The Essential
Health Screen is a combination of our most frequently ordered tests over the
last 30 years. It includes:
Below you will find additional
details on each of these components. Combined, these labs provide a great
baseline of measurement that can be used to determine what additional testing
might be appropriate.
Comprehensive
Metabolic Panel (CMP):
Glucose
Glucose: Glucose is a measure of
the sugar level in your blood. Specific levels can indicate diabetes, or
hypoglycemia.
Waste Products
Uric Acid: Uric Acid is a normal
byproduct excreted in urine. Abnormal levels can indicate gout, arthritis,
and kidney problems.
Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN): BUN is
a waste product produced in the liver and excreted by the kidneys. BUN
levels (and the BUN / creatine ratio) assess kidney function.
Creatinine: Creatinine is a waste
product primarily from muscle breakdown. Levels estimate the kidney
filtration rate.
Glom Filtration Rate: A measure of how well the kidneys are filtering the
blood.
Electrolytes
Sodium: Sodium is an electrolyte
that is regulated by the kidneys. Body fluid and electrolyte balance are
important measures of kidney function.
Potassium: Potassium is an
electrolyte that is controlled by the kidneys. It is critical for proper
functioning of the nerves and muscles, particularly the heart.
Chloride: Chloride is another
electrolyte that is involved in maintaining the proper balance of body
fluids and the body's acid-base balance.
Minerals
Calcium: Calcium is controlled in
the blood by the glands and the kidneys. It is important for proper blood
clotting, nerve, and cell activity.
Phosphorus: Phosphorus is
regulated by the kidneys and high levels may indicate kidney disease.
Blood Fats
Triglycerides: Triglycerides are
fat in the blood which, if elevated, has been associated with heart disease.
Excess calories, alcohol or sugar are converted into triglycerides and
stored in fat cells throughout the body.
Total Cholesterol: Cholesterol is
a fat-like substance which, if elevated, has been associated with heart
disease. The measurement includes all cholesterol (good and bad) that is in
the blood.
Proteins
Albumin: Albumin is a type of
protein in your blood.
Globulin: Globulin is a type of
protein that is important for fighting disease.
Total Protein: The amount of
total protein evaluates kidney functions and the albumin / globulin ratio
are general indices of overall health and nutrition.
Enzymes
Total Bilirubin: Bilirubin is a
pigment removed from the blood by the liver. Levels are used to evaluate
liver and gallbladder function.
Alkaline Phosphatase: Alkaline
phosphatase is an enzyme found mainly in bones and the liver. Specific
levels can indicate liver or bone disease.
GGTP: GGTP is an enzyme found in
muscles, the liver and heart that facilitates chemical activities within
cells. Damage from alcohol, medications, vitamins and a number of diseases
could be reflected in high values.
LDH: LDH is an enzyme found in
all the cells in the body. Anything which damages cells including injury or
disease will raise amounts in the blood.
SGOT (also called AST): AST/SGOT
is also a liver and muscle enzyme. Specific levels may indicate problems
with the liver, gallbladder, or pancreas.
Complete Blood
Count (CBC) (with differential)
White Blood Count: The
total number of white blood cells per volume of whole blood. Abnormal levels
may indicate infection, certain types of leukemia, or bone marrow diseases.
Red Blood Count: The total
number of red blood cells per volume of whole blood.
Iron: Iron works with
protein to make the hemoglobin in red blood cells, which carries oxygen to
all parts of the body. Levels evaluate several conditions such as iron
deficient anemia and hemochromatosis.
Hemoglobin (Hgb):
Hemoglobin is the amount of oxygen carrying protein contained within the red
blood cells. Abnormal levels may indicate anemia, red blood cell breakdown,
or vitamin deficiencies.
Hematocrit (Hct):
Hematocrit is the percentage of the blood volume occupied by red blood
cells. Levels evaluate anemia, bone marrow failure, and certain cancers.
Lipid Profile
The Lipid Profile is a blood test
that measures cholesterol in your body. Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like
substance found in certain foods and in your body's cells. Your body needs a
small amount of cholesterol to function normally. When too much cholesterol is
present, plaque (a hard deposit) may form in your body's arteries restricting
the blood to flow to the heart. This buildup causes hardening of the arteries
(atherosclerosis) over time, which can lead to heart disease. A lipid
profile includes the following:
Total Cholesterol
A total cholesterol level of 200
or more raises your risk for heart disease.
HDL Cholesterol
HDL is also called "good
cholesterol". Higher levels of this particular category are better. The
lower the level of HDL the higher the risk for heart disease. Smoking, being
overweight and not excersising can all be factors that cause low HDL levels.
LDL Cholesterol
LDL is also called "bad
cholesterol". This particular level has categories such as optimal,
borderline, high, and very high. The lower your LDL cholesterol, the lower
your risk of heart attack and stroke. It's a better gauge of risk then your
total blood cholesterol.
Triglycerides
Elevated triglycerides are a
lifestyle related risk factor. For example, overweight/obese, physical
inactivity, cigarette smoking, excess alcohol consumption and/or diet can be
a factor in raising your triglycerides.
Elevated cholesterol levels generally
do not produce any visible symptoms, but can result in the development of
serious conditions like hypertension, stroke, and heart attacks. Have your
cholesterol checked regularly, and take control of your health.
*The Lipid Profile Blood test is performed after a 9-12 hr fast without liquids,
food, or pills. You may drink water and take prescription medications unless
directed otherwise by your physician.
Urinalysis (UA)
A UA is an array of tests and one of
the most proven methods of medical diagnosis. The urinalysis measures glucose,
protein, blood, bilirubin, ketones, nitrates, leukocytes, sediment, bacteria, PH
and specific gravity.