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ANEMIA SCREEN
The
quickest and simplest way to find out if you have Anemia is to
measure your
Hemoglobin and/or Hematocrit levels. This Health
Panel will measure both. Anemia indeed occurs when
you have a below-normal level of
Hemoglobin or Hematocrit.
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Hemoglobin
Hemoglobin is the compound that carries oxygen from the lungs to
other parts of the body. The human body can survive three weeks
without food, three days without drinking, but only three
minutes without oxygen. Sufficient oxygen to each cell in the
body is the basis of life itself.
Anemia can be a temporary or long-term
disease/illness, and can range from mild to severe. If you have
mild anemia, there may be no symptoms or only mild symptoms, but
severe anemia can result in a major impact on the quality of
life
People often equate anemia with iron-deficiency.
While this is partially true, anemia is actually any condition
where red blood cells are reduced in number or volume or are
deficient in the oxygen-carrying red pigmented protein
Hemoglobin.
In this scenario, a lack of iron can either be a
cause or a result.
Most anemias reduce the oxygen available to the body's tissues,
leading to fatigue, dizziness, fainting and shortness of breath.
This condition usually occurs as a symptom of another health
condition.
There are nearly one hundred varieties of anemia.
Each can be classified according to its cause:
Water, nutrients, and oxygen are transported into
the mitochondria and burned there to produce energy. If not
enough oxygen is available when nutrients are burned, the burn
is incomplete.
The amount of oxygen in our blood is directly
proportional to the number of red blood cells. Red blood cells
carry hemoglobin, which carries oxygen. Iron is also necessary,
as the agent that carries oxygen.
Normal range
for Females 18 yr and up is
11.5 - 15.0 g/dL
Normal range
for Males 18 yr and up
is 12.5 -
17.0 g/dL
The single
most important measure of oxygen in our blood is called the
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Hematocrit
Hematocrit is the volume of red blood cells as a percentage of
total blood volume.
Like a fireplace, our body needs sufficient oxygen
to burn food and produce energy efficiently. A lack of oxygen
can cause a lack of concentration, exhaustion, migraine
headaches, problems with digestion, poor muscle tone, a weak
immune system, accelerated aging, and chronic degenerative
diseases such as cancer.
The
value is expressed as a percentage or fraction of cells in
blood. For example, a Hematocrit value of 40% means that there
are 40 milliliters of red blood cells in 100 milliliters of
blood.
The Hematocrit reflects both the number of red cells and their volume (MCV).
If the size of the red cell decreases, so will the Hematocrit
and vice versa.
The Hematocrit rises when the number of red blood cells
increases or when the plasma volume is reduced, as in
dehydration. The Hematocrit falls to less than normal,
indicating anemia, when your body decreases its production of
red blood cells or increases its destruction of red blood cells
or if blood is lost due to bleeding.
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Kidney Health
Normally functioning
kidneys (at least one) are necessary for a healthy life. The kidney performs
essential functions for the body in removing waste chemicals from metabolism of
our tissue cells in producing energy, chemicals that have been detoxified by the
liver (such as drugs, toxins and hemoglobin breakdown products) and has major
roles in maintaining the right amount of bodily water and salts, and in
regulating our blood pressure.
The kidneys can
be damaged as a result of disease processes occurring elsewhere in the body,
such as diabetes, infections, blood vessel diseases, high (or low) blood
pressure, diseases of the blood, cancer, immune diseases such as lupus, trauma,
etc.
The kidneys can also have diseases of their own such as infections,
structural abnormalities from birth that bring about abnormal function, cancer,
and can cause high blood pressure.
Kidneys are incredibly resilient in functioning sufficiently well
to keep the body alive even after great or continuing damage.
When the kidneys begin to fail, the first signs are usually chemical, in the
blood and urine. Consequently, periodic checking of the kidneys’ functioning,
along with checking other bodily functioning, can be very beneficial in
identifying problems early, when many are curable or controllable.
Metabolism of both fat and sugar eventually produces CO2, which
exits the body mainly through the lungs and a small amount through the skin.
However, the metabolic breakdown product of proteins, after conversion in the
liver into a substance called urea, is chemically such that it must be excreted
in water. Likewise, creatine in muscle is metabolized into a chemical called
creatinine, which is also excreted in water. If the kidneys are not functioning
properly, the concentrations of these chemicals will rise in the blood.
Our laboratory uses the Blood Uurea Nitrogen (BUN) and
Creatinine to assess kidney function, and an optional
Urinalysis can be done to measure kidney output function and health of
the collecting system (lower portion of kidney, ureters and bladder).
The Kidney Health Panel
includes the measurement of the Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN), Creatinine and BUN/Creatinine
ratio.
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ELECTROLYTES
PANEL
The
electrolyte panel is used to detect, evaluate, and
monitor electrolyte imbalances. It may be ordered as
part of a routine exam or to help evaluate a chronic or
acute illness. It may be ordered at intervals to help
monitor conditions, such as kidney disease and
hypertension, and to monitor the effectiveness of
treatment for known imbalances.
As part of routine health
screening, when your doctor suspects that you have an
excess or deficit of one of the electrolytes (usually
sodium or potassium), or if your doctor suspects an
acid-base imbalance.
Electrolytes are electrically charged minerals that are
found in body tissues and blood in the form of dissolved
salts. They help move nutrients into and wastes out of
the body’s cells, maintain a healthy water balance, and
help stabilize the body’s pH level. The electrolyte
panel measures the main electrolytes in the body: sodium
(Na+), potassium (K+), chloride (Cl-), and carbon
dioxide (total CO2).
The
Fluids & Electrolytes Panel includes:
Sodium
-
Chloride -
Potassium
-
CO2 - Calcium
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LIVER FUNCTION
A
liver panel, also known as liver (hepatic) function tests or LFT, is
used to detect liver damage or disease. It usually includes seven tests
that are run at the same time on a blood sample. These include:
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Total Protein
The
total protein test is a rough measure of all of the proteins in the
plasma portion of your blood. Proteins are important building blocks of
all cells and tissues; they are important for body growth and health.
Total protein measures the combined amount of two classes of proteins,
albumin and globulin.
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Albumin
Albumin is the most abundant protein in the blood plasma It keeps fluid
from leaking out of blood vessels; nourishes tissues; and transports
hormones, vitamins, drugs, and ions like calcium throughout the body.
Albumin is made in the liver and is extremely sensitive to liver damage.
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Alkaline
Phosphatase
Alkaline phosphate is an enzyme, a protein that helps cells work. You
find alkaline phosphate in high concentrations in the cells that make
bone and in the liver. In the liver, it is found on the edges of cells
that join to form bile ducts (tiny tubes that drain bile from the liver
to the bowels where it is needed to help digest fat in the diet).
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Total
Bilirubin
As
red blood cells normally age and break down, bilirubin—a by-product—is
released into the blood and is cleared by the liver. High bilirubin
values may indicate a liver function problem, bile duct blockage, or
excessive destruction of red blood cells.
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AST
{Aspartate
aminotransferase}
AST {Aspartate
aminotransferase} which used to be called SGOT is an enzyme found mostly
in the heart and liver, and to a lesser extent in other muscles. When
liver or muscle cells are injured, they release AST into the blood.
Testing for AST is usually used to detect liver damage.
AST levels are
also often compared with levels of other liver enzymes, alakline
phosphatase ( ALP) and alanine aminotransferase ( ALT), to determine
which form of liver disease is present.
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ALT
(Alanine Aminotransferase)
ALT (Alanine
Aminotransferase) which used to be called SGTP is an enzyme found mostly
in the liver; smaller amounts of it are also in the kidneys, heart, and
muscles. Under normal conditions, ALT levels in the blood are low. When
the liver is damaged, ALT is released into the blood stream, usually
before more obvious symptoms of liver damage occur, such as jaundice
(yellowing of the eyes and skin). |
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DIABETES SCREEN Blood Glucose
Blood
glucose testing can be used to screen healthy, asymptomatic individuals for
diabetes and pre-diabetes because diabetes is a common disease that begins
with few symptoms.
The blood
glucose test is ordered to measure the amount of glucose in the blood right
at the time of sample collection. It is used to detect both hyperglycemia
and hypogltcemia and to help diagnose diabetes. Blood glucose may be
measured on a fasting basis (collected after an 8 to 10 hour fast), randomly
(anytime), post prandial (after a meal), and/or as part of an Ooral
Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT or GTT). An OGTT is a series of blood
glucose tests. A fasting glucose is collected; then the patient drinks a
standard amount of a glucose solution to "challenge" their system. This is
followed by one or more additional glucose tests performed at specific
intervals to track glucose levels over time. The OGTT may be ordered to help
diagnose diabetes and as a follow-up test to an elevated blood glucose.
High
levels of glucose most frequently indicate diabetes, but many other diseases
and conditions can also cause elevated glucose. The following information
summarizes the meaning of the test results. These are based on the clinical
practice recommendations of the American Diabetes Association.
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Fasting Blood
Glucose
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Interpretation |
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From 70 to 99 mg/dL
(3.9 to 5.5 mmol/L) |
Normal glucose
tolerance |
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From 100 to 125
mg/dL (5.6 to 6.9 mmol/L) |
Impaired fasting
glucose (pre-diabetes) |
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126 mg/dL (7.0
mmol/L) and above on more than one testing occasion |
Diabetes |
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Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT) [except pregnancy]
(2 hours after a 75-gram glucose drink) |
Interpretation
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Less than 140 mg/dL
(7.8 mmol/L) |
Normal glucose
tolerance |
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From 140 to 200
mg/dL (7.8 to 11.1 mmol/L) |
Impaired glucose
tolerance (pre-diabetes) |
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Over 200 mg/dL
(11.1 mmol/L) on more than one testing occasion |
Diabetes |
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HEART HEALTH SCREEN
(Lipid Profile)
This
profile requires you to be fasting 12-14 hours. No appointment necessary.
Components of a Lipid Profile
Total Cholesterol -
HDL (Good Cholesterol) - LDL
(Bad Cholesterol) - Tryglicerides - Cholesterol Ratio Cholesterol is a necessary
substance in your body from your first day of life. Experts recommend a
cholesterol level below 200 for good health. Between 200 and 239 is borderline
and above 240 is dangerous. When associated with at least two risk factors such
as high blood pressure, diabetes, previous heart disease or stroke, excess
weight and being a smoker, it increases the incidence of having coronary artery
disease and heart attacks.
High density lipoproteins
(HDL) are proteins coated "packages" that carry fat and cholesterol through the
body. The function of HDL is to remove cholesterol from the blood by
transporting it to the liver where it will be prepared for excretion through the
bile. HDL has a protective effect on the deposit of fat in the wall of blood
vessels. Increasing its level in the blood will reduce the risk of
cardiovascular disease. The use of polyunsaturated, monounsaturated fats (Olive
Oil), and physical exercise may increase the level of HDL.
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THYROID PROFILE |
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This test measures the
amount of triiodothyronine, or T3, in the blood. T3 is one of two
major hormones produced by the thyroid gland (the other hormone is called
thyroxine, or T4). The thyroid gland is a small butterfly-shaped organ that
lies flat across your windpipe. The hormones it produces control the rate at
which the body uses energy. Their production is regulated by a feedback
system. When blood levels of thyroid hormones decline, the hypothalamus (an
organ in the brain) releases thyrotropin releasing hormone, which stimulates
the pituitary (a tiny organ below the brain and behind the sinus cavities)
to produce and release thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH). TSH then
stimulates the thyroid gland to produce and/or release more thyroid
hormones. Most of the thyroid hormone produced is T4. This hormone is
relatively inactive, but it is converted into the much more active T3 in the
liver and other tissues.
If the thyroid gland
produces excessive amounts of T4 and T3, then the patient may have symptoms
associated with hyperthyroidism, such as nervousness, tremors of the hands,
weight loss, insomnia, and puffiness around dry, irritated eyes. In some
cases, the patient’s eyes cannot move normally and they may appear to be
staring. In other cases, the patient’s eyes may appear to bulge.
If the thyroid gland
produces insufficient amounts of thyroid hormones, then the patient may have
symptoms associated with hypothyroidism and a slowed metabolism, such as
weight gain, dry skin, fatigue, and constipation. Blood levels of hormones
may be increased or decreased because of insufficient or excessive
production by the thyroid gland, due to thyroid dysfunction, or due to
insufficient or excessive TSH production related to pituitary dysfunction.
Symptoms of thyroid malfunction include: Fatigue, Headaches & Migraines,
PMS, Easy Weight Gain, Depression, Irritability, Fluid Retention, Anxiety & Panic Attacks, Hair Loss, Poor Memory, Poor Concentration, Low Sex Drive, Cold Intolerance
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