Most Common Tests

Comprehensive Wellness Profile (CWP)

 

With this test you will have the opportunity to detect heart disease, diabetes and other conditions that could threaten your health. Take advantage with our Comprehensive Wellness Profile (CWP), our most complete general wellness panel.

Complete Blood Count (CBC) (9)

 

• WBC – White blood cells are the body’s primary defense against disease. White blood cells help fight infection.
• RBC – Red blood cells are responsible for carrying oxygen to and carbon dioxide away from all cells.
• Hemoglobin – a chemical compound inside red cells that transports oxygen through the blood stream to all cells of the body. Oxygen is needed for healthy organs. Hemoglobin gives the red color to blood.
• Hematocrit – Hematocrit measures the amount of space red blood cells take up in the blood.
• MCV – MCV reflects the size of red blood cells by expressing the volume occupied by a single red blood cell.
• MCH Mean – Corpuscular Hemoglobin is one way to measure the average hemoglobin concentration within red blood cells.
• MCHC – MCHC measures the average concentration of hemoglobin in red blood cells. It is most valuable in evaluating therapy for anemia because Hemoglobin and Hemotacrit are used, not R.B.C., in the calculation.
• RDW – Red cell distribution width (RDW) is a calculation of the variation in the size of your RBC’s.
• Platelets – Blood cell particles involved with the forming of blood clots.
• Neutrophils, Lymphocytes, Monocytes, Eosinophils, and Basophils – deal with white blood cell function.  Important to the body’s defense against infection and also important in the assessment of nutritional status. These tests are based upon percentages.
• Neutrophils (Absolute), Lymphocytes (Absolute), Monocytes (Absolute), Eosinophils (Absolute), and Basophils (Absolute) – deal with white blood cell function. Important to the body’s defense against infection and also important in the assessment of nutritional status. These tests are based upon total count.
• Immature Granulocytes and Immature Grans (Abs) – deal with white blood cell function. These tests check the maturity, percentage and total count, of immature neutrophils, which can be neutrophilic, acidophilic, or basophilic in nature.

 

Thyroid Panel (18)

 

• Total T-4 (Thyroxine) -Thyroxine is the thyroid function that contains four atoms of iodine. It is the measurement of the total T4 concentration in the blood stream.
• T-3 uptake -This test is an indirect measurement of unsaturated thyroxine binding globulin in the blood.
• Free – Thyroxine Index (FTI) T-7-This index is a calculation used to correct the estimated total thyroxine for the amount of thyroxine binding globulin present. It uses the T4 value and the T-uptake ration.
• Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) – TSH, produced by the anterior pituitary gland, causes the release and distribution of stored thyroid hormones.

 

Lipid Panel (18)

 

• Cholesterol, Total – Cholesterol is a critical fat that is a structural component of cell membrane and plasma lipoproteins, and is important in the synthesis of steroid hormones, glucocorticoids, and bile acids. Mostly synthesized in the liver, some is absorbed through diet, especially one high in saturated fats.
• HDL Cholesterol – High-density lipoproteins are believed to take cholesterol away from cells and transport it back to the liver for processing or removal. They are popularly known as the “good” cholesterol.
• LDL Cholesterol – Low-density lipoproteins contain the greatest percentage of cholesterol and may be responsible for depositing cholesterol on the artery walls. For that reason, they are known as the “bad” cholesterol.
• Cholesterol/HDL Ratio – This ratio is calculated by dividing the total cholesterol by the HDL cholesterol and is used for determining relative risk for developing cardiovascular heart disease.
• Triglycerides – Triglycerides are fat in the blood responsible for providing energy to the cells of the body.

 

Liver Profile

 

• Protein, Total – Proteins are the most abundant compound in serum. The protein makeup of the individual is of important diagnostic significance because of protein’s involvement in enzymes, hormones, and antibodies as well as osmotic pressure balance, maintaining acid-base balance, and as a reserve source of nutrition for the body’s tissues and muscles.
• Albumin, Serum – Albumin is the major constituent of serum protein (usually over 50%). It is manufactured by the liver from the amino acids taken from the diet. It helps in osmotic pressure regulation, nutrient transport, and waste removal.
• Globulin, Total – Globulin, a larger protein than albumin, has many diverse functions such as, the carrier of some hormones, lipids, metals, and antibodies.
• Albumin/Globulin Ratio – Calculated by dividing the albumin by the globulin.
• Bilirubin, Total – A byproduct of the breakdown of hemoglobin from red blood cells in the liver, bilirubin is a good indication of the liver’s function. Excreted into the bile, bilirubin gives the bile its pigmentation.
• Alkaline Phosphatase – A body protein important in diagnosing proper bone and liver functions.
• Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH) – An enzyme found mostly in the heart, muscles, liver, kidney, brain, and red blood cells.
• Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST or SGOT) – An enzyme found in skeletal and heart muscle, liver and other organs.
• Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT or SGPT) – An enzyme found primarily in the liver.
• GGT – Also known as Gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase, GGT helps detect liver and bile duct injury.

 

Kidney Panel

 

• Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN) –  A by-product of protein metabolism eliminated through the kidneys.
• Creatinine, Serum – Creatinine is the waste product of muscle metabolism. Its level is a reflection of the body’s muscle mass.
• Uric Acid  – Another by-product of protein metabolism eliminated through the kidneys. 
• BUN/Creatinine – Ratio calculated by dividing the BUN by the Creatinine.
• Glomerular Filtration (eGFR) – Provides an assessment of the filtering capacity of the kidney.
• Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT or SGPT) – An enzyme found primarily in the liver.
• GGT – Also known as Gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase, GGT helps detect liver and bile duct injury.

 

Iron

 

• Iron, Total – Iron is necessary for the formation of some proteins, hemoglobin, myoglobulin, and cytochrome. Also, it is necessary for oxygen transport, cellular respiration, and peroxide deactivation.

 

Fluids, Electrolytes & Minerals

 

• Chloride, Serum—Similar to sodium, it helps to maintain the body’s electrolyte balance.
• Potassium—Helps to control the nerves and muscles.
• Sodium, Serum—One of the major salts in the body fluid; sodium is important in the body’s water balance and the electrical activity of nerves and muscles.
• Carbon Dioxide (CO2)—CO2 level is related to the respiratory exchange of carbon dioxide in the lungs; is part of the body’s buffering system. Generally when used with other electrolytes, it is a good indicator of acidity and alkalinity.
• Calcium—This mineral is essential for development and maintenance of healthy bones and teeth. It is important also for the normal function of muscles, nerves and blood clotting.
• Phosphorus—Together with calcium, it is essential for healthy development of bones and teeth.  Phosphorus is associated with hormone imbalance, bone disease and kidney disease. It is found mainly in bones and teeth.

 

Glucose

 

• Glucose – Glucose, formed by the digestion of carbohydrates and the conversion of glycogen by the liver, is the primary source of energy for most cells. It is regulated by insulin, glucagon, thyroid hormone, liver enzymes, and adrenal hormones.

 

CardioPlus Panel

 

Heart health means whole-system health. Order DirectLabs’ CardioPlus Panel, and get 27 important tests at a great discount. And the money you save is a drop in the bucket compared to your peace of mind.

 

Diabetes

 

• Glucose – Blood sugar level, the most direct single test to uncover diabetes, may be used not only to identify diabetes, but also to evaluate how one controls the disease.

 

Kidney

 

• Uric Acid – A by-product of protein metabolism eliminated through the kidneys. Uric acid is an indicator of kidney function.
• Bun (Urea Nitrogen) – Another by-product of protein metabolism eliminated through the kidneys. BUN is an indicator of kidney function.
• Creatinine, Serum – An indicator of kidney function
• Bun/Creatinine Ratio – Calculated by dividing the BUN by the Creatinine

 

Fluids & Electrolytes

 

• Sodium—One of the major salts in the body fluid, sodium is important in the body’s water balance and the electrical activity of nerves and muscles.
• Potassium—Helps to control the nerves and muscles
• Chloride—Similar to sodium, it helps to maintain the body’s electrolyte balance

 

Minerals and Bone

 

• Calcium — A mineral essential for development and maintenance of healthy bones and teeth. It is important also for the normal function of muscles, nerves and blood clotting.
• Phosphorous—Together with calcium, it is essential for healthy development of bones and teeth.  Associated with hormone imbalance, bone disease and kidney disease.  It is found mainly in bones and teeth. NOTE: a temporary drop in phosphorus level can be seen after a meal.
• Iron, Serum—An abnormally low test result may indicate iron deficiency anemia.

 

Liver

 

• Protein, Total—Together with albumin, it is a measure of the state of nutrition in the body.
• Albumin—Serum one of the major proteins in the blood and a reflection of the general state of nutrition
• Globulin, Total—A major group of proteins in the blood comprising the infection fighting antibodies
• Albumin/Globulin Ratio—Calculated by dividing the albumin by the globulin
• Bilirubin, Total—A chemical involved with liver functions. High concentrations may result in jaundice.
• Alkaline Phosphatase—A body protein important in diagnosing proper bone and liver functions
• Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH)—An enzyme found mostly in the heart, muscles, liver, kidney, brain, and red blood cells. When an organ of the body is damaged, LDH is released in greater quantity into the blood stream.
• Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST or SGOT)—an enzyme found in skeletal and heart muscle, liver and other organs. Abnormalities may represent liver disease.
• Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT or SGPT)—an enzyme found primarily in the liver. Abnormalities may represent liver disease.
• GGT—Also known as Gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase, GGTP Formal name: Gamma-glutamyl transferase helps to detect liver and bile duct injury. Some doctors use it in all people they suspect of having liver disease, others use it only to help explain the cause of other changes or if they suspect alcohol abuse.

 

Lipids

 

• Cholesterol, Total—A sterol in the blood. Knowing your cholesterol may be as important as knowing your blood pressure. Elevated cholesterol is associated with an increasing risk of coronary heart disease.
• HDL—Cholesterol High-density lipoproteins are believed to take cholesterol away from cells and transport it back to the liver for processing or removal. They have become known as the “good” cholesterol as persons with high levels of HDL may have less heart disease. Low HDL could be the result of smoking and lack of exercise.
• VLDL—Very Low Density Lipoprotein (VLDL) is one of three major lipoprotein particles. The other two are high density lipoprotein (HDL) and low density lipoprotein (LDL). Each one of these particles contains a mixture of cholesterol, protein, and triglycerides, but in varying amounts unique to each type of particle.
• LDL—Cholesterol Low-density lipoproteins contain the greatest percentage of cholesterol and may be responsible for depositing cholesterol on the artery walls. For that reason, they are known as the “bad” cholesterol.
  Total Cholesterol/HDL Ratio—Calculated by dividing the total cholesterol by the HDL cholesterol. Ratio used by physicians in determining your relative risk for developing cardiovascular disease.

 

Triglycerides

 

Triglycerides are fat in the blood responsible for providing energy to the cells of the body. Triglycerides should be less than 400 mg/dl even in a non-fasting state.

 

Combined 10 Most Important Tests Panel

 

(1) Comprehensive Wellness Profile (CWP)

The CWP is the #1 ordered test! Over 50 individual laboratory tests to provide a thorough Biochemical assessment of your health, and includes the basic cardiovascular tests and diabetes testing.

Tests Included:

 

Lipids: This is a group of simple blood tests that reveal important information about the types, amount and distribution of the various types of fats (lipids) in the bloodstream. Includes Total Cholesterol, HDL (good) Cholesterol, LDL (bad) Cholesterol, Risk Ratio (good to total), and Triglycerides.

Complete Blood Count (CBC’s): Used as a broad screening test to check for such disorders as anemia, infection, and many other diseases. It is actually a panel of tests that examines different parts of the blood.

Fluids and Electrolytes: Includes Chloride, Potassium, Sodium, and Carbon Dioxide.

Thyroid w/TSH: Includes T-3 Uptake, Total T4, (Free thyroxine index) T7, and TSH.

Liver: Includes Albumin, Alkaline Phosphatase, Alanine Transaminase (ALT or SGPT), Aspartate Transaminase (AST or SGOT), Total Bilirubin, Total Protein, LDH, Total Globulin, Albumin/Globulin Ratio, and GGT.

Kidney: Includes Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN), Creatinine, BUN/Creatinine Ratio, eGFR, and Uric Acid.

Glucose (Diabetes)

Mineral and Bone: Total Iron, Calcium, and Phosphorus.

(2) Fibrinogen, Quantitative

Fibrinogen is used to detect suspected bleeding disorders or abnormal blood clotting. Fibrinogen is often significantly increased in conditions involving tissue damage, infection, or inflammation. Increased levels may be seen in smokers, during pregnancy, and in women taking oral contraceptives. Fibrinogen levels can be diminished in advanced liver disease.

(3) C-Reactive Protein, hs (CRP, hs)

CRP, hs is a critical component of the immune system and can be predictive of future risk of heart attack, stroke, sudden cardiac death, and the development of peripheral arterial disease. Individuals with elevated levels of CRP have a risk about 2 to 3 times higher than the risk of those with low levels.

(4) Ferritin

Composed of iron and protein, Ferritin is a storehouse for iron in the body. Measurement provides an accurate picture of how much iron you have available in reserve. Low Ferritin is a sign of iron deficiency. Ferritin is high with inflammation, infection, liver disease, iron overload, certain amends and certain cancers (leukemia and lymphoma).

(5) HemoglobinA1c

This non-fasting test, also known as A1c, HbA1c, Glycohemoglobin, or Glycated hemoglobin, indicates how well you have controlled your diabetes over the last few months. Even though you may have some very high or very low blood glucose values, Hemoglobin A1C will give you a picture of the average amount of glucose in your blood over that time period. While the Hemoglobin A1C is the standard tool to determine blood sugar control for patients with diabetes, it is not a substitute for daily, routine blood glucose testing.

(6) DHEA-S

DHEA-S serves as a building block for making the male sex hormone testosterone and the female sex hormone estrogen.  DHEA-s concentrations peak after puberty and then the levels tend to decline with age.  In women, too much DHEA-S can lead to excessive hair growth or male body characteristics as well as adrenal tumors, cancers, and adrenal hyperplasia. Under production can be an indication of Addison’s disease or adrenal hypoplasia.

(7) Testosterone, Total & Free

Testosterone is a hormone that causes male characteristics. The blood level is used by men to investigate abnormal sexual development and sexual dysfunction. Small amounts are produced in women’s ovaries and levels are tested to evaluate virilization.

The concentration of free testosterone is very low, typically <2% of the total testosterone concentration. In most men and women, >50% of total circulating testosterone is bound to sex hormone-binding globulin, SHBG, and most of the rest is bound to albumin.

(8) Estradiol

Estradiol, also known as E2, is the most active of the estrogens. For women, it is important to look at the relationship between estradiol and progesterone in evaluating menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, mood disorders, and aging skin. It is also used for monitoring pregnancy.

In both men and women, low levels of estradiol can be associated with osteoporosis.

(9) Progesterone

Progesterone balances and offsets the powerful effects of estrogen. An imbalance between progesterone and estrogen can cause weight gain, insomnia, anxiety, depression, migraines, and even more debilitating conditions such as cancer, uterine fibroids, ovarian cysts, and osteoporosis in women. In men, the imbalance can cause weight gain, loss of libido and prostate enlargement.

(10) Vitamin D

Vitamin D is also known as the “sunshine vitamin” because the body manufactures the vitamin after being exposed to sunshine. Ten to 15 minutes of sunshine 3 times weekly is enough to produce the body’s requirement of vitamin D.  Needed for strong bones and teeth, Vitamin D helps your body absorb the amount of calcium it needs.  It also has other roles in the body, including modulation of cell growth, neuromuscular and immune function, and reduction of inflammation.  There are associations between low Vitamin D levels and peripheral vascular disease, certain cancers, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, juvenile diabetes, Parkinson’s, and Alzheimer’s disease.
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Vitamin D, 25 Hydroxy

 

• Vitamin D blood tests are used to determine if bone weakness, bone malformation, or abnormal metabolism of calcium (reflected by abnormal calcium, phosphorus or PTH blood tests) is occurring as a result of a deficiency or excess of vitamin D.
• Since vitamin D is fat-soluble and is absorbed from the intestine like a fat, vitamin D blood tests are sometimes used to monitor individuals with diseases that interfere with fat absorption, such as cystic fibrosis and Crohn’s disease, to assure that they have adequate amounts of vitamin D. Vitamin D blood tests also are used to determine effectiveness of treatment when vitamin D, calcium, phosphorus, and/or magnesium supplementation is prescribed.
• When is it ordered?
  Either calcidiol or calcitriol tests may be ordered when a patient has an abnormal blood calcium, phosphorus, and/or magnesium level or evidence of bone disorders.
• If calcium is low or the patient has symptoms of vitamin D deficiency, such as bone malformation in children (rickets) and bone weakness, softness, or fracture in adults (osteomalacia), the calcidiol test usually is ordered to identify a possible deficiency in vitamin D.
• If calcium is high or the patient has a disease that might produce excess amounts of calcitriol, such as sarcoidosis or some forms of lymphoma, the calcitriol test usually is ordered.Vitamin D blood tests also may be used to help diagnose or monitor problems with parathyroid gland functioning since parathyroid hormone is essential for vitamin D activation. When vitamin D, calcium, phosphorus, or magnesium supplementation is necessary, vitamin D levels are sometimes measured to monitor treatment effectiveness.
• What does the test result mean?
  NOTE: A standard reference range is not available for this blood test. Because reference values are dependent on many factors, including patient age, gender, sample population, and test method, numeric test results have different meanings in different testing labs. Your lab report should include the specific reference range for your test. Lab Tests Online strongly recommends that you discuss your blood test results with your doctor. For more information on reference ranges, please read Reference Ranges and What They Mean.
• Low blood levels of calcidiol may mean that you are not getting enough exposure to sunlight or enough dietary vitamin D to meet your body’s demand; that there is a problem with its absorption from the intestines; or that enough is not being converted to calcidiol in the liver (which means that it is not making it into the bloodstream). Occasionally, drugs used to treat seizures, particularly phenytoin (Dilantin), can interfere with the liver’s production of calcidiol.
• High levels of calcidiol usually reflect excess supplementation from vitamin pills or other nutritional supplements.
• Low levels of calcitriol are often seen in kidney disease and are one of the earliest changes to occur in persons with early kidney failure.
• High levels of calcitriol may occur when there is excess parathryoid hormone or when there are diseases, such as sarcoidosis or some lymphomas, that can make calcitriol outside of the kidneys.
• Is there anything else I should know?
  High levels of vitamin D and calcium can lead to the calcification and damage of organs, such as the kidneys, as the body tries to lower blood calcium levels by depositing calcium phosphate compounds into the organs.
• If magnesium levels are low, they can cause a low calcium level that is resistant to vitamin D and parathyroid hormone regulation. It may be necessary to supplement both magnesium and calcium to regain normal function.

 

Lipid Profile (18)

 

• Cholesterol, Total—A sterol in the blood. Knowing your cholesterol may be as important as knowing your blood pressure. Elevated cholesterol is associated with an increasing risk of coronary heart disease.
  HDL—Cholesterol High-density lipoproteins are believed to take cholesterol away from cells and transport it back to the liver for processing or removal. They have become known as the “good” cholesterol as persons with high levels of HDL may have less heart disease. Low HDL could be the result of smoking and lack of exercise.
  Cholesterol/HDL Ratio—Calculated by dividing the total cholesterol by the HDL cholesterol. Ratio used by physicians in determining your relative risk for developing cardiovascular heart disease.
  VLDL—Very Low Density Lipoprotein (VLDL) is one of three major lipoprotein particles. The other two are high density lipoprotein (HDL) and low density lipoprotein (LDL). Each one of these particles contains a mixture of cholesterol, protein, and triglycerides, but in varying amounts unique to each type of particle.
  LDL—Cholesterol Low-density lipoproteins contain the greatest percentage of cholesterol and may be responsible for depositing cholesterol on the artery walls. For that reason, they are known as the “bad” cholesterol.
  Total Cholesterol/HDL Ratio—Calculated by dividing the total cholesterol by the HDL cholesterol. Ratio used by physicians in determining your relative risk for developing cardiovascular disease.
  Triglycerides—Triglycerides are fat in the blood responsible for providing energy to the cells of the body. Triglycerides should be less than 400 mg/dl even in a non-fasting state.

 

Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA)

 

• Men with a history of prostate problems or with a family history of prostate cancers should be regularly screened for potential prostate issues. The American Urological Association recommends regular screenings for all men with significant risk factors for prostate disease. However, many men avoid the screenings.

Reasons Men Avoid Prostate Blood Tests and Why You Should Take One Anyway

Most men, when asked why they have avoided prostate specific antigen (PSA) screenings, cite the expense, the time commitment, and the pain involved. But, thanks to Direct Laboratory Services, none of these issues needs to be a significant factor. Direct Labs offers prices for PSA screenings that are up to 70 percent lower then regular “retail” costs.

• This is especially key for “at-risk” testing, which is often not covered by insurance companies. We are able to have such low prices because of the volume at which we process these tests. The more testing we do, the cheaper each individual test becomes.
• Time and pain are both less serious factors, too. With Direct Labs, simply log onto our website to find a lab near your home or workplace and set up the appointment. At the lab, a single needle will draw a small amount of blood and then you’ll be sent on your way. Giving blood at the office Bloodmobile takes more time and effort. Prostate cancer is the most common cancer among U.S. men, affecting one out of every six–so you should be screened, if only to put your mind at ease.

 

Hemoglobin A1c (21)

 

• A1c and estimated Average Glucose.
• Also known as:
  Hemoglobin A1c; HbA1c; Glycohemoglobin; Glycated hemoglobin; Glycosylated hemoglobin blood tests: Lipid profile, Cardiac risk assessment, CRP, Lp-PLA2.
• Related tests:
  Glucose; Microalbumin; Microalbumin/creatinine ratio; Fructosamine.
• How is it used?
  The A1c test and eAG calculation are used primarily to monitor the glucose control of diabetics over time. The goal of those with diabetes is to keep their blood glucose levels as close to normal as possible. This helps to minimize the complications caused by chronically elevated glucose levels, such as progressive damage to body organs like the kidneys, eyes, cardiovascular system, and nerves. The A1c test and eAG result give a picture of the average amount of glucose in the blood over the last few months. They can help you and your doctor know if the measures you are taking to control your diabetes are successful or need to be adjusted.
• The A1c test is frequently used to help newly diagnosed diabetics determine how elevated their uncontrolled blood glucose levels have been. It may be ordered several times while control is being achieved, and then several times a year to verify that good control is being maintained.
• When is it ordered?
  Depending on the type of diabetes that you have, how well your diabetes is controlled, and your doctor, your A1c may be measured 2 to 4 times each year. The American Diabetes Association recommends testing your A1c at least twice a year. When someone is first diagnosed with diabetes or if control is not good, A1c may be ordered more frequently.
• What does the test result mean?
  A1c is currently reported as a percentage, and it is recommended that diabetics aim to keep their A1c below 7%. The report for your A1c test also may include an estimated Average Glucose (eAG), which is a calculated result based on your A1c levels. The purpose of reporting eAG is to help you relate your A1c results to your everyday glucose monitoring levels. The formula for eAG converts percentage A1c to units of mg/dL or mmol/L so that you can compare it to your glucose levels from home monitoring systems or laboratory tests.
• A nondiabetic person will have an A1c between 4% and 6%. The closer a diabetic can keep their A1c to 6% without experiencing excessive hypoglycemia, the better their diabetes is in control. As the A1c and eAG increase, so does the risk of complications.
• Is there anything else I should know?
  The A1c test will not reflect temporary, acute blood glucose increases or decreases. The glucose swings of someone who has “brittle” diabetes will not be reflected in the A1c.
• If you have a hemoglobin variant, such as sickle cell hemoglobin (hemoglobin S), you will have a decreased amount of hemoglobin A. This may limit the usefulness of the A1c test in monitoring your diabetes. If you have anemia, hemolysis, or heavy bleeding, your test results may be falsely low. If you are iron deficient, you may have an increased A1c measurement. If you have had a recent transfusion, then your A1c will be falsely increased (blood preservative solutions contain high glucose levels) and not accurately reflect your glucose control for 2 to 3 months.

 

Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP-14)   

The Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP-14) is a frequently ordered group of 14 laboratory tests that gives important information about the current status of your kidneys, liver, and electrolyte and acid/base balance as well as of your blood sugar and blood proteins. Abnormal results, and especially combinations of abnormal results, can indicate a problem that needs to be addressed.

• Glucose—Blood sugar level, the most direct single test to uncover diabetes, may be used not only to identify diabetes, but also to evaluate how one controls the disease.back to top
•  Kidneys
• Bun (Urea Nitrogen)—Another by-product of protein metabolism eliminated through the kidneys. BUN is an indicator of kidney function.
  Creatinine, Serum—An indicator of kidney function.
  Bun/Creatinine Ratio—Calculated by dividing the BUN by the Creatinine.
  Glomerular Filtration (eGFR)—Provides an assessment of the filtering capacity of the kidney.back to top
•  Fluids & Electrolytes
• Sodium—One of the major salts in the body fluid, sodium is important in the body’s water balance and the electrical activity of nerves and muscles.
  Potassium—Helps to control the nerves and muscles.
  Chloride—Similar to sodium, it helps to maintain the body’s electrolyte balance.
  Carbon Dioxide, Total—Used to help detect, evaluate, and monitor electrolyte imbalances.back to top
•  Calcium
• Calcium—A mineral essential for development and maintenance of healthy bones and teeth. It is important also for the normal function of muscles, nerves and blood clotting.back to top
•  Liver
• Protein, Total—Together with albumin, it is a measure of the state of nutrition in the body.
• Albumin—Serum one of the major proteins in the blood and a reflection of the general state of nutrition.
• Globulin, Total—A major group of proteins in the blood comprising the infection fighting antibodies.
• Albumin/Globulin Ratio—Calculated by dividing the albumin by the globulin.
• Bilirubin, Total—A chemical involved with liver functions. High concentrations may result in jaundice.
• Alkaline Phosphatase—A body protein important in diagnosing proper bone and liver functions.
• Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST or SGOT)—an enzyme found in skeletal and heart muscle, liver and other organs. Abnormalities may represent liver disease.
• Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT or SGPT)—an enzyme found primarily in the liver. Abnormalities may represent liver disease.back to top

 

C-Reactive Protein, hs (CRP)

 

• Formal name: High-sensitivity C-reactive protein
• Related blood tests: Lipid profile, Cardiac risk assessment, CRP, Lp-PLA2
• How is it used? The hs-CRP test can more accurately detect lower concentrations of the protein (it is more sensitive), which makes it more useful than the CRP test in predicting a healthy person’s risk for cardiovascular disease.hs-CRP is promoted by some as a test for determining the potential risk level for cardiovascular disease, heart attacks, and strokes. The current thinking is that hs-CRP can play a role in the evaluation process before one encounters one of these health problems. More clinical trials that involve measuring hs-CRP levels are currently underway in an effort to better understand its role in cardiovascular events and may eventually lead to guidelines on its use in screening and treatment decisions.
• When is it ordered? hs-CRP usually is ordered as one of several tests in a cardiovascular risk profile, often along with tests for cholesterol and triglycerides. Some experts say that the best way to predict risk is to combine a good marker for inflammation, like hs-CRP, along with the lipid profile.
• What does the test result mean? People with higher hs-CRP values have the highest risk of cardiovascular disease, and those with lower values have less of a risk. Specifically, individuals who have hs-CRP results in the high end of the normal range have 1.5 to 4 times the risk of having a heart attack as those with hs-CRP values at the low end of the normal range. Additional risk factors to be considered are elevated levels of cholesterol, LDL-C, triglycerides, and glucose. In addition, smoking, having high blood pressure (hypertension), and being diabetic also increase the risk level.
• Is there anything else I should know? Taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs like aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen) or statins may reduce CRP levels in blood. Both anti-inflammatory drugs and statins may help to reduce the inflammation, thus reducing CRP.
• Because the hs-CRP test can serve as a marker for inflammation, it is important that any person having this test be in a healthy state in order for the results to be of any value in predicting the risk of coronary disease or heart attack. Any recent illness, tissue injury, infection, or other general inflammation will raise the amount of CRP and give a falsely elevated estimate of risk.
• Women on hormone replacement therapy have been shown to have elevated hs-CRP levels, suggesting that this test may be useful in predicting future cardiovascular events.
• Since the hs-CRP and CRP tests measure the same molecule, people with chronic inflammation, such as those with arthritis, should not have hs-CRP levels measured. Their CRP levels will be very high due to the arthritis—often too high to be measured or meaningful using the hs-CRP test.