Apolipoprotein A1 (Apo A-1) is the primary protein associated with HDL cholesterol. Apo A-1 serves as an activator of LCAT which is involved in the transport of cholesterol to the liver where it is degraded. Like HDL cholesterol, increased concentrations are associated with reduced risk of cardiovascular disease. Apo A-1 has been suggested as better discrimination of CAD than HDL.

Apolipoprotein B (APO B) can help determine your risk of heart disease and some studies suggest it may even be a better predictor than the commonly-measured LDL cholesterol (the “bad” cholesterol). In some patients with Coronary artery disease (CAD), APO B is elevated even in the presence of normal LDL cholesterol.

The hs-CRP blood test is used to diagnose your risk for inflammation and cardiovascular disease. C-reactive protein (CRP) is an acute-phase protein released in the blood during inflammation. As this protein is a marker of inflammation, it is elevated in the blood when there are inflammatory conditions, cancer, infections, or even heart disease present. One should not confuse standard CRP test with hs-CRP test. hs-CRP test more precisely detects the lower levels of the protein than that measured by the standard CRP test . A high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) test, can also be used to assess your risk of developing coronary artery disease, a disorder in which the blood arteries of your heart are narrowed. Coronary artery disease can become a reason for a heart attack.

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is a fat soluble cofacter that is essential for energy producing metabolic pathways and for the proper functioning of the mitochondrial oxidative system. With insufficient CoQ10, the electron transfer activity of the mitochondria decreases, resulting in a net failure to produce the energy necessary to run the cell. Tissues with high energy demand have even greater demands for CoQ10. For example, heart muscle, which continually exerts a pumping action for an entire lifetime, has an immense need for the cofactor. Studies demonstrate the effectiveness of supplemental coenzyme Q10 in cardiomyopathy, myocardial dysfunction, and congestive heart failure. CoQ10 is also a powerful antioxidant like vitamins E and C, and thus serves the role of neutralizing excess free radicals. It is now well established that the control of excessive free radical activity is key in preventing/delaying the progression of degenerative diseases.

A complete blood count is a common blood test that is often part of a routine checkup. Complete blood counts can help detect a variety of disorders including infections, anemia, diseases of the immune system, and blood cancers.

Copper is an essential element that is a cofactor of many enzymes. Copper metabolism is disturbed in Wilson's disease, Menkes disease, primary biliary cirrhosis, and Indian childhood cirrhosis. Copper concentrations increase in acute phase reactions. Copper concentrations are decreased with nephrosis, malabsorption, and malnutrition. Copper concentrations are also useful to monitor patients, especially preterm newborns, on nutritional supplementation. Results of copper are often interpreted together with ceruloplasmin.

Cortisol is increased in Cushing's Disease and decreased in Addison's Disease (adrenal insufficiency).

The DHEA-s Blood Test, also known as the Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate test, is performed to assess adrenal gland function. It measures DHEA-s, a steroid hormone that is produced by the adrenal gland, and serves as a building block for the male sex hormone testosterone and the female sex hormone estrogen. This test is helpful in assessing adrenal tumors or cancers, determining the cause of masculinization among females, and identifying the cause of early puberty in boys.

The DHT test measures the level of dihydrotestosterone, a potent male hormone, in the blood. Produced from testosterone in men and derived from androstenedione in women, DHT is crucial for male physical traits like body hair and muscle growth. Doctors might order this test to diagnose male pattern baldness, assess 5α-reductase deficiency, or monitor prostate cancer patients on DHT-blocking medications.

The Ultrasensitive Estradiol LC/MS/MS test evaluates the amount of estradiol (E2), the most active estrogen, in the blood. Produced mainly in the ovaries, estradiol also originates in the brain, fat cells, and other areas, playing roles in reproduction, brain function, and bone health, among others. While most estradiol in the blood is protein-bound, only about 1% is unbound and biologically active. Most tests measure the bound estradiol due to the challenge of assessing free estradiol levels.

Ferritin is the major protein found in the blood cells that stores iron. The Ferritin Blood test is used to check the iron levels in the body and may help diagnose various health conditions like iron-deficiency anemia, hemochromatosis (a condition where the body produces too much iron). Low ferritin levels in the blood show the presence of iron deficiency (anemia) in the body. The body requires iron to make hemoglobin, a protein found in red blood cells that helps transport oxygen from the lungs around the body.

Fibrinogen is essential for the formation of a blood clot. Deficiency can produce mild to severe bleeding disorders.

Folate levels have diagnostic significance in nutritional deficiencies, especially in cases of severe alcoholism, function damage to the upper third of small bowel, pregnancy and various forms of megoblastic anemia. Since serum folate levels are subject to rapid changes reflecting diet and absorption, RBC folate may be a better diagnostic tool since the levels remain fairly constant.

The FSH and LH test is a blood test that measures follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH), two sex hormones that are essential for reproduction. These two hormones are secreted by the anterior pituitary gland and affect the ovaries and testes. The test is used to evaluate infertility issues in both sexes initially. It also helps determine the health of a person's reproductive organs, specifically the testicles and ovaries. This test also evaluates the pituitary function in the body.

Useful in the diagnosis of toxicity due to Arsenic, Lead or Mercury. Includes: Arsenic, Blood Lead (Venous) Mercury, Blood

The Hemoglobin A1c also called A1c or glycated hemoglobin is hemoglobin with glucose attached. The test is recommended by the American Diabetes Association in the assessment of blood glucose levels to determine diabetes risk. It is recommended that A1c testing should be performed routinely in all patients with diabetes. The A1c test reflects the average blood sugar over the past two to three months. Therefore, doctors advise to take the test at least twice a year and more frequently in some cases

The homocysteine blood test measures the amount of homocysteine in your body. Typically, this test is used to diagnose a vitamin B6, B9, B12, or folic acid deficiency. A lack of these important vitamins increases homocysteine and can put you at a higher risk of cardiovascular disease.

This test measures the level of insulin in the blood and can help diagnose diabetes. Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas and is essential in transporting glucose (sugar) to the cells. This test is often ordered if someone is experiencing symptoms such as sweating, palpitations, dizziness and fainting which are associated with low glucose levels; and for those diagnosed with diabetes, to monitor insulin production.

Insulin-like Growth Factor 1 (IGF-1, or Somatomedin C), a protein involved in stimulating somatic growth, is regulated principally by Growth Hormone (GH) and nutritional intake. IGF-1 is transported in serum by several proteins; this helps maintain relatively high IGF-1 plasma levels and minimizes fluctuations in serum IGF-1 concentrations.

The IL-6 test measures the amount of Interleukin-6, a cytokine crucial for the immune system, in the blood. It plays a dual role in either promoting or inhibiting inflammation. Imbalanced IL-6 levels indicate susceptibility to infections or inflammatory conditions. Though not routine, it's used to gauge inflammation in diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and diabetes.

Iodine is an essential element that is required for thyroid hormone production. The measurement of iodine serves as an index of adequate dietary intake and iodine overload, particularly from iodine-containing drugs such as Amiodarone.

The Lipid Panel blood test measures the essential lipids of the blood for monitoring. This tests the triglyceride and serum cholesterol levels. Since it aids in the evaluation of possible cardiovascular risk, this test includes evaluation of the High-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C, often termed as “good cholesterol”), HDL-C ratio, Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C, often termed as “bad cholesterol”), Non-HDL-C (calculated from total cholesterol minus HDL-C), and total cholesterol

Elevated concentrations of Lp(a) are associated with increased risk of coronary artery disease.

The Lp-PLA2 test measures the level of the Lp-PLA2 enzyme in the blood, which is associated with blood vessel inflammation and atherosclerosis. It's used to assess the risk of heart disease or stroke, especially in those with risk factors like diabetes or advanced age. Unlike other markers, it's unaffected by common infections.

Magnesium is an essential trace element. Deficiency leads to irritability, neuromuscular abnormalities, cardiac and renal damage. Its salts are used as antacids and cathartics. Excessive amount may cause CNS depression, loss of muscle tone, respiratory and cardiac arrest.

A CMP blood test measures 14 different substances in your blood and provides significant information about your body's chemical balance and metabolism. The CMP is usually ordered as part of a routine checkup or when you are being monitored for a specific condition like hypertension or diabetes or are taking medications that may affect your kidney or liver.

The Omega 3 and 6 Fatty Acids test is a laboratory test that measures the levels of specific fatty acids, including omega-3 (e.g., EPA, DHA), in the blood. It provides information about the balance between omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which are essential nutrients with important roles in various physiological processes.

This test (1) establishes the presence of a functioning corpus lutem or luteal cell function, (2) confirms basal body temperature measurements of the occurrence of ovulation (3) affords an indication of the day of ovulation, (4) assesses placental function during pregnancy.

During pregnancy and postpartum lactation, serum prolactin can increase 10- to 20-fold. Exercise, stress, and sleep also cause transient increases in prolactin levels. Consistently elevated serum prolactin levels (>30 ng/mL), in the absence of pregnancy and postpartum lactation, are indicative of hyperprolactinemia. Hypersecretion of prolactin can be caused by pituitary adenomas, hypothalamic disease, breast or chest wall stimulation, renal failure or hypothyroidism. A number of drugs, including many antidepressants, are also common causes of abnormally elevated prolactin levels. Hyperprolactinemia often results in galactorrhea, amenorrhea, and infertility in females, and in impotence and hypogonadism in males. Renal failure, hypothyroidism, and prolactin-secreting pituitary adenomas are also common causes of abnormally elevated prolactin levels.

In men over 50 years with total PSA between 4.0 and 10.0 ng/mL, the percent (%) free PSA gives an estimate of the probability of cancer. In these circumstances the measurement of the % free PSA may aid in avoiding unnecessary biopsies.

3,3',5'-Triiodothyronine (reverse T3, rT3) is, along with 3,3,5'-Triiodothyronine (T3) a deiodinated metabolite of thyroxine (T4), the major secretory product of the thyroid gland and is secreted into the bloodstream. Unlike T3, however, rT3 is thought to be metabolically inert. The process of 5'-monodeiodination that converts T4 to T3, and rT3 to diiodothyronine (DTT) is inhibited in a wide variety of conditions, collectively referred to as nonthyroidal illnesses (NTI) or the 'euthyroid sick' state. These conditions include fasting, malnutrition, poorly controlled diabetes mellitus, trauma, surgery, and systemic illness. Consequently, in patients with NTI the serum T3 level typically decreases, and the rT3 often, but not always, increases.

Useful in differentiating inflammatory and neoplastic diseases and as an index of disease severity. CRP is also useful in monitoring inflammatory disease states

Selenium is a key component of a number of functional Selenoproteins required for normal health. The best know of these are the antioxidant Glutathione Peroxidase Enzymes. Selenium plays an important role in the control of thyroid hormone metabolism and is important for proper reproductive performance.

Testosterone, dihydrotestosterone and estrogens circulate in serum bound to Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG). SHBG concentrations are increased in pregnancy, hyperthyroidism, cirrhosis, oral estrogen administration and by certain drugs. Concentrations are decreased by testosterone, hypothyroidism, Cushings syndrome, acromegaly and obesity.

Decreased: Pregnancy, estrogens, hyperproteinemia, acute intermittent porphyria. Increased: Androgens, hyperproteinemia, stress, acute liver disease. This assay is a measure of available thyroid hormone binding sites and should be interpreted with thyroxine levels.

This test measures both Total and Free Testosterone and can be ordered for both men and women. For men, this test evaluates testicular function where obesity, liver or thyroid disorders may change the testosterone binding proteins. For women, this test evaluates masculinization and hirsutism (unwanted male-pattern hair growth on a woman's face, chest, and back).

This panel provides an assessment of thyroid function and includes tests for thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), total thyroxine (T4), triiodothyronine (T3) uptake (T3 resin uptake), and free T4 index. This panel may be useful for evaluating thyroid function when pituitary disease is not suspected. The results of the panel may help in the diagnosis of hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism.

This blood test measures the level of the hormone T4 (thyroxine), which the thyroid gland produces to aid in metabolism control and growth. This test is often ordered in conjunction with other thyroid tests such as T3 and TSH to evaluate thyroid function.

Most of the T4 in your body is bonded to protein, and a smaller portion (free) has not. This is why there is a free T4 test and a total T4 test. A free T4 test is usually preferred because from this test you can see how much is available for the body to use. This test can be ordered if a TSH has come back abnormal. Pregnancy can also affect your T4 levels.

Total T3 measurements are used to diagnose and monitor treatment of hyperthyroidism and are essential for recognizing T3 toxicosis.

The TSH test evaluates the amount of thyroid-stimulating hormone in the blood to assess the thyroid gland's function. TSH, produced by the pituitary gland, prompts the thyroid to produce hormones T4 and T3, which govern metabolism. The TSH test is the primary method to determine if someone has an underactive (hypothyroidism) or overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism). TSH levels naturally rise with age.

Vitamin A is critical for vision, growth, and many cell functions. High concentrations of Vitamin A are seen with renal failure, but this is not associated with toxicity and excessive ingestion. High concentrations are associated with bone fractures. Low concentrations of Vitamin A are consistent with fat malabsorption and are rarely due to inadequate diet.

Vitamin B12, also called cobalamin and folate are the constituents of the B complex of vitamins. B12 and folate together with vitamin C help the body make new proteins. The Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin) blood test is usually requested together with the folic acid test. Since the body needs B12 to produce blood cells and the maintenance of a healthy nervous system, this test is necessary to assess nerve function and overall health condition. This test may also be done in people who show signs and symptoms of B12 deficiency which include macrocytic anemia, glossitis, weakness, loss of proprioception, hyperreflexia, meager coordination, and effective behavioral changes. Some dietary sources of Vitamin B12 are fish, shellfish, liver, meat, eggs, milk, yogurt, and cheese.

Folic acid deficiency is common in pregnant women, alcoholics, patients with diets that do not include raw fruits and vegetables, and people with structural damage to the small intestine. The most reliable and direct method of diagnosing folate deficiency is the determination of folate levels in both erythrocytes and serum. Low folic acid levels, however, can also be the result of a primary Vitamin B12 deficiency that decreases the ability of cells to take up folic acid. Vitamin B12 is decreased in pernicious anemia, total or partial gastrectomy, malabsorption and certain congenital biochemical disorders. Includes: Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin) and Folate Panel, Serum

Test is used to determine vitamin B6 deficiency or overdosage, for monitoring treatment, and to evaluate wellness and health.

Vitamin C is an antioxidant involved in connective tissue metabolism, drug-metabolizing systems, and mixed-function oxidase systems to list a few. Vitamin C deficiency causes scurvy; manifestations include impaired formation of mature connective tissue, bleeding into the skin, weakness, fatigue, and depression.

Measurement of serum 25-OH vitamin D concentrations provide a good index of circulating vitamin D activity in patients not suffering from renal disease. Lower than normal 25-OH vitamin D levels can result from a dietary deficiency, poor absorption of the vitamin or impaired metabolism of the sterol in the liver. A 25-OH vitamin D deficiency can lead to bone diseases such as rickets and osteomalacia. Above normal levels can lead to hypercalcemia

Vitamin K is a required co-factor for the synthesis of factors 2, 7, 9, and 10 and proteins C and S. Deficiencies of vitamin K lead to bleeding. Coumadin® (warfarin) acts as an anticoagulant because it is a vitamin K antagonist.

Zinc is an essential element involved in a myriad of enzyme systems including wound healing, immune function, and fetal development. Zinc measurements are used to detect and monitor industrial, dietary, and accidental exposure to zinc. Also, Zinc measurements may be used to evaluate health and monitor response to treatment.