Explanation of Blood Studies

Comprehensive Metabolic Panel

• Total Protein
• Chemistry
• Liver
• Lipids
• Platelets

Glucose is a measure of sugar content in your blood. This value is watched closely to evaluate diabetes or hypoglycemia. This test needs to be performed in a fasted (no eating) state. Your blood sugar should be between 65-115 mg/dl to be considered normal.

Urea Nitrogen (BUN) is a waste product of protein metabolism. It is produced in the liver and excreted by the kidneys. When protein metabolism is not working properly, high values may occur. Low values need not always be followed with your personal physician.

Creatinine is another waste product of protein metabolism. It represents the function of the kidneys. A low value is not clinically significant.

Calcium is involved in many physiologic processes. A normal blood calcium level is essential for normal function of the heart, nerves, and muscles. It is also involved in the coagulation process.

Sodium is an ion that is important in the conduction of nerves, contraction of muscles, and functioning of cells. It is controlled primarily by the kidneys and adrenal glands.

Potassium is important for muscles and nerves to function properly. It is controlled by the kidneys. This value is watched very closely if one is taking diuretics or cardiovascular medications. If the blood sample is not processed properly, high values may occur.

CO2, also referred to as bicarbonate level, this is a reflection of the body's acid-base status which reflects a variety of enzymatic reactions that occur at the cellular level. This value is affected by both pulmonary and kidney functions.

Chloride like sodium, is an ion that is important in the functioning of cells. It is primarily controlled by the kidneys and adrenal glands.

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TOTAL PROTEIN is the total amount of protein circulating in the blood. This value represents your general nutritional habits.

Albumin is a carbohydrate-free plasma protein that transports fatty acids, bilirubin, and poorly saturated hormones. It also serves as a reserve store of protein. High values are not clinically significant.

Globulin is an insoluble in water protein that is transported in the serum.

A/G Ratio is a division of the two above studies. If the albumin and globulin studies are normal, then this value is also normal.

Total Bilirubin is a bile pigment. It normally circulates in the plasma and is taken up by liver cells. High levels of bilirubin may result in jaundice.

Alkaline Phosphatase is an enzyme found primarily in bones and the liver. Values for pregnant women have found to be elevated, however low values are probably not significant.

AST (SGOT) stands for serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase. SGOT is a liver enzyme involved in cellular functions of the heart muscle and liver. Alcohol consumption, liver disease, and other normal factors have been shown to raise this value. Low values are probably not clinically significant.

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CHEMISTRY

Phosphorus is an essential element in the diet. It is a major component of the mineral phase of bone and occurs in all tissues, being involved in almost all metabolic processes. Phosphorus is controlled by the kidneys and parathyroid glands. Processing errors may affect this value.

Uric Acid is a constituent in the blood that transports nitrogen in the body. It is normally excreted in the urine to rid the body of nitrogen. Values that are high may indicate gout, arthritis or certain kidney problems. A low value is not clinically significant.

LIVER

LDH stands for lactate dehydrogenase. It is an enzyme involved in the breakdown of lactic acid. Anything which causes cellular damage, including heart attacks, liver disease, and blood drawing itself, may cause higher values.

ALT (SGPT) stands for serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase. SGPT, like SGOT, is an enzyme involved in the functions of heart, liver, and muscle cells. Alcohol consumption, liver disease, and other normal factors have been shown to raise this value. Low values are probably not clinically significant.

GGT stands for Gamma Glutamyl Trans Peptidase. Similar to SGOT and SGPT is an enzyme involved in the function of heart, liver, and muscle cells. If the cells are injured, this enzyme will be released into the system. Alcohol consumption, liver disease, heart attacks, and other normal factors have been shown to raise this value. Low values are probably not significant.

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LIPIDS

Cholesterol is used to make essential body substances, such as cell walls and hormones. High levels of cholesterol have been associated with an increased risk for heart disease. Low levels of cholesterol are good and need not be evaluated by your personal physician.

Triglycerides are blood fats that are the usual storage form of lipids in the body. This value can be dramatically affected by a recent meal, thus an eight hour fast is required for accurate results. Low values have not been found to be clinically significant.

HDL-Cholesterol is a high density lipoprotein, which is commonly referred to as the "good" cholesterol. HDL-Cholesterol is a transport protein which carries cholesterol away from the vessel wall for removal from the body. The higher the HDL value, the lower the risk of coronary artery disease. Exercise and weight loss has been shown to increase your HDL level, while smoking has been shown to decrease it.

LDL-Cholesterol is a low density lipoprotein, which is commonly referred to as the "bad" cholesterol. LDL-Cholesterol, like HDL-Cholesterol, is a transport protein, however LDL transports cholesterol to the vessels. The lower the LDL-Cholesterol, the lower the risk of coronary artery disease. A low-fat, low-cholesterol nutrition plan has been shown to decrease this value.

VLDL Cholesterol is the bodies fat transportation mechanism. This value is not clinically measured, but rather the triglycerides value divided by five. Low values are not clinically significant.

Cholesterol/HDL Ratio is a ratio of total cholesterol to HDL-cholesterol, or simply a ratio of bad cholesterol to good cholesterol. This ratio has been shown to be a good predictor of coronary risk, with the lower the ratio the better. A combination of regular aerobic exercise and good nutritional practices has been shown to improve this ratio.

LDL/HDL Ratio is a further breakdown of your ratio of LDL-cholesterol to HDL-cholesterol, simply the cholesterol delivery mechanism divided by the cholesterol removal mechanism.

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CBC/PLATELETS

WBC stands for white blood cell count. This value represents your immune system. Recent colds or infections may cause this value to be high or low.

RBC stands for red blood cell count. These cells carry oxygen in the blood. Low values are commonly seen in individuals with certain types of anemia.

Hemoglobin (HgB) is the oxygen carrying component in the red blood cell. It is formed in the bone marrow. Low values are commonly seen in individuals with certain types of anemia.

Hematocrit (Hct) - is the volume (percentage) of red blood cells in whole blood. Low values are commonly seen in individuals with certain types of anemia.

MCV stands for mean cell volume. This is a measure of the average size of the red blood cells.

MCH stands for mean cell hemoglobin. This value represents the mean hemoglobin in each red blood cell.

MCHC stands for mean cell hemoglobin concentration. This value represents the mean hemoglobin concentration in each red blood cell.

Platelets are disk shaped structures found in the blood, primarily known for their role in the coagulation process.

Neutrophils is a cross-sectional look at the different kinds of white blood cells. This is a more sophisticated look at the immune system and can help identify different types of infections.

Lymphocytes is a cross-sectional look at the different kinds of white blood cells. This is a more sophisticated look at the immune system and can help identify different types of infections.

Monocytes is a cross-sectional look at the different kinds of white blood cells. This is a more sophisticated look at the immune system and can help identify different types of infections.

Eosinophils is a cross-sectional look at the different kinds of white blood cells. This is a more sophisticated look at the immune system and can help identify different types of infections.

Basophils is a cross-sectional look at the different kinds of white blood cells. This is a more sophisticated look at the immune system and can help identify different types of infections.

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