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WBC or White Blood Cells are the
body's first line defense against disease, and help fight
infections. They are involved in reactions to allergies,
tumors, and stress in general.
RBC is medical shorthand for Red Blood Cells.
RBCs transport hemoglobin. Hemoglobin transports oxygen. The
amount of oxygen body tissues receive depends on the amount
and function of RBCs and hemoglobin.
Hemoglobin is the protein that carries oxygen in the
blood. It is contained in red blood cells. Both high and low
hemoglobin counts indicate defects in the balance of red
blood cells in the blood, and may indicate disease.
Lymphocytes are specialized WBCs that
identify and destroy invading antigens.
These cells are important to the body's defense against
infection, especially from viral infection.
Neutrophils are specialized WBCs, filled with tiny
sacs of enzymes that help to kill and digest microorganisms
it has engulfed. An increased proportion of neutrophils in
the blood are a common finding with acute bacterial
infections. A decreased proportion of neutrophils may be
seen with viral infections and after radiotherapy and
chemotherapy.
Monocytes- are specialized WBCs derived from bone
marrow, which circulate in the blood briefly before entering
the tissues in which they become macrophages. Macrophages
phagocytize (ingest) are large particles and cellular debris
that neutrophils cannot handle.
Esosinophiles – are specialized WBCs and are elevated
in allergic conditions and in parasitic infections.
MCH is medical shorthand for Mean Corpuscular
Hemoglobin. This number represents a measurement of the
average hemoglobin concentration within red blood cells.
Elevations can be caused by too little vitamin B12 or folate,
and decreases can be seen in iron deficiency.
MCHC is medical shorthand for Mean Corpuscular
Hemoglobin Concentration. It is an estimate of the
concentration (amount) of hemoglobin in a given number of
packed red blood cells.
MCV is medical shorthand for Mean Corpuscular Volume.
This number represents the size or volume of the average RBC
within a sample. Increases or decreases in MCV can point to
specific anemias.
Platelets are irregularly shaped, colorless bodies
that are present in blood. Their sticky surface lets them,
along with other substances, form clots to stop bleeding.
Complete Metabolic Profile (CMP)
Sodium (Na+) is the major positive mineral in the
extra-cellular fluid. The sodium content of the blood is a
result of a balance between dietary intake (Salt) and kidney
excretion. Many factors affect sodium levels include steroid
hormones and diuretics.
Potassium (K+) is the major positive mineral in the
intra-cellular fluid. Potassium is essential for normal
function of muscle tissue and plays a role in the conduction
of nerve impulses.
Chloride (Cl-) is the major
negative ion in the fluid outside the body's cells. Its main
function is to maintain electrical neutrality, mostly as a
counter-ion to sodium.
Calcium - Calcium is the most
abundant mineral in the body. Calcium is important for
healthy bones and teeth, as well as nerves and muscles
including the heart. The amount of calcium in blood is
carefully controlled by the body's hormonal (glandular)
system. The body also needs vitamin D to absorb calcium from
food. Most calcium in the body is in bones.
The blood calcium test measures only the amount of calcium
in blood. This test doesn't measure the amount of calcium in
bones. A procedure similar to an x-ray, called a bone
density test can measure the calcium in bones.
Glucose - or blood
sugar and is a test for Diabetes.
Fasting blood glucose above 128 mg/dl is considered
Diabetes
Urea Nitrogen (BUN) is a by-product of protein
metabolism. BUN is increased in acute and chronic kidney
disease, in states of decreased circulating blood volume
with decreased kidney perfusion, in obstruction of urine
flow, and in people with high protein intake. Decreases are
seen in high carbohydrate/low protein diets, states
characterized by increased anabolic demand (late pregnancy,
infancy), malabsorption states, and severe liver damage.
Creatinine (Cr) is a breakdown product of creatine,
which is an important constituent of muscle. The test is
used to evaluate kidney function. If kidney function is
abnormal, creatinine levels will increase in the blood, due
to decreased excretion of creatinine in the urine.
Albumin -is the most abundant protein in the body. It is
produced in the liver. Decreased levels of albumin are an
indication of malnutrition.
Total Protein -
Protein measurements can reflect nutritional state, kidney
disease, liver disease, and many other conditions. If total
protein is high, further tests should be performed to
identify which protein fraction is abnormal.
Alkaline phosphatase An enzyme made in the liver and
bone. Alkaline phosphatase is released into the blood during
injury and during such normal activities as bone growth and
pregnancy. High blood levels may indicate disease in bone or
liver, bile duct obstruction, or certain malignancies.
Alanine aminotransferase (also called ALT or
SGPT) is an enzyme found primarily in the liver. Long-term
or sudden liver damage can cause a rise in ALT levels.
Aspartate aminotransferase (also called AST or
SGOT) is an enzyme that is normally present in liver and
heart cells. AST is released into blood when the liver or
heart is damaged. The blood AST levels are thus elevated
with liver damage (for example, from hepatitis) or with an
insult to the heart (for example, from heart attack). Some
medications and alcohol can also raise AST levels.
Bilirubin, Total is the chemical that results from the
normal breakdown of hemoglobin from red blood cells. High
concentrations may indicate liver disease. Mild elevations
may be benign inherited conditions of no consequences.
Lipid Panel
Cholesterol, Total is a fatty
substance that travels in the blood to all parts of the
body. Not only is it part of the cell membranes but it is
also involved in the production of vitamin D, estrogen,
testosterone, and bile acids to aid in the digestion of
fats. Total cholesterol is a sum of HDL, LDL, and VLDL.
Elevated total cholesterol is associated with an increasing
risk of coronary heart disease.
HDL Cholesterol (High-density lipoprotein) HDL
cholesterol is known as the "good" cholesterol because a
high level of HDL cholesterol have a protective effect. HDL
carries cholesterol away from the arteries and back to the
liver, where it is passed from the body. Therefore, low HDL
cholesterol levels may result in a greater risk for heart
disease. Low HDL could have genetic origins, or be the
result of smoking and lack of exercise.
LDL Cholesterol (Low-density lipoprotein) is known as
"bad cholesterol”, since it can slowly build up in the walls
of the arteries that feed the heart and brain, and form
plaque that can clog those arteries causing a heart attack,
or a stroke. Elevated LDL cholesterol is a major factor in
the development of heart disease. Thus, the lower your LDL
cholesterol, the lower your risk of heart disease.
Cholesterol/HDL Ratio is calculated by dividing the
total cholesterol by the HDL.
Improvement in cholesterol/HDL ratio can be shown by
lowering LDL cholesterol level, while raising HDL level. HDL
levels can be raised significantly by exercising, not
smoking and leanness. Exercising regularly may also lower
LDL cholesterol.
Triglyceride is responsible for providing energy to
the cells of the body. High levels are associated with heart
disease and strokes. Calories ingested in a meal and not
used immediately by these cells are converted to
triglycerides and transported to fat cells to be stored.
Hormones regulate the release of triglycerides from fat
tissue so they meet the body's needs for energy between
meals. Being overweight, drinking a lot of alcohol, eating
sugar or having diabetes can cause high triglyceride levels.
Most body fat comes in the form of triglyceride.
Arthritis Test
Sedimentation test (Sed. rate)–
a measure of the amount of antibodies on red blood cells, an
induction of nonspecific inflammation.
Rheumatoid Factor (RF)- is used
to help diagnose rheumatoid arthritis. The test may also be
used to help diagnose an arthritis-related condition called
Sjogren’s syndrome. About 80% to 90% of patients with this
syndrome have high amounts of RF in their blood.
Antinuclear Antibody test (ANA) - To help diagnose
systemic lupus erythematosus and drug-induced lupus and rule
out certain other autoimmune diseases.
Thyroid Test
Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)
– The hormone made in the Pituitary to stimulate the
thyroid. A high
level indicated an under active thyroid.
A low level indicated an overactive thyroid.
Thyroxine (T4) – The
hormone produced by the thyroid gland
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