Download Dr Anna`s Lab Explanation

Dr. Anna’s Elite Lab Test Information Sheet Cholesterol and Triglycerides Ratio of Total Cholesterol to HDL Cholesterol This test is used to determine the risk of coronary heart disease. Total Cholesterol This test is used to determine the risk of developing coronary heart disease and hyperlipidemias. Non HDL Cholesterol This test measures beta lipoproteins and is also used to predict heart disease. Triglycerides This test is used to determine the risk of coronary artery disease. High levels of triglycerides may cause coronary artery disease, especially in women. HDL Particles HDL Cholesterol This test measures alpha lipoprotein and is used to predict heart disease. HDL Large Large HDL particles are considered good cholesterol. LDL Particles Apolipoprotein B This test is used to evaluate survival rate or risk factors for patients with myocardial infarction and peripheral vascular diseases. APO A­1 deficiency states include Tangier disease, HDL deficiency, and hypoalpha­lipoprotein anemia. Apolipoprotein levels may be a better indicator of atherogenic risks than high­density lipoprotein (HDL), low­density lipoprotein (LDL), and very­low­density lipoprotein (VLDL) measures. LDL Medium Large particles are less toxic than small particles. LDL Small Small particles are more toxic than larger particles. LDL Cholesterol This test measures beta lipoproteins and is also used to predict heart disease. If your lipids are off, make sure to get your diet under control, as well as taking fish oil and exercising regularly. Of course you should see your physician. Lipoprotein – a This test is used to measure excess small dense lipoprotein. Elevated lipoprotein (a) is a strong indicator of premature coronary disease and atherosclerotic vascular disease and is associated with increased risk of cardiac death in patients with acute coronary syndromes and coronary bypass procedures. Inflammation HS CRP C­reactive protein (CRP, blood test). This is a measure of inflammation. Elevated inflammation is associated with a number of diseases and conditions that are associated with mood problems, aging, and cognitive impairment. Fat cells produce chemicals that increase inflammation. This is a very good test for inflammation. It measures the general level of inflammation although it does not tell you what has caused this condition. The most common reason for an elevated C­reactive protein is metabolic syndrome or insulin resistance. The second most common is some sort of reaction to food, either a true allergy, a food sensitivity, or an autoimmune reaction such as occurs with gluten. High CRP levels can also indicate hidden infections Vitamin Deficiency Homocysteine This test is intended for use in screening patients who may be at risk for heart disease and stroke. Homocysteine has been shown to be an independent risk factor for the premature development of coronary artery disease and thrombosis. Vitamin D Vitamin D is essential for life. So much so that our bodies can manufacture this critical nutrient in the skin upon sun exposure. However, most people do not get enough sun exposure to maintain optimal levels of vitamin D in their bodies; risks of skin cancer and sun damage dissuade many of us from spending much time in the sun (Norman 2008). But sun exposure is not the only way to increase your vitamin D levels. Supplemental vitamin D also efficiently boosts blood levels of vitamin D, which are typically measured as 25­hydroxyvitamin D. This is fortunate, because research over many years has firmly established vitamin D as a key mediator of health throughout the body. Classically, vitamin D was thought to primarily support calcium homeostasis, but it is now known that vitamin D has many other crucial functions, including helping balance the immune system (Bscheider 2016), suppressing abnormal cell growth (Ness 2015; Watanabe 2015), and supporting brain health (Groves 2014). Vitamin D deficiency has been associated with a host of diseases ranging from cancer (Kurylowicz 2007; Nabi 2015) and cardiovascular disease (Mozos 2015) to osteoporosis (Sahota 2000) and cognitive impairment (Etgen 2012). Thus, maintaining an optimal blood level of 25­hydroxyvitamin D is of paramount importance. Metabolic and Endocrine Health T3, Free This test is used to evaluate thyroid function and assess abnormal binding protein disorders. T4, Free This test is used to evaluate thyroid function in patients who may have protein abnormalities that could affect total T4 levels. It is also used to diagnose thyroid function and monitor replacement and suppressive therapy. Thyroglobulin Antibodies Small amounts of thyroglobulin are normal in those with normal thyroid function. Thyroid Peroxidase Antibodies Helps to determine the presence and risk of thyroid disorders. TSH This is a function test for thyroid disease to differentiate between primary and secondary hypothyroidism. Some doctors believe that any TSH levels greater than 2.0 mIU/mL should be considered suspect for subclinical hypothyroidism if symptoms are present. Diabetes and Insulin Resistance Glucose This test is used to detect diabetes mellitus. It is used to evaluate carbohydrate metabolism disorders including alcoholism. It is also used to evaluate acidosis, ketoacidosis, dehydration, coma, hypoglycemia, insulinoma, and neuroglycopenia. Please note: These tests require a fasting blood level, meaning that a 12­hour fast is required before the collection of a blood sample. Hemoglobin A1c This test is most frequently used to assess glucose control in insulin­dependent diabetic patients whose glucose levels are very labile. Cortisol, Total This test is to measure adrenal function. It is used to diagnose adreno­cortical insufficiency or hypersecretion and Cushing’s syndrome and is also useful in detecting malfunction of the hypothalamic axis. IGF I, LC/MS A test for insulin­like growth factor­1 (IGF­1) may be used to help identify growth hormone (GH) deficiency; it is not diagnostic of a GH deficiency but may be ordered along with GH stimulation tests to offer additional information. It may also be used as follow­up to abnormal results on other hormone tests and to evaluate pituitary function. Z­Score (male or female) This score gives a reading of your bone density in comparison with other individuals of your weight, sex, racial or ethnic background, and age. Reproductive Hormones DHEA Sulfate This test is used to determine female infertility, amenorrhea, or hirsutism and to aid in the evaluation of excess androgen/adrenocortical disease, including congenital adrenal hyperplasia and adrenal tumors. Estradiol This test is used to assess hypothalamic and pituitary functions, menopausal status, and sexual maturity. In males it is helpful in the assessment of gynecomastia or feminization syndromes. Estrogen, Total, Serum Estrogen measurements are used to evaluate sexual maturity, menstrual and fertility problems in females. This test is also used in the evaluation of males with gynecomastia or feminization syndromes. In pregnant women, it is used to indicate fetal­placental health. In patients with estrogen­producing tumors, it can be used as a tumor marker. Free Testosterone This test is used to evaluate hirsutism and masculinization in women and to evaluate testicular function in clinical states in which the testosterone binding proteins may be altered (obesity, cirrhosis, thyroid disorders). Testosterone, Total, LC/MS/MS This test is used to evaluate gonadal and adrenal function. It is helpful in diagnosing hypogonadism, hypopituitarism, Klinefelter’s syndrome, and impotence in men and hirsutism, anovulation, amenorrhea, and virilism in women. Pregnenolone This test is used to determine ovarian failure, hirsutism, adrenal carcinoma, and Cushing’s syndrome. Liver Health Albumin Albumin helps move many small molecules through the blood, including bilirubin, calcium, progesterone, and medicines. It plays an important role in keeping the fluid from the blood from leaking out into the tissues. This test can help determine if a patient has liver disease or kidney disease, or if the body is not absorbing enough protein. Albumin/Globulin Ratio This test is used to evaluate renal disease and other chronic diseases. Alkaline Phosphatase This test is helpful in diagnosing liver and/or bone disease. ALT This test is used to identify liver disease and to distinguish between liver and red blood cell hemolysis as the source of jaundice. AST This test is used to evaluate the possibility of coronary occlusive heart disease or liver disease. Bilirubin, Total This test is used to evaluate liver function. Globulin CANNOT FIND INFORMATION ON THIS TEST Protein, Total This test is used to assist in the diagnosis of many diseases that affect blood proteins as a whole or one single fraction of protein. Kidney and Urinary Health BUN/Creatinine Ratio This test is used to diagnose impaired renal function. With creatinine, BUN is used to monitor patients on dialysis. Calcium This test is used to evaluate parathyroid function and calcium metabolism. Creatinine The kidneys maintain the blood creatinine in a normal range. Creatinine has been found to be a fairly reliable indicator of kidney function. Elevated creatinine level signifies impaired kidney function or kidney disease. eGFR The eGFR helps to detect kidney disease in its early stages more reliably than the creatinine test alone. Urea Nitrogen This test is used to measure liver function and to indirectly assess renal function and glomerular filtration rate. Electrolytes Carbon Dioxide This test is used to assist in the evaluation of pH and electrolyte status. Chloride This test by itself does not provide adequate information. However, as part of a multiphasic testing for electrolytes, it can give an indication of acid­base balance and hydration status. Potassium This routine test is used to evaluate and monitor electrolyte balance and is especially important for cardiac patients. Sodium This routine test is used to evaluate and monitor fluid and electrolyte balance and therapy. Blood Health CBC (includes Differential and Platelets) This test checks the health of your blood, including red and white blood cells. People with low blood count can feel anxious and tired, and they can have significant memory problems. This is a series of tests of the peripheral blood that provides a variety of information about the blood components. Pregnenolone This test is used to determine ovarian failure, hirsutism, adrenal carcinoma, and Cushing’s syndrome.