Search results for: 'blog high and low blood test results what do they mean'

THIS IS THE MOST AFFORDABLE TESTOSTERONE TEST IN THE U.S. The most accurate way to measure total testosterone is with liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry. This panel also shows free testosterone percent by equilibrium dialysis and free testosterone calculated from percent free T. This test is more accurate for low and high testosterone blood levels (for men who expect high testosterone blood levels over 1,500 ng/dL, women, and children who usually have low T levels). It has no interferences with supplements or anabolics. Note: Results may take 5-7 business days. For a faster turnaround, choose this test instead: Testosterone, Free, Bioavailable and Total (With Lower & Upper Limit) plus SHBG

 

Learn More

This panel measures the blood levels of arsenic, lead, and mercury.

Learn More

Cortisol (hydrocortisone) is the most prominent glucocorticosteroid, and it is essential for the maintenance of several body functions. The most important physiological effects of cortisol are that it raises blood sugar levels (enhances gluconeogenesis, or breaks down glucose) and lowers inflammation and the immune system.

Learn More

The most complete of all blood test panels for men that include: Total and Free Testosterone, Ultra Sensitive Estradiol, IGF-1, Prolactin, DHT, DHEA-S, PSA, SHBG, Lipids, CBC, CMP, and Thyroid Function (TSH, Free T3, Free T4).

Learn More

The erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR or sed rate) is the rate at which red blood cells sediment in a period of one hour. It is a common hematology test and is a non-specific measure of inflammation. To perform the test, anticoagulated blood is traditionally placed in an upright tube, known as a Westergren tube, and the rate at which the red blood cells fall is measured and reported in mm at the end of one hour. Elevated levels of ESR are usually found in people who have different types of diseases, such as autoimmune disease, anemia, kidney disease, cancer, and other health complications.

Learn More

The LDH (lactate dehydrogenase) blood test measures the level of LDH in your blood. LDH is an enzyme in many body organs and tissues, including the heart, liver, muscles, and red blood cells. The LDH test is often used to help diagnose and monitor various medical conditions, such as anemia, heart attack, and liver disease. It may also be ordered to check for tissue damage or monitor treatment effectiveness for specific conditions. Since lactic dehydrogenase is present in many body tissues, its diagnostic usefulness is limited. Tissue specificity may be enhanced by LDH isoenzyme analysis.

 

 

Learn More

The volume measurement, or hct blood test, is the proportion of blood that the red blood cells take up. Hemoglobin, on the other hand, is a density or concentration measurement and is expressed in grams per liter or deciliter. (Hemoglobin is, if you will recall from your high school biology, the iron-based protein that transports oxygen.) RBC is a simple count and is usually expressed as the number of million red blood cells that you have per microliter. Usually, hematocrit is three times the amount of hemoglobin.

Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) increases hematocrit in most men.  Read more about how to decrease hematocrit.

NOTE: Hematocrit is also part of the CBC panel, so there is no need to order separately if your order already includes CBC.

Learn More

The reverse T3 test has to be done at the same time you do the free T3, and you then measure the ratio between the two by dividing the RT3 into the Free T3. The body produces the benign RT3 naturally to rid itself of excess of T4, but in some cases, such as high or low cortisol, RT3 is produced in excess, which can clog cell receptors from receiving T3. FT3 is usually twenty or more times higher than RT3. NOTE: Reverse T3 is analyzed using a specific technique called liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS-MS). There's a special place in the U.S. where these precise machines needed for LC/MS panels run only on two specific days a week. So, sometimes the clock ticks a bit while we wait for samples to return from their initial collection points. Results may take 7 business days.

Learn More

The cystatin C test (which also includes estimated creatinine clearance eGFR) can be done along with the creatinine or creatinine clearance test in cases where those tests aren’t appropriate, such as patients taking creatine supplements for bodybuilding. These supplements can increase creatinine and decrease creatinine clearance, which can alarm doctors who fear kidney dysfunction.  This creatinine increase is not clinically relevant, but running a Cystatin C test can give physicians reassurance and allow the patient to keep taking that effective bodybuilding supplement. 

Learn More

Epstein-Barr (EB) virus is a herpes group virus that is ubiquitous. It leads to infectious mononucleosis and may play a role in the development of Burkitt lymphoma, some nasopharyngeal carcinomas, and a few rare genetic lymphoproliferative disorders. Antibodies to early antigen, IgM and IgG antibodies to viral capsid antigen (VCA), and antibodies to Epstein-Barr nuclear antigen (EBNA) are all part of the EBV test.

Learn More

The Rheumatoid Arthritis Factor is often evaluated in patients suspected of having any form of arthritis or destructive articular disease even though positive results can be due to other causes, and negative results do not rule out disease. But, in combination with signs and symptoms, it can play a role in both diagnosis and disease prognosis. It is part of the usual disease criteria of rheumatoid arthritis.

Learn More

This lab test panel includes Total CK (or CPK) and relative percentage of BB (CK-1), MB (CK-2), and MM (CK-3); the percentage of macro CK, if present. The CK or CPK isoenzyme test is used to diagnose myocardial infarction (MI). Three fractions normally may be found, each an isoenzyme: • MM is found in normal serum. • MB is the myocardial fraction associated with MI and occurs in certain other states. MB can be used in the estimation of infarct size.

Learn More

The Anti-Mullerian Hormone ( AMH ) Test is used to assess ovarian function and menopausal status; in the evaluation of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or to evaluate the effectiveness of ovarian cancer treatment. Learn More

Patients with diabetes may get a C-peptide test as a means of distinguishing type 1 diabetes from type 2 diabetes or Maturity onset diabetes of the young (MODY). Measuring C-peptide can help to determine how much of their own natural insulin a person is producing as C-peptide is secreted in equimolar amounts to insulin. C-peptide levels are measured instead of insulin levels because C-peptide can assess a person's own insulin secretion even if they receive insulin injections, and because the liver metabolizes a large and variable amount of insulin secreted into the portal vein but does not metabolize C-peptide, meaning blood C-peptide may be a better measure of portal insulin secretion than insulin itself.

Learn More

This test measures ANA Screen, IFA, with Reflex to Titer and Pattern - Several rheumatic diseases are linked to antinuclear antibodies. These include Systemic Lupus Erythematous (SLE), mixed connective tissue disease, Sjogren's syndrome, scleroderma, polymyositis, CREST syndrome, and neurologic SLE. LOWEST PRICE.

Learn More

ApoB Blood Test has been reported to be a powerful indicator of Coronary Artery Disease (CAD). In some patients with CAD, APO B is elevated even in the presence of normal LDL cholesterol. Instead of non-HDL-C levels, ApoB levels may be used to check how well lipid treatment is working. Non-HDL-C is the total cholesterol concentration minus the amount of HDL. A healthcare practitioner may order both an lipoprotein a (associated with high-density lipoprotein (HDL), the "good" cholesterol) and an apo B to determine an apo B/apo A-I ratio. This ratio is sometimes used as an alternative to a total cholesterol/HDL ratio to evaluate risk for developing CVD.

 

Learn More

Amylase and lipase tests are diagnostic tests that can provide valuable information about the health of your pancreas and digestive system. These tests measure the levels of enzymes in your body that are involved in the digestion of carbohydrates and fats. By analyzing the levels of amylase and lipase in your blood, healthcare professionals can diagnose and monitor conditions such as pancreatitis and pancreatic diseases, making them crucial tools in the diagnosis of acute pancreatitis.

Learn More

T3 or triiodothyronine is the active form of the thyroid hormone. T3 acts as a metabolic throttle for fueling all of the daily cellular functions. Free T3 is the unbound portion of T3 that is biologically active.

Learn More

Renin, also known as angiotensinogenase, is an enzyme that the kidneys produce to regulate aldosterone production. It’s also essential in the renin–angiotensin aldosterone system (RAAS) which maintains your body’s fluid balance and blood pressure. Aldosterone is the primary of several endogenous members of the class of mineralocorticoids in humans. Aldosterone tends to promote sodium and water retention, and lower plasma postasium concentrations.

Learn More

THIS IS THE MOST AFFORDABLE AND ACCURATE ESTRADIOL TEST IN THE U.S. This ultrasensitive estradiol test is based on liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC/MS), an assay technology that has been shown to more accurately measure estradiol in men and women than the old immunoassay-based test. 

Important note:  The blood sample is sent out to Quest Diagnostics Nichols Institute San Juan Capistrano, Caifornia.  Overnight delivery and testing is performed on Sunday and Friday.  Reports are available within 5-7 business days from the time the specimen is collected.

 

Learn More

Includes liver and kidney function, glucose and electrolytes

Learn More

A complete blood count CBC with differential test panel measures several components of your blood including:Red blood cells, which carry oxygen, White blood cells, which fight infection, Hemoglobin, the oxygen-carrying protein in red blood cells, Hematocrit, the proportion of red blood cells to the fluid component in your blood (which correlated with blood thickness), and Platelets, which help with blood clotting. This is also called Complete Blood Count (CBC) with Differential and Platelets Blood Test

 

Learn More

Lipid Panel: Evaluates the risk for developing atherosclerosis (arterial plaque) and coronary heart disease. This test includes: Total Cholesterol, Triglycerides ,HDL Cholesterol, LDL Cholesterol, Total Cholesterol/HDL Ratio. FASTING REQUIRED.

Learn More

Vitamin D is essential for bone health and many metabolic processes. The body derives it from sunlight and food sources. Many people do not get enough sunlight or do not consume enough vitamin D rich foods. This test is important to determine if you need vitamin D supplementation or if your current supplementation is effective.

Learn More

Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) is produced exclusively by cells of the prostate gland. Used in conjunction with the digital rectal examination, PSA is a useful screening test for benign prostate enlargement, prostatitis and prostate cancer development.

Learn More

Estrone (E1) is one of the three estrogens, which also include estriol and estradiol. Estrone is the least abundant of the three and is considered a pro-hormone of estradiol.

Learn More

The adrenal gland produces a hormone known as dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA). It is also made in the brain. DHEA leads to the production of androgens and estrogens (male and female sex hormones). DHEA levels in the body begin to decrease after age 30. Lower DHEA levels are found in people with hormonal disorders, HIV/AIDS, Alzheimer's disease, heart disease, depression, diabetes, inflammation, immune disorders, and osteoporosis. Corticosteroids, birth control taken by mouth, and agents that treat psychiatric disorders may reduce DHEA levels.

Learn More

This test for adrenal insufficiency includes 4 measurements of your salivary Cortisol level during one day. Cortisol, also known as the "stress hormone" can be either too high or too low which may be a sign of adrenal distress.

Learn More

This panel includes comprehensive testing of the thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) in addition to free thyroxine (T4) and free triiodothyronine (T3). This thyroid panel offers a lower cost than buying each hormone separately.  If you take biotin, please wait at least 8 hours to get blood drawn. A study found that TSH was suppressed in all subjects after food, so fasting may be suggested although it is not reqired by Quest. Free T4 and Free T4 values did not change significantly after eating.

Learn More

This test measures thyroglobulin antibodies commonly present in patients with Hashimoto's thyroiditis. Antibodies against the protein thyroglobulin can result in the destruction of thyroid cells. This destruction can lead to hypothyroidism. NOTE: Dietary supplements containing biotin may interfere in assays and may skew results to be either falsely high or falsely low. For patients receiving the recommended daily doses of biotin, draw samples at least 8 hours following the last biotin supplementation. For patients on mega-doses of biotin supplements, draw samples at least 72 hours following the last biotin supplementation.

Learn More

The A1c test works by measuring the hemoglobin A1c level. Hemoglobin is stored in the red blood cells. When glucose levels are high, the sugar starts to combine with the hemoglobin. It takes the body 8 to 12 weeks to bring hemoglobin A1c levels back to normal. Therefore, if hemoglobin A1c levels are high, that means that there has been a high level of glucose in the blood over the last 2 to 3 months.

Learn More

Elevated levels of homocysteine in the blood, known as hyperhomocysteinemia, have been linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, including heart attack and stroke. High homocysteine levels may also be associated with an increased risk of certain other health conditions, such as osteoporosis and pregnancy complications.

 

 

Learn More

Uric acid is a product produced by the body after the purines in many foods undergo the digestive process and are broken down inside the body. After this breakdown process, the uric acid travels through the bloodstream into your kidneys and most is actually eliminated through the urinary tract via urination. However, there are instances where you may have an excess of uric acid and are unable to excrete the bulk of this substance through urination. This could lead to gout-related issues.

Learn More

The causes of fatigue are multifactorial and could involve imbalances in several hormones. This panel includes most hormones and variables involved in the diagnosis and treatment of fatigue. Ordering this panel provides substantial cost savings when compared to ordering each test separately. The panel is useful for men and women. TESTS INCLUDED IN THIS PANEL: TOTAL AND FREE TESTOSTERONE, THYROID FUNCTION: TSH, Free T3, Free T4, Thyroid Antibodies, HEMOGLOBIN A1c, Complete Blood Count (CBC) Test (Includes white, red cells and platelets), Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP), IRON, TIBC (Total Iron Binding Capacity), FERRITIN, ADRENAL FUNCTION: Cortisol and DHEA-S

Learn More

This test panel includes most tests needed to more deeply explore the possibility of hypothyroidism and/or Hashimoto's disease diagnosis. It includes: TSH, Free T3, Free T4, Reverse T3, Thyroglobulin Antibody and Thyroid Peroxidase Antibody (Anti-TPO). If you are taking biotin, please stop it 72 hours before the blood draw since it may interfere with hormone blood tests. A study found that TSH was suppressed in all subjects after food, so fasting may be suggested although it is not reqired by Quest. Free T4 and Free T4 values did not change significantly after eating. NOTE: Reverse T3 is analyzed using a specific technique called liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS-MS). There's a special place in the U.S. where these precise machines needed for LC/MS panels run only on two specific days a week. So, sometimes the clock ticks a bit while we wait for samples to return from their initial collection points. Results may take 7 business days.

Learn More

This panel includes comprehensive testing of the thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) in addition to free thyroxine (T4) and free triiodothyronine (T3).

Learn More

NOTE: This test can only be purchased by men with suspect PSA over 4 mg/dL.  Free PSA will not be provided for PSA under 4 ng/mL.

PSA circulates through the body in two ways; bound to other proteins or by itself. Unbound PSA is called free PSA. A free-PSA test will measure the percentage of unbound PSA while a PSA test is used to measure the total of free and bound PSA in the blood. The free PSA is a defective variant of normal PSA that can no longer bind to other proteins and so circulates in the blood in the free form. Although the reason why this is the case is poorly understood - patients with prostate cancer may have lower free PSA levels than those with a benign prostate condition.

Learn More

The Cardio IQ® Report provides an in-depth assessment of cardiovascular risks to help physicians recommend the ideal individualized treatment option for patient to minimize cardiovascular disease.

The report is simple, yet comprehensive. It is color-coded to display progressive risk values versus goal using “optimal,” “moderate,” and “high-risk” categories and grouped by functional categories.

Cardio IQ Advanced Lipid Panel The Cardio IQ Advanced Lipid Panel includes:Total Cholesterol, Triglycerides, HDL, LDL and Cholesterol/HDL ratio, LDL Particle Number, LDL Peak Size, LDL Pattern, HDL Large, LDL Small, LDL Medium, Apolipoprotein B, Lipoprotein (a). FASTING REQUIRED. Results for this test take 2 weeks to receive.

Learn More

This diabetes panel includes important tests usually prescribed for anyone living with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes. It includes A1c, CMP, Urinialysis, Insulin, and Glucose Tolerance Test (GTT).

 

Learn More

Protein, Gloublin and Albumin - The major proteins seen in the serum are albumin and globulin-the latter being primarily alpha 1 and alpha 2 globulin, beta globulin and gamma globulin. Albumin accounts for more than 50% of the total serum proteins. The albumin to globulin (A/G) ratio has been used as an index of disease state, however, it is not a specific marker for disease because it does not indicate which specific proteins are altered. The normal A/G ratio is 0.8-2.0. The A/G ratio can be decreased in response to a low albumin or to elevated globulins. Total globulins may be increased in some chronic inflammatory diseases (TB, syphilis) multiple myeloma, collagen disease, and rheumatoid arthritis.  Decreased levels are seen in hepatic dysfunction, renal disease and various neoplasms.

Learn More

Allergy Mold Panel, Complete -

This panel tests for specific IgE antibodies to 6 molds that are commonly associated with allergies. Allergen-specific serum IgE testing is considered comparable to skin testing and may be preferred in some clinical situations. However, a positive test result only indicates that a patient is sensitized to the allergen of concern. Many IgE-sensitized individuals do not develop any symptoms when exposed to the allergen. Only a qualified medical professional who has conducted a thorough clinical evaluation should make an allergy diagnosis. These are the 6 molds tested:

Alternaria alternata (m6)

Alternaria is one of the most common outdoor molds and a frequent cause of mold allergies. When Alternaria spores are inhaled, they can trigger an allergic response in susceptible individuals. This can lead to symptoms like sneezing, runny nose, nasal congestion, and asthma exacerbations.1

Aspergillus fumigatus (m3)

Aspergillus is a genus of molds that can cause both allergic reactions and infections, especially in people with weakened immune systems. Aspergillus fumigatus is a common indoor mold that can trigger allergic rhinitis, asthma, and a rare condition called allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA).2

Cladosporium herbarum (m2)

Cladosporium is one of the most common outdoor molds and a frequent cause of mold allergies. When breathed in by sensitive people, Cladosporium spores can cause allergic reactions like sneezing, nasal congestion, and asthma symptoms. 1

Mucor racemosus (m4)

Mucor is a genus of molds that can cause allergic reactions in some people. Inhaling Mucor spores may lead to symptoms like nasal congestion, sneezing, and asthma exacerbations in those with a Mucor allergy.

Penicillium notatum (m1)

Penicillium is a common indoor mold that can cause allergic reactions. When Penicillium spores are inhaled, they may trigger symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, nasal congestion, and asthma in individuals with a Penicillium allergy.1

Stemphylium botryosum (m10)

Stemphylium is a genus of molds that can be an allergen for some people. Inhaling Stemphylium spores may lead to allergic rhinitis symptoms like sneezing, nasal congestion, and itchy/watery eyes in those with a Stemphylium allergy.In conclusion, when sensitive people inhale the spores from these common mold species, they can all cause allergic reactions. The allergic symptoms typically include nasal congestion, sneezing, runny nose, and asthma exacerbations. Avoiding exposure to these molds is key for managing mold allergies.12

Learn More

SHBG (sex hormone binding globulin) binds to testosterone and estradiol. High SHBG may decrease free testosterone and free estradiol.

Learn More