Medical tests are important to give our physicians a full picture of your health. They are ordered on a case-by-case basis. If you are curious about a test that has been requested, the following information may be of interest to you.
CBC
CBC is uses as a broad screening test to check for disorders such as anemia, infection, and many other diseases. It is actually a panel of tests that examines different parts of the blood including:
CBC Differential (CBCD)
CBC Differential is compromised of all the tests performed in the CBC, plus the following:
Comprehensive Metabolic
This panel measures the blood levels of sodium, potassium, calcium, chloride, carbon dioxide, glucose, blood urea, nitrogen, creatinine, protein, albumin, bilirubin, and liver enzymes.
Hepatic Panel
A liver panel, also known as liver (hepatic) function tests or LFT, is used to detect, evaluate, and monitor liver disease or damage. It usually consists of seven tests that are fun at the same time on a blood sample.
Lipid Panel
A lipid panel is a blood test that measures lipids—fats and fatty substances used as a source of energy in your body. Lipids include cholesterol, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL). Lipids are found in your blood or are stored in tissues. They are an important part of cells and helps keep your body functioning normally. Lipid disorders, such as high cholesterol, may lead to life-threatening illnesses, such as coronary artery disease (CAD), heart attack, or stroke.
FSH
FSH is often used in conjunction with other tests (LH, testosterone, estradiol, and progesterone) in the workup of pituitary function in both men and women. FSH levels are used to help determine the reason a man has a low sperm count. FSH levels are also useful in the investigation of menstrual irregularities and to aid in the diagnosis of pituitary disorders or diseases involving the ovaries or tests.
LH
To evaluate your pituitary function.
T3 or T4
To help evaluate thyroid gland function; to help diagnose hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism.
Reverse T3
This test is useful in evaluating thyroid function and metabolism, and to evaluate euthyroid patients with low T3 concentrations. It also indicates the improper placement of a critical Iodine molecule.
C-Reactive Protein
A C-reactive protein (CRP) test is a blood test that measures the amount of a protein called C-reactive protein in your blood. C-reactive protein measures general levels of inflammation in your body.
Hemoglobin A1c
Also known as: Hemoglobin A1c, HbA1c, Glycohemoglobin, Glycated hemoglobin, Glycosylated hemoglobin.
The A1c test is frequently ordered on diabetics to help determine how elevated their uncontrolled blood glucose levels have been. It may be ordered several times while control is being achieved, and then several times a year to verify that good control is being maintained.
Homocysteine
Homocysteine is commonly used as a screen for people at high risk for heart attack or stroke.
A physician may also order a homocysteine test to determine if a patient has B12, B6, or folate deficiency as well as a methylation defect.
25-OH Vit D
Vitamin D is one of the fat-soluble vitamins, along with A, E, and K. Its metabolites can be classified into two families, the cholecalciferols and ergocalciferols. Cholecalciferol (vitamin D3), is the parent of the naturally occurring family and is produced in the skin on exposure to sunlight. The UVB portion of sunlight (290 to 315 NM) converts 7-dehydrocholesterol (provitamin D3) to vitamin D3, cholecalciferol. The liver converts D3 to 25-hydroxycalciferol (25-OH-D). The main function of vitamin D in the body deals with calcium absorption, transport, deposition and metabolism. Decreased levels can result in symptoms involving disturbed calcium use, nerve and muscle impairment, soft or fragile bones, or if severe enough, in the classic disease called rickets. An excellent source of vitamin D is sunshine on skin, 15 to 20 minutes a day. New research points to Vitamin D as a hormone and an important regulator of the immune system and mood.
Two characteristics of cancer cells are their lack of differentiation (specialization) and their rapid growth or proliferation. Many malignant tumors have been found to contain vitamin D receptors (VDR), including breast, lung, skin (melanoma), colon, and bone. Biologically active forms of vitamin D, such as 1,25(OH)2D and its analogs, have been found to induce cell differentiation and/or inhibit proliferation of a number of cancerous and noncancerous cell types maintained in cell culture Blutt SE, Weigel NL. Vitamin D and prostate cancer. (Proc Soc Exp Biol Med. 1999; 221(2):89-98.
Male Hormone Profile
Testosterone, SHBG (Sex Hormone Binding Globulin), PSA, Estradiol.
The Male Hormone Profile can be utilized for early detection of undiagnosed hormone imbalances linked to increased risks for prostate disease, low sex drive, rapid aging and poor quality of life.
G6PD
G6PD deficiency is an inherited condition in which the body doesn't have enough of the enzyme glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, or G6PD, which helps red blood cells (RBCs) function normally. This deficiency can cause hemolytic anemia, usually after exposure to certain medications, foods, or even infections. All patients interested in IV IT C infusions must have a G6PD test done before receiving their first infusion. If the test comes back in range they may proceed with the infusions.
Ceruloplasmin, Serum
Ceruloplasmin is a test that measures the amount of ceruloplasmin (a copper-containing protein) in blood serum.
Chromium (Cr)
Chromium exists in the +3 and +6 oxidation states. Cr functions in the control of glucose and lipid metabolism. Cr potentiates insulin action and insulin resistance may be the result of chromium deficiency. Insulin appears to be ineffective as a glucose regulator without Cr. Deficiency symptoms may include high or low blood glucose, lean tissue wasting, anxiety, fatigue, retarded growth, decreased glycogen reserves, high blood lipids and possibly heart disease and diabetes.
CoQ-10
CoQ-10 is also known as ubiquinone (it is found in every cell). Chemically it is a fat-soluble quinone and is classified as a co-enzyme. It was discovered in 1940 and is structurally related to vitamin K. It is involved in cell respiration, electron cell transfer, is a strong antioxidant and may inhibit certain enzymes involved in the formation of free radicals (oxidants). The most common forms are CoQ-6 through CoQ-10. However, only CoQ-10 is found in mammals. The total body content of CoQ-10 is about 0.5 to 1.5 grams. It is found mainly in the mitochondria and is necessary for the production of ATP. The highest concentration is found in the heart, liver, adrenal, spleen, kidney and pancreas. The average plasma half-life is 34 hours. Non-sick people need about 90 mg/day. If “sick”, then the need increases to about 300 mg/day. CoQ-10 decreases with age. A number of age- related disorders, including the loss of energy may be associated with altered CoQ-10 availability. When cellular CoQ-10 is low, aging accelerates in all individuals. Decreased levels of CoQ-10 have been associated with congestive heart failure, cardiomyopathy, hypertension, cancer, chronic hemodialysis, Parkinson’s disease, periodontal disease, male infertility and miscarriage.
Copper, Serum
Copper is a trace mineral and is associated with a number of metalloproteins, whose major functions involve oxidation-reductions in many important enzymes. It is also associated with iron in red blood cell formation, energy release, and is important in the synthesis of melanin, nerve coverings, collagen and elastin. Copper is transported in the blood attached to ceruloplasmin.
Deficiency symptoms of copper may include anemia, fatigue, fragile bones and blood vessels, and lower disease resistance. Copper toxicity results in nausea, vomiting, epigastric burning and diarrhea. Classic conditions associated with copper deficiency are Menkes syndrome and Wilson’s disease. Estrogens (birth control pill or pregnancy) may cause an increase in blood copper by increasing the production of ceruloplasmin. (William J. Walsh, Health Research Institute – Carl Pfeiffer Treatment Center).
Zinc, Serum
Deficiency symptoms of zinc may include stunted growth; poor wound healing, loss of taste and smell, sterility, impotence, prostate problems, lower disease resistance, acne or skin problems and may contribute to liver, kidney and heart disease. Zinc is second to iron as being the most abundant trace mineral present in the body. It is found in high concentrations in the prostate, semen, liver, kidney, hippocampus, retina, bone and muscle. Zinc is important in DNA and protein synthesis, fertility, skin growth, healing, taste buds, protein digestion, carbon dioxide removal, disease resistance, immunity, etc. Too much calcium, copper or fiber in the diet, or the use of oral contraceptives may increase the need for zinc.
Zinc is a component of more than 80 enzymes. High concentrations have been found in brain hippocampus, and many medical researchers believe that zinc is a neurotransmitter. Low zinc levels at these sites could reduce the inhibition of neuron activity, thus leading to abnormal behavior. The discovery of zinc "finger proteins" in the past decade has led to a vastly improved understanding of how cells replicate and divide. There role in behavior is not yet clear, but could be involved in the transport or availability of zinc. Recent research has shown zinc to be far more important than previously believed and low levels of zinc are associated with behavior disorders. A high percentage of behavior disordered persons exhibit abnormal levels of copper, zinc, lead, cadmium, calcium, magnesium and manganese in blood, urine, and tissues, based on chemical analysis results from thousands of patients. With regard to zinc, this condition appears to involve a malfunction of the metal-binding protein metallothionein. Most of these patients have symptoms of zinc deficiency along with depressed levels of zinc in their blood plasma. Zinc depletion is corrected by supplementation with zinc (picolinate or gluconate) along with augmenting nutrients including L-cysteine, pyridoxine, ascorbic acid, and vitamin E. Manganese is also useful in promoting proper metallothionein function. If copper levels are elevated, effective treatment must also enhance the release of copper from tissues and copper excretion. L-cysteine helps mobilize and excrete copper while enhancing zinc absorption. (William J. Walsh, Health Research Institute - Carl Pfeiffer Treatment Center).
Histamine, Whole Blood
Histamine is a reactive amine. Most histamine is found in platelets, tissue mast cells and basophils. Basophils are probably the source of most blood histamine. Histamine is a major neurotransmitter in the brain, especially in the hippocampus and throughout the autonomic nervous system. The measurement of blood histamine is important in studies of psychiatric, rheumatic, allergic and neurologic disorders. High blood histamine levels (Histade LIA) have been found in 20% of schizophrenics and other psychiatric dis-orders such as depression, “blank mind.” obsessive-compulsive disorders and phobias. Low histamine levels (histapenia) is found in about 50% of schizophrenics and results in hyperactivity, mania, paranoia, hallucinations and “abnormal ideas.”
Ferritin
A ferritin blood test checks the amount of ferritin in the blood. Ferritin is a protein in the body that binds to iron; most of the iron stored in the body is bound to ferritin. The amount of ferritin found in the blood is the same amount that is in the body.
Folate Serum
Detect folate deficiency; monitor therapy with folate; evaluate megaloblastic and macrocytic anemia; evaluate alcoholic patients and those with prior jejunoileal bypass for morbid obesity or those with intestinal blind-loop syndrome.
Magnesium, RBC
Magnesium is the fourth most abundant cation in the body and is second only to potassium within the cell. The adult human body contains 21 to 28 grams of Mg. Of this, 60% is in the bones, 20% in the skeletal muscle, 19% in other cells and about 1% in the extracellular fluid. Magnesium is often the mineral most deficient in modern diets. Mg catalyzes or activates more than 300 enzymes in the body. Low serum magnesium may cause hyperirritability, tetany, convulsions, EKG changes, hypertension, heart attacks, coronary vasospasms and premature atherosclerosis.
Selenium (Se)
Selenium is a constituent of glutathione peroxidase, an anti-oxidant enzyme that breaks down hydrogen peroxide, phospholipid hydroperoxides and other free hydroperoxides. There are four selenium atoms in glutathione peroxidase. There are three types of iodothyronine deiodinase. It removes iodine from thyroid hormone molecules, activates T4 and inactivates T3. Type I in the cells of the liver, kidney and thyroid converts T3 from T4. Type II is found in the brain, brown fat, pituitary and converts T4 to T3 and regulates TSH secretion, Type III inactivates T3. Se in food is related to the soil selenium. Keshan disease in China (a selenium deficiency resulting form low Se in the soil in Keshan, China) results in an enlarged heart and congestive heart failure. Kashin-Beck is an endemic osteoarthritis caused by selenium deficiency. Se deficiency in male and female rats has resulted in infertility. Chronic selenosis (selenium toxicity) results in loss of hair and nails, skin lesions, tooth decay & nervous system disorders. Acute Se poisoning results in nausea, vomiting, hair loss, nail changes, irritability, fatigue and neuropathy.
Vitamin A (Retinol)
Some of the functions of vitamin A are vision, mucous membranes, cell division, skin maintenance, sperm production, egg development, growth, bone development and cancer prevention. Some deficiency symptoms of vitamin A include poor vision, night blindness, “bumps’ on skin, lower disease resistance, stunted growth, pregnancy problems, acne, and xerosis.
Vitamin B1, Whole Blood
B1 is important in energy production as thiamine pyrophosphate (TPP). It is very important for carbohydrate metabolism and is involved in many metabolic functions. It is necessary for the synthesis of RNA and fat. It is involved in nerve transmission in the peripheral nervous system and the brain. It is a strong antioxidant and increases the ability of vitamins E and B6 to destroy free radicals, or oxidants. A deficiency of thiamine may result in loss of appetite, fatigue, depression, constipation, confusion, poor coordination, and nervous degeneration. The classical deficiency disease is Beri-Beri. Alcoholics often show a B1 deficiency.
Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) Plasma
Riboflavin is important in energy production as FAD. It is important in the synthesis and breakdown of fats. It activates the vitamins B6 and folic acid. It is also important in the synthesis of corticosteroids, red blood cells and glycogen. A deficiency of riboflavin is associated with skin problems especially around the nose, mouth, and ears. In addition, a patient may have a “smooth tongue,” redness, burning and excessive tearing of the eyes, light sensitivity, anemia, personality changes and cataracts.
Vitamin B3 (Niacin)
Niacin, like the other B vitamins, is necessary for energy production (NAD). It is important in the synthesis of DNA, fatty acids and cholesterol. It is also important in brain function. Niacin is found in brewer’s yeast, liver, poultry, peanuts, fish, whole grains, eggs and milk. The nicotinic acid form may dilate blood vessels and cause a "flush." A deficiency of niacin may result in inflamed and discolored skin (dermatitis), diarrhea and depression (the three "D’s" of Pellagra). Headaches, elevated blood lipids and fatigue may also occur.
Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid)
This is a water-soluble vitamin that is part of the B complex. It is involved in a number of essential functions in the body and is an essential part of coenzyme A (CoA), an important catalyst in the metabolism of fats, carbohydrates and proteins in energy production. It is essential for the production of cholesterol, steroids, and fatty acids and aids in the utilization of other vitamins, especially riboflavin. About 33% to 50% of pantothenic acid is lost in cooking and milling of whole grains into flour. It helps in maintaining a healthy cardiovascular system, adrenal support, and healthy joints.
Vitamin 6 (Pyridoxine), Plasma
B6 is necessary for protein metabolism; conversion of linoleic acid to arachidonic acid; glycogen breakdown; the synthesis of brain neurotransmitters, niacin, antibodies, RBCs, DNA and elastin; and glycogen synthesis. Decreased levels lead to poor wound healing, depression, skin problems, anemia, fatigue, Convulsive seizures, stunted growth, and erratic blood glucose levels.
Vitamin B12
B6 is necessary for protein metabolism; conversion of linoleic acid to arachidonic acid; glycogen breakdown; the synthesis of brain neurotransmitters, niacin, antibodies, RBCs, DNA and elastin; and glycogen synthesis. Decreased levels lead to poor wound healing, depression, skin problems, anemia, fatigue, Convulsive seizures, stunted growth, and erratic blood glucose levels.
Vitamin C, Plasma
Vitamin C is also called ascorbic acid. There have been over 7000 articles written about vitamin C. It is a strong water-soluble antioxidant. Vitamin C stimulates the immune system in seven different ways and is important in collagen formation. It is important in the synthesis of connective tissue, wound healing, helps regulate lipids in blood, iron absorption and is important in synthesis of hormones in stress situations. It helps regenerates vitamin E in the body. Deficiency of vitamin C results in the classical disease of scurvy. Other conditions are pain in joints, slow wound healing, lower disease resistance, easy bruising, bleeding gums, loose teeth, irritability, premature wrinkling and aging of skin. Like most other vitamins, humans cannot make vitamin C.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin. There are eight forms of vitamin E; however, the most biologically active form is d-alpha-tocopherol. The best defined role for vitamin E is an antioxidant for unsaturated fatty acids in cell membranes. It is also important in energy metabolism and synthesis of RNA, DNA, and red blood cells. It acts as an antioxidant in the lungs against smog. Vitamin E is absorbed in the presence of bile in the small intestine. Deficiency of vitamin E may result in hemolysis of RBCs, sterility, higher risk for heart disease and stroke.
Beta-Carotene
Beta-carotene is a lipid soluble vitamin, or carotenoid. It is also known as pro-vitamin A. It is a very large molecule that is converted to vitamin A in a ratio of 1:2 beta-carotenes to vitamin A when it metabolized. The body will convert beta- carotene to vitamin A based on its needs. This conversion needs a proper functioning thyroid and the patient cannot be a diabetic. It is not unusual to find an elevated beta-carotene and low vitamin A in these patients. Beta-carotene is a very strong antioxidant especially in lipid membranes. It is also important in proper eye health.
Folic Acid
Folic acid is a member of the "B" vitamin family and is water-soluble. The test is usually run on serum in conjunction with B12. It is necessary for new cell growth, especially the lining of the G.I. tract, the surface of the tongue and in pregnancy. It helps mobilize fat from the liver, and is necessary for the synthesis of red and white blood cells. It serves as a precursor for nucleic acids and as a repair mechanism for DNA. It serves as a methyl donor and helps convert homocysteine back to methionine. Decreased levels can cause anemia (megaloblastic anemia), growth problems, birth defects (spinal bifida), fatigue, poor memory (Alzheimer’s disease), sore tongue, digestive problems, toxemia of pregnancy, and an increased risk for strokes and heart attacks.
KU Medical Center Program in Integrative Medicine IgG Food Panel by IBT
A food sensitivity or intolerance occurs when the body has difficulty in digesting a particular food and therefore reacts against it. In medical terms the body's reaction to that food is to create not IgE but IgG antibodies resulting in delayed reactions.
IBT provides a class score to stratify the food specific IgG responses:
| mmcg/mL | Class | Interpretation |
|---|---|---|
| < 2 | 0 | Undetected |
| 2.0 – 5.0 | 0/1 | Very Low IgG |
| 5.1 – 10.0 | 1 | Low |
| 10.1 – 15.0 | 2 | Moderate |
| 15.1 – 20.0 | 3 | High |
| 20.1 – 60.0 | 4 | Very High |
| > 60.0 | 5 | Extremely High IgG |
Below is the list of foods on our panel
Frequently Used Kits:
Neurotransmitter (Urine) – Neuroscience Lab
What is a neurotransmitter? It is a specialized chemical messenger that sends a message from one nerve cell to another. Below is the list of the neurotransmitters that are tested:
Some examples of neurotransmitter action
Medical research has established a definite link between neurotransmitters and a number of conditions such as mood swings, anxiousness, irritability, agitation, tension, panic attacks, difficulty concentrating, focusing or remembering, sleep disturbances, sleep difficulties, fatigue, lack of energy, weight issues, food cravings, headaches. It has been concluded that deficient or excessive neurotransmitter levels may be at the root of many of these conditions. (www.neurorelief .com)
24 Hour Adrenal Hormone Analysis (Urine) – Meridian Valley Lab
Includes
24-hour urinary steroid hormone profiles are widely used in clinical diagnostics. Recent developments of natural hormone replacement therapies, available OTC (pregnenolone, DHEA, progesterone) and by prescription (Triple Estrogen, estriol, testosterone) have led to new applications for steroid hormone testing. Many clinicians use urinary hormone profiles as an integral part of natural hormone replacement therapy, including diagnosis, dosage adjustment and monitoring.
In Natural Hormone Replacement, authors Jonathan
V. Wright, MD and John Morgenthaler state:
"I prefer to
use the 24-hour urine test, because nearly all hormones are
secreted in 'bursts' and 'pulses' and a single blood draw or
saliva collection (or even two or three of them) may not provide
a representative sample."
Comprehensive Stool Analysis (Feces) – Doctors Data
Gastrointestinal (GI) complaints are among the most common reasons that patients seek medical care. Symptoms associated with GI disorders include persistent diarrhea, constipation, bloating, indigestion, irritable bowel syndrome and malabsorption. The Comprehensive Stool Analysis with Parasitology x1, 2, or 3 (CSAP1, 2, 3) may be used to assess digestive and absorptive functions, the presence of opportunistic pathogens and to monitor the efficacy of therapeutic remediation of GI disorders.
Red Blood Cell Elements (Blood) – Doctors Data
Analysis of red blood cells provides the best diagnostic tool for assessing the status of elements that have important functions inside cells or on blood cell membranes. Blood cell element levels are useful for assessing cardiac influences, anti-inflammatory processes, anemia, immunological function, glucose tolerance and other disorders that are associated specifically with zinc deficiency.
IgG Western Blot by IGeneX (Blood)
Lyme test: The IgG Western Blot is a sandwich-type immunoassay performed in a manner that allows the antibody response to be visualized. It is a qualitative test and is generally more sensitive and specific than the ELISA.
Essential Fatty Acid Test (Blood) – Bio Center Lab
This test particularly examines the essential fatty acids, fats that our bodies cannot make and must obtain from food. Essential fats play an important role in regulating inflammation, forming cell membranes, and in the optimal function of the brain, nerves, eyes, skin, connective tissue, blood vessels, and every cell in the body.
DetoxiGenomic® Profile (Blood) – Genova Diagnostics
This test evaluates single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with increased risk of impaired detoxification capacity especially when exposed to environmental toxins. The test also identifies individuals potentially susceptible to adverse drug reactions. The test uncovers potential genetic susceptibility to:
CardioGenomic® Profile (Blood) – Genova Diagnostics
This test evaluates genetic variations, called single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), in genes that modulate blood pressure regulation, lipid balance, nutrient metabolism, inflammation, and oxidative stress. The test uncovers potential genetic susceptibility to:
EstroGenomic™ Profile Genova Diagnostics
This test evaluates genetic variations, called single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), in genes that modulate estrogen metabolism, coagulation, cardiovascular disease, and osteoporosis. The test uncovers potential genetic susceptibility to:
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The University of Kansas Medical Center