What is the purpose of this test?
The Athlete Biomarker Blood Test Panel, Female, is a type of blood test specifically designed to measure certain biomarkers in the bloodstream of female athletes. This test aims to enable female athletes and their coaches to better understand how their bodies react to training and competition and identify any potential health issues that may be impacting their performance. By measuring a range of different biomarkers, including hormones, enzymes, and other substances, this test can provide valuable insights into a female athlete's overall health and fitness, and help them to optimize their training and performance.
The Athlete Biomarker Blood Test Panel includes:
Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP-14) - A Comprehensive Metabolic Panel, or CMP, is a blood test that measures various substances in the blood, such as glucose, electrolytes, and proteins. It is usually done as part of a routine check-up or to monitor certain medical conditions. The results of a CMP can help doctors evaluate how well the liver, kidneys, and other organs are functioning, as well as detect any imbalances in the body's electrolyte and fluid levels.
- Glucose - Blood sugar level, the most direct test to screen for diabetes and also used in diabetes management.
- Kidney Profile
- Bun or Urea Nitrogen (BUN) - An indicator of kidney function.
- Creatinine, Serum - An indicator of kidney function.
- Bun/Creatinine Ratio - Calculated by dividing BUN by creatinine. This ratio can suggest conditions including dehydration or intestinal bleeding.
- Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR) - Measures kidney function to determine kidney disease stage and detect early kidney damage.
- Liver Panel
- Protein, Total - Assists in determining liver and kidney function and nutritional health.
- Albumin Serum - One of the major proteins essential for the healthy function of the liver and kidney.
- Globulin, Total - One of the major proteins that assist the blood to clot properly and also comprises infection-fighting antibodies.
- Albumin/Globulin Ratio - Calculated by dividing albumin by globulin. When paired with other test results, this ratio can assist in diagnosing various liver problems.
- Bilirubin, Total - Aids in detecting hepatitis, sickle cell, anemia, cirrhosis, alcohol, and drug abuse. High concentrations may result in jaundice.
- Alkaline Phosphatase - A protein vital in detecting bone disorders and liver disease.
- Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST or SGOT) - An enzyme helpful in evaluating liver function. An elevated level is an indication of hepatitis.
- Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT or SGPT) - An enzyme helpful in identifying liver damage. Abnormalities may represent liver disease.
- Fluids & Electrolytes
- Sodium - One of the major salts in body fluid. Sodium is important in water balance and the electrical activity of nerves and muscles.
- Potassium - Helps to control the nerves and muscles.
- Chloride - Similar to sodium, it helps to maintain the body's electrolyte balance.
- Carbon Dioxide, Total - Used to help detect, evaluate, and monitor electrolyte imbalances.
- Calcium - A mineral essential for developing and maintaining healthy bones and teeth. It is also important for the normal function of muscles, nerves, and blood clotting.
Gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) - The Gamma-Glutamyl Transpeptidase (GGT) Blood Test is a simple blood test that measures the levels of GGT in the blood. GGT is an enzyme that is found in the liver, and the test is used to check for any damage or disease in the liver. This test can be particularly beneficial for female athletes as intense training sessions can sometimes put extra strain on the liver. By getting regular GGT blood tests, female athletes can monitor their liver health and catch any potential issues early on, allowing them to adjust their training regimen or seek medical attention if necessary. This can help them to maintain optimal health and performance.
Lipid Panel - A Lipid Panel Blood Test is a medical test that measures the levels of various fats, or lipids, in your blood. The test typically includes measurements of total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, and triglycerides. These measurements can help doctors assess your risk for heart disease and other health conditions related to high cholesterol levels. The test is usually performed after a period of fasting, typically for 12-14 hours, to ensure accurate results. VLDL included in LabCorp Only
- Cholesterol, Total - A measurement used to assess heart health. Cholesterol is required by your body to build healthy cells, but high cholesterol levels can increase your risk of heart disease.
- Triglycerides - Surplus fats transported in the bloodstream and provide energy to the body.
- HDL Cholesterol - High-density lipoproteins, or "good" cholesterol, take cholesterol away from the cells and transport it back to the liver for removal or processing.
- LDL Cholesterol - Low-density lipoproteins (calculation), or "bad" cholesterol, contain the highest percentage of cholesterol and are responsible for depositing cholesterol on the artery walls.
- VLDL Cholesterol - contains the highest amount of triglycerides. VLDL is a type of "bad cholesterol" because it helps cholesterol build up on the walls of arteries.
Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone (TSH) - TSH stands for Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone. It is a hormone produced by the pituitary gland that controls the production of thyroid hormones in the body. When the levels of thyroid hormones in the body are low, the pituitary gland releases more TSH to stimulate the thyroid gland to produce more thyroid hormones. On the other hand, when the levels of thyroid hormones are high, the pituitary gland releases less TSH to slow down the production of thyroid hormones.
Testosterone Total Serum Test - A Testosterone Total Serum Test is a medical test that measures the levels of the hormone testosterone in the bloodstream. It is often used to diagnose hormonal imbalances, such as low testosterone levels in men or high testosterone levels in women. Female athletes may benefit from this test because it can help them determine if they have abnormally high levels of testosterone, which can provide an unfair advantage over other athletes. If the results show that the athlete has high levels of testosterone, they may be required to undergo further testing or treatment to ensure they are competing fairly.
C-Reactive Protein, High Sensitivity, Cardiac Risk Assessment (CRP-HS) - C-Reactive Protein, High Sensitivity is a blood test that measures the level of a protein in your blood that indicates the presence of inflammation in your body. This test is used to assess the risk of developing cardiovascular disease and to monitor the response to treatment of inflammatory conditions such as arthritis or infections. A high level of C-Reactive Protein, High Sensitivity may indicate a higher risk of cardiovascular disease, while a low level is considered normal.
Hemoglobin A1c - Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) is a blood test that measures the average amount of sugar (glucose) in your blood over the past 2 to 3 months. It is used to diagnose and monitor diabetes. The higher your HbA1c level, the higher your average blood sugar level has been over the past few months. A normal HbA1c level is around 5%.
Vitamin D 25-Hydroxy - A Vitamin D 25-Hydroxy Blood Test is a simple blood test that measures the level of Vitamin D in your body. Vitamin D is important for bone health, muscle function, and overall immunity. For female athletes, this test can be especially beneficial as it helps to identify any deficiencies in Vitamin D levels that may affect athletic performance, recovery time, and injury prevention. By identifying and addressing any deficiencies, athletes can optimize their Vitamin D levels and improve their overall health and athletic performance.
Who benefits from this test?
The Athlete Biomarker Blood Test Panel is beneficial to:
- Female athletes who want to optimize their performance and improve their training regimen
- Women who want to monitor their health and fitness levels
- Individuals who are recovering from an injury or illness and want to track their progress
- Women who are planning to participate in a strenuous physical activity or event, such as a marathon or triathlon
- Individuals who want to identify potential health risks and take preventative measures
- Women who are looking to improve their overall health and wellness
When should I order an Athlete Biomarker Blood Test Panel, Female?
An Athlete Biomarker Blood Test Panel, Female is a comprehensive panel that helps to assess the overall health and well-being of female athletes. It is recommended to order this test panel if you experience any of the following symptoms:
- Fatigue or lethargy
- Decreased performance
- Difficulty sleeping
- Decreased muscle mass or strength
- Joint pain or stiffness
- Mood changes or depression
- Irregular menstrual cycles
This panel can help to identify any underlying medical conditions that may be affecting your athletic performance and overall health.
