Includes:
CBC w/differential
Lipid Panel w/ LDL/HDL Ratio
Metabolic Panel(14), Comprehensive
Vitamin B12 and Folates
The CBC (Complete Blood Count)test may be performed under many different conditions and to assess many different symptoms or diseases. The results can reflect problems with fluid volume (such as dehydration) or loss of blood.
The test can reveal problems with RBC production and destruction, or help diagnose infection, allergies, and problems with blood clotting.
MCV, MCH, and MCHC values reflect the size and hemoglobin concentration of individual cells, and are useful in diagnosing different types of anemia.
A complete blood count (CBC) test measures the following:
The number of red blood cells (RBCs)
The number of white blood cells (WBCs)
The total amount of hemoglobin in the blood
The fraction of the blood composed of red blood cells (hematocrit)
The CBC test also provides information about the following measurements:
Average red blood cell size (MCV)
Hemoglobin amount per red blood cell (MCH)
The amount of hemoglobin relative to the size of the cell (hemoglobin concentration) per red blood cell (MCHC)
The platelet count is also usually included in the CBC.
Comprehensive Metabolic Description
The Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP) is a frequently ordered panel of tests that gives your doctor important information about the current status of your kidneys, liver, and electrolyte and acid/base balance as well as of your blood sugar and blood proteins. Abnormal results, and especially combinations of abnormal results, can indicate a problem that needs to be addressed. The CMP is typically a group of 14 specific tests that have been approved, named, and assigned a CPT code (a Current Procedural Terminology number) as a panel by Medicare, although labs may adjust the number of tests up or down. Since the majority of insurance companies also use these names and CPT codes in their claim processing, this grouping of tests has become standardized throughout the United States.
The CMP includes:
Glucose
Calcium
Both increased and decreased levels can be significant.
Proteins
Albumin
Total Protein
Albumin, a small protein produced in the liver, is the major protein in serum. Total protein measures albumin as well as all other proteins in serum. Both increases and decreases in these test results can be significant.
Electrolytes
Sodium
Potassium
CO2
Chloride
The concentrations of sodium and potassium are tightly regulated by the body as is the balance between the four molecules. Electrolyte (and acid-base) imbalances can be present with a wide variety of acute and chronic illnesses. Chloride and CO2 tests are rarely ordered by themselves.
Kidney Tests
BUN (blood urea nitrogen)
Creatinine
BUN and creatinine are waste products filtered out of the blood by the kidneys. Increased concentrations in the blood may indicate a temporary or chronic decrease in kidney function. When not ordered as part of the CMP, they are still usually ordered together.
Liver Tests
ALP (alkaline phosphatase)
ALT (alanine amino transferase, also called SGPT)
AST (aspartate amino transferase, also called SGOT)
Bilirubin
ALP, ALT, and AST are enzymes found in the liver and other tissues. Bilirubin is a waste product produced by the liver as it breaks down and recycles aged red blood cells. All can be found in elevated concentrations in the blood with liver disease or dysfunction.
The Lipid Panel is a group of tests that are often ordered together to determine risk of coronary heart disease. The tests that make up a lipid profile are tests that have been shown to be good indicators of whether someone is likely to have a heart attack or stroke caused by blockage of blood vessels (hardening of the arteries). This profile is also used in the evaluation of hyperlipidemia as an index to coronary artery disease. Investigation of serum lipids is indicated in those with coronary and other arterial disease, especially when it is premature, and in those with family history of atherosclerosis or of hyperlipidemia. In this sense, the expression "premature" is mostly used to include those younger than 40 years of age.
Tests for the Lipid Panel include: Total cholesterol:HDL ratio and Lipid Panel(Cholesterol, total; high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol; low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol (calculation); triglycerides; very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) cholesterol (calculation))
The measurement of Vitamin B12 and Folate is a very useful biomarker for ones overall health. To measure the Folate level in blood to help diagnose the cause of anemia or neuropathy. Also to evaluate nutritional status in some patients or to check effectiveness of treatment for B12 or folate deficiency.
These tests measure the concentration of folate and vitamin B12 in the liquid portion of the blood (serum) or inside the red blood cell (RBC). It will normally be at a higher concentration inside the cells than in the serum Either a serum or RBC folate test may be used to help detect a deficiency.
B12 and folate tests are done when a CBC, done routinely or as part of an evaluation of anemia symptoms, indicates the presence of large RBCs.
When a person shows mental or behavioral changes such as irritability, confusion, depression, and/or paranoia, B12 and folate may be done to help diagnose the underlying cause. These tests are also be ordered when a patient has physical symptoms that suggest a B12 or folate deficiency, including dizziness, weakness, fatigue, or a sore mouth or tongue.
When a patient has symptoms suggesting nerve damage such as, tingling, burning, or numbness in their hands, arms, legs, and or/feet, a B12 test may be requested.
In patients with known B12 and folate deficiencies, these tests may be ordered occasionally to help monitor the effectiveness of treatment with supplements (or with B12 injections). Normal or elevated results indicate a response to treatment.