Download Dear Wellness Customer - Mitchell County Regional Health Center

LABORATORY
616 North Eighth Street
Osage, Iowa 50461
Phone: (641) 732-6050
Fax: (641) 732-6051
Dear Wellness Customer,
Enclosed are your Wellness Panel Blood Results. These results along with your health history and physical
examination are needed to make an accurate health assessment. We recommend that you give your
results to your health care provider for year-to-year comparisons.
The test name is found on the left side of your report with results printing to the right. If the results appear in
the normal column, the results are in the normal reference range. Results under the abnormal column are
outside the normal range and will flag with an H (high) or L (low). Please remember that these flags may or
may not represent a disease process. A value which is near but outside the reference range may be normal
for you. If you have concerns with your results we suggest that you make an appointment with your health
care provider to review your tests.
Listed below are brief explanations of the tests performed. Another good source of information is the
website www.labtestsonline.org. Please ask your health care provider for further details on any of the tests
or your specific results. Our hope is that this wellness screen has proven useful in helping you take charge
of your health status. Thank you for choosing our facility to monitor your health, Mitchell County Regional
Health Center Laboratory Wellness Program
CHEMISTRY WELLNESS
ALT/SGPT – plays a role in protein metabolism. Elevated levels may be a sign of liver damage.
AST/SGOT – found in the liver and muscle. It can be high in conditions that affect the heart and liver.
BUN – a kidney blood test. High results may mean that the kidneys are not working as well as they should.
Calcium - found mostly in bone and is important for proper blood clotting, nerve and cell activity.
Chloride – helps the body maintain a normal balance of fluids. An increased level of chloride usually
indicates dehydration, a decreased level occurs with prolonged vomiting.
Cholesterol – 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.
CO2 - used by the body to help maintain the body's pH. An abnormal CO2 level may cause weakness,
confusion or respiratory distress.
Creatinine – a kidney test. High levels may indicate problems with the kidneys.
Ferritin- stored form of iron in the cells. When iron levels are low ferritin levels are decreased. This may
happen because of decreased intake of iron or increased need – such as with pregnancy. Increased ferritin
levels occur when more iron is absorbed than the body needs.
Fecal Occult Blood- tests for undigested human blood in feces that is useful in screening for detecting
lower gastrointestinal disorders such as low iron, diverticulitis, ulcerative colitis, polyps, colorectal cancers,
or other g.i lesions that can bleed.
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Folate- low levels cause symptoms such as weakness, tiredness, pale skin, tingling or twitching, memory
loss. May be used to monitor folate supplementation.
Glucose – measure of the level in your blood. High levels found with eating before the test and diabetes.
Hemoglobin A1C – monitors glucose or control of diabetics over time
HDL - 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.
Iron Binding- deficiency may be seen with low intake or increased requirements that could be caused from
blood loss. To much iron may occur due to excessive intake, hereditary disorders, multiple blood
transfusions or from other conditions.
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 - the “bad” cholesterol. Cholesterol deposits form in the arteries when LDL levels are high. Desirable
level – under 150mg.
Microalbumin (urine) – detects small amounts of albumin in the urine. If the kidneys are not filtering
properly, microalbumin becomes present in the urine. It is an early indicator of kidney disease.
Albumin/Creatinine Ratio (urine)-calculation comparing albumin with creatinine in the urine. Urine creatinine
is released constantly throughout the day. This ratio allows comparison of results over time.
PSA - screen for prostate cancer. May be elevated in non-cancerous enlargement of the prostrate,
inflammation of the prostate, and manipulation of prostate.
Sodium- an electrolyte that functions in nerve signal transmission and blood pressure regulation. Low
sodium causes cramps, lethargy, nausea and weakness. High sodium can be caused by dehydration.
Testosterone- a hormone when decreased is associated with infertility, low sex drive, bone loss, sleep
disturbances and mood changes.
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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- 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- This hormone is produced by the thyroid gland. It is released when stimulated by the presence of
TSH. A high level indicates your thyroid is working too much (hyperthyroid) while a low level suggests your
thyroid is not working enough (hypothyroid).
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.
B12- low levels may give symptoms such as weakness, tiredness, pale skin, tingling sensations, eye
twitching, memory loss and altered mental status. This test may also be used to monitor vitamin b12
supplementation.
Vitamin D- hormone which helps to absorb calcium from the intestines. It promotes the strengthening of
bone. Vitamin D deficiency may lead to a variety of disorders, such as osteoporosis.
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Total Protein- a test for total serum protein reports separate values for total protein, albumin, and
globulin. Some types of globulin (such as alpha-1 globulin) also may be measured.
Albumin- test measures the amount of albumin in the blood. Abnormal serum albumin levels may indicate
that your kidneys or liver isn’t working correctly.
Total Bilirubin- this is a blood test that measures the amount of a substance called bilirubin. This test is
used to find out how well your liver is working. It is often given as part of a panel of tests that measure liver
function. A small amount of bilirubin in your blood is normal, but a high level may be a sign of liver disease.
Alkaline Phosphatase- is a test to check for any liver disease or damage to the liver. It may also be used to
identify any damage being caused to the liver by the administration of certain medications.
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LABORATORY
616 North Eighth Street
Osage, Iowa 50461
Phone: (641) 732-6050
Fax: (641) 732-6051
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.
BLOOD TYPE
Blood Type (ABO and Rh) – are the most common types of antigens found in your red blood cells. The
following table gives approximate blood type frequency. This frequency does vary slightly with race.
A pos 35% A neg 6%
B pos
8% B neg 2%
AB pos 3% AB neg 1%
O pos 38% O neg 7%
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