Guide to Lab Test Results
CUSTOM CHEM-19
Calcium is the most abundant mineral in the body
stored in the hard part of bones. It is critical for function of
the nervous system and muscles, and for blood clotting.
Elevated levels could result from excessive secretion of
parathyroid hormone, bone disease or excess dietary
intake of calcium rich foods (milk) or medicines (antacids).
Low levels may cause muscle spasms, and could be
caused by vitamin D deficiency, malnutrition, kidney
disease, pancreatitis or neurologic disorders. Both high
and low values can be serious so talk with your doctor.
Phosphorus is a mineral present in every cell of the
body, whose main function is in the formation of bones and
teeth. Deficiency of phosphorus is rare, because it is so
readily available in the food supply. The value needs to be
considered in relation to calcium levels.
Iron is a critical part of the hemoglobin molecule found in
red blood cells. A person low in iron may eventually suffer
from decreased hemoglobin (iron deficiency anemia).
Excess iron can be stored in the liver and in other body
organs. A rare, but clinically important disease is
hemochromatosis (excess iron in the blood).
Electrolytes play a vital role in maintaining homeostasis
within the body. They help move nutrients into (and waste
out of) the body’s cells and regulate myocardial and
neurological function, fluid balance, oxygen delivery, and
acid-base balance. People suffering from bulimia, anorexia,
laxative overuse, or diuretic use are at high risk for
imbalances. Diarrhea, vomiting, profuse sweating or other
fluid loss could cause abnormal values. Significance of low
or elevated values is interpreted by your doctor in relation to
the other electrolytes.
Sodium: an electrolyte (see above) that regulates fluid
balance.
Potassium: an electrolyte (see above) that is vital to
metabolism and muscle function. Elevated blood levels
may indicate renal disease. Both low and high values are
of clinical significance as potassium is important in the
functioning of the neuromuscular system, especially the
muscles of the heart.
Chloride: an electrolyte (see above) that helps regulate
fluid in the body and maintain acid-base balance.
Kidney
BUN (Blood Urea Nitrogen) is a waste product
formed in the liver and excreted by the kidneys. High BUN
values could indicate kidney or liver disease, or heart
failure. Low BUN values are less frequent and could be
caused by low protein intake, malnutrition, pregnancy, or
severe liver failure.
Creatinine is a chemical waste produced by muscle
metabolism. High values, together with high BUN, can
indicate kidney disease. Low numbers could indicate low
muscle mass or malnutrition.
BUN/Creatinine Ratio is obtained by dividing the
BUN by the creatinine result. It can help determine the
cause of high BUN levels. Low ratio may indicate
malnutrition. High ratio could mean dehydration, kidney
obstruction or blood in bowels.
Osmolality is a test that helps evaluate the body’s
water and electrolyte balance associated with excessive
urination and diarrhea.
Uric Acid is a waste product of the metabolism of the
cells in our bodies. The kidney excretes uric acid together
with BUN and creatinine. Certain foods such as meat
(especially organ meat) may raise uric acid levels.
Numerous diseases, such as gout, kidney failure,
diabetes and the use of diuretics could cause increased
values. Low levels of uric acid are of little significance.
Liver
Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH) is an enzyme
present in almost all tissues of the body. Any damaged
tissue may leak LDH into the blood and result in elevated
levels. These tissues include heart, liver, muscle, kidney,
bone marrow, and a variety of tumors. Slight elevations
when other enzymes are normal are usually of no clinical
significance. Strenuous exercises, including long distance
running may result in mild increases of blood LDH.
Transaminase AST (SGOT) is an enzyme that has
its highest concentration in the heart, liver and muscles.
Increased levels in blood are seen shortly after a heart
attack, in liver disease, and diseases involving muscle
damage.
Transaminase ALT (SGPT) is an enzyme present in
higher concentrations in the liver than in muscle.
Elevation is more specific for liver disease. Both SGOT
and SGPT become elevated whenever liver cells are
damaged, such as in viral hepatitis.
Bilirubin is a yellow colored substance that is produced
in the body from hemoglobin and is released when red
blood cells disintegrate due to normal aging or damage.
The liver removes the bilirubin from the blood to be
excreted in the bile. A small amount of bilirubin is present
in the blood of normal individuals. Increases are usually
due to liver disease inflammation (hepatitis), liver failure,
and obstruction of the bile duct or excessive destruction of
red blood cells.
Alkaline Phosphatase, in the blood of normal adults,
is an enzyme that is primarily from the liver & bone with a
small amount from the intestine. Elevations in the blood
are usually indicative of liver or bone disease. Children,
because of the activity in bone growth, and pregnant
women (3rd trimester), have significantly higher normal
values.
Pancreas
Glucose is the amount of sugar in the blood which
fluctuates in response to food intake. Hypoglycemia could
indicate liver disease, adrenal insufficiency, or excess
insulin. Hyperglycemia may indicate certain types of
diabetes, prediabetes, pancreatitis, or hyperthyroidism.
(See Hemoglobin A1C under additional tests)
Protein
Total Protein: The plasma proteins help maintain normal
LIPID PANEL
Cholesterol is a fatty substance necessary for proper
function of every cell in the body. The major forms are HDL
and LDL. High levels of cholesterol are associated with an
increased risk of heart disease caused by thickening of the
walls of the coronary arteries.
HDL Cholesterol: Known as the “good cholesterol,” it
Albumin is the major protein found in the blood. Low
carries cholesterol away from blood vessels to the liver
where it is eliminated. Your risk for coronary heart disease
is lower with a higher level of HDL cholesterol. There are
measures that can be taken to increase HDL levels, such
as regular exercise and not smoking.
levels occur in malnutrition, chronic inflammation and
severe acute diseases. Dehydration caused by exercise or
fluid loss can cause increased serum albumin levels.
LDL Cholesterol: known as the “bad cholesterol” is
implicated in the deposits that thicken the walls of blood
vessels. Lower fat intake through diet can help lower this.
Globulin is another protein in the body. Low globulin
Cholesterol/HDL Ratio is obtained by dividing total
values are found in certain kidney problems, in hematologic
diseases of the intestine, and other uncommon conditions.
High globulin is found in many types of inflammation,
certain infections, and chronic liver disease.
cholesterol by the HDL number. The higher the ratio, the
greater is the risk for developing coronary artery disease.
blood volume and water content in the tissues and normal
acid-base balance in the blood.
A/G Ratio is the albumin divided by globulin value. Low
ratio is found in a variety of liver or kidney disease states
and with infections and inflammations.
CBC COMPLETE BLOOD COUNT
White Blood Cell Count (WBC): Blood contains a
variety of white blood cells whose main function is defense
against infections and purging areas of injuries and
inflammation. An elevated count usually indicates an
infection in the body, a drug reaction, a bone marrow
disease, or an immune system disorder.
Red Blood Cell Count (RBC): Major component of
blood made in the bone marrow and released into
circulating blood. A lower number of RBCs could indicate
anemia. Too many RBCs in the blood results in a condition
called polycythemia, which is rare.
Hemoglobin (HGB) is the oxygen-carrying pigment of
red blood cells that gives them their red color and serves to
convey oxygen to the tissues. A low hemoglobin level is
referred to as anemia which could be due to a diet lacking
in iron or chronic blood loss. Weakness and tiredness may
occur with anemia.
Hematocrit (HCT) measures the percentage of the
volume of whole blood that is made up of red blood cells.
Normal values vary with age, and men have somewhat
higher levels than women. A low hematocrit indicates
anemia.
MCV-A: (Mean corpuscular volume) A measure of the
average volume, or size of a red blood cell. This is helpful in
characterizing types of anemia.
MCH & MCHC: The mean corpuscular hemoglobin
concentration is a measure of the concentration of
hemoglobin in a given volume of packed red blood cells.
These are used in diagnosing anemia & B12 deficiency.
Platelets help the blood to clot. Many disorders cause
abnormal platelet counts, so consult your doctor if your
values are abnormal. Higher values may occur in
pregnancy or following strenuous exercise.
Triglycerides are the storage form of fat in the body with
the primary function to provide energy. Blood levels vary
depending upon the intake of fat and the rate of removal by
the tissues of the body. It is very important to fast at least 8
hours in order to obtain a meaningful measure. High fasting
triglyceride levels are associated with higher risk for
coronary heart diseases.
ADDITIONAL TESTS
(available but not included in standard panel)
PSA: Prostate-specific antigen is a protein produced by
the prostate gland that can be used as a disease or tumor
marker. Use of the PSA along with a digital rectal exam is
recommended in men age 50 and older as a prostate
cancer screen, even if asymptomatic. Prostate
enlargement, inflammation, and infection may also cause
elevations. Discuss any elevation with your doctor.
Vitamin D helps the body control calcium and phosphate
levels. Deficiencies may cause weak, soft bones. Few
foods in nature contain vitamin D. The flesh of fatty fish
(e.g. salmon and tuna), and fish oils are among the best
sources. Fortified foods provide most of the vitamin D in the
American diet .Sunlight and supplements are other sources.
Thyroid Panel: The function of the thyroid gland is to
take iodine found in many foods and convert it into thyroid
hormones. Every cell in the body depends upon thyroid
hormones for regulation of their metabolism. Blood samples
measure the amount of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)
in your bloodstream. TSH that is elevated is considered
indicative of hypothyroidism. TSH that is below normal is
considered evidence of hyperthyroidism.
Hemoglobin A1C is a measure of your blood sugar
control over several months. It is used to screen for
diabetes as well as estimate how well-managed a diabetic
is over time. Levels between 5.7%-6.4% could indicate
prediabetes. A high A1C (6.5% and above) increases the
risk of diabetes complications such as eye, heart, and
kidney diseases, nerve damage and stroke.
Colon Health Kit is a take home test that detects
hidden blood in the stool, an early warning signal of
colorectal disease. Abnormal results should be shared
with your physician.
For further explanation of test results go
online to: www.labtestsonline.org