Men's Health

The Anemia Panel is a comprehensive panel that includes a CBC, Ferritin, Folates, Total Iron Binding Capacity with Iron, Reticulocyte Count, Vitamin B12 and Folic Acid.

A CBC (Complete Blood Count) looks at important parameters of your blood including hemoglobin level, white blood cells, red blood cells and platelets.  The Ferritin, Iron and Total Iron Binding Capacity tests work together to indicate if you have an iron deficiency, which is the most common form of anemia. The Reticulocyte  Count  can  help  determine  if  you  are  producing  enough  red  blood  cells  and  can  help determine the cause of different types of anemia. Finally, this panel will determine any Vitamin B12 and Folic Acid deficiency, often the reason for the onset of anemia.

The Annual Check‐Up is the perfect panel for evaluating your overall health.  The panel consists of 5 tests that are typically ordered by a physician during an annual physical examination.

Most important, this is a good panel to establish your “baseline.”   Your baseline consists of all the numeric test results (levels) including your blood counts, kidney function, liver function, electrolytes, total cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL, LDL, and thyroid function values. By knowing these levels, you can begin to manage your own health to see if they fluctuate over time.

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.

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.

If you’re taking cholesterol medicine, your doctor may request a Cholesterol Medication Maintenance Panel before a refill is prescribed.  It’s also perfect for people who need to have their cholesterol and liver functions tested on a routine basis or for those simply interested in knowing their cholesterol level.v

This panel checks to see if your current total cholesterol, LDL (bad cholesterol), HDL (good cholesterol), and triglyceride  (blood  fats) levels have changed. While not a common side effect, changes in liver enzymes can be directly associated with your current prescription; therefore, this panel will also check the liver enzymes that can be affected.

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).

This panel will provide men with a wide range of tests designed to give them a broad overview of their health. It includes blood counts, metabolic panel which includes kidney and liver functions as well as heart health and hormone information. Men will also receive a PSA test designed to evaluate prostate health.

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.

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.

This test is to determine if a person has an allergic reaction to gluten. Gluten is a protein found in rye, barley and wheat. The IgE test looks for antibodies which are seen in people that have a particular allergy. Allergy testing can help identify or rule out an allergy if someone is experiencing symptoms.

The Heart Health Panel provides an overview of your heart health status. This panel can be used as a baseline assessment of your heart health and possible risk. There are four components provided within the Heart Health Panel.

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.

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.

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).

Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) is a protein that is in the prostate, which is a small gland in males that encircles the urethra. There are two forms of PSA that exist in the blood: PSA total, which is bound to protein and PSA free, which is not bound to protein.  The PSA test may be used a tool to screen for and to monitor prostate cancer. Other reasons for elevated PSA levels could be seen with inflammation of the prostate (prostatitis) and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). PSA levels tend to increase for all men as they age. PSA testing is also recommended for anyone that has a family history of prostate cancer African-American heritage, or age appropriate screening. PSA is not diagnostic of cancer.

The Osteoporosis Risk Panel includes ten different tests that evaluate your risk for osteoporosis – a debilitating disease that causes bones to become more fragile.

Calcium and Vitamin D play a large part in diagnosing osteoporosis.  If you are deficient in these minerals, this panel will tell you.  The other tests help make the panel more comprehensive and give you and your physician a better evaluation of your bones and how your body processes the minerals needed to create bone.

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.

Testosterone is a male hormone that helps to maintain bone density, fat distribution, muscle strength and mass, red blood cell production, sex drive and sperm production.  As men age, levels of testosterone naturally decline by about 1% per year after age 30. Extremely low levels of testosterone may be caused by a disease (hypogonadism) in which the body isn’t able to produce enough of the hormone because of a problem with the testicles or the pituitary gland which promotes testosterone production.

If you are considering androgen/testosterone replacement therapy you need to be aware of your overall health so that you are not surprised by new health problems that pop up once you begin therapy.  These screening may uncover underlying issues so that these can be treated before you begin therapy.  In some cases you will not be eligible to receive testosterone therapy if you have one of these conditions because they can cause serious symptoms and health issues.

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.

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.

A bacterium known as Escherichia coli (E. coli) causes the majority of lower urinary tract infections (UTIs). Fortunately, this microorganism is treatable with several antibiotics, including trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, ciprofloxacin, and nitrofurantoin.  For most people the infection will be easily eliminated with one of these antibiotics. Some doctors prescribe an antibiotic without performing a urine culture but the test can definitively identify a UTI.

The urine culture tests for the presence of a single type of bacteria.  If high counts are found the test is generally considered a positive urine culture.  If there are multiple bacteria strains, the culture may have been contaminated and the urine culture may need to be redone.  Symptoms of a UTI include pain and burning when urinating and a frequent urge to urinate.  If symptoms are present, but the urine culture is negative, you may want to consult your doctor who may order a specialized urine culture to look for a wider range of the non-diluted urine to determine if bacteria at lower counts or other microorganisms may be causing the symptoms.  The presence of low number of bacteria and the presence of white blood cells may indicate a condition known as acute urethral syndrome.