Laboratory – Explanation of terms
HEMOGRAM The hemogram measures the number of red blood cells (erythrocytes) and erythrocyte indices (MCV, MCH, MCHC, RDW), hemoglobin concentration, hematocrit, platelet count, and white blood cell count (leukocytes).
DKS The differential blood count (CBC) measures the proportion of each leukocyte type (neutrophils, eosinophils, basophils, granulocytes, lymphocytes, and monocytes). The CBC assesses overall health and can be used to diagnose and monitor a variety of diseases or ailments affecting blood cells, including anemia, infection, inflammation, bleeding, and cancer.
Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (SR) measures the rate at which red blood cells settle.
Blood glucose is one of the most important indications of diabetes. High glucose levels, often known as hyperglycemia, may suggest diabetes. A low glucose concentration, often known as hypoglycemia, indicates pancreatic hyperplasia or tumor, however, it can also be caused by kidney and heart illness, poor pituitary and adrenal function, and widespread liver disease.
Vitamin D is absorbed through diet, but it is also created by the sun itself. It serves numerous critical roles, as every cell in our bodies has receptors that allow vitamin D to act on them. Although the body can create adequate levels of vitamin D with enough sun exposure, shortages occur frequently, hastening the development of many diseases. In adults, vitamin D is vital for keeping strong and healthy bones (it aids in calcium absorption from the intestines), and appropriate levels of vitamin D are also important for improving immunity and lowering the risk of acquiring chronic diseases, high blood pressure, and tumors.
HEALTH OF THE LIVER
TOTAL BILIRUBIN is primarily produced by the breakdown of hemoglobin in red blood cells, which is subsequently transformed in the liver and excreted in the bile. Elevated bilirubin levels indicate abnormal liver function.
TOTAL PROTEIN indicates the quality of liver and kidney function, and the level of nutrition or malnutrition.
AST and ALT are liver enzymes. Elevated levels of liver enzymes indicate liver injury or development as a result of increased physical activity (in athletes) and medicines.
GGT is an enzyme found in every cell. GGT levels are elevated in cases of liver disease and injury (hepatitis, fatty liver infiltration, or malignancy).
LIPIDOGRAM
CHOLESTEROL is an essential component of all cells and is required for the production of most hormones, including testosterone and estrogen.
HDL CHOLESTEROL transports excess cholesterol to the liver therefore it is known as ‘good’ cholesterol since it helps to clean the blood arteries and reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease.
LDL CHOLESTEROL, often known as ‘bad’ cholesterol, raises the likelihood of plaque buildup in blood vessel walls, which leads to blockages and increases the risk of vascular disease, heart attack, and stroke.
Triglycerides are blood lipids. Excess fat in the circulation can cause blood vessel blockages and disorders, such as heart disease and stroke.
IRON
IRON – Red blood cells include hemoglobin, which contains iron. It is essential for transporting oxygen throughout the body. Iron deficiency reduces hemoglobin formation, red blood cell production, and the blood’s ability to carry oxygen. Iron deficiency causes anemia and makes it difficult for people to endure effort; they tire more rapidly, get pale, and are frequently disoriented.
UIBC and TIBC are measurements of the body’s total iron-binding capacity and iron transfer capacity, and they are crucial indications in diagnosing anemia.
FERRITIN is a protein that stores iron for later red blood cell formation. When stored iron levels are low, the concentration of ferritin decreases.
HEALTH OF THE KIDNEYS
UREA is the primary metabolic product of nitrogenous chemicals in human bodies. Acute and chronic renal disease are associated with elevated blood urea levels. Low urea levels could suggest serious liver illness, celiac disease, or nephrotic syndrome.
CREATINE is a creatine breakdown product that leaves the body in the form of urine. Increased creatinine levels are observed as renal function decreases.
URATI, or uric acid, is produced by the metabolic breakdown of purine in the bloodstream. It can be used to diagnose kidney disease. Increased uric acid levels are typically found in patients with puerperal illness and kidney disease.
PANCREATIC HEALTH
ALPHA AMYLASE and LIPASE are enzymes used to assess pancreatic function.
ELECTROLYTES AND MINERALS
SODIUM controls the body’s hydration. Its primary job is to transport water into the cells and is required to maintain muscle and nerve function.
POTASSIUM is found in the body’s cells. It transfers nerve inputs and is hence essential for the proper functioning of the heart, kidneys, and neuromuscular system.
CHLORINE helps the body maintain proper fluid levels.
MAGNESIUM is crucial for keeping the health of muscles, nerves, bones, and teeth, increasing immune resistance, regulating blood pressure and blood sugar, and maintaining a healthy stress level.
CALCIUM protects the heart, nerves, and muscles, is required for good blood clotting, and bone and dental health, and prevents osteoporosis.
PHOSPHATE and calcium work together to strengthen bones. They also play a crucial role in energy generation, tissue growth and repair, and muscular and nervous system function.
THYROID FUNCTION
TSH is a pituitary gland hormone that regulates thyroid hormone release, specifically triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4).
T4 promotes metabolism, nerve growth, and development, and boosts protein and glycogen breakdown.
T3 is an active hormone that has an impact on practically every bodily process, including temperature regulation, growth, and heart rate.
Anti-TPO and anti-TG antibodies serve as diagnostic indicators for autoimmune thyroid disorders.
The pituitary gland secretes PROLACTIN, a hormone that is vital in the sexual and reproductive function of both men and women. The most prevalent causes of high blood prolactin levels are benign pituitary tumors and thyroid disorders.
HORMONES
The pituitary gland secretes FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone), which influences the growth and maturation of follicles (eggs) in the ovaries. Elevated FSH levels can suggest decreased ovarian function and are an indication of menopause.
LH (luteinizing hormone) is typically tested along with FSH. It affects ovarian function, and its blood level varies according to the menstrual cycle. If it is increased but FSH is within normal limits, it is most likely due to polycystic ovary syndrome. At the same time, high LH and FSH levels suggest that the ovaries are being drained too quickly.
ESTROGEN is predominantly a female sex hormone that has a greater effect on the female body than on the male body, but males require a certain level of estrogen to stay healthy. Aging and high levels of physical, mental, emotional, and physiological stress cause testosterone levels to fall in males, while estrogen levels rise and the body changes. Estrogen is a catabolic hormone that causes muscle breakdown, fat accumulation, and gynaecomastia (‘man breasts’).
PROGESTERONE is a hormone that regulates a variety of processes, including the menstrual cycle. Its importance extends beyond menopause. Progesterone is essential for the central nervous system and has a calming impact, which may explain the mood swings, irritability, and depressive states that accompany the early signs of progesterone shortage. It also helps regulate blood sugar, urinary tract health, and bone density.
Higher progesterone levels can sometimes cause raised cortisol levels and related symptoms (weight gain and abdominal fat accumulation).
TESTOSTERONE (total) is a male sex hormone that is also generated in small levels in the female body. It plays a significant role in muscle creation and maintenance of muscle strength, bone formation, and body fat reduction. Reduced testosterone levels are connected with ovarian issues such as acne, hairiness, oily skin, and hair loss.
DHEA-s (Dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate) is also known as the “mother of hormones” since it is required for the production of all steroid hormones. The adrenal glands manufacture it, as do the testes and bone marrow to a lesser level.
Because DHEA is a steroid hormone precursor, it has an effect on all of our organs and tissues. It boosts immune system activity, stimulates neurological functions, stimulates metabolism, increases the body’s resistance to stress by restoring cortisol balance, strengthens the musculoskeletal system, and protects against osteoporosis, depression, and heart disease.
CORTISOL is a hormone produced by the adrenal gland that helps regulate fat and glucose metabolism. Cortisol promotes fat accumulation in specific areas of the body, forming ‘ stores’ for when the body needs more energy in an emergency. Secretion increases when the body is under physical or emotional stress. When cortisol levels are chronically increased, as is frequent today, our bodies are continuously signaled to store fat tissue (usually around the abdomen) as a source of conveniently accessible energy. This is one of the reasons why obesity occurs even with enough physical exercise and a healthy diet.
Adrenal exhaustion is distinguished by reduced cortisol levels and a reversal in the timing of cortisol secretion: higher cortisol levels at night and too low cortisol levels in the morning.
PROSTATE HEALTH
PSA is a protein produced by the cells of the prostate gland. A high PSA level indicates an enlarged prostate. The increase could be the result of benign inflammation (adenoma) or a prostate tumor.
INFECTION
CRP, or C-reactive protein, signifies systemic inflammation in the body. The inflammatory process is one of the primary causes of metabolic abnormalities, such as diabetes. Chronically high CRP levels are a crucial early warning sign for many illnesses.
OCCULT BLOOD
This test detects bleeding that is invisible to the human eye. This aids in detecting the causes of iron shortage and alterations that are precursors to colon cancer.
HEART HEALTH
hsCRP is a protein in blood plasma that is the primary reactant during the acute phase of inflammation. Its high serum levels are indicative of inflammation.
Nt-Pro-BNP is a peptide (protein) utilized as an early indicator of cardiac disease.
Homocysteine is an amino acid that, at high levels, increases the risk of atherosclerosis and heart attacks.