hormone binding globulin [SHBG]) as well as testosterone that is not bound. However, a test for free or bioavailable testosterone may be used if, for example, the level of SHBG in the blood is abnormal. PSA, Total PSA is a blood test that is commonly used to help predict the presence of prostate cancer. It stands for Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA).