Glucose (Blood Sugar)
This is a measure of the sugar level in your blood. High values are associated with eating before the test, and diabetes.
Glycosylated Hemoglobin (A1C)
This test measures the amount of glucose chemically attached to your red blood cells. Since blood cells live about 3 months, it tells us your average glucose for the last 6 – 8 weeks. A high level suggests poor diabetes control.
TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone)
This protein hormone is secreted by the pituitary gland and regulates the thyroid gland. A high level suggests your thyroid is underactive, and a low level suggests your thyroid is overactive. This test can vary by time of day, so a single abnormal measurement does not always mean there is a problem. Also, levels tend to be higher in older people, so it is not uncommon to see mild elevations in people in their 70’s or 80’s that do not necessarily indicate a medical problem.
PSA (Prostatic Specific Antigen)
This test is a prostate cancer screening for men age 50 and over. The test measures the amount of prostate-specific antigen in the blood. PSA is released into a man’s blood by his prostate gland. Healthy men usually have low amounts of PSA in the blood. The amount of PSA in the blood normally increases as a man’s prostate enlarges with age. PSA may increase as a result of an injury, a digital rectal exam, sexual activity, inflammation of the prostate gland, or prostate cancer. When combined with a digital rectal exam, the chances increase for detecting prostate cancer.
Enzymes
AST, ALT, SGOT, SGPT, GGT, and Alkaline Phosphatase are abbreviations for proteins called enzymes which help all the chemical activities within cells to take place. Injury to cells releases these enzymes into the blood. They are found in muscles, the liver, and heart. Damage from alcohol and a number of diseases are reflected in high values.
Alkaline phosphatase is an enzyme found primarily in bones and the liver. Expected values are higher for those who are growing (children and pregnant women) or when damage to bones or liver has occurred or with gallstones. Low values are probably not significant.
GGT is also elevated in liver disease, particularly with obstruction of bile ducts. Unlike alkaline phosphatase, it is not elevated with bone growth or damage.
AST/SGOT and ALT/SGPT are also liver and muscle enzymes. They may be elevated from liver problems, hepatitis, excess alcohol ingestion, muscle injury, and recent heart attack.
Electrolytes
These include potassium, sodium, chloride, and CO2 levels.
Potassium is controlled very carefully by the kidneys. It is important for the proper functioning of the nerves and muscles, particularly the heart. Any value outside the expected range, high or low, requires medical evaluation. This is especially important if you are taking a diuretic (water pill) or heart pill (Digitalis, Lanoxin, etc.).
Sodium is also regulated by the kidneys and adrenal glands. Common causes of low sodium include diuretic usage, diabetes drugs like chlorpropamide, and excessive water intake in patients with heart or liver disease.
CO2 reflects the acid status of your blood. Low CO2 levels can be due to increased acidity from uncontrolled diabetes, kidney disease, metabolic disorders, or chronic hyperventilation.
Minerals
Calcium is controlled in the blood by the parathyroid glands and the kidneys. It is found mostly in bone and is important for proper blood clotting, nerve, and cell activity. Elevated calcium can be due to medications (e.g., thiazide diuretics), inherited kidney disorders, excess parathyroid activity, or vitamin D. Low calcium may be due to metabolic disorders, certain drugs like Fosamax or furosemide, or low albumin levels.
Phosphorus is largely stored in the bone and regulated by the kidneys. High levels may be due to kidney disease. Low levels with high calcium may suggest parathyroid disease, though there are other causes.
Waste Products
Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN) is a waste product produced in the liver and excreted by the kidneys. High values may mean that the kidneys are not working properly. BUN is also influenced by high protein diets, strenuous exercise (raises it), and pregnancy (lowers it).
Creatinine is a waste product from muscle breakdown. It can be elevated after strenuous exercise. High values, especially with high BUN, may indicate kidney issues.
Uric Acid is normally excreted in urine. High values are associated with gout, arthritis, kidney problems, and some diuretics.
CBC (Complete Blood Count)
This test helps differentiate between viral and bacterial illnesses. It shows details about blood cell counts, shape, and size, as well as hematocrit and hemoglobin levels.
Red Cell Count
Red blood cells transport oxygen and remove carbon dioxide. A low count may indicate anemia. High levels can be associated with smoking and certain diseases.
White Cell Count
Important in diagnosing infection. High white cell counts can indicate allergic reaction, inflammation, or bacterial infection.
Platelet Count
Platelets are involved in clotting. Too many may cause unnecessary clots; too few may lead to excessive bleeding.
Hemoglobin (Hgb) and Hematocrit (Hct)
Hemoglobin is the oxygen-carrying protein in red blood cells. Hematocrit is the percentage of blood volume made up by red cells. Significant changes may indicate anemia or other conditions such as lung disease or excessive red blood cell production.
MCV, MCH, MCHC, RDW
These values assess the size and characteristics of red blood cells and help define types of anemia.
Lymphocytes, Monocytes, Neutrophils, Eosinophils
Different types of white blood cells that help evaluate allergic reactions and differentiate bacterial, viral, or parasitic infections.