FURTHER EXPLANATION OF TESTS 

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CBC- Complete Blood Count - This test includes the following information about the cells in your blood:

 

WBC (White Blood Cells) – Number of white blood cells in thousands.  White blood cells are our body’s defenders against infection.  These include granulocytes and lymphocytes.

 

RBC (Red Blood Cells)  - Number of red blood cells in millions.  Red blood cells carry oxygen to all the cells of the body.

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Hgb (Hemoglobin) – The substance found in RBS’s that attaches oxygen to the red blood cell so that it can be carried to all of the cells of the body.

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Hct (Hematocrit) – Tells what percentage of your total blood volume is red blood cells.

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MCV (Mean Corpuscular Volume) - Indicates red blood cell size.

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MCHC (Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin Concentration)  -A ratio of MCV to MCH and indicates cell size. 

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PLT (Platelets) – Essential elements for blood clotting.

 

Complete Metabolic Panel 

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Sodium and Chloride are electrolytes controlled by the kidneys and adrenal glands.  They are important to the functioning of nerves, muscles, and most cells.

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Potassium is an electrolyte important for the proper functioning of nerves and muscles, especially the heart.  The kidneys control potassium levels.  Abnormal values whether high or low, require medical evaluation.  This is especially important to monitor if you are taking diuretics or heart medication.

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Glucose – Every cell in the body uses glucose, a blood sugar, for energy.  Values of greater than 140 in a fasting patient or greater that 200 in a non-fasting patient require further evaluation by your physician.  This may be an indication of diabetes.

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BUN (Blood Urea Nitrogen) is a waste product excreted by the kidney.  High levels may mean poor kidney function.  A high protein diet or strenuous exercise may also raise this level.  Low levels are common and are not of medical significance.

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Creatinine is a waste product excreted by the kidneys, which is not affected by diet or exercise.  High levels may indicate poor kidney function. While low levels are not of medical significance.

 

Calcium and Phosphorus –The kidneys and parathyroid gland control these minerals, which are found mostly in bone.  These minerals are important for normal cellular activity.

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Total Protein, Albumin, and Globulin are normal proteins found in the blood.  They are an indicator of general health.  Albumin attaches to an carries many substances, including medications, to different areas of the body. Globulins are important in combating disease.

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A/G Ratio (Albumin and Globulin Ratio) is a calculation comparing albumin and globulin values.  If both albumin and globulin values are normal, a high or low A/G Ratio is not significant.

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Bilirubin is the by-product of red blood cell destruction and is the pigment in bile.  The liver processes bilirubin.  High values may be an indication of liver disease.

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Alkaline Phosphatase is an enzyme found in both the liver and bone.  High levels of these enzymes may indicate liver or bone disease.  Low levels are not significant.

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AST (Aspartate aminotransferase) is an enzyme found in heart, muscles and liver.  Damage to or disease of heart, muscles, or liver may result in elevated levels of these enzymes.  Use of alcohol or medication may also increase AST levels.

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Triglyceride – a blood fat affected by what you have recently eaten.  Fasting for 12 hours prior to testing is necessary for proper evaluation.

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Total Cholesterol is a blood fat necessary for normal vitamin absorption and hormone synthesis.  Elevated levels may be associated with the risk of heart disease and should be evaluated by your physician.  Total cholesterol is further divided into:

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LDL (Low Density Lipoprotein) 60-70% of total cholesterol is LDL.  Elevated levels of LDL, the “BAD” Cholesterol, are associated with an increased risk of Coronary Heart Disease.  LDL in combination with other risk factors is thought to be the most accurate predictor of Coronary Heart Disease risk.  Fasting for 12 hours prior to testing is necessary for proper evaluation.

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HDL (High Density Lipoprotein) 20-30% of total cholesterol is HDL, the “GOOD” Cholesterol.  These HDL fractions of cholesterol are thought to confer a measure of protection against Coronary Heart Disease.

   

 TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) is a hormone produced by the pituitary gland that stimulates the thyroid gland.  Measurement of TSH is considered a primary way to diagnose thyroid disorders.

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Uric Acid is a waste product excreted in the urine.  Elevated levels may be seen with arthritis, gout, and kidney problems.  Low levels are not significant.