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A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z A/G Ratio ( Albumin/Globulin Ratio) - These two components make up most of the protein within the body and are measured in the total protein of the blood and other body fluids. A total protein test measures the total protein, as well as its albumin and globulin components in the blood.
The Total Protein test measures the amounts and types of protein in the blood. Proteins are constituents of muscle, enzymes, hormones, transport proteins, hemoglobin, and other functional and structural elements of the body.
Albumin - Albumin is the main protein in human blood and the key to the regulation of the movement of water between the bloodstream and tissues called osmotic pressure. This test helps in determining if a patient may have liver disease or kidney disease, or if not enough protein is being absorbed by the body. Albumin is the protein of the highest concentration in the blood.
Alkaline Phosphatase - An enzyme made in the liver, bone, and the placenta and normally present in high concentrations in growing bone, healing fractures and live and bone cancers. Alkaline phosphatase is released into the blood during injury and during such normal activities as bone growth and pregnancy. It is usually measured as a routine blood test and is included in comprehensive metabolic panels, but can also be used to measure tumor growth. High levels of alkaline phosphatase also occur in chronic alcohol ingestion and many other disease conditions including bone and liver disease or certain malignancies.
ALT (SGPT) - Alanine Aminotransferase: Also known as Serum Glutamic Pyruvate Transaminase (SGPT), ALT is a commonly ordered test included in Comprehensive Metabolic Panels and is used more specifically for liver injury and hepatitis. Elevations occur in a variety to disease conditions. This test is usually ordered with AST (SGOT).
Amylase - Usually ordered for abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting when the doctor is trying to diagnose acute pancreatitis or gastrointestinal perforation. High levels can also occur in alcoholism.
AST (SGOT) - Aspartate aminotransferase (AST): Also known as Serum Glutamic Oxaloacetic Transaminase (SGOT), AST 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 viral hepatitis) or with an insult to the heart (for example, from a heart attack). Some medications can also raise AST levels. This test is usually ordered with ALT (SGPT).
Baso (Basophil)- A type of white blood cell that contains and can release histamine and serotonin. They release histamine and other chemicals that act on the blood vessels when the immune response is triggered.
Baso (Absolute) - The Absolute Count is the actual number for each of the 5 white blood cell types in your blood. This is based on the percentage of White Blood cells in the body. For example, if your total WBC (White Blood Count) is 5.6, this would mean there was a total of 5,600 white blood cells in your body for every 1,000 millimeters of blood collected.
If your Neutrophils total 51%, then 51% of your 5,600 white blood cells are made up of Neutrophils. To find the "absolute" or exact number of Neutrophils in the 5,600 white blood cells you multiply 5,6000 X 51% which gives you 2.86 or 2,856 "absolute" or actual Neutrophils. This can be done to get the "absolute" number for your Lymphocytes, Monocytes, Eosinophils, and Basophils.
Bilirubin, Total - Bilirubin is a product that results from the breakdown of hemoglobin. Total and direct bilirubin are usually measured to screen for or to monitor liver or gallbladder problems. This test is useful in determining if a patient has liver disease or a blocked bile duct.
Bilirubin can also be broken down into several components (Total, Direct and Indirect Bilirubin) which the doctor uses to more accurately determine the problem. The total Bilirubin is usually part of the Comprehensive Metabolic Panel.
B-Type Natriuretic Peptide (BNP)- A test that is used to identify patients with symptoms consistent with congestive heart failure.
BUN - A Blood Urea Nitrogen or Urea Nitrogen test measures the amount of nitrogen in your blood that comes from the waste product urea. Urea is made in the liver and passed out of your body in the urine. A BUN test is done to see how well your kidneys are working. If your kidneys are not able to remove urea from the blood normally, your BUN level rises. The BUN test is primarily used, along with the creatinine test, to evaluate kidney function under a wide range of circumstances and to monitor patients with acute or chronic kidney dysfunction or failure.
It also may be used to evaluate a person’s general health status when ordered as part of a Basic Metabolic Panel (BMP) or Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP).
BUN/Creatinine Ratio - Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine tests can be used together to find the BUN-to-creatinine ratio (BUN:creatinine). A BUN-to-creatinine ratio can help your doctor check for problems, such as dehydration, that may cause abnormal BUN and creatinine levels.
Calcium - Calcium is a mineral and is necessary for many important bodily functions, including bone formation, muscle contraction and blood clotting. Calcium is also involved in maintaining the stability of nerve cells. Abnormal levels of blood calcium may be associated with bone disease and a variety of other conditions. Calcium is run routinely in a Comprehensive Metabolic Panel.
Carbon Dioxide (C02) - Carbon dioxide is a gaseous waste product made from metabolism. The blood carries carbon dioxide to your lungs, where it is exhaled. More than 90% of carbon dioxide in your blood exists in the form of bicarbonate. Your kidneys and lungs balance the levels of carbon dioxide, bicarbonate, and carbonic acid in the blood.
The Carbon Dioxide test is included in the Basic Metabolic Panel and Comprehensive Metabolic Panel and is used with other tests to evaluate many kinds of issues. It is often abnormal if you are having breathing problems.
C-Reactive Protein - C-reactive protein (CRP) is a test which measures general inflammation and infections in the entire body. An increased CRP indicates that inflammation is occurring somewhere in the body. A badly stubbed toe could be the cause of an increased CRP! This test should not be used for Cardiac inflammation (see below for Cardiac CRP).
Cardiac C-Reactive Protein - Cardiac C-reactive protein sometimes referred to as hs-CRP (high sensitivity CRP) is used to determine if the cause is due to inflammation specifically of the heart area. A regular CRP (see above) must be distinguished from more localized inflammation in the heart. This high sensitivity test, along with other tests is used to access the risk of cardiovascular disease. Your doctor should only order the hs-CRP or the Cardiac CRP if they are concerned about cardiac issues related to your health.
CBC (Complete Blood Count) - A CBC measures the components in your blood related to the number of red blood cells (RBC), white blood cells (WBC) and platelets. A CBC is a screening test used to diagnose and manage numerous diseases. The CBC usually includes 19 "counts" or specific "parts" of the blood that is "counted" or measured. Hemoglobin and Hematocrit are part of a CBC.
A CBC can be ordered with or without a “differential” which measures the percentage of each “different” type of white blood cell (WBC) you have in your blood. It also reports if there are any abnormal or immature cells or abnormal red cells .
Usually included in a CBC (but not always ordered by your doctor), is a platelet count which measures the number of “clotting” cells you have in your blood. Platelets help the blood clot and the result is used to evaluate, diagnose or follow up on bleeding disorders. Platelets are very “sticky” and sometimes clump when the test is run, resulting in an abnormally low level that should be re-checked.
Chloride, Serum - Chloride is another electrolyte and is involved in maintaining the normal amount of water and the acid-base balance in body fluids. In general, the serum level of chloride is closely associated with the level of sodium. Abnormal levels may be associated with diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, kidney and adrenal gland.
Cholesterol, Total - The "Lipid Panel" is a group of tests used to determine risk of coronary heart disease. "Chol/HDL Ratio"; refers to your total cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol (often called good cholesterol), LDL-cholesterol (often called bad cholesterol), and triglycerides.
Comprehensive Metabolic Panel - The Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP) is a group of 13 or 14 specific tests (based on which laboratory is performing the testing). The CMP is a frequently ordered panel that gives your doctor important information about the current status of your kidneys, liver, and electrolyte and acid/base balance as well as of your blood sugar and blood proteins.
Creatinine, Serum - Creatinine and creatinine tests measure the level of the waste product creatinine in your blood and urine. These tests tell how well your kidneys are working. The substance creatine is formed when food is changed into energy through a process called metabolism. Creatine produces Creatinine, a molecule of major importance for energy production in muscles.
Approximately 2% of the body's creatine is converted to creatinine every day. Creatinine is transported through the bloodstream to the kidneys. The kidneys filter out most of the creatinine and dispose of it in the urine. Although it is a waste, creatinine serves a vital diagnostic function. Creatinine has been found to be a fairly reliable indicator of kidney function.
As the kidneys become impaired the creatinine will rise. Abnormally high levels of creatinine thus warn of possible malfunction or failure of the kidneys, sometimes even before a patient reports any symptoms. It is for this reason that standard blood and urine tests routinely check the amount of creatinine in the blood.
Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate (DHEA) - DHEA is made in the human body and secreted by the adrenal gland. DHEA serves as precursor to male and female sex hormones (androgens and estrogens). DHEA levels in the body begin to decrease after age 30, and are reported to be low in some people with anorexia, end-stage kidney disease, type 2 diabetes (non-insulin dependent diabetes), AIDS, adrenal insufficiency, and in the critically ill. DHEA levels may also be depleted by a number of drugs, including insulin, corticosteroids, opiates, and danazol.
Eos - A type of white blood cell. Eosinophils often rise above the normal range due to allergic reactions and/or parasitic infections.
Eos (Absolute) - The Absolute Count is the actual number for each of the 5 white blood cells in your test. This is based on the percentage of White Blood cells in the body. For example, let’s say your total WBC is 5.4; this would mean there was a total of 5, 400 white blood cells in your body for every 1,000 millimeters of blood collected.
Now let’s say that your Neutrophils are 53%. This means that 53% of your 5,400 white blood cells are made up of Neutrophils. So, to get the "absolute" or exact number of Neutrophils within the 5, 400 white blood cells you multiply 5, 4000 X 53% which gives you 2.9 or 2,900 "absolute" or actual Neutrophils. This can be done to get the "Absolute" number for your Lymphs, Monocytes, Eos, and Basos.
Estradiol Female Panel - Estradiol levels are used to help evaluate ovarian function. Estradiol is also sometimes used to monitor menopausal hormone replacement therapy. Its main use has been in the differential diagnosis of amenorrhea (for example, to determine whether the cause is menopause, pregnancy, or a medical problem).
Flag - A "Flag" tells you that your number for a specific test falls outside the "Normal" range of the "Reference Interval." It is recommended that you consult with your physician.
Free Testosterone (Direct) - Free testosterone is the testosterone that is not bound to proteins in your body and is bioavailable or "circulating free" in the blood. About 40 percent of the total testosterone is strongly bound to a protein called sex hormone binding globulin, known as SHBG; about 58 percent is weakly bound to another protein called albumin and the amount of free testosterone, about two percent circulates, freely in the blood.
Blood levels of SHBG increase with age, so older men may have a higher percentage of bound testosterone and a lower percentage of free testosterone. Bioavailable testosterone includes the non-SHBG bound testosterone or the sum of the testosterone, which is bound to albumin and free (unbound) testosterone.
Globulin, Total - Globulin is a laboratory test that looks at proteins in the blood. Proteins are made from amino acids and are important parts of all cells and tissues. There are many different kinds of proteins in the body with many different functions. Examples of proteins are enzymes, some hormones, hemoglobin (oxygen transport), LDL (cholesterol transport), fibrinogen (blood clotting), collagen (structure of bone and cartilage), and immunoglobulins (antibodies).
Glucose, Serum - Glucose is the primary energy source for the body. This test measures the sugar level in your blood. High values are associated most often with diabetes mellitus and sometimes with other metabolic disease.
HDL Cholesterol - Like LDL, HDL carries cholesterol, as HDL-C. HDL-C is considered "good" because it helps return cholesterol to the liver, where it can be eliminated from the body. As a rule, you want your HDL-C high.
Hematocrit - The hematocrit is the volume of red blood cells (RBC) expressed as a percentage of the volume of whole blood in a sample. The hematocrit usually correlates to the number of red blood cells that are present. A low hematocrit (e.g., 20%) leaves the tissues relatively oxygen-starved and weak. A high hematocrit (e.g., 70%) produces problems as well, but is uncommon.
Hemoglobin - Hemoglobin is a protein in the red blood cell (RBC). The main function is to transport oxygen from the lungs to other areas of the body where oxygen levels are low. Together with a hematocrit, the test is usually referred to as an H&H.
High - Your result for this test is higher than usually represented in 95% of the population. It DOES NOT necessarily imply you are at risk or have a health problem.
IGF-BP3 - IGFBP3 belongs to the IGFBP family. IGFBP3 functions as the major carrying protein for IGF1 and IGF2 in the circulation, modulates IGF activity, and inhibits cell growth. IGFBP3 binds IGF-II more than IGF-I. Endothelial IGFBP3 forms a ternary complex with IGF-I or IGF-II and an 85 kD glycoprotein (ALS).
IGFBP3 levels increase in the presence of IGF-I, insulin and other growth-stimulating factors such as growth hormone, epidermal growth factor, and phorbol esters. IGFBP3 may control angiogenesis and cell responses in the corpus luteum by autocrine/paracrine mechanisms. IGFBP3 also possesses growth-inhibitory and potentiating effects that are independent of IGF and are mediated through specific receptors. As a specific IGFBP3-binding protein, transferrin blocks IGFBP3-induced cell proliferation and IGFBP3-induced apoptosis. (from OMIM 146732, SWISS-PROT P17936, and NCI)
Insulin-Like Growth Factor I - Insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) is mainly secreted by the liver as a result of stimulation by growth hormone (GH). Growth factors are proteins that bind to receptors on the cell surface, with the primary result of activating cellular proliferation and/or differentiation.
Many growth factors are quite versatile, stimulating cellular division in numerous different cell types; while others are specific to a particular cell-type. IGF-1 is important for both the regulation of normal physiology, as well as a number of pathological states, including cancer. The IGF axis has been shown to play roles in the promotion of cell proliferation and the inhibition of cell death (apoptosis).
Insulin-like growth factors are proteins that are bound to carrier proteins in the blood. The name insulin-like growth factor was given to these molecules due to their structural similarities to insulin. They are currently the subject of much research due to their influence on various metabolic processes in the body. Insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) is a polypeptide that increases cell proliferation and sugar uptake by cells.
LDL Cholesterol Calc - LDL is really a vessel that carries cholesterol throughout the bloodstream called LDL-C. LDL-C is also called “bad” cholesterol because it's the type that is primarily responsible for health issues. When there is too much LDL cholesterol circulating in the blood, it can lead to potentially serious conditions. In general, you want to keep your LDL-C low. LDL-C is a calculated value based on you cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Sometimes, the triglyceride level is so high that the LDL-C level is not able to be caculated. Newer tests which read LDL particles (LDL-P) are available and can tell your physician if you are progressing in your treatment. Lipid Panel and Chol/HDL Ratio - The "Lipid Panel" is a group of tests used to determine risk of coronary heart disease. "Chol/HDL Ratio" refers to your total cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol (often called good cholesterol), LDL-cholesterol (often called bad cholesterol), and triglycerides.
Low - This is a word that is written on your report that indicats that y our result for this test is lower than values usually represented in 95% of the population. It DOES NOT necessarily imply you are at risk or have a health problem. It just means that your value for that particular test is "low".
Lymphs - There are different kinds of white blood cells: Lymphocytes and Neutrophils are the major types. Neutrophils are the first to arrive on the scene when there is acute infection from bacteria. Lymphocytes accumulate when there is chronic injury or irritation. White blood cells help fight infections. White blood cells, especially lymphocytes, are the cells that attack bacteria in the blood.
The lymph system is a major component of the body's immune system. They also filter the lymph fluid and remove foreign material, such as bacteria and cancer cells. When bacteria are recognized in the lymph fluid, the lymph nodes produce more infection-fighting white blood cells, which causes the nodes to swell. The lymphatic system includes the tonsils, adenoids, spleen, and thymus.
Lymphs (Absolute) - The Absolute Count is the actual number for each of the 5 white blood cells in your test. This is based on the percentage of White Blood cells in the body. For example, let’s say your total WBC is 5.4; this would mean there was a total of 5,400 white blood cells in your body for every 1,000 millimeters of blood collected.
Now let’s say that your Lymphs are 53%. This means that 53% of your 5,400 white blood cells are made up of Neutrophils. So, to get the "absolute" or exact number of Neutrophils within the 5, 400 white blood cells you multiply 5, 4000 X 53% which gives you 2.9 or 2,900 "absolute" or actual Lymphocytes. This can be done to get the "Absolute" number for your Neutrophils, Monocytes, Eosinophils, and Basophils as well.
MCH - The mean corpuscular hemoglobin, or "mean cell hemoglobin" (MCH), is a measure of the mass of hemoglobin contained by a red blood cell. It is reported as part of a standard complete blood count. It is diminished in microcytic anemia's, and increased in macrocytic anemia's.
MCHC - The mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration, or MCHC, is reported as part of a standard complete blood count. It is used to assess the possibility of different kinds of anemia's.
MCV - The mean corpuscular volume, or MCV, is a measure of the average red blood cell volume (i.e. size) that is reported as part of a standard complete blood count. In patients with anemia, it is the MCV measurement that allows classification as either a microcytic anemia (MCV below normal range) or macrocytic anemia (MCV above normal range).
Monocytes - A white blood cell that has a single nucleus and can take in foreign material. Monocytes play an important role in killing some bacteria, protozoa, and tumor cells, release substances that stimulate other cells of the immune system.
Monocytes (Absolute) - The Absolute Count is the actual number for each of the 5 white blood cells in your test. This is based on the percentage of White Blood cells in the body. For example, let’s say your total WBC is 5.4; this would mean there was a total of 5,400 white blood cells in your body for every 1,000 millimeters of blood collected.
Now let’s say that your Monocytes are 53%. This means that 53% of your 5,400 white blood cells are made up of Neutrophils. So, to get the "absolute" or exact number of Neutrophils within the 5,400 white blood cells you multiply 5,4000 X 53% which gives you 2.9 or 2, 900 "absolute" or actual Monocytes. This can be done to get the "Absolute" number for your Lymphs, Neutrophils, Eossinophils, and Basophils.
Neutrophils - Neutrophils are a type of white blood cell that is responsible for much of the body's protection against infection. Neutrophils are produced in the bone marrow and released into the bloodstream to travel to wherever they are needed. Large numbers of immature forms of neutrophils, called neutrophilic band cells, are produced by the bone marrow when the demand is high.
Neutrophils (Absolute) - The Absolute Count is the actual number for each of the 5 white blood cells in your test. This is based on the percentage of White Blood cells in the body. For example, let’s say your total WBC is 5.4; this would mean there was a total of 5, 400 white blood cells in your body for every 1,000 millimeters of blood collected.
Now let’s say that your Neutrophils are 53%. This means that 53% of your 5,400 white blood cells are made up of Neutrophils. So, to get the "absolute" or exact number of Neutrophils within the 5, 400 white blood cells you multiply 5, 4000 X 53% which gives you 2.9 or 2, 900 "absolute" or actual Neutrophils. This can be done to get the "Absolute" number for your Lymphs, Monocytes, Eos, and Basos.
Platelets - Platelets refer to the measurement of how many blood cells you have in your blood. Platelets help the blood clot.
Potassium, Serum - Potassium is another blood electrolyte and is involved with the functioning of nervous tissue and in heart and muscle contraction. Abnormal levels may indicate diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, kidney and adrenal gland.
Progesterone - Progesterone levels vary throughout the menstrual cycle and can be used to help recognize and manage some causes of infertility. Progesterone can be measured to determine whether or not a woman has ovulated, to determine when ovulation occurred, and to monitor the success of induced ovulation.
Prostate-Specific Ag, Serum - Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) is a protein produced by the cells of the prostate gland. The PSA test measures the level of PSA in the blood. It is normal for men to have low levels in their blood; however, prostate cancer or benign (not cancerous) conditions can increase PSA levels.
PSA levels alone do not give doctors enough information to distinguish between benign prostate conditions and cancer. However, the doctor will take the result of the PSA test into account when deciding whether to check further for signs of prostate cancer.
Protein, Total, Serum - Protein tests measure the amounts and types of protein in the blood. Proteins are constituents of muscle, enzymes, hormones, transport proteins, hemoglobin, and other functional and structural elements of the body.
Albumin and globulin make up most of the protein within the body and are measured in the total protein of the blood and other body fluids. Thus, the serum (blood) protein components test measures the total protein, as well as its albumin and globulin components in the blood.
A standard reference range is not available for this test. Because reference values are dependent on many factors, including patient age, gender, sample population, and test method, numeric test results have different meanings in different labs. Your lab report should includes the specific reference range for your test. It is strongly recommended that you discuss your test results with your doctor.
RBC - An RBC count is a blood test that tells how many red blood cells (RBCs) you have. RBCs contain hemoglobin, which carries oxygen. How much oxygen your body tissues receive depends on how many RBCs you have and how well they work. RDW - The red blood cell distribution width, or RDW, is a measure of the variation of red blood cell width that is reported as part of a standard complete blood count. Usually red blood cells are a standard size of about 6-8μm. Certain disorders, however, cause a significant variation in cell size.Higher RDW values indicate greater variation in size. Normal range in human red blood cells is 11 - 15%.
If anemia is observed, RDW test results are often used together with MCV results to figure out what the cause of the anemia might be. It is mainly used to differentiate between iron deficiency anemia, in which RDW is elevated, and other microcytic anemias. It may denote hereditary spherocytosis. An elevated RDW, i.e. red blood cells of unequal sizes, is known as anisocytosis.
Reference Interval - Reference Interval refers to the "normal range" (for example 4.0 - 10.5) of what 95% of the population would receive on any given test . If the number is outside of the Reference Interval, your result could be considered either "High" or "Low".
A test number that is above or below any Reference Interval would be considered outside the "Normal" range. This does not necessarily imply you are at risk or have a health problem.
Result - The "Result" column is "YOUR" personal number for a specific test. If your number falls within the "Reference Interval" or "Reference Range" it would be considered "Normal."
SGOT (AST) - S erum G lutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (SGOT), also known as Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST). SGOT (AST) is an enzyme that is normally present in liver and heart cells. SGOT is released into blood when the liver or heart is damaged. The blood SGOT levels are elevated with liver damage (for example, from viral hepatitis) or with an event to the heart (for example, from a heart attack). Some medications can also raise SGOT levels.
SGPT
Sodium, Serum - Sodium is an electrolyte and plays an important role in maintaining the normal amount of water and the acid-base balance in body fluids. Within the cells, sodium is involved in nerve stimulation. Serum sodium levels higher or lower than normal may be caused by various conditions, including diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, kidney and adrenal gland.
T. Chol/HDL Ratio - The ratio of total cholesterol to HDL cholesterol is the most useful measure of cardiovascular risk. Most health professionals consider a ratio of 4 (or under) to be very low risk. For example, a person with a total cholesterol of 200 and HDL of 50 is at lower risk for heart disease than someone with a total level of 180 and HDL of 30.
Testosterone, Free and Total - Testosterone circulates in the blood in three forms: (1) About 40 percent of testosterone is bound tightly to a protein called sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG), and is not available to body tissues for action. (2) About 58 percent is weakly bound to another protein called albumin and is available to many tissues for action. (3) About two percent circulates freely in the bloodstream.
Determination of low testosterone may require more than one blood test. A normal total testosterone reading may not necessarily indicate that a man has normal levels of free testosterone. For example, some men with increased levels of SHBG and low blood levels of free testosterone may have normal levels of total testosterone. Therefore, labs often measure the total testosterone levels and its components.
Testosterone, Serum - Testosterone: A "male hormone"-- a sex hormone produced by the testes that encourages the development of male sexual characteristics, stimulates the activity of the male secondary sex characteristics, and prevents changes in them following castration. Testosterone is the most potent of the naturally occurring androgens. The androgens cause the development of male sex characteristics, such as a deep voice and a beard; they also strengthen muscle tone and bone mass. High levels of testosterone appear to promote good health in men, for example, lowering the risks of high blood pressure and heart attack.
Testosterone In Women - Testosterone is important for maintaining lean muscle mass, assertiveness, and bone density. It is also important for warding off depression, increasing libido, and maintaining the health and sensitivity of the vaginal tissues. The difference is that women only need about a tenth of the circulating testosterone as do men. A woman's testosterone is highest around age 20 and slowly declines till it is half as high in her 40s.
Triglycerides - Triglycerides, like cholesterol, are another lipid carried by a lipoprotein. High triglycerides, like high cholesterol, can be dangerous to your health. People with high triglycerides often have high total cholesterol. As with LDL cholesterol, lower is better for triglycerides. People with high trigylcerides may have blood that is cloudy looking when drawn. The cloudiness is related the the number of "fat" particles that are circulating in the blood.
TSH - TSH is the abbreviation for Thyroid Stimulating Hormone. It is produced by the pituitary gland at the base of the brain. TSH promotes the growth of the thyroid gland and stimulates it to produce more thyroid hormones. If there is an excessive amount of thyroid hormones, the pituitary gland stops producing TSH, reducing thyroid hormone production. This process helps maintain a relatively constant level of thyroid hormones circulating in the blood.
VLDL Cholesterol Calc - Very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) cholesterol is one of the three major types of blood cholesterol combined with protein. VLDL cholesterol contains the highest amount of triglyceride. VLDL cholesterol is considered "bad" cholesterol because elevated levels may be associated with an increased risk of coronary artery disease.
WBC - A WBC count measures your number of white blood cells. White blood cells are the body's "defense system" against germs and foreign invaders. There are different kinds of white blood cells: Lymphocytes and Neutrophils are two of the major types. Neutrophils are the first to arrive on the scene when there is acute infection from bacteria. Lymphocytes accumulate when there is chronic injury or irritation. Pus in a wound site is actually an accumulation of white blood cells fighting the infection.
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