The Hemoglobin A1C test measures the amount of glucose that combines with hemoglobin to form glycohemoglobin during the normal lifespan of a red blood cell, which is about 120 days. The amount of glycohemoglobin formed is in direct proportion to the amount of glucose present in the bloodstream during the 120-day red blood cell lifespan. In the presence of high blood glucose levels (hyperglycemia) the amount of hemoglobin that is glycosylated to form glycohemoglobin increases and the hemoglobin A1C level will be high. Hemoglobin A1C is used primarily to monitor long-term blood glucose control and to help determine therapeutic options for treatment and management. Studies have shown that the closer to normal the hemoglobin A1C levels are kept, the less likely those clients are to develop the long-term complications of diabetes.

This test measures the amount of creatinine in your blood and/or urine. Creatinine is a waste product produced in your muscles from the breakdown of a compound called creatine. Creatine is part of the cycle that produces energy needed to contract your muscles. Both creatine and creatinine are produced by the body at a relatively constant rate. Almost all creatinine is excreted by the kidneys, so blood levels are a good measure of how well your kidneys are working. The quantity produced depends on the sex, size or age of the person and their muscle mass. For this reason, creatinine concentrations will be slightly higher in men than in women and children. 

The BUN/Creatinine is a ratio between the BUN and Creatinine levels. An increased level is associated with renal dysfunction. A decreased level is associated with a diet low in protein

The eGFR is a calculated estimate of the kidney’s Glomerular Filtration Rate. It uses 4 variables: age, race, creatinine levels and gender to estimate kidney function. Levels below 90 are an indication of a mild loss of kidney function. Levels below 60 indicate a moderate loss of kidney function and may require a visit to a renal specialist for further evaluation.

Sodium is an important blood electrolyte and functions to maintain osmotic pressure, acid-base balance, aids in nerve impulse transmission, as well as renal, cardiac, and adrenal functions. Increased sodium is most often due to dehydration (sweating, diarrhea, vomiting, polyuria, etc.) or adrenal stress. Decreased sodium levels are associated with adrenal insufficiency and edema.

Potassium is one of the main electrolytes in the body. Due to the critical functions of potassium for human metabolism and physiology, it is essential for the body to maintain optimal serum levels even though a small concentration is found outside of the cell. Potassium levels should always be viewed in relation to the other electrolytes. Potassium concentration is greatly influenced by adrenal hormones. As such, potassium levels can be a marker for adrenal dysfunction.

Chloride plays an important role in human physiology. The amount of serum chloride is carefully regulated by the kidneys. Chloride is involved in regulating the acid-base balance in the body. Increased levels are associated with metabolic acidosis and decreased levels are associated with metabolic alkalosis. Chloride is an important molecule in the production of hydrochloric acid in the stomach so decreased levels are associated with hypochlorhydria.

Carbon Dioxide is a measure of bicarbonate in the blood. CO2, as bicarbonate, is available for acid-base balancing. Bicarbonate neutralizes metabolic acids in the body. Elevated levels of CO2 are associated with metabolic alkalosis and hypochlorhydria. Decreased levels are associated with metabolic acidosis

The sodium and potassium levels are under the influence of aldosterone and cortisol, both hormones produced by the adrenal glands. Aldosterone causes the body to retain sodium by causing a decreased excretion of sodium from the kidney. Aldosterone has the opposite effect on potassium causing the body to excrete potassium by increasing the excretion of potassium from the kidney.

Uric acid is produced as an end-product of purine, nucleic acid,and nucleoprotein metabolism. Levels can increase due to over-production by the body or decreased excretion by the kidneys. Increased uric acid levels are associated with gout, atherosclerosis, oxidative stress, arthritis, kidney dysfunction, circulatory disorders and intestinal permeability. Decreased levels are associated with detoxification issues, molybdenum deficiency, B12/folate anemia, and copper deficiency

Total serum protein is composed of albumin and total globulin. Conditions that affect albumin and total globulin readings will impact the total protein value. A decreased total protein can be an indication of malnutrition, digestive dysfunction due to HCl need, or liver dysfunction. Malnutrition leads to a decreased total protein level in the serum primarily from lack of available essential amino acids. An increased total protein is most often due to dehydration

Albumin is one of the major blood proteins. Produced primarily in the liver, Albumin plays a major role in water distribution and serves as a transport protein for hormones and various drugs. Albumin levels are affected by digestive dysfunction and a decreased albumin can be an indication of malnutrition, digestive dysfunction due to HCl need (hypochlorhydria), or liver dysfunction.

Total Globulin is composed of individual globulin fractions called alpha 1, alpha 2, beta, and gamma fractions. The total globulin level is greatly impacted by concomitant increases or decreases in one or more of these fractions. Globulins function to transport substances in the blood and constitute the antibody system, clotting proteins, and complement. Globulins are produced in the liver, the reticuloendothelial system, and other tissues

The albumin/globulin ratio is the ratio between the albumin and total globulin levels. A decreased ratio is associated with liver dysfunction and immune activation from infectious or inflammatory processes

AST is an enzyme present in highly metabolic tissues such as skeletal muscle, the liver, the heart, kidney,and lungs. This enzyme is at times released into the bloodstream following cell damage or destruction

ALT is an enzyme present in high concentrations in the liver and to a lesser extent skeletal muscle, the heart, and kidney. ALT will be liberated into the bloodstream following cell damage or destruction. Any condition or situation that causes damage to the hepatocytes will cause leakage of ALT into the bloodstream. These include exposure to chemicals, viruses (viral hepatitis, mononucleosis, cytomegalovirus, Epstein Barr, etc.), alcoholic hepatitis

Gamma Glutamyl Transferase (GGT) is an enzyme that is present in highest amounts in the liver cells and to a lesser extent the kidney, prostate,and pancreas. It is also found in the epithelial cells of the biliary tract. GGT will be liberated into the bloodstream following cell damage or destruction and/or biliary obstruction. GGT is induced by alcohol and can be elevated following chronic alcohol consumption and in alcoholism. Decreased levels are associated with vitamin B6 and magnesium deficiency.

LDH represents a group of enzymes that are involved in carbohydrate metabolism.  LDH is found in many of the tissues of the body, especially the heart, liver, kidney, skeletal muscle, brain, red blood cells,and lungs. Damage to any of these tissues will cause an elevated serum LDH level

The total bilirubin is composed of two forms of bilirubin: Indirect or unconjugated bilirubin, which circulates in the blood on its way to the liver and direct or conjugated bilirubin, which is the form of bilirubin made water-soluble before it is excreted in the bile.

Direct or conjugated bilirubin is the form of bilirubin that has been made water-soluble in the liver so it can be excreted in the bile. An increase in direct or conjugated bilirubin may be associated with a dysfunction or blockage in the liver, gallbladder, or biliary tree

Bilirubin is formed from the breakdown of red blood cells. Indirect or unconjugated bilirubin is the protein (albumin) bound form of bilirubin that circulates in the blood on its way to the liver prior to being eliminated from the body in the bile.

Ferritin is the main storage form of iron in the body. Decreased levels are strongly associated with iron deficiency where it is the most sensitive test to detect an iron deficiency. Increased levels are associated with iron overload, an increasing risk of cardiovascular disease, inflammation, and oxidative stress.

Total Iron Binding Capacity is an approximate estimation of the serum transferrin level. Transferrin is the protein that carries most of the iron in the blood. Elevated levels are associated with iron deficiency anemia. Decreased levels of TIBC are associated with possible iron overload or a protein deficiency.

UIBC measures the unsaturated binding capacity of transferrin, the protein that carries iron in the body i.e. UIBC measures levels of transferrin that have not bound to iron. Assessment of UIBC helps diagnose iron-deficiency or overload.

The % transferrin saturation index is a calculated value that tells how much serum iron is bound to the iron-carrying protein transferrin. A % transferrin saturation value of 15% means that 15% of iron-binding sites of transferrin is being occupied by iron. It is a sensitive screening test for iron deficiency anemia if it is below the optimal range. It is a sign of iron overload or too much iron in the blood if it is above the optimal range.

Serum triglycerides are composed of fatty acid molecules that enter the bloodstream either from the liver or from the diet. Clients that are optimally metabolising their fats and carbohydrates tend to have a triglyceride level about one-half of the total cholesterol level. Levels will be elevated in metabolic syndrome, fatty liver, in clients with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, hypothyroidism, and adrenal dysfunction. Levels will be decreased in liver dysfunction, a diet deficient in fat, and inflammatory processes.

LDL functions to transport cholesterol and other fatty acids from the liver to the peripheral tissues for uptake and metabolism by the cells. It is known as bad cholesterol  because it is thought that this process of bringing cholesterol from the liver to the peripheral tissue increases the risk for atherosclerosis. An increased LDL cholesterol is just one of many independent risk factors for cardiovascular disease. It is also associated with metabolic syndrome, oxidative stress, and fatty liver.

HDL functions to transport cholesterol from the peripheral tissues and vessel walls to the liver for processing and metabolism into bile salts. It is known as “good cholesterol” because it is thought that this process of bringing cholesterol from the peripheral tissue to the liver is protective against atherosclerosis. Decreased HDL is considered atherogenic, increased HDL is considered protective.

Non-HDL cholesterol represents the circulating cholesterol that is not carried by HDL (the protective carrier that collects cholesterol from tissues and blood vessels and transports it back to the liver). An elevated Non-HDL Cholesterol is associated with an increase risk of cardiovascular disease and related events.

To calculate your cholesterol ratio, divide your total cholesterol number by your HDL cholesterol number. So if your total cholesterol is 200 mg/dL (5.2 mmol/L) and your HDL is 50 mg/dL (1.3 mmol/L), your ratio would be 4-to-1. Higher ratios mean a higher risk of heart disease.

The Triglyceride:HDL ratio is determined from serum triglyceride and HDL levels. Increased ratios are associated with increased cardiovascular risk and an increased risk of developing insulin resistance and Type II Diabetes. A decreased ratio is associated with decreased cardiovascular risk and a decreased risk of developing insulin resistance and Type II Diabetes.

T-4 is the major hormone secreted by the thyroid gland. T-4 production and secretion from the thyroid gland are stimulated by the pituitary hormone TSH. Deficiencies of zinc, copper, and vitamins A, B2, B3, B6, and C will cause a decrease in the production of T4 by the follicles of the thyroid gland. Free T-4 is the unbound form of T4 in the body. Only about 0.03 – 0.05% of circulating T4 is in the free form. Free T-4 will be elevated in hyperthyroidism and decreased in hypothyroidism

LDL functions to transport cholesterol and other fatty acids from the liver to the peripheral tissues for uptake and metabolism by the cells. It is known as bad cholesterol  because it is thought that this process of bringing cholesterol from the liver to the peripheral tissue increases the risk for atherosclerosis. An increased LDL cholesterol is just one of many independent risk factors for cardiovascular disease. It is also associated with metabolic syndrome, oxidative stress, and fatty liver.

HDL functions to transport cholesterol from the peripheral tissues and vessel walls to the liver for processing and metabolism into bile salts. It is known as “good cholesterol” because it is thought that this process of bringing cholesterol from the peripheral tissue to the liver is protective against atherosclerosis. Decreased HDL is considered atherogenic, increased HDL is considered protective.

Non-HDL cholesterol represents the circulating cholesterol that is not carried by HDL (the protective carrier that collects cholesterol from tissues and blood vessels and transports it back to the liver). An elevated Non-HDL Cholesterol is associated with an increase risk of cardiovascular disease and related events.

To calculate your cholesterol ratio, divide your total cholesterol number by your HDL cholesterol number. So if your total cholesterol is 200 mg/dL (5.2 mmol/L) and your HDL is 50 mg/dL (1.3 mmol/L), your ratio would be 4-to-1. Higher ratios mean a higher risk of heart disease.

The Triglyceride:HDL ratio is determined from serum triglyceride and HDL levels. Increased ratios are associated with increased cardiovascular risk and an increased risk of developing insulin resistance and Type II Diabetes. A decreased ratio is associated with decreased cardiovascular risk and a decreased risk of developing insulin resistance and Type II Diabetes.

The ESR test is based on the fact that certain blood proteins will become altered in inflammatory conditions, causing aggregation of the red blood cells and as such it is a non-specific measure for inflammation in the body. The ESR is useful for determining the level of tissue destruction, inflammation, and is an indication that a disease process is ongoing and must be investigated.

C-Reactive Protein is a blood marker that can help indicate the level of inflammation in the body.

Serum calcium levels, which are tightly regulated within a narrow range, are principally regulated by parathyroid hormone (PTH) and vitamin D. A low calcium level indicates that calcium regulation is out of balance and not necessarily that the body is deficient of calcium and needs supplementation. Check vitamin D levels, rule out hypochlorhydria, the need for magnesium, phosphorous, vitamin A, B and C, unsaturated fatty acids, and iodine as some of the reasons for a calcium “need” before supplementing with calcium.

Phosphorous levels, like calcium, are regulated by parathyroid hormone (PTH). Phosphate levels are closely tied with calcium, but they are not as strictly controlled as calcium. Plasma levels may be decreased after a high carbohydrate meal or in people with a diet high in refined carbohydrates. Serum phosphorous is a general marker for digestion. Decreased phosphorous levels are associated with hypochlorhydria. Serum levels of phosphorous may be increased with a high phosphate consumption in the diet, and with parathyroid hypofunction and renal insufficiency.

Magnesium is important for many different enzymatic reactions, including carbohydrate metabolism, protein synthesis, nucleic acid synthesis, and muscular contraction. Magnesium is also needed for energy production and is used by the body in the blood clotting mechanism. An increased serum magnesium is associated with kidney dysfunction and thyroid hypofunction. A decreased magnesium is a common finding with muscle cramps.

Hemoglobin is the oxygen-carrying molecule in red blood cells. Low levels of hemoglobin are associated with anemia. Measuring hemoglobin is useful to determine the cause and type of anemia and for evaluating the efficacy of anemia treatment. Hemoglobin levels may be increased in cases of dehydration.

The hematocrit (HCT) measures the percentage of the volume of red blood cells in a known volume of centrifuged blood. It is an integral part of the Complete Blood Count (CBC) or Hematology panel. Elevated levels of hematocrit are associated with dehydration. Low levels of hematocrit are associated with anemia. The hematocrit should be evaluated with the other elements on a CBC/Hematology panel to determine the cause and type of anemia.

The MCV is a measurement of the volume in cubic microns of an average single red blood cell. MCV indicates whether the red blood cell size appears normal (normocytic), small (microcytic), or large (macrocytic). An increase or decrease in MCV can help determine the type of anemia present. An increased MCV is associated with B12, folate, or vitamin C deficiency. A decreased MCV is associated with iron and B6 deficiency.

The Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin (MCH) is a calculated value and is an expression of the average weight of hemoglobin per red blood cell. MCH, along with MCV can be helpful in determining the type of anemia present.

The Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin Concentration (MCHC) measures the average concentration of hemoglobin in the red blood cells. It is a calculated value. It is elevated with B12/folate deficiency and hypochlorhydria. Decreased levels are associated with a vitamin C need, vitamin B6 and iron deficiencies, and a heavy metal body burden.

Platelets or thrombocytes are the smallest of the formed elements in the blood. Platelets are necessary for blood clotting, vascular integrity, and vasoconstriction. They form a platelet plug, which plugs up breaks in small vessels. Increased platelets may be seen with atherosclerosis. Decreased levels are associated with oxidative stress, heavy metal body burden and infections.

The Red Cell Distribution Width (RDW) is essentially an indication of the degree of abnormal variation in the size of red blood cells (called anisocytosis). Although the RDW will increase with vitamin BI2 deficiency, folic acid, and iron anemia, it is increased most frequently with vitamin B12 deficiency anemia.

MPV or Mean Platelet Volume is a calculated measurement of the relative size of platelets in the blood. The average size of platelets increases when the body is producing more platelets and as such, the MPV can help in making assessments of platelet production in the bone marrow or platelet destruction. Elevated levels of MPV are seen with platelet destruction.

Neutrophils are the white blood cells used by the body to combat bacterial infections and are the most numerous and important white cell in the body’s reaction to inflammation. Neutrophils – % tells us the % distribution of neutrophils in the total white blood cell count. Levels will be raised in bacterial infections. Decreased levels are often seen in chronic viral infections.

Bands are young non-segmented neutrophils or metamylocytes. Bands are not usually seen in large numbers in the peripheral blood but will increase in acute infections. 

Lymphocytes are a type of white blood cell. An increase in Lymphocytes – is usually a sign of a viral infection but can also be a sign of increased toxicity in the body or inflammation. Decreased levels are often seen in a chronic viral infection when the body can use up a large number of lymphocytes and oxidative stress. A decreased Lymphocytes may also indicate the presence of a fatigued immune response, especially with a low Total WBC count. 

Monocytes are white blood cells that are the body’s second line of defense against infection. They are phagocytic cells that are capable of movement and remove dead cells, microorganisms, and particulate matter from circulating blood. Levels tend to rise at the recovery phase of an infection or with chronic infection. 

Eosinophils are a type of White Blood Cell, which are often increased in people that are suffering from intestinal parasites or food or environmental sensitivities/allergies.

Basophils are one of the circulating white blood cells. They constitute a small percentage of the total white blood cell count. Basophils play an important role in the inflammatory process by releasing important substances, such as heparin, to prevent clotting in the inflamed tissue.Basophils will often be increased with tissue inflammation and is often seen with cases of intestinal parasites.

Neutrophils are the white blood cells used by the body to combat bacterial infections and are the most numerous and important white cell in the body’s reaction to inflammation. Neutrophils – Absolute is an actual count of the number of neutrophils in a known volume of blood. Levels will be raised in bacterial infections. Decreased levels are often seen in chronic viral infections.

Lymphocytes are a type of white blood cell. An increase in Lymphocytes – Absolute count is usually a sign of a viral infection but can also be a sign of increased toxicity in the body or inflammation. Decreased levels are often seen in a chronic viral infection when the body can use up a large number of lymphocytes and oxidative stress. A decreased Lymphocytes – Absolute count may also indicate the presence of a fatigued immune response, especially with a low Total WBC count. 

Monocytes are white blood cells that are the body’s second line of defense against infection. They are phagocytic cells that are capable of movement and remove dead cells, microorganisms, and particulate matter from circulating blood. Levels tend to rise at the recovery phase of an infection or with chronic infection. 

Eosinophils are a type of White Blood Cell, which are often increased in clients that are suffering from intestinal parasites or food or environmental sensitivities/allergies.

Basophils are one of the circulating white blood cells. They constitute a small percentage of the total white blood cell count. Basophils play an important role in the inflammatory process by releasing important substances, such as heparin, to prevent clotting in the inflamed tissue. Basophils will often be increased with tissue inflammation and is often seen with cases of intestinal parasites.