Lab Results Explanations
Cardiovascular Testing
Lipid Panel (Cholesterol):
The lipid panel is a blood test that measures various types of fats, or lipids, in your blood. The elements and their definitions are noted below. The lipid panel is used to assess your risk of heart disease.
Total cholesterol is a measure of the amount of cholesterol in your blood including both HDL and LDL cholesterol forms. Cholesterol is necessary for cellular health and hormone production however can also increase the risk of cardiovascular disease.
LDL cholesterol is a type of cholesterol that can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease because of the apolipoproteins that it carries.
HDL cholesterol is another type of cholesterol. However, based on different apolipoproteins it reduces the risk of heart disease.
Triglycerides are another type of fat that can independently increase your risk of heart disease when high. Triglycerides are often measured along with cholesterol because they are both types of lipids.
For more information: Cholesterol test - Mayo Clinic or The ultimate guide to understanding your cholesterol panel and metabolic blood tests - Levels (levelshealth.com) or Lipid Panel: What It Is, Purpose, Preparation & Results (clevelandclinic.org)
Apolipoprotein B: A substance in your blood that help make plague, a waxy fat that blocks your arteries. It can be found on the LDL particles and when elevated increases the risk of cardiovascular (heart and blood vessel) disease.
For more information: Apolipoprotein B (APOB) Test (clevelandclinic.org)
Abbreviated as CK or CPK (Creatine Phosphokinase), is an enzyme found in various tissues throughout the body, particularly skeletal muscles. The primary purpose of measuring creatinine kinase levels in the blood is to assess muscle damage or injury.
For more information: Creatine Kinase (CK): What It Is, Purpose & Procedure (clevelandclinic.org)
A protein produced by the liver in response to inflammation, which is the body's natural response to injury or infection.
The HSCRP test is most significant for predicting and monitoring cardiovascular disease and stroke risk. Elevated levels can indicate heightened risk for vascular disease.
For more information: The ultimate guide to understanding your cholesterol panel and metabolic blood tests - Levels (levelshealth.com)
Endocrinologic Testing
A measure of the level of sugar in your blood. High glucose levels may indicate diabetes or other health conditions.
For more information check out: The ultimate guide to understanding your cholesterol panel and metabolic blood tests - Levels (levelshealth.com)
A measure of the level of your blood sugar over a three-month window. We use this value to understand if you are prediabetic or diabetic and monitor treatment of diabetes.
For more information check out: The ultimate guide to understanding your cholesterol panel and metabolic blood tests - Levels (levelshealth.com)
A hormone produced by the pituitary gland in your brain telling the thyroid gland in your neck to produce hormones (Free T4 primarily).
An elevated TSH is an indicator of an underactive thyroid gland, known as hypothyroidism. This means your thyroid gland is not producing enough thyroid hormones, which can cause symptoms like fatigue, weight gain, and cold intolerance.
A low TSH is an indicator of an overactive thyroid gland, known as hyperthyroidism. This means that your thyroid gland is producing too much thyroid hormone, which can cause symptoms like weight loss, nervousness, and heat intolerance.
For more information: Thyroid Tests: Purpose, Procedure & Preparation (clevelandclinic.org)
A crucial hormone in both males and females, Testosterone is primarily produced in the testes in males and in the ovaries and adrenal glands in females. It plays a vital role in various bodily functions, including the development of secondary sexual characteristics (like facial hair and a deep voice in males), muscle mass maintenance, bone density regulation, and overall sexual health and libido.
For more information: Testosterone Test: Levels, How It’s Done & Results (clevelandclinic.org)
Cardiovascular Testing
Lipid Panel (Cholesterol):
The lipid panel is a blood test that measures various types of fats, or lipids, in your blood. The elements and their definitions are noted below. The lipid panel is used to assess your risk of heart disease.
Total cholesterol is a measure of the amount of cholesterol in your blood including both HDL and LDL cholesterol forms. Cholesterol is necessary for cellular health and hormone production however can also increase the risk of cardiovascular disease.
LDL cholesterol is a type of cholesterol that can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease because of the apolipoproteins that it carries.
HDL cholesterol is another type of cholesterol. However, based on different apolipoproteins it reduces the risk of heart disease.
Triglycerides are another type of fat that can independently increase your risk of heart disease when high. Triglycerides are often measured along with cholesterol because they are both types of lipids.
For more information: Cholesterol test - Mayo Clinic or The ultimate guide to understanding your cholesterol panel and metabolic blood tests - Levels (levelshealth.com) or Lipid Panel: What It Is, Purpose, Preparation & Results (clevelandclinic.org)
Apolipoprotein B: A substance in your blood that help make plague, a waxy fat that blocks your arteries. It can be found on the LDL particles and when elevated increases the risk of cardiovascular (heart and blood vessel) disease.
For more information: Apolipoprotein B (APOB) Test (clevelandclinic.org)
Abbreviated as CK or CPK (Creatine Phosphokinase), is an enzyme found in various tissues throughout the body, particularly skeletal muscles. The primary purpose of measuring creatinine kinase levels in the blood is to assess muscle damage or injury.
For more information: Creatine Kinase (CK): What It Is, Purpose & Procedure (clevelandclinic.org)
A protein produced by the liver in response to inflammation, which is the body's natural response to injury or infection.
The HSCRP test is most significant for predicting and monitoring cardiovascular disease and stroke risk. Elevated levels can indicate heightened risk for vascular disease.
For more information: The ultimate guide to understanding your cholesterol panel and metabolic blood tests - Levels (levelshealth.com)
Endocrinologic Testing
A measure of the level of sugar in your blood. High glucose levels may indicate diabetes or other health conditions.
For more information check out: The ultimate guide to understanding your cholesterol panel and metabolic blood tests - Levels (levelshealth.com)
A measure of the level of your blood sugar over a three-month window. We use this value to understand if you are prediabetic or diabetic and monitor treatment of diabetes.
For more information check out: The ultimate guide to understanding your cholesterol panel and metabolic blood tests - Levels (levelshealth.com)
A hormone produced by the pituitary gland in your brain telling the thyroid gland in your neck to produce hormones (Free T4 primarily).
An elevated TSH is an indicator of an underactive thyroid gland, known as hypothyroidism. This means your thyroid gland is not producing enough thyroid hormones, which can cause symptoms like fatigue, weight gain, and cold intolerance.
A low TSH is an indicator of an overactive thyroid gland, known as hyperthyroidism. This means that your thyroid gland is producing too much thyroid hormone, which can cause symptoms like weight loss, nervousness, and heat intolerance.
For more information: Thyroid Tests: Purpose, Procedure & Preparation (clevelandclinic.org)
A crucial hormone in both males and females, Testosterone is primarily produced in the testes in males and in the ovaries and adrenal glands in females. It plays a vital role in various bodily functions, including the development of secondary sexual characteristics (like facial hair and a deep voice in males), muscle mass maintenance, bone density regulation, and overall sexual health and libido.
For more information: Testosterone Test: Levels, How It’s Done & Results (clevelandclinic.org)
Metabolic Testing
An enzyme measured in the blood associated with gout, hypertension and our metabolic health. Elevated uric acid can precipitate and form crystals (sodium urate crystals) that can irritate joints most commonly in the feet and hands.
For more information check out: What is uric acid, and why should we measure it? - Levels (levelshealth.com)
A waste product produced by your muscles and excreted by your kidneys.
Elevated levels can indicate poor kidney function for a variety of reasons like dehydration, underlying kidney disease and even medication. Low levels are less common and can indicate muscle issues and other forms of kidney disease.
Your doctor may also order a creatinine test if you are taking medications that could affect your kidney function.
For more information check out: Creatinine test - Mayo Clinic
Calcium:
One of the body’s electrolytes, Calcium has many diverse functions including supporting bone health, facilitating muscle contraction, and assisting with blood clotting. It plays a crucial role in cell signaling and enzymatic processes. Calcium-rich foods include dairy products, dark leafy greens, and fortified plant-based milks.
Sodium:
An electrolyte Important for regulating fluid balance in your body. Abnormal levels can indicate issues with your kidneys or other organs.
Potassium:
An electrolyte that is important for cardiac, muscle and nerve function. Abnormal levels can indicate issues with your kidneys, heart, or other organs.
Chloride:
An electrolyte that is important for maintaining proper fluid balance. Abnormal levels can indicate issues with your kidneys or other organs.
Carbon dioxide:
An electrolyte that helps regulate your body's pH levels. Abnormal levels can indicate respiratory or metabolic issues.
For more information: Electrolytes: Types, Purpose & Normal Levels (clevelandclinic.org)
Bilirubin - A product of the breakdown of red blood cells and metabolized in the liver. High levels can indicate liver or bile duct problems.
Bilirubin Test: Understanding High vs. Low Levels & Its Causes (clevelandclinic.org)
Albumin - A protein that helps maintain fluid balance. Abnormal levels can indicate issues with your liver, kidneys, or nutrition.
For more information check out: Albumin Blood Test: What It Is, Purpose, Procedure & Results (clevelandclinic.org)
Total protein: Important for maintaining muscle and tissue health. Abnormal levels can indicate issues with your liver, kidneys, or nutrition.
Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) - An enzyme that is important for bone health. Abnormal levels can indicate issues with your bones or liver.
Alanine transaminase (ALT) - An enzyme that is important in assessing liver health. Abnormal levels can indicate liver damage or disease.
Aspartate transaminase (AST) – An enzyme that is important in assessing liver and muscle health. Abnormal levels can indicate liver damage or disease.
For more information check out: Liver Function Tests: Types, Purpose & Results Interpretation (clevelandclinic.org)
Inflammation Testing
A laboratory test that measures the rate at which red blood cells (erythrocytes) settle in a vertical tube of blood over a specific time. The ESR is a nonspecific marker of inflammation and is used as part of a broader diagnostic approach to assess various medical conditions.
For more information: Sed Rate (Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate or ESR) Test: Test Details (clevelandclinic.org)
A protein made by the liver; the CRP indicates the level of inflammation in the body and is a non-specific marker monitored when certain infections or inflammatory conditions exist.
For more information: C-reactive protein test - Mayo Clinic
Complete Blood Count (CBC):
A blood test that is used to evaluate for infection, anemia and issues with the platelets which might impact bleeding and clotting.
White blood cells (WBC) are cells that help fight infection and disease. A high WBC count may indicate an infection or inflammation, while a low count may indicate a weakened immune system.
Red blood cells (RBC) are the cells that carry oxygen throughout your body. A low RBC count may indicate anemia or other health conditions.
Hemoglobin (Hb) is a protein found in your red blood cells that carries oxygen. Low hemoglobin levels may indicate anemia or other health conditions.
Hematocrit (Hct) measures the percentage of your blood that is made up of red blood cells. Low levels may indicate anemia or other health conditions.
Platelets are the cells that help your blood to clot. A low platelet count may indicate bleeding disorders or other health conditions.
For more information: Complete Blood Count: Normal Ranges & Test Details (clevelandclinic.org)
Iron is an essential mineral that plays a crucial role in the body's oxygen transport, energy production, and cellular function. Iron is a critical component of hemoglobin, a protein found in red blood cells that carries oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body. Iron deficiency can lead to anemia, a condition characterized by a decreased ability of the blood to carry oxygen.
Iron binding capacity refers to the amount of transferrin, a protein that binds to and transports iron in the blood. Measuring iron binding capacity can help diagnose iron deficiency anemia or iron overload conditions such as hemochromatosis.
Ferritin is measured to assess your storage iron levels instead of circulating values. You can have normal iron studies but low ferritin which can lead to restless legs syndrome and fatigue.
For more information check out: Interpreting Iron Studies - MedSchool and Ferritin Test: What It Is, Purpose, Procedure & Results (clevelandclinic.org)
Nutritional Testing
Vitamin B12, also known as cobalamin, is an essential nutrient that is critical for red blood cell formation, nervous system function, DNA synthesis, energy production, cognitive function, and cardiovascular health. Maintaining adequate B12 levels is necessary for overall health and well-being, and deficiency can lead to a range of health problems.
For more information: Vitamin B12 Test & Normal Vitmain B12 Levels: Procedure & Results (webmd.com)
Vitamin D is a crucial nutrient that plays an essential role in bone health, immune system function, muscle function, mood regulation, cardiovascular health, and cancer prevention. Deficiency in vitamin D can lead to a range of health problems, and maintaining sufficient levels is crucial for optimal health.
For more information: Vitamin D numbers: what they really mean | Quest Diagnostics
Miscellaneous Testing
The urinalysis is used to diagnose various conditions. Below are the components of the test and how they might be interpreted.
The color of your urine may indicate that you are dehydrated. If your urine is pink or red, it could be a sign of blood in your urine.
The clarity of the urine is important and if cloudy may indicate an infection.
The urine is usually slightly acidic, with a pH of around 6. When this is higher or lower it can aid in diagnosis.
Healthy kidneys filter out protein, so there should be little to no protein in your urine. If there is protein in your urine, it could indicate a problem with your kidneys.
If there is glucose in your urine, it could be a sign that you have high blood sugar.
Ketones are chemicals produced when the body burns fat for energy. If there are ketones in your urine, it could indicate that your body is not getting enough energy from carbohydrates.
Nitrites are produced by bacteria that cause urinary tract infections and therefore if elevated can be diagnostic for an infection.
Leukocytes are white blood cells that when present can indicate an infection.
For more information: Urinalysis: What It Is, Purpose, Types & Results (clevelandclinic.org)
A protein produced by the male prostate gland. PSA levels are used as a screening test for prostate cancer. High levels of PSA may indicate the presence of prostate cancer, although PSA levels can also be elevated due to other conditions such as prostatitis or benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).
PSA levels can also be used to monitor the progression of prostate cancer and to assess the effectiveness of treatment. Changes in PSA levels help providers determine if cancer is growing or responding to treatment.
PSA testing can be useful in detecting prostate cancer in its early stages.
PSA testing is not perfect, and false positives negatives results can occur.
For more information: PSA test - Mayo Clinic