Test Components:

The Nutritional Panel consists of the following tests:

1. Complete Blood Count (CBC)
2. Chemistry Panel (16 essential tests)
3. Iron and Total Iron Binding Capacity (TIBC)
4. Prealbumin

Description:

The Nutritional Panel includes a variety of tests that can help you determine if you are getting enough nutrition. This panel can also help rule out adrenal gland disorders and malnutrition. It is commonly ordered by doctors before surgery or for patients who are hospitalized or chronically ill.

One of the tests included in this panel, the Prealbumin Test, can help you and your doctor diagnose problems with your nutrition.

The Nutrition Panel also includes a CBC, which measures important parameters of the cellular makeup of your blood that can reveal anemia, signs of infection or other factors that may cause fatigue; a Chemistry Panel, which analyzes electrolytes, sugar, proteins, and enzymes including sodium, potassium, calcium, glucose and liver/kidney function tests; and an Iron and Total Iron Binding Capacity – which measures the amount of iron in your blood.

Why Do I Need It?:

Are you getting the nutrients your body needs? Malnutrition can lead to a host of problems and this panel is a quick way to find out.

Other Relevant Tests:

The Nutritional Panel gives a lot of good information, but while you’re here, you might want to consider the Basic Check-Up or Comprehensive Male Panel or the Comprehensive Female Panel.

Test Details:

Normal Range:

High Results Indicate:

COMPLETE BLOOD COUNT (CBC): See individual test.

CHEMISTRY PANEL: See individual test.

TIBC: See individual test.

PREALBUMIN: High levels of this test could indicate hyperactive adrenal glands, high doses of corticosteroid therapy or high doses of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications.

Low Results Indicate:

COMPLETE BLOOD COUNT (CBC): See individual test.

CHEMISTRY PANEL: See individual test.

TIBC: See individual test.

PREALBUMIN: Could indicate malnutrition, hyperthyroidism, liver disease or a digestive disorder.

What Type of Physician Should You See?

You should see your primary care physician.

Next Steps:

1. Buy test – either at the store or online. (*If online, don't forget to print out receipt!)
2. Fill out necessary paperwork and how you want to receive the test results.
3. Get results.
4. Review results.
5. If your results are 'abnormal' or 'out-of-range' from the normal, please contact your physician. (*The interpretation of any laboratory test should be made only by a licensed physician.)