Complete Lab Screening
The complete lab screening covers three basic areas of testing - the Comprehensive Metabolic Panel, Blood Lipids, and Complete Blood Count. A brief description of each individual test in each of the three areas is provided below. Additional lab tests are available upon request.
Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP)
Glucose: This is a measure of sugar in your blood. High levels are associated with eating before the test or with diabetes. Even if you know you have diabetes, high levels should be reported to your doctor.
Total Protein and Albumin: These tests measure the type and amount of protein in your blood. They can serve as an index of overall nutrition.
Sodium, Potassium, Chloride and CO2: These are known as electrolytes and are controlled and regulated by the kidneys. They are important for proper functioning of the nerves and muscles, particularly the heart.
Calcium: This mineral is controlled by the parathyroid glands and the kidneys. An elevated calcium should be evaluated by a physician.
ALT and AST: These are proteins called enzymes. They aid the cells in carrying out their specialized functions. AST can be found in muscles, the liver and the heart. ALT is more specifically from the liver. Elevated results may be due to damage by alcohol, certain diseases, or interference from medication. Low levels are usually not significant.
Alkaline Phosphatase: This enzyme is found in the liver and bone. Expected values are higher in adolescents and in pregnancy. Low values are probably not significant.
Bilirubin: This is the primary pigment in bile. Although low levels are probably not significant, high values may indicate liver disease or some other disorder, which reduces the normal flow of bile.
Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN): This is a waste product produced in the liver and excreted by the kidneys. High values may mean that the kidneys are not working as well as they should. BUN is also affected by high-protein diets and/or strenuous exercise, which raise the levels, and pregnancy which lowers it.
Creatinine with GFR Calculation: Creatinine is a waste product. The amount present is not affected by the amount of protein you eat. High values are significant and usually require medical attention. GFR Calculation (Glomerular Filtration Rate) is a calculated estimate of how well your kidneys are functioning. It takes into consideration your creatinine, age, and gender. Low values should be reported to your doctor.
Blood Lipids
Cholesterol: This is one of the fat-like nutrients needed by our body. It has several normal uses such as helping to build cell membranes and make hormones. Cholesterol is carried in the blood on particles called lipoproteins. Elevated blood cholesterol has been shown to be a risk factor for atherosclerosis, a form of hardening of the arteries (or coronary artery disease), which is associated with an increased risk for heart attacks.
HDL Cholesterol: High Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol (HDL) is one of the substances that carry cholesterol in the blood. HDL is considered to be beneficial because it removes excess cholesterol and disposes of it. Therefore, HDL cholesterol is often called "good cholesterol".
LDL Cholesterol: Low Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol (LDL) is another substance that carries cholesterol in the blood. LDL cholesterol is considered undesirable because it can deposit cholesterol in the walls of the blood vessels and can contribute to atherosclerosis. LDL is often termed "bad cholesterol".
Triglycerides: This is the substance stored by the body as fat. Some triglycerides circulate in the blood to provide fuel for muscles to work. Fasting elevated triglycerides in your blood may increase your risk of heart disease.
Complete Blood Count
White Blood Cell Count (WBC): White blood cells are primarily involved in the body's resistance to certain diseases, especially infections. Low or high WBC counts may be seen in a variety of diseases or conditions. Slightly increased or decreased values are usually not significant but can best be evaluated by your physician.
Red Blood Cell Count (RBC): Red blood cells contain hemoglobin which transports oxygen in the blood. A low RBC value may indicate anemia. A high value may indicate excess red blood cell production. A low or high result should be evaluated by your physician.
Hemoglobin: This is the oxygen carrying pigment found in the red blood cells. It is essential for oxygen to be carried to the tissues of the body. A decreased hemoglobin value can indicate anemia and increased values are associated with other disorders. Low or high results should be evaluated by your physician.
Hematocrit (HCT): This is a percentage value that shows the ratio of red blood cell volume to total blood volume. Low and high values have significance similar to RBC and Hemoglobin (above).
MCV-MCH-MCHC: These are values called Red Blood Cell indices. They provide information about the size and hemoglobin content of red blood cells and may be helpful in determining the cause of anemia. Results outside of the normal ranges should be reviewed by your physician.
Platelet: These are small particles which are involved in the control and prevention of bleeding. Slightly elevated platelet counts are usually not significant. Decreased or high (more than 500,000) counts should be reported to your physician.