What is the purpose of this test?
The PPP Wellness #2 Blood Test Panel is designed to provide a comprehensive overview of an individual's health by measuring various important factors. It includes a Lipid Panel, which checks cholesterol levels to assess the risk of heart disease. The Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP-14) evaluates kidney and liver function, electrolyte levels, and overall metabolism. The Hemoglobin A1C test measures average blood sugar levels over the past few months, helping to identify the risk of diabetes. Additionally, the panel includes tests for Homocysteine and C-reactive protein (CRP), which can indicate inflammation in the body and potential cardiovascular risks.
This panel also examines thyroid function with tests for TSH, Free T3, and Free T4, ensuring that the thyroid is working properly, which is crucial for metabolism and energy levels. Furthermore, it measures Vitamin D-25, important for bone health and immune function, along with Testosterone and Estradiol, which are key hormones for both men and women. The Fasting Insulin test helps evaluate insulin sensitivity, while the NMR LipoProfile provides detailed information about lipoproteins and their sizes, offering insight into heart health. Together, these tests give a thorough picture of overall wellness and help identify areas for improvement.
The PPP Wellness #2 Blood Test Panel includes the following:
Lipid Panel:
- 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. (VLDL included in LabCorp Only)
Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP-14):
- 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.
- 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 correctly 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.
Hemoglobin (Hgb) A1c - is a blood test that measures the average blood sugar levels over the past two to three months by evaluating the percentage of glucose bound to hemoglobin in red blood cells. Its significance to overall health lies in its ability to indicate long-term blood sugar control; high A1c levels can signal an increased risk of diabetes and related complications, such as heart disease, kidney damage, and vision problems. Regular monitoring of A1c levels helps individuals and healthcare providers manage blood sugar effectively and maintain overall health.
Homocysteine - is an amino acid produced in the body during the metabolism of methionine, another amino acid. Its significance to overall health lies in its association with cardiovascular disease; elevated levels of homocysteine can indicate a higher risk for heart disease, stroke, and other vascular conditions. Additionally, high homocysteine levels may be linked to deficiencies in certain B vitamins (B6, B12, and folate), making monitoring important for maintaining cardiovascular health and overall well-being.
C-Reactive Protein (CRP) Blood Test, High Sensitivity (Cardiac Risk Assessment) - is a blood test that measures the level of CRP, a protein produced by the liver in response to inflammation. Its significance to overall health lies in its ability to indicate inflammation in the body, which can be associated with various conditions, including infections, autoimmune diseases, and chronic inflammatory diseases. Elevated high-sensitivity CRP levels can also be a marker for an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, helping healthcare providers assess heart health and inflammation-related risks, guiding further evaluation and management.
Thyroid-stimulating Hormone (TSH) Blood Test - is a hormone produced by the pituitary gland that regulates the function of the thyroid gland, which produces hormones that control metabolism, energy levels, and overall bodily functions. Its significance to overall health lies in its role in maintaining metabolic balance; abnormal TSH levels can indicate thyroid disorders, such as hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism, which can lead to symptoms like fatigue, weight changes, and mood disturbances. Monitoring TSH levels is essential for diagnosing and managing thyroid-related health issues, ensuring proper metabolic function and overall well-being.
Free T3 - is a hormone produced by the thyroid gland that plays a crucial role in regulating metabolism, energy production, and overall bodily functions. Its significance to overall health lies in its ability to influence various physiological processes, including heart rate, body temperature, and how the body uses energy. Proper levels of Free T3 are essential for maintaining metabolic balance, and imbalances can lead to symptoms such as fatigue, weight gain or loss, and mood fluctuations, indicating potential thyroid dysfunction. Monitoring Free T3 levels helps healthcare providers assess thyroid health and metabolic function.
Free T4 - is a hormone produced by the thyroid gland that helps regulate metabolism, energy production, and various bodily functions. Its significance to overall health lies in its role in maintaining metabolic balance; proper levels of Free T4 are essential for energy levels, weight management, and overall well-being. Abnormal Free T4 levels can indicate thyroid disorders, leading to symptoms such as fatigue, weight changes, and mood disturbances. Monitoring Free T4 levels is crucial for diagnosing and managing thyroid-related health issues, ensuring optimal metabolic function and overall health.
Vitamin D 25-Hydroxy - is a form of vitamin D that is measured in the blood to assess an individual's vitamin D status. Its significance to overall health lies in its essential role in maintaining bone health by aiding calcium absorption, supporting immune function, and regulating inflammation. Adequate levels of vitamin D 25-hydroxy are crucial for preventing bone disorders like osteoporosis and rickets, and low levels can be linked to various health issues, including cardiovascular disease, autoimmune conditions, and decreased immune response. Monitoring vitamin D levels helps ensure optimal health and well-being.
Testosterone Total - is a primary male sex hormone that is important for developing male physical characteristics and reproductive functions. Its significance to overall health extends beyond reproduction; testosterone influences muscle mass, bone density, fat distribution, and mood. Balanced testosterone levels are crucial for maintaining energy, libido, and cognitive function in both men and women. Low testosterone levels can lead to various health issues, including fatigue, depression, and decreased muscle strength, highlighting the hormone's vital role in overall well-being.
Estradiol (E2) Blood Test - is a form of estrogen, a hormone primarily associated with female reproductive health but also important in men. Its significance to overall health lies in its role in regulating the menstrual cycle, supporting reproductive functions, and influencing bone density, cholesterol levels, and mood. Balanced estradiol levels are crucial for maintaining reproductive health and preventing conditions such as osteoporosis and hormonal imbalances. In both men and women, proper estradiol levels contribute to overall well-being and metabolic health.
Insulin Fasting - refers to a blood test that measures the level of insulin in the bloodstream after a period of fasting, typically 8 to 12 hours. Its significance to overall health lies in its ability to assess how well the body is managing blood sugar levels and insulin production. Elevated fasting insulin levels can indicate insulin resistance, a precursor to type 2 diabetes and other metabolic disorders. Monitoring fasting insulin is important for understanding metabolic health, guiding lifestyle changes, and preventing long-term health issues related to blood sugar regulation.
NMR LipoProfile - is a specialized blood test that provides a detailed analysis of lipoproteins, including low-density lipoprotein (LDL) particle size and concentration. Its significance to overall health lies in its ability to assess cardiovascular risk more accurately than standard lipid panels by identifying the number and size of LDL particles. Smaller, denser LDL particles are associated with a higher risk of heart disease. By understanding an individual's lipoprotein profile, healthcare providers can better tailor prevention strategies and treatments to reduce cardiovascular risk and promote heart health.
Benefits of the PPP Wellness #2 Blood Test Panel:
- Comprehensive Hormonal Profile: Assesses multiple hormones for overall health evaluation.
- Lipid Panel Evaluation: Analyzes cholesterol levels to support cardiovascular health.
- Metabolic Health Insights: Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP-14) assesses organ function.
- Blood Sugar Tracking: Hemoglobin A1c testing provides long-term blood sugar monitoring.
- Homocysteine Assessment: Evaluates homocysteine levels for cardiovascular health risk.
- Inflammation Detection: CRP testing identifies inflammation, indicating potential health issues.
- Thyroid Function Analysis: Includes TSH, Free T3, and Free T4 for thyroid health assessment.
- Vitamin D Monitoring: Checks Vitamin D levels, essential for bone and immune health.
- Hormone Balance: Measures testosterone and estradiol for hormonal balance evaluation.
- Fasting Insulin Levels: Assesses insulin for metabolic health insights.
