Some Facts About Your Wellness Lab Tests

Alkaline Phosphatase, AST (SGOT), and ALT (SGPT)

These enzymes are released when certain cells from associated organ systems are damaged. Alkaline phosphatase is associated with the bone, liver, or placenta. AST is present in skeletal, heart, and liver cells. ALT is present in very high amounts in the liver and kidney with smaller amounts in skeletal and heart muscles.

Blood Type (ABO and Rh)

Blood typing is used to determine if a person is group A, B, AB, or O and if he or she is Rh negative or positive depending on what antigens are present on the person’s red blood cells.

Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN) and Creatinine

Are waste products measured primarily to assess kidney function.

Calcium

is a mineral that forms bones and is used to detect parathyroid gland problems. It’s important in promoting blood coagulation, in the conduction of nerve impulses, and in muscle contractility.

Cholesterol and Lipids

are fats. Fats are important in the diet for the proper function of many bodily functions. However, elevated amounts of cholesterol and triglycerides increase your risk of stroke and heart disease.

High-Density Lipoproteins (HDL), Low-Density Lipoproteins (LDL), and Very Low-Density Lipoproteins (VLDL) Comprise Cholesterol Total

High values of HDL (good cholesterol) tend to protect against atherosclerosis. LDL (bad cholesterol) may be decreased by lowering the saturated fat intake in your diet or by medication. Elevated levels of triglycerides may be dues to diets high in carbohydrates and calories or by high alcohol intake. CHOL/HDL Ratio is a calculation that can aid your doctor in diagnosis if you have an imbalance of these two fats in your system.

dTIBC (Direct Total Iron-Binding Capacity) or TIBC (Total Iron-Binding Capacity)

Measures all of the proteins in the blood that are available to bind with iron. It is ordered along with serum iron when it appears that a person has iron deficiency or overload.

Ferritin

Reflects the amount of stored iron in the body. The ferritin test may be ordered, along with the other iron test when iron deficiency anemia or iron overload is suspected.

FT4 or Free T4

Is an active form of thyroxine and reflects thyroid hormone function. It is usually ordered along with or following a TSH.

Glucose

Or blood sugar is the most frequently ordered of all clinical chemistry tests and is primarily a screen for diabetes or hypoglycemia

Hematology Wellness

A broad screening test to determine an individual’s general health status.

  • White Blood Cell (WBC) count is a count of the total number of white blood cells in a person’s sample of blood. WBCs are cells that are part of the body’s defense system against infections, cancer, allergies, and inflammation.
  • Red Blood Cell (RBC) count is a count of the actual number of red blood cells in a person’s sample of blood. RBCs are cells that transport oxygen throughout the body.
  • Platelet Count is the number of platelets in a person’s sample of blood. Platelets are cell fragments that are vital for normal blood clotting.
  • Hemoglobin measures the amount of oxygen-carrying protein in the blood.
  • Hematocrit measures the percentage of a person’s blood that consists of red blood cells.
Hemoglobin A1C (Glycosylated A1C)

is useful in evaluating the long-term control of blood glucose concentration in diabetic individuals. It reflects the glucose level over time.

Iron

measures the level of iron in the blood. It may be ordered, along with the other iron tests, when iron deficiency anemia or iron overload is suspected.

Potassium

An electrolyte plays a significant role in water balance inside cells and in the function of nerve tissue and heart and muscle contraction.

PSA, Total (Prostate-Specific Antigen Total) is Prostate Specific But Not Prostate Cancer-Specific

The American Cancer Society recommends annual PSA and digital rectal exams for all men beginning at age 50. It may be used to screen men for prostate cancer and other prostate conditions (benign prostatic hypertrophy, prostatitis). It is recommended to wait 3 months after biopsy or manipulation.

Sodium

Along with other electrolytes (like Potassium) helps cells function normally and helps regulate the amount of fluid in the body.

Total Protein

in the blood is an indicator of your general health, nutrition, and defense against infection.

Uric Acid

Is the end product of purine (amino acid) metabolism. Elevations are sometimes observed in renal failure, gout, excessive cell destruction, some neoplasms, alcohol consumption, psoriasis, diabetes, obesity, hypertension, congestive heart failure, and heart attack or damage.

TSH or Thyroid Stimulating Hormone

is an excellent indicator of thyroid function.

A Microalbumin (Albumin/Creatinine Ratio)

A urine test is done to check for protein (albumin) in the urine. Albumin is normally found in the blood and filtered by the kidneys. When the kidneys are working properly, albumin is not present in the urine. But when the kidneys are damaged, small amounts of albumin leak into the urine. This condition is called microalbuminuria.