VALUE WELLNESS PANELS

Routine lab testing is a great way to monitor your health. It is also a good way to establish a baseline; by knowing your baseline levels, you can begin to monitor these values to see how they change over time.

If you are ready to take control of your health but you are not sure where to start, the Annual Check-Up Panel can provide valuable information. This panel consists of 5 tests that are typically ordered by a healthcare provider during an annual physical examination. These tests provide information about your blood counts, kidney function, liver function, electrolytes, cholesterol, triglycerides, hemoglobin A1c, and thyroid function. 

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.

Arthritis is an inflammatory disorder that affects one or more joints. There are several different conditions that can affect the joints and other connective tissues. These include osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, SLE (systemic lupus erythematosus), and more. If you are concerned about rheumatoid arthritis, other autoimmune diseases, or other inflammatory conditions, this panel can be a good starting point. 

The Arthritis Screening Panel includes Rheumatoid Factor, Antinuclear Antibodies, and C‐Reactive Protein (High Sensitivity). It also includes a Complete Blood Count (CBC) and a Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP), which are often ordered in an annual physical examination and can be used to monitor a variety of conditions. 

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.

The Nutritional 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 CMP, 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.

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are also known as sexually transmitted infections (STI). This refers to a group of infections that can be spread from one person to another through sexual contact. Treatment of STDs depends on the type of infection. HIV, Herpes, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, and HPV are caused by viruses. Chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis are bacterial infections, and trichomoniasis is a parasitic infection.

STDs are common, and it is possible to have an STD and not realize it. Symptoms of STDs can vary- some people might experience significant symptoms, and others might not have any symptoms at all. Even if people do not feel any symptoms, they can still spread STDs. This is why STD testing is so important.

Early detection is essential for STD treatment. If you think you may have been exposed to an STD, or if you simply want to get tested, then the Basic STD Panel could be a good option for you. This panel looks for HIV, syphilis, herpes (HSV1 & HSV 2), gonorrhea, and chlamydia. If you are interested in testing for additional STDs, you should consider the Comprehensive STD Panel, the Comprehensive STD Plus Panel, or the Comprehensive STD Premium Panel.

The Breast Cancer Monitoring Panel can help your physician monitor breast cancer treatment and therapy.

Both the CA 15‐3 and CA 27.29 are proteins that are normally produced by breast cells. In persons with breast cancer, the levels can increase. The protein amounts can rise with breast cancer tumor growth and fall with treatment.

The carcinoembryonic antigen is a protein that may be present in people with cancer, including breast cancer.   The CEA Test measures the amount of this protein in your blood. CEA is normally detected in healthy adults, but at a certain range (see below Normal Range).

These three tests can also help your physician offer a more accurate prognosis (or prediction of your health).

Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder characterized by an inappropriate immune response to gluten, a protein found in wheat, and related dietary protein barley and rye. Celiac disease antibody tests help diagnose and monitor the disease. The antibodies being tested are IgA and Tissue Tranglutaminase (tTG) antibody (IgA).

One in every 133 Americans suffers from celiac disease totaling 3 million Americans.  85% of these people have not been diagnosed so they either struggle along trying to figure out what foods to avoid on their own and suffer from painful and sometimes, debilitating symptoms of celiac disease.  Several millions more suffer from gluten intolerance, which can be very painful and can get worse over time.  Intolerances differ significantly from allergies. Unlike allergies, intolerances may vary from situation to situation, while an allergy always produces the same reaction.

True celiac disease, unlike gluten intolerance, is genetically based and carried from parents or grandparents to their children.  If gluten is ingested the villi in the small intestine are damaged over time reducing the villi’s ability to absorb needed nutrients from food and increasing abdominal discomfort.  Functional gastrointestinal disorders affect 2 in every 5 Americans and include Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Celiac Disease, Functional Dyspepsia (indigestion), Ulcerative Colitis and Crohn’s Disease.  The CICA test can help to determine if you have Celiac Disease or some other gastrointestinal disorder so that you can properly treat your symptoms.

The Micronutrient Test measures your body’s ability to absorb vitamins, minerals and other essential nutrients.  This non-fasting blood test tells if you have a vitamin deficiency and gives you a plan for how to correct it.

More importantly, the results can help you reduce the risk of illness and disease related to such deficiencies.

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.

Cholesterol is a waxy substance produced by the liver; it can also be obtained from the foods you eat, like meat, dairy products, etc. High cholesterol is also known as “hyperlipidemia”. Having high cholesterol can increase your risk of stroke and heart disease. 

High cholesterol can be managed with lifestyle changes and medications. Sometimes, the medications used to treat high cholesterol can cause liver issues. Although this is not a common side effect, healthcare providers may still want to monitor liver function in their patients who take cholesterol medication.

The Cholesterol Medication Maintenance Panel is ideal for someone who is taking cholesterol medication, or for someone who needs to have their cholesterol and liver function checked on a routine basis.

Even if you are feeling well, routine lab testing is an important part of maintaining your health. If you are looking for a general overview of your health but you are not sure where to start, the Comprehensive Female Panel could be a good option for you. It consists of 11 tests that provide valuable information about your blood counts, kidney and liver function, electrolytes, cholesterol, hemoglobin A1c, thyroid function, and hormone levels. This panel is ideal for women of all ages who want to take control of their health. 

Even if you are feeling well, routine lab testing is an important part of maintaining your health. If you are looking for a general overview of your health but you are not sure where to start, the Comprehensive Male Panel could be a good option for you. It consists of 8 tests that provide valuable information about your blood counts, kidney and liver function, electrolytes, cholesterol, hemoglobin A1c, thyroid function, prostate health, and hormone levels. This panel is ideal for men of all ages who want to take control of their health. 

The Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP) is a blood test that provides valuable information about your kidney function, liver function, electrolytes, blood sugar, and more. It can be used to detect and monitor a variety of health conditions. This panel is typically requested by your healthcare provider as part of a routine check‐up or annual physical.

The Comprehensive Metabolic Panel includes 15 essential tests:

Electrolytes:

• Sodium (Na)
• Potassium (K)
• Chloride (Cl)
• Carbon Dioxide (CO2)
• Calcium (Ca)

Kidney Function:

• Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN)
• Creatinine (Cr)
• Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR)

Liver Function:

• Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP)
• Bilirubin, Total
• Aspartate Transaminase (AST)
• Alanine Transaminase (ALT)

Additional Tests:

• Albumin
• Total Protein
• Glucose

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.

Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects your blood sugar levels. With diabetes, your body does not use insulin properly, or it does not make enough insulin.

Insulin is made in the pancreas. It helps the sugar (glucose) from food enter your cells, so it can be used for energy. If your body does not make enough insulin- or if it does not use insulin properly- the sugar (glucose) stays in your blood and does not reach your cells.

There are 2 types of diabetes- type 1 and type 2. Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes. In type 2 diabetes, the body does not use insulin as well as it should. In type 1 diabetes, the body does not produce enough insulin. 

The Diabetes Maintenance Panel consists of 4 tests that provide valuable information to help you and your healthcare provider monitor your diabetes treatment.

The electrolyte panel measures certain electrolytes in the blood and can be used to detect a problem with your body’s electrolyte balance. Electrolyte balance is essential for moving nutrients into and waste out of the cells within the body.  It also helps to maintain proper water balance and stabilize the body’s pH level.

Electrolytes are essential minerals that are vital to many key functions in the body. They play a critical role in muscle movement and proper nerve conduction.

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 Pre-Medication PrEP Panel (Female) is meant for individuals who are thinking about starting PrEP. The tests in this panel can help you establish a baseline for your kidney and liver function before starting PrEP. The panel will also tell you your status for certain STDs, including HIV, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, syphilis, gonorrhea, and chlamydia. The difference between the Pre-Medication PrEP Panel (Female) and the Pre-Medication PrEP Panel (Male) is that the female panel also includes a pregnancy test (qualitative beta hCG).

Pre-exposure prophylaxis (also known as PrEP) refers to medications that can be used to decrease your risk of contracting HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus). Examples of PrEP medications include Truvada, Descovy, and Apretude.

Before you start taking medication, it is essential to have PrEP lab testing done. These tests will help your healthcare provider ensure that PrEP is safe and suitable for you.

PrEP can be prescribed by a licensed healthcare provider. If you are interested in the Pre-Medication PrEP Panel, you should work with your healthcare provider to discuss your options, determine the frequency of lab testing, and to see if any additional testing is needed.  If you are already using PrEP and looking to have lab testing done, check out the PrEP Monitoring Panel (Female).

The Pre-Medication PrEP Panel (Male) is meant for individuals who are thinking about starting PrEP. The tests in this panel can help you establish a baseline for your kidney and liver function before starting PrEP. The panel will also tell you your status for certain STDs, including HIV, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, syphilis, gonorrhea, and chlamydia. The difference between the Pre-Medication PrEP Panel (Female) and the Pre-Medication PrEP Panel (Male) is that the female panel also includes a pregnancy test (qualitative beta hCG).

Pre-exposure prophylaxis (also known as PrEP) refers to medications that can be used to decrease your risk of contracting HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus). Examples of PrEP medications include Truvada, Descovy, and Apretude.

Before you start taking medication, it is essential to have PrEP lab testing done. These tests will help your healthcare provider ensure that PrEP is safe and suitable for you.

PrEP can be prescribed by a licensed healthcare provider. If you are interested in the Pre-Medication PrEP Panel, you should work with your healthcare provider to discuss your options, determine the frequency of lab testing, and to see if any additional testing is needed. If you are already using PrEP and looking to have lab testing done, check out the PrEP Monitoring Panel (Male).

Common tests that your surgeon may ask you to have before surgery.

Common tests that your surgeon may ask you to have before surgery.

An OB panel is a group of blood tests done to check the health or a woman during early pregnancy.

The PrEP Monitoring Panel (Female) is meant for individuals who are taking PrEP medication. The tests in this panel can help you monitor your kidney and liver function while using PrEP. The panel will also tell you your status for certain STDs, including HIV, syphilis, gonorrhea, and chlamydia. The difference between the PrEP Monitoring Panel (Female) and the PrEP Monitoring Panel (Male) is that the female panel also includes a pregnancy test (qualitative beta hCG).

Pre-exposure prophylaxis (also known as PrEP) refers to medications that can be used to decrease your risk of contracting HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus). Examples of PrEP medications include Truvada, Descovy, and Apretude.

Regular lab testing is an important part of your PrEP treatment. It allows your healthcare provider to monitor your health, catch any potential issues early on, and make sure the medication is working as it should be. By staying on top of these tests, you can take control of your health and maintain a healthy lifestyle.

PrEP can be prescribed by a licensed healthcare provider. If you are interested in the PrEP Monitoring Panel, you should work with your healthcare provider to discuss your options, determine the frequency of lab testing, and to see if any additional testing is needed. If you are looking to have lab testing done before starting PrEP treatment, check out the Pre-Medication PrEP Panel (Female).

The PrEP Monitoring Panel (Male) is meant for individuals who are taking PrEP medication. The tests in this panel can help you monitor your kidney and liver function while using PrEP. The panel will also tell you your status for certain STDs, including HIV, syphilis, gonorrhea, and chlamydia. The difference between the PrEP Monitoring Panel (Female) and the PrEP Monitoring Panel (Male) is that the female panel also includes a pregnancy test (qualitative beta hCG).

Pre-exposure prophylaxis (also known as PrEP) refers to medications that can be used to decrease your risk of contracting HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus). Examples of PrEP medications include Truvada, Descovy, and Apretude.

Regular lab testing is an important part of your PrEP treatment. It allows your healthcare provider to monitor your health, catch any potential issues early on, and make sure the medication is working as it should be. By staying on top of these tests, you can take control of your health and maintain a healthy lifestyle.

PrEP can be prescribed by a licensed healthcare provider. If you are interested in the PrEP Monitoring Panel, you should work with your healthcare provider to discuss your options, determine the frequency of lab testing, and to see if any additional testing is needed. If you are looking to have lab testing done before starting PrEP treatment, check out the Pre-Medication PrEP Panel (Male).

A renal panel is a group of tests that are used to evaluate the kidney (renal) Function. Minerals, electrolytes, proteins, and glucose are measured as part of a renal function panel.

If the kidneys are not working properly, waste products can accumulate in the blood and fluid levels could change which could cause damage to the body and be potentially life-threatening. There are a variety of conditions that can result in damage to the kidneys.

The Semaglutide Monitoring Panel consists of 9 blood tests that can help you and your healthcare provider monitor your health while taking semaglutide. Even if you are not taking semaglutide, this panel can provide valuable information about your blood sugar and insulin levels, kidney and liver function, thyroid health, blood count, cholesterol, and vitamin B12.

Semaglutide (which also goes by the brand names of Ozempic and Wegovy) is a medication that is primarily used to treat type 2 diabetes. However, it has also been approved for weight management in individuals with obesity. When taking semaglutide for weight loss, monitoring your blood work is essential for several reasons:

• Staying safe: Like all medications, semaglutide can sometimes cause side effects. This is why routine lab monitoring is important- by doing regular blood tests, you and your healthcare provider can detect potential adverse reactions.
• Monitoring organ function: Many medications are processed by your liver and kidneys, so it is important to monitor your liver and kidney function when taking certain medications.
• Checking your nutrients: If you are taking additional supplements while using semaglutide, it is important to keep track of your levels.
• Checking blood sugar: Semaglutide is also used to control blood sugar levels in people with diabetes. Even if you are taking it for weight loss, it can still affect your blood sugar.

The Semaglutide Monitoring Panel provides a great starting point for routine lab monitoring while taking semaglutide. You should work with your healthcare provider to determine the frequency of lab testing, and to see if any additional testing is needed.

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are also known as sexually transmitted infections (STI). This refers to a group of infections that can be spread from one person to another through sexual contact. Treatment of STDs depends on the type of infection. HIV, Herpes, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, and HPV are caused by viruses. Chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis are bacterial infections, and trichomoniasis is a parasitic infection.

STDs are common, and it is possible to have an STD and not realize it. Symptoms of STDs can vary- some people might experience significant symptoms, and others might not have any symptoms at all. Even if people do not feel any symptoms, they can still spread STDs. This is why STD testing is so important.

Early detection is essential for STD treatment. If you think you may have been exposed to an STD, or if you simply want to get tested, then the Comprehensive STD Panel could be a good option for you. This panel looks for HIV, syphilis, herpes (HSV1 & HSV 2), gonorrhea, chlamydia, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C. If you are interested in testing for additional STDs, you should consider the Comprehensive STD Plus Panel, or the Comprehensive STD Platinum Panel.

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.