Download CHEMISTRY WELLNESS

CHEMISTRY WELLNESS
ALKP –(Alkaline phosphatase) – found mostly in bones and the liver. This test can be high when there is damage to
bones or liver with gallstones and normally is higher in children and pregnant women.
ALT – (Alanine aminotransferase) – plays a role in protein metabolism. Elevated levels may be a sign of liver damage.
AST – (Aspartate aminotransferase oxaloacetic transaminase) – found in the liver and muscle. It can be high in
conditions that affect the heart and liver.
Blood Type (ABO and Rh) – are the most common types of antigens found in your red blood cells. You can have A
antigens and your blood type would be “A”. You can also have B antigens and your blood type would be “B”. If you do
not have “A” or “B” antigens, your blood type is “O”. You can also have both “A” and “B” antigens and then your blood
would be “AB”.
Rh antigen is either present (positive) or not present (negative). The following table gives approximate blood type
frequency. This frequency does vary slightly with race.
A pos
B pos
AB pos
O pos
35%
8%
3%
38%
A neg
B neg
AB neg
O neg
6%
2%
1%
7%
BUN – (Blood urea nitrogen) – a kidney blood test. High results may mean that the kidneys are not working as well as
they should.
CA –125 – Wellness screen for ovarian cancer. May be increased in early pregnancy, during menstruation, hepatitis, and
any trauma to the abdomen.
CA - (Calcium) - found mostly in bone and is important for proper blood clotting, nerve and cell activity.
CHOL – (Cholesterol – total cholesterol, lipids) – a fat-like substance in the blood. Cholesterol in itself is not all bad; in
fact our bodies need a certain amount of this substance to function properly. High cholesterol in the blood is a major risk
factor for heart attacks and strokes. Desirable level – under 200mg.
CREA – (Creatinine) – a kidney test. High levels may indicate problems with the kidneys. GLUC – (Glucose – blood
sugar) – a measure of the level in your blood. High levels are found with eating before the test and with diabetes.
GLYCO -(Hemoglobin A1C) – monitors glucose or control of diabetics over time
HDL – (High-density lipoprotein cholesterol, “good” cholesterol) – considered the “good cholesterol, HDL helps your
body get rid of the “bad” cholesterol in your blood. Desirable level – above 40mg in men, above 50mg in women.
HSCRP – (High sensitivity CRP) – assess risk of heart disease. Any recent illness, tissue injury, infection, arthritis or
general inflammation increases CRP.
K – (Potassium) – plays a role in water balance inside cells and in nerve & muscle contraction. Low values can occur
after vomiting & diarrhea, kidney disease & taking diuretics.
LDL - (Low-density lipoprotein, cholesterol, “bad” cholesterol) – the “bad” cholesterol. Cholesterol deposits form in
the arteries when LDL levels are high. Desirable level – under 150mg.
PSA - screen for prostate cancer. May be elevated in non-cancerous enlargement of the prostrate, inflammation of the
prostate, and manipulation of prostate.
TP – (Total Protein) – this test measures the total amount of protein in the blood. Low levels occur in malnutrition and
certain other diseases.
TRIC –(Triglycerides) – the fat in our blood that comes from foods we eat. It is also produced in our bodies. High
triglycerides may be associated with a higher risk for heart disease and stroke. Desirable level – under 150mg.
TSH – (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) - This hormone is released by the pituitary gland. It stimulates the thyroid gland
to release thyroid hormones. A high level suggests your thyroid is not working enough (hypothyroid) and a low level
suggests your thyroid is working too much (hyperthyroid).
Free T4 – (Thyroxine) is another indicator of thyroid function. When used in combination with TSH it is a very good
check of thyroid disorder. An abnormally functioning thyroid gland affects an individual's energy level, heart rate, weight
control, and more. Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) is reflected by an increase in TSH and a decrease in Free T4.
Conversely, hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) results in a low TSH and an elevated Free T4.
URIC- (Uric Acid) - shows whether the body might be breaking down cells too quickly or not getting rid of uric acid
quickly enough. Screens for gout and kidney disease.
Urine Microalbumin is an early indicator of possible kidney damage. The National Kidney Foundation recommends that
Type 1 diabetics over the age of 12 and Type 2 diabetics under the age of 70 be screened every year.
HEMATOLOGY WELLNESS
HCT - (Hematocrit)– low levels suggest anemia.
HGB – (Hemoglobin) – Hemoglobin gives the red blood cells their color. Low hemoglobin suggest anemia.
PLT – (Platelet count) – These cells are necessary for blood to clot.
RBC – (Red blood cell count) - These cells carry oxygen to all the cells of the body. They contain hemoglobin.
WBC – (White Blood cell count) – These cells carryout the body’s response to infection.