BASIC WELLNESS LABS

The average age of menopause for American women is 52 and knowing that it’s probably a long way off has allowed women to wait to have children until their 30s or later.  The problem is that some women may experience the onset of menopause as early as 35 so most women don’t know how long they can put off childbearing.

A hormone, anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH), has been discovered that is directly related to a woman’s fertility (the number of a woman’s ovarian follicles) and can help to determine when a woman will begin menopause.  Women showing lower levels of the hormone earlier in life tend to go through menopause at a younger age than average.  Women with an increased level of AMH may be experiencing symptoms of polycystic ovarian syndrome (POCS).

Antinuclear  antibodies  are  associated  with  rheumatic  diseases  including  Systemic  Lupus  Erythematous  (SLE),  mixed  connective  tissue  disease,  Sjogren’s  syndrome,  scleroderma,  polymyositis,  CREST  syndrome,  and  neurologic  SLE.

With an Avuncular DNA test you can determine if a child is your biological niece or nephew.  This is an indirect test to determine a family relationship and can be useful if the alleged father is not available for DNA testing.

Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin) and Folate is necessary for normal red blood cell (RBC) formation, repair of tissues and cells, and synthesis of DNA, the genetic material in cells. Both are nutrients that cannot be produced and must be supplied by the diet.  

The Blood Typing and RH Factor Test determines your blood type [either A, B, AB, and O] and Rh factor [negative or positive].  Did you know there are several benefits in knowing both?

Blood type is determined by the types of antigens (or markers) on your blood cells.  Antigens are proteins on the surface of your blood cells that can cause a response from the immune system – which is good in fighting disease.

The Rh factor is a type of protein on the surface of red blood cells.  Red blood cells that contain protein are called Rh‐positive and the red blood cells that don’t are Rh‐negative. If you have Rh‐negative blood, it can be given to anyone because it can’t be identified as foreign in other people’s bodies (because it doesn’t have an antigen.)

The  Lipids  Panel  can  determine  if  you  have  abnormal  cholesterol  or  triglyceride  levels.  These  are important because they can also help you and your doctor determine if you’re at risk for heart disease or other coronary (heart) illnesses.

Cholesterol is fat that is produced by the liver. It can also be obtained from foods like cheeseburgers, pizza, etc. There are two kinds of cholesterol – the good and the bad.

1. High Density Lipoproteins (HDL) = Good cholesterol.
2. Low Density Lipoproteins (LDL) = Bad cholesterol.

About 50% of people who have suffered heart attacks have “normal” cholesterol numbers (NHLB I – The National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute).  It is the number and density (size) of Low Density Lipoprotein cholesterol, “LDL” or “bad” cholesterol that provides the clearest picture of a person’s cardiovascular risk.  The smaller LDL particles carry cholesterol throughout the body, but it is the large number and smaller density of these particles, not the cholesterol within them, that causes plaque buildup in the arteries.  People who have low High Density Lipoprotein (HDL or “good” cholesterol) numbers or high triglycerides are more likely to be at a greater risk of cardiovascular disease and undetected risk factors such as very small, dense lipoproteins.

The LPP+™ test is the most advanced test available to predict heart disease risk, much more so than standard cholesterol testing.  It measures the lipoprotein particles directly giving a more precise evaluation of their size.  High numbers of small, dense LDL particles can ultimately cause cardiovascular disease.  The National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) has identified new lipoprotein risk factors to help identify potential heart attack victims with these “normal” numbers.  The new risk factors, Remnant Lipoprotein (RLP), Small Dense LDL, Lipoprotein (a) (Lp(a), and HDL 2b & 3, will not show up in a standard cholesterol test.  The first three lipoproteins are high in 25% of the population, while the last, the “good” HDL types, large, buoyant particles that pick up excess cholesterol from the blood, is low in 25% of the population but those who haven’t had the LPP+™ test do not know whether they are at risk.

Lipoprotein (a), also called LPa, has been identified as a risk factor for cardiovascular disease and stroke.  The level of LPa in the blood is inherited and numerous studies have shown that it is a significant predictor of cardiovascular disease that is not related to other risk factors.  LPa transports LDL (“bad cholesterol”) through the blood and may directly contribute to arterial degeneration and cholesterol and plaque deposits in the arteries that obstruct the blood flow by increasing plaque size and increasing inflammation.  It is believed that LPa prevents clots from being broken down normally and promotes the uptake of LDL into blood vessel walls.

Some studies suggest that consuming fish or taking fish oil supplements or the regular consumption of moderate amounts of alcohol may reduce LPa levels.  Other exercise or diet regimens typically recommended for cholesterol reduction are usually not effective in reducing LPa.

A CBC is a great test to take to give you a “snapshot” of your health.  This test gives important information about the kind and the number of cells in your blood. Physicians use this information to evaluate symptoms, help diagnose conditions and treat certain illnesses (like infections).

The Saliva Cortisol test is the least invasive way to measure the level of cortisol in the body.  Cortisol is a hormone produced by the adrenal glands and regulated by the hypothalamus, a part of the brain, and the pituitary gland.  Cortisol is a critical hormone that helps to break down fat and protein.  The level of cortisol in the body stimulates liver glucose production and helps to maintain blood pressure and regulate the immune system affecting inflammation.  It also helps us react to physical and emotional stress. Free cortisol, which is unbound to a protein, is found in the urine and in the saliva and cortisol levels normally fluctuate throughout the day, with levels being highest in the morning and lowest after midnight.

High levels of cortisol may be caused by Cushing Syndrome, a relatively rare disorder that could result from taking glucocorticoid-steroids for a prolonged period or an adrenal tumor.

Addison’s disease (primary or secondary) or adrenal insufficiency cause low levels of cortisol and may be a result of an autoimmune response to the adrenal glands or an adrenal tumor.  70% of primary adrenal insufficiency is caused by an autoimmune process that ultimately destroys the adrenal cortex.

Cortisol, also known as hydrocortisone, is a hormone released by the adrenal gland in response to stress.  When responding to a stressful situation cortisol prepares the body for a fight or flight response by increasing blood sugar, suppressing the immune system, and aiding in fat, protein and carbohydrate metabolism for increased energy.  Cortisol also prevents the release of substances that cause inflammation so it is used to treat diseases that cause inflammation such as rheumatoid arthritis and allergies.

Although cortisol is critical for our survival, too much cortisol is damaging to the body and can cause hyperglycemia, abdominal fat production, obesity, decreased bone density, compromised immune and inflammation response, increased blood pressure, damage to the heart, and may lead to Cushing’s syndrome.  Too little and our bodies don’t function properly either.  Damage to the adrenal gland or an autoimmune disease can reduce the amount of cortisol produced leading to weight loss, fatigue, low blood pressure, vomiting, diarrhea and loss of consciousness.

Creatinine  is  the  end-product  of  creatine  metabolism.  The  presence  of  creatine  is  primarily  in  muscle.  The  amount  of  creatinine  is  related  to  total  skeletal  muscle  mass.  Daily creatinine  production  is  regular,  except  when  there  is  massive  injury  to  muscle.  In  healthy  individuals,  the  kidneys  excrete  creatinine,  and  blood  levels  and  daily  urinary  excretion  of  creatinine  fluctuates  very  little.

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is caused by a defective gene which causes the body to produce abnormally thick and sticky fluid, called mucus. This mucus builds up in the breathing passages of the lungs and in the pancreas, the organ that helps to break down and absorb food. This collection of sticky mucus results in life-threatening lung infections and serious digestion problems. The disease may also affect the sweat glands and a man’s reproductive system.

The DHEA‐S Test helps in evaluating your adrenal gland function.

Your adrenal glands are two small pieces of tissue that sit atop each kidney. They produce and release certain regulatory hormones and chemical messengers, one of which is Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate or DHEA‐S for short.  It’s a natural steroid hormone produced from cholesterol and it purpose is to serve as a precursor to male and female sex hormones. This hormone is also associated with immune and stress response.

The Estradiol Test measures the amount of estradiol (a female sex hormone which is basically a form of estrogen) in your blood. The test will determine your estrogen status, evaluate your ovarian function and monitor the follicular development during ovulation. In men, this test is used to assess estrogen production levels.

The Ferritin Test measures the level of ferritin molecules in the blood.

Ferritin is a protein in the body that binds to iron.  The level of ferritin correlates with the total amount of iron stored in the body.   Ferritin is low in those with iron deficiency anemia and high when levels of iron are raised.  Liver dysfunction can cause elevated ferritin levels because the liver is unable to clear it from the body.  Ferritin may also be increased when the body is inflamed or an infection is present.

A  deficiency  of  folic  acid  is  common  in  pregnant  women,  alcoholics,  or  individuals  who  do  not  have  enough  raw  fruits  and  vegetables  in  their  diet.    The  most  reliable  method  of  testing  a  folate  deficiency  is by  checking  the  folate  levels  in  both  erythrocytes  and  serum.

The Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) test measures the amount of FSH, a sex hormone produced by the pituitary gland, in your blood. In women, Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH)  stimulates production of eggs and a hormone called estradiol during the first half of the menstrual cycle.  In men, Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) stimulates production of sperm.

Free T4 measures the free, unbound thyroxine levels in your bloodstream. Free T4 is typically elevated in hyperthyroidism, and lowered in hypothyroidism. Free or unbound T4 levels represent the level of hormone available for uptake and use by cells. Because the free levels of T4 represent immediately available hormone, free T4 is thought to better reflect the patient’s hormonal status than total T4.

Free T3 measures the free, unbound levels of triiodothyronine in your bloodstream. Free T3 is considered more accurate than Total T3. Free T3 is typically elevated in hyperthyroidism, and lowered in hypothyroidism.

The Glucose (Serum) Test, also known as the Fasting Blood Glucose Test, is the most common test used to diagnose hyperglycemia (higher than normal levels of blood sugar), hypoglycemia (lower than normal levels of blood sugar) and diabetes. It’s commonly given by your doctor every year and during pregnancy. In addition, Diabetics self conduct this test multiple times a day to monitor their blood glucose.

The Hemoglobin A1c Test is a valuable measure of the overall blood glucose levels over a period of time (2‐3 months). This test can be used to help detect pre‐diabetes and diagnose diabetes.  If you’re diabetic, this test can help determine if your disease is under control.

There are several types of hepatitis – each caused by a different hepatitis virus.  The Hepatitis A Antibody (Total) Test will determine a prior Hepatitis A infection or an acute Hepatitis A infection.

Hepatitis  is  an  inflammation  of  the  liver  that  can  be  contracted  through  unprotected  sex,  using contaminated needles, or other causes.

The C‐Reactive Protein (High Sensitivity, Cardiac) (CRP) is a blood test that measures the amount of protein (called C‐reactive Protein) in your blood that indicates inflammation.  It’s also used to assess your risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD).  “High Sensitivity” means that this particular test can see if you have an increased chance of having a heart problem or heart attack.

The best way to utilize test results is to be tested two different times (typically taken two weeks apart). Your physician will take the average of the two test results to determine your risk for cardiovascular disease or the presence of inflammation.

High levels of CRP are caused by infections and many long‐term diseases. But a CRP test cannot show where the inflammation is located or what is causing it. Other tests are needed to find the cause and location of the inflammation.

Homocysteine is an amino acid that is normally present in very small amounts in the blood.  Normally the vitamins B6, B12, and folate quickly convert homocysteine to other products but when there is a deficiency of these vitamins leaves the amino acid in the blood at higher than normal levels.  There is some evidence that excess homocysteine is linked to atherosclerosis allowing blood clots to form and causing damage to blood vessel walls.

Excess homocysteine is also found in people with a rare genetic disorder called homocystinuria caused by a dysfunctional enzyme that is required for metabolism.  The buildup of this enzyme and homocysteine in infants can cause serious health issues including failure to thrive and people with the disease may develop heart or blood vessel diseases at an early age.

The Luteinizing Hormone or LH Test measures how much of the hormone is in your blood.   The LH is produced by the pituitary gland in both men and women.

In females, this hormone helps regulate the menstrual cycle and egg production.  It is common to see LH levels rise and fall during the monthly menstrual cycle.  It is also useful in the production of estrogen and progesterone.

In males, LH is responsible for the release of testosterone (which plays a role in producing sperm).

Lyme disease is common in the United States and is spread by infected ticks that then bite people or animals.  There are two types of ticks that carry Lyme disease in the United States: the deer tick in the Northeast and Midwest and the Western black-legged tick along the Pacific Coast.  If left untreated, Lyme disease can lead to problems with your skin, joints, nervous system and heart such as meningitis, joint pain, weakness and numbness of the arms and legs, memory problems, and less commonly irregular heartbeat and eye inflammation.  These issues can occur months or even years after a Lyme disease infection.  The presence of antibodies cannot always determine if the Lyme disease infection is recent or due to a tick bite in the past, but can provide information that your doctor can use to treat the infection.

Magnesium is a critical electrolyte that is necessary for proper muscle, nerve and enzyme function and is necessary for the body to make and use energy.  It also assists in the movement of other electrolytes, such as sodium and potassium, into and out of cells.  Low levels of magnesium are associated with cardiac arrhythmia.

The majority of magnesium in the body is found in bones and inside cells so the amount of magnesium in the blood is normally very small.  Magnesium levels can be easily increased through supplements or diet.  Foods that contain magnesium include whole grain products, leafy green vegetables, nuts and beans.  Some studies have also found that consuming foods rich in magnesium reduces the risk of stroke.

Measles, also called Rubeola, is a highly contagious virus that can be very serious if contracted by children. The infection causes a fever, cough, runny nose, conjunctivitis, and a rash that begins on the face and spreads to the rest of the body. In very young children, measles can lead to pneumonia as the virus spreads to the lungs. In older children the virus could lead to pneumonia, croup, diarrhea or swelling of the brain (encephalitis) which could cause seizures and brain damage.
A measles infection in pregnant women can be very serious for the unborn child. The virus can be passed from the mother to the baby and could cause premature birth or spontaneous abortions. While this is rare, due to the increase in early childhood vaccination, it is important to know whether you are immune to the virus before becoming pregnant.

Mononucleosis is a viral infection caused by the Epstein Barr virus and is common in adolescents and young adults. Often times, there are no symptoms, but others feel tired, feverish, have a sore throat, etc.

The Mononucleosis  Test  (Qualitative) will detect what’s called ‘heterophil antibodies’ in your blood (related to mono).  Keep in mind, if you’ve had mononucleosis in the past, you will always test positive for it.

The Amylase Test is a blood test that measures the level of amylase in the blood.

The Lipase Test measures the level of lipase in the blood.

The Phenytoin Lab Test measures the level of phenytoin (Dilantin) in the blood.

Phosphate is a charged ion in the blood that contains phosphorus, which is critical for building and repairing bones and teeth, helping nerves function, and making muscles contract.  It works closely with calcium in the body and most phosphorus (85%) is stored in the bones.  The kidneys filter extra phosphate out of the body and it is then eliminated in urine.  The parathyroid gland controls the level of phosphate and calcium in the body, but several diseases or infections could disrupt the relationship between phosphorus and calcium.

Potassium is a simple mineral that is important for the regulation of our heartbeat.  It, along with other electrolytes like sodium and chloride, helps to maintain the proper fluid and electrolyte balance, stimulates muscle contraction, and helps to regulate the acid and base balance in the body.  Each heart muscle needs the right balance of potassium to beat in a coordinated way with all the other heart muscles.  If you have high blood pressure, heart arrhythmias or have had heart failure it is especially important to get enough potassium.

Potassium can easily be found in our food and eating a healthy diet of fruits and vegetables will almost always ensure enough potassium in the body.  The USDA recommends that adults consume 4,700 mg of potassium per day.  Potassium-rich foods include potatoes, tomatoes, avocadoes, bananas, oranges, strawberries, spinach, peas and beans, and nuts and seeds.  Increasing your intake of fruits and vegetables will also lead to other benefits such as lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels.   Although the link between hypertension and cholesterol isn’t direct, many diets that lower cholesterol and blood pressure are also high in potassium.  Research has also shown that increasing potassium intake reduces the risk of stroke.

Beta hCG Quantitative (pregnancy test) values may reach detectable limits within 7-10 days of conception.  hCG is produced by the placenta and reaches a peak between the 7th and 10th week of gestation.  hCG is a glycoprotein hormone which is  secreted during normal pregnancy and with pathologic conditions such as hydatidiform mole, choriocarcinoma and testicular neoplasm.  If the hCG serum result is inconsistent with clinical presentation, then ordering hCG, Total, Qualitative, Urine is recommended.

The  Pregnancy  Test  with  Fetal  Age  Chart  is  a  blood  test  that  not  only  tells  you  “Yes” or “No”,  but  tells  you  how  far  along  you  are  in  your  pregnancy  (if  you  are  at  least  two  weeks  pregnant  at  the  time  off  the  test).

The Progesterone Test measures the amount of the hormone in your blood. Progesterone is a female hormone produced by the ovaries and it’s essential for pregnancy. It prepares the uterus for fertilization and produces breast milk. The hormone also plays a role in sexual desire.

Prolactin levels are a good measure if there is a dysfunction within your body.  Symptoms that may trigger someone to check their prolactin level include nipple discharge, headaches and visual problems, infertility (male and female), impotence, possible pituitary tumor, prolactinomas and irregular or no menstrual periods.

The PSA Test (or Prostate Specific Antigen) is a substance a man’s prostate gland produces. This blood test will measure your PSA levels and if elevated, it may indicate prostate cancer or prostatitis (an enlarged prostate).

The Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time (aPTT) measures the body’s Ability To Form Blood Clots appropriately.

If your joints hurt from walking up stairs, opening up jars or other routine activity, you may want to take the RA Factor Test.   Rheumatoid arthritis often causes problems in several joints at the same time – affecting your smaller joints like wrists and ankles first. As the disease progresses, your shoulders, elbows, knees, hips, jaw and neck can also become involved.  Basically, your whole body hurts and it’s not fun.

Adrenal glands that are in balance produce adequate amounts of hormones to power us through the day. These hormones impact just about every process in the body, from energy production and immune activity to cellular maintenance and repair. They are key regulators of glucose, insulin and inflammation, and play a major role in bone and muscle building, mood and mental focus, stamina, sex drive and sleep cycles.

This kit tests the adrenal hormones DHEA-S and Cortisol, the master stress hormone. When individuals experience continuous stress, not only from emotional stressors (e.g., marital, financial, and occupational) but also from physical stressors (e.g., sleep deprivation, caffeine consumption, pain, extreme exercise), it can lead to changes in adrenal hormone levels, related to disorders ranging from anxiety to allergies and irritability to infertility.

This kit is available for purchase in-store or online.

People with sickle cell disease (or anemia) have an abnormal form of blood cell (Hemoglobin S) which causes the red blood cells to be curved into crescent or “sickle” shape and not the normal, round shape.  Round blood cells pass through blood vessels easily, carrying oxygen throughout your body.  Sickle shaped blood cells can get stuck, block blood vessels and prevent oxygen from getting through.  Symptoms of sickle cell disease are very painful and can cause long term damage to organs, muscles and bones.  Painful episodes due to blocked blood vessels can cause pain in the hands, feet, belly, back or chest.  Sickle cell disease may also cause numerous infections and anemia leading to weakness and fatigue.

This test measures the total amount of circulating thyroxine in your blood. Thyroxine, a hormone produced by the thyroid, is also known as T4. A high value can indicate hyperthyroidism, a low value can indicate hypothyroidism. Total T4 levels can be elevated due to pregnancy, and other high estrogen states, including use of estrogen replacement or birth control pills.

The Testosterone, Free (Direct), Serum with Total Test will determine the level of testosterone (free and total) in your blood.

Testosterone is a hormone (commonly produced in males, but is also in females in small amounts) that affects sexual features and development.  Testosterone levels explode in men after puberty and continue to rise until about age 40.

Overall, this test will give you a better understanding of how much testosterone is in your blood.

THESE 5 TESTS ARE INCLUDED IN THIS PANEL:

1. Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH)
2. Total T4
3. Free T4
4. Free T3
5. Thyroid Peroxidase Antibodies (TPO)

WHAT DOES THE THYROID GLAND DO?

The thyroid gland is responsible for regulating how your body uses energy through the production of hormones critical to proper cell and system functioning.

There are three main hormones in the thyroid system that should be balanced:

1. TSH: Thyroid Stimulating Hormone is the most important of the hormones in the thyroid system, this stimulates or acts on the thyroid gland, telling it how much of the actual thyroid hormones need to be made.
2. T4: Hormone is produced by the thyroid and travels throughout the body and is converted into T3.
3. T3: The active form of T4.  This is the hormone that goes into the cells and controls their function throughout the body.

A thyroid hormone panel screens for thyroid function and can help diagnose potential thyroid disease by examining your body’s production, levels, or usage of the different thyroid hormones.  There are two types of thyroid and thyroid hormone-related disorders:

1. Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) – symptoms may include fatigue, weight gain, a short attention span, and numbness or cold intolerance.
2. Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) – symptoms may include weight loss, persistent vomiting, increased blood pressure, hair loss, or a persistently fast heart rate.

WHY DO I NEED THIS TEST?

If there is a thyroid level imbalance in your body, you may be more susceptible to everything from osteoporosis and heart disease to infertility and fatigue.

Thyroid disorders are more common in women and they often occur with changes in other hormone levels, such as with pregnancy or with older age.

The Thyroid Peroxidase Antibodies test assists in the diagnosis of thyroid diseases such as endemic goiter, Graves Disease, autoimmune thyroiditis, Addison’s Disease, insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, Hashimoto’s Disease, and polyendocrine auto-immunopathies.

The thyroid gland is responsible for regulating how your body uses energy. The thyroid also produces hormones critical to proper cell and system functioning.

The Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) test checks your body’s production of TSH and helps screen  for thyroid disease, hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism.

There are two types of thyroid disorders including:

• Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) – symptoms may include fatigue, weight gain, a short attention span, and numbness or cold intolerance.
• Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) – symptoms may include weight loss, persistent vomiting, increased blood pressure, hair loss or a persistently fast heart rate.

The Iron and Total Iron Binding Capacity (TIBC) Test measures the amount of iron in your blood.  Having too much or too little iron in your blood can cause medical problems.  However, this test is mainly used to determine certain types of anemia.

The Urinalysis can determine a number of health problems. It will see if your kidneys are functioning normally, if sugar is present in your urine, if you’re burning fat or if you have a urinary tract infection.  In addition, it can locate substances that may be causing everything from metabolic problems to kidney disorders.  Some doctors request a Urinalysis before surgery or during the early stages of pregnancy.

Vitamin B-12, also called cobalamin, is a water soluble vitamin that plays a key role in the formation of blood (red blood cells and white blood cells), normal functioning of the brain and nervous system. Vitamin B-12 is one of the eight B vitamins, and it is involved in the metabolism of every cell in the human body.

Vitamin D is a fat soluble vitamin that interacts with and regulates more than 200 genes in the body.  Your body absorbs Vitamin D from exposure to sunlight or ultraviolet light on exposed skin, and from plants, fortified foods and supplements.