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Interpretation Of Laboratory Tests
All Testing Done Through Our Laboratory Include
On-line Laboratory Experts To Answer Any Questions
Reference ranges ("normal ranges")
Because reference ranges (except for some lipid studies) are typically defined as the range of values of the median 95% of the healthy population, it is unlikely that a given specimen, even from a healthy patient, will show "normal" values for all the tests in a lengthy profile. Therefore, caution should be exercised to prevent over reaction to miscellaneous, mild abnormalities without clinical correlation.
Common Laboratory Tests
A/G Ratio: Albumin value divided by the globulin value.
Alkaline Phosphates: An enzyme from liver or bone that will be elevated in the blood in liver or bone disease, and the source must be determined.
ALA nine aminotransferase (ALT)(SGPT): An enzyme found primarily in the liver. Elevation may indicate liver disease.
ANA: Antinuclear antibody. Abnormal antibody that is elevated in the blood by autoimmune (rheumatic) diseases. ANA is quite sensitive in detecting systemic Lupus Erthyematosus (SLE). However, many other rheumatic diseases and drugs can cause a false positive ANA test.
Arthritis Profile: ANA, Rheumatoid Factor (RA Test), Uric Acid, Sedimentation Rate.
Aspartame aminotransferase (AST)(SGOT): An enzyme found primarily in heart muscle and will be elevated in myocardial infarction (heart attack)
Basic Metabolic Profile: Sodium, Potassium, Chloride, C02, glucose, BUN, Creatinine, Calcium.
Bilirubin, Total: The level of pigment in the blood. Elevations can be associated with liver disease or breakdown of red blood cells. Slight increases are sometimes seen without significance. Some people normally have isolated elevations of bitirubin called Gilbert's disease.
BNP: A marker for congestive heart failure.
BUN: Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN) is a waste product, which should be removed from the blood by the kidneys. An increase in the BUN level may indicate impaired kidney function or abdominal bleeding.
BUN Creatinine Ratio: Ratio calculated by dividing the BUN by the Creatinine.
Blood Gases: Measurement of the so-called blood gases provides valuable information in assessing and managing a patients respiratory and metabolic (renal) disturbances.
Calcium (Total): Abnormalities are found in loss of bone, kidney disease and lack of Vitamin D.
Calcium, Ionized: The percentage ofthe calcium that is physiologically active and is a better indicator of calcium availability than total calcium. Abnormality also associated with Parathyroid disease.
Chloride: A salt/electrolyte found as NaCI, it usually follows the same pattern as sodium.
Cholesterol: A blood fat. Levels of 180 or less are associated with least risk of heart disease. Elevated values are associated with an increasing risk of heart disease.
Carbon Dioxide (C02): Transported by hemaglobin in the red blood cell from body cells to the lungs to be exhaled.
Comprehensive Metabolic Profile: Glucose,BUN, Creatinine, Total Bilirubin, Albumin, Total Protein, Calcium, AST(SGOT), Alkaline Phosphatase, Sodium, Potassium, Chloride, ALT(SGPT).
Creatinine: Is a waste product, which should be removed from the blood by the kidneys. This test measures kidney function. Elevation can also result from muscle breakdown.
CPK: Creatine kinase, another tissue enzyme released into the blood when tissue is damaged.
Complete Blood Count (CBC): Total numbers of red blood cells, white blood cells and blood platelets. Examination of a stained blood smear for percentages of the various blood cells and any abnormalities. Components of the CBC.
White Blood Cells (WBC): The body's primary defense against disease, they help to fight infections. The normal WBC's are the neutrophil, lymphocyte, monocyte, eosinophil and basophil. The numbers of each are expressed as a percentage of the total white cell count.
Red Blood Cells (RBC): Responsible for carrying oxygen to and carbon dioxide out of cells. A decrease in the number of red blood cells, for any of a number of reasons, will result in anemia.
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. A decrease in hemoglobin for any reason results in anemia.
Hematocrit: Measures the amount of space red blood cells take up in the blood. It is reported as a percentage.
MCH: Mean corpuscular hemoglobin measure the average hemoglobin concentration within red blood cells, which varies from normal with different types of anemia.
MCHC: Mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration indicates the amount of hemoglobin in each red cell.
MCV: Mean corpuscular volume measures red blood cell volume.
Blood Platelets: Cell particles from the bone marrow involved with the clotting of blood.
RDW: Red cell distribution width is a calculation of the variation in the size of the RBCs. In some anemias, Such as pernicious anemia, the amount of variation (anisocytosis) in RBC size, along with variation in shape (poikilocytosis) causes an increase in the RDW.
Electrolyte Panel: Sodium, Potassium, Chloride, Carbon Dioxide (C02).
Ferritin: Serum Ferritin study is a good indicator of available iron stores. Ferritin the major iron storage protein is normally present in serum in concentrations directly related to iron storage.
Folic Acid (Folate): One of the B Vitamins, is necessary for normal function of red and white blood cells. Folic Acid blood level is done to evaluate hemolytic disorders, and to detect anemia caused by a deficiency of Folic Acid.
Globulin, Total: A major group of proteins in the blood comprising the infection fighting antibodies.
Glucose: The primary blood sugar test, indicates blood sugar level at the time blood was drawn. Elevated levels are seen in diabetics. In addition to pancreatic functions, glucose may be altered by diet and medication.
GGT: Gamma glutamyl transpeptidase is an enzyme that is released from the liver when damaged, and is an indicator of alcohol abuse.
HGB AIC (Glycohemoglobin): Indicates the average blood sugar level for the past 120 days.
HIV antibody: If present indicates having been infected by the virus known to cause AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome).
hsCRF: A screening test for possible heart disease.
HDL: Cholesterol High-Density Lipoproteins remove cholesterol from body cells, and transport it to the liver for processing or removal. It is referred to as "good cholesterol" as high levels may decrease the risk of heart disease.
Hepatitis A Antibody, IGM: Antibody present in blood associated with Hepatitis A.
Hepatitis B core antibody: Antibody present in blood associated with Hepatitis B.
Hepatitis B surface antigen: Hepatitis B viral particles present in the blood associated with Hepatitis B. Hepatitis C antibody: Antibody present in blood associated with Hepatitis C
Hepatitis (Acute) Profile: Hepatitis A antibody, Hepatitis B core antibody, Hepatitis B surface antigen, Hepatitis C antibody.
Homocysteine, Blood: Is commonly used as a screen for people at high risk for heart attack or stroke. It may be useful in patients who have a family history of coronary artery disease but no other known risk factors. A Homocysteine test can determine if a patient has a B 12 or Folate Deficiency. The Homocysteine concentration may be elevated in patients before B 12 and Folate tests are abnormal.
Iron Profile: Iron, Iron Binding Capacity, % Saturation (calculated)
LDL: Cholesterol Low-Density-Lipoproteins contain the greatest percentage of cholesterol and are probably responsible for the deposition of cholesterol on the artery walls. LDL is often referred to as the "bad cholesterol".
HDL/LDL Ratio: Calculated by dividing the Total Cholesterol by the HDL Cholesterol. The ratio is used to determine the relative risk of developing cardiovascular heart disease.
Iron, Total: Total iron content of the hemoglobin in the red cells.
Iron Binding Capacity: The ability of Iron to bind Oxygen. % Saturation is calculated.
LDL SUBFRACTIONS: Standard cholesterol screening usually consists of a lipid panel -- a test that profiles overall cholesterol levels in the form they take after conjugating to a protein. While high cholesterol levels do indicate increased risk for cardiovascular disease (CAD), individuals who have an overall cholesterol range in the normal ranges may still be at risk. Thus, standard testing practices for cholesterol just are not good enough.
Because cholesterol can fall in the normal range, but still have dangerous factors (e.g., an uneven distribution between "good" cholesterol-HDL, and "bad" cholesterol-LDL), a more advanced test emerged. Quantimetrix has devped the Lipoprint~~, which provides a detailed, "more intimate" look at the different subfractions of lipoproteins.
The Lipoprint system, gives additional information to the physician and can identify risks associated with conditions, such as metabolic syndrome-in which an individual may have normal lipid levels, yet still develop heart disease or suffer from a heart attack.
Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH): An enzyme that has several fractions that are found in the heart, muscles, Liver, kidney, brain and red blood cells. When an organ in the body is damaged LDH is released into the blood, and the LDL fraction can be determined to differentiate heart and other sources.
Lipid Profile: Cholesterol, Triglycerides, HDL Cholesterol, LDL Cholesterol (calculated)
Liver (Hepatic) Profile: Protein, total, Alkaline Phosphatase, ALT/SGPT, AST/SGOT, Albumin, Bilirubin. direct, Bilirubin, total.
Magnesium: Important element particularly as related to the heart.
Phosphorous: Associated with bone development along with Calcium.
Potassium: A body salt or electrolyte that helps to control nerves, body muscle and heart muscle. Particularly important if diuretics (water pills) are being taken as potassium will be passed with the increased urinary output, and can result in a low blood potassium level with dangerous side effects, if potassium supplementation is not prescribed.
PSA Prostate Specific Antigen: Abnormal levels in the serum are associated with clinical abnormalities of the prostate, including prostate cancer. Because PSA is found in normal, malignant and benign prostatic tissue, clinical discrimination is based upon its serum level, and determination of the % of free to total PSA.
Renal Function Profile: Albumin, Calcium, Carbon Dioxide (C02), Chloride, Creatinine, Glucose, Phosphorus, Potassium, Sodium, RUN.
Rheumatoid Factor: A test useful in the diagnosis of Rheumatoid Arthritis. Other diseases such as Systemic Lupus Erythematousus (SLE) will give a positive test.
Sodium: A body salt also termed an electrolyte. Kidney disease and some diseases of the adrenal gland and dehydration can cause abnormal results.
Sedimentation Rate: The level to which the red blood cells will fall in millimeters, when anticoagulated whole blood is placed in a cylindrical sedimentation rate tube in one hour.
Stool Culture:
Stool for Ova and Parasites:
Total Iron Binding Capacity (TIBC): TIBC is a reflection of liver function , transferrin being produced by the liver, and is more an indicator of nutrition, rather than of iron metabolism.
Transferrin: Iron supplied by the diet is absorbed in the small intestine and transported to the blood where it is bound to a globulin protein called Transferrin, and carried to the bone marrow to be incorporated into Hemoglobin.
Total Iron Binding Capacity (TIBC): TIBC is a reflection of liver function , transferrin being produced by the liver, and is more an indicator of nutrition, rather than of iron metabolism.
Transferrin: Iron supplied by the diet is absorbed in the small intestine and transported to the blood where it is bound to a globulin protein called Transferrin, and carried to the bone marrow to be incorporated into Hemoglobin.
Thyroxine (T4): A thyroid hormone.
T3 Uptake: The measure of the thyroid hormone triodo-thyronine
TSH: Thyroid Stimulating Hormone produced by the Pituitary Gland to stimulate Thyroid Hormone production.
Free Thyroxine Index (FTI) (T-7): Calculation to determine the ratio of T4 and T3.
Thyroid Profile: Total T4 (Thyroxine), T3 Uptake, FT[/T7 (calculated)
Thyroid Hypothyroid Profile: Total T4 (Thyroxine) T3 Uptake, TSH, FTI/T7 (calculated)
Total Protein: This is a combination of albumin and globulin, which are proteins. Abnormal values occur in liver disease and poor nutrition.
Trigtycerides: A blood fat related to calories and starch (sweets) in the diet. High levels can impair circulation and lead to hardening of the arteries. Alcohol also will increase the value. Fast overnight for accurate test results.
Uric Acid: A product of protein metabolism eliminated through the kidney, and may be used as an indicator of kidney function. tt is elevated in people who suffer from gout.
Vitamin A: Level in the blood is a reflection of the quantities of Vitamin A and carotene in the diet and of the intestinal absorption of these substances.
Vitamin B12: Vitamin B12 is necessary for the normal development of the red blood cell. Absorption of Vitamin B12 requires the presence of the "intrinsic factor" and in its absence Pernicious Anemia will develop.
Zinc, blood: Zinc is abundant in the brain hippocampus and may function as a neurotransmitter. Zinc also enhances resistance to stress and helps maintain intellectual function, memory and mood levels. Deficiency can lead to headaches, lethargy, amnesia, other memory impairment, irritability, behavior disorders and paranoia.
Special Tests
Amino Acid Profile, Quantitative: Used to evaluate inborn errors of metabolism for Amino Acids.
Copper, Serum: Copper increases the electrical potential of the neuron, perhaps due to the enhancement of the movement of sodium. Copper is an essential trace mineral, contained in many healthful foods.
However excessive levels are toxic to the body. Elevated copper can interfere with processes, compromising the brain's access to its major source of fuel, and leaving the brain neurons starved for energy. Multiple studies have found a correlation between excess copper and schizophrenia
*Note: Copper excess has also been implicated in attention and hyperactivity disorders, learning problems, temper tantrums, depression, agitation, post-partum depression, Autism and Asberger`s syndrome.
Ceruloplasmin: Ingested copper is incorporated by the liver into Ceruloplasmin and it is then released to the blood. About 95% of the copper in blood serum is in Ceruloplasmin normally.
Drug Abuse Screen on Urine: Cannabinoids, Opiates, Amphetamines, Cocaine, Phencyclidine, Barbituates, Benzodiazepines, Propoxyphene, Methamphetamine and MDMA
Histamine, blood: Histamine is an important brain neurotransmitter and neuroregulator, and is present in all nerve cells. Histamine influences mood, appetite, sleep and thought. Histamine is also involved in allergy. Elevated blood Histamine clinical features include: depression, obsessive compulsive disorder
Thyroxine (T4): A thyroid hormone.
T3 Uptake: The measure of the thyroid hormone triodo-thyronine
TSH: Thyroid Stimulating Hormone produced by the Pituitary Gland to stimulate Thyroid Hormone production.
Free Thyroxine Index (FTI) (T-7): Calculation to determine the ratio of T4 and T3. Thyroid Profile: Total T4 (Thyroxine), T3 Uptake, FT[/T7 (calculated)
Thyroid Hypothyroid Profile: Total T4 (Thyroxine) T3 Uptake, TSH, FTI/T7 (calculated)
Total Protein: This is a combination of albumin and globulin, which are proteins. Abnormal values occur in liver disease and poor nutrition.
Trigtycerides: A blood fat related to calories and starch (sweets) in the diet. High levels can impair circulation and lead to hardening of the arteries. Alcohol also will increase the value. Fast overnight for accurate test results.
Uric Acid: A product of protein metabolism eliminated through the kidney, and may be used as an indicator of kidney function. tt is elevated in people who suffer from gout.
Vitamin A: Level in the blood is a reflection of the quantities of Vitamin A and carotene in the diet and of the intestinal absorption of these substances.
Vitamin B12: Vitamin B12 is necessary for the normal development of the red blood cell. Absorption of Vitamin B12 requires the presence of the "intrinsic factor" and in its absence Pernicious Anemia will develop.
Zinc, blood: Zinc is abundant in the brain hippocampus and may function as a neurotransmitter. Zinc also enhances resistance to stress and helps maintain intellectual function, memory and mood levels. Deficiency can lead to headaches, lethargy, amnesia, other memory impairment, irritability, behavior disorders and paranoia.
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Diabetic Testing Information
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