Assays include:
CBC with differential
Complete Metabolic Panel (14)
Lipid Panel
PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen)
Insulin-Like Growth Factor I (IGF-I)
Testosterone, Total serum
C-Reactive Protein (CRP), Cardiac
DHEA (Dehydroepiandrosterone)
Gamma-Glutamyl Transpeptidase (GGT)
Insulin (fasting)
Insulin-Like Growth Factor I (IGF-I)
Thyroid-stimulating Hormone (TSH)
Thyroxine (T4), Free, Direct, Serum
LH and FSH
Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG)
Iron and TIBC panel
Magnesium, Serum
Urinalysis with Microscopic
The Complete Blood Count with Differential (CBC) screens for blood abnormalities including red and white blood cells and platelets. The CBC is used as a screening test to check for possible disorders such as anemia, infection, and many other diseases.
The Comprehensive Metabolic Profile (14) is a frequently ordered panel 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. The Complete Urinalysis Profile screens for a variety of conditions including urinary bladder disease, kidney disease and diabetes.
The Lipid profile 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
The measurement of the Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) level in blood is a screening mechanism for asymptomatic and symptomatic men for prostate cancer in order to help determine the necessity for a biopsy of the prostate and also in order to monitor the effectiveness of treatment for prostate cancer, or to detect recurrence of prostate cancer. This test was developed as a tumor marker to screen for and to monitor prostate cancer. It is a very good tool, but not a perfect one. PSA levels are higher in those of African American heritage, and levels tend to increase in all men as they age.
Reference range values : <= 4.0 mcg/L or could be interpreted as <= 4.0 ng/ml
Abnormal findings: Patients with PSA level greater than 10mcg/L are at an increased risk for prostate cancer. Levels between 4 and 10 may indicate prostate cancer BPH, or prostatitis. These conditions are more common in the elderly, as is a general increase in PSA levels.
Testosterone, Total is the most potent, naturally secreted androgen. In postpubertal males, testosterone is secreted primarily by the testes with only a small amount derived from peripheral conversion of androstenedione. In adult women, it has been estimated that over 50 percent of serum testosterone is derived from the peripheral conversion of androstenedione secreted by the adrenal gland and ovary. The remainder is from the direct secretion of testosterone from these glands. The majority of circulating testosterone is bound by sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG). A smaller portion is bound by albumin. Only 1-2 percent exists in the circulation as free or unbound testosterone. Testosterone is a steroid hormone. It is made by the testes in males. Its production is controlled by luteinizing hormone (LH), which is manufactured in the pituitary gland. In males, testosterone stimulates development of secondary sex characteristics. Testosterone is also produced by the adrenal glands in both males and females and by the ovaries in females. In women, testosterone is converted to estradiol, the main sex hormone in females.
The C Reactive Protein test is used when your doctor thinks that you might be suffering from an inflammatory disorder (as with certain types of arthritis and autoimmune disorders or inflammatory bowel disease) or to check for the presence of infection.
Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is a steroid which is produced by both the adrenal cortex and testis. The levels of this steroid increase before the onset of puberty (adrenarche), and decrease significantly with age. DHEA and DHEA-S are the major precursors of 17-ketosteroids. This test is done to check the function of the adrenal glands.
Gamma-Glutamyl Transpeptidase (GGT) is an enzyme found in the liver and in low levels in the blood. When the liver is injured or obstructed, the GGT blood level rises. It is the most sensitive liver enzyme in detecting bile duct problems. GGT test is used to detect liver and bile duct problems.
Reference range values are 5 - 85 U/L
Insulin may be used, often along with glucose and C-peptide levels, to help diagnose insulinomas and to help diagnose documented chronic (fasting) hypoglycemia. Insulin and C-peptide levels may also be used to monitor endogenous insulin, check for insulin resistance, and to help determine when a type 2 diabetic might need to start taking insulin injections to supplement oral medications.
Insulin levels are used in conjunction with the glucose tolerance test (GTT). In this situation, blood glucose and insulin levels are measured at pre-established time intervals to evaluate insulin resistance.
The Insulin-like Growth Factor-1 (IGF-1) test is an indirect measure of the average amount of growth hormone (GH). IGF-1 and Growth Hormone (GH) are peptide hormones vital for normal bone and tissue growth and development. GH is produced by the pituitary gland, a grape-sized gland located at the base of the brain behind the bridge of your nose. IGF-1 is produced by the liver and to a lesser degree by skeletal muscles, primarily in response to GH stimulation.
This test is prescribed as part of an evaluation of pituitary function, when you have symptoms of slow growth, short stature, and delayed development or decreased bone density, reduced muscle strength, and increased lipids that suggest insufficient GH and IGF-1 production. Also when you have symptoms of gigantism (in children) or acromegaly (in adults) that suggest excess GH and IGF-1 production.
IGF-1 may be ordered with other pituitary hormone tests, such as adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), to help diagnose hypopituitarism. It may be used to monitor the effectiveness of treatment for growth hormone deficiencies and growth hormone insensitivity.
The TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) test is ordered to measure the level of TSH in blood in order to manage and diagnose thyroid disorders and to monitor treatment of hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism.
Thyroxine (T4), Free, Direct, Serum test is done in order to check the levels of this hormone in blood in order to help diagnose thyroid disorders such as hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism.
Luteinizing Hormone (LH)- The primary clinical use of LH measurement is in evaluating the normalcy of hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. Measurement of serum gonadotropin levels will allow for distinguishing between primary gonadal failure and deficient gonadal stimulation. LH measurement may also be of clinical importance because growth hormone and LH are frequently the first hormones to be affected by pituitary disease.
Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) - is produced in and released from the anterior pituitary gland under hypothalamic control. In men, FSH stimulates spermatogenesis. In addition, it increases the sensitivity of testicular Leydig cells to LH, which, in turn, controls testosterone production. FSH aids in the differential diagnosis of hypogonadism and various other age-related conditions.
Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG) is a protein produced by the liver. It transports testosterone, dihydrotestosterone (DHT), and estradiol in the blood. SHBG level is affected by age and sex, by decreased or increased testosterone or estrogen production, and can be affected by certain diseases and conditions such as liver disease, hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism, and obesity. SHBG test is prescribed in order to evaluate the status of a patient’s androgens - the male hormones. With men, the concern is testosterone deficiency, while with women the concern is excess testosterone production.
SHBG and testosterone levels may be ordered on an adult male to help determine the cause of infertility.
In women, small amounts of testosterone can disrupt the balance of hormones and cause symptoms such as amenorrhea, infertility, acne, and hirsutism.
The Iron and TIBC is a pair of blood tests that shows if there is too much or too little iron in the blood. Iron is carried in the blood attached to the protein transferrin. This test helps measure the ability of a protein called transferrin to carry iron in the blood.
A serum Magnesium test is done to see how much magnesium is there in the blood. It is prescribed, in order to help detect a wide range of abnormal body circumstances. About half of the body's magnesium is found in the bones. The other half is found inside cells. Magnesium is necessary for nearly all biochemical processes in the body. It helps maintain muscle and nerve function, keeps the bones strong, controls the heart beat, and helps regulate blood pressure. Magnesium also controls blood sugar levels and helps support the body's immune system.
The Urinalysis with Microscopic test is performed to detect the presence of some possible substances in the blood in order to give a first alert for many possible problems. For example to screen for metabolic and kidney disorders and for urinary tract infections this test is done during a routine physical or when there are symptoms of a urinary tract infection, such as abdominal pain, back pain, frequent or painful urination, or blood in the urine. Also as part of a pregnancy checkup, a hospital admission, or a pre-surgical work-up.