The Male Comprehensive Panel is ideal for:
The Female Comprehensive Panel offers an in-depth look at essential health markers that can help identify early signs of chronic conditions and provide insight into your overall well-being. This panel covers key areas such as metabolic health, cardiovascular health, and hormone levels. This level of comprehensive testing is not always easy to obtain, as many doctors might only check these markers when health issues have already progressed. By being proactive with this panel, you and your healthcare provider can monitor critical health indicators and address potential concerns before they become more serious, giving you greater control over your long-term wellness.
We recommend completing the Female Comprehensive Panel at least yearly, if not every 6 months, to maintain a complete overview of your health and catch any potential issues early.
Globulin is a group of proteins in the blood that play essential roles in fighting infections, forming blood clots, and supporting liver and kidney functions. Abnormal globulin levels can indicate various health issues, so addressing them depends on the underlying cause.
Testing globulin levels helps assess if you have the right amount to maintain health, fight infections, and transport nutrients effectively.
Low Globulin Levels (Hypoglobulinemia) - Causes
Low globulin levels can indicate gastrointestinal or liver dysfunction, renal disease, various cancers, immune deficiencies, malnutrition, severe burns, or trauma.
High Globulin Levels (Hyperglobulinemia) - Causes
Increased levels may be due to autoimmune diseases, chronic infections or inflammatory diseases, certain cancers, or liver diseases. Dehydration or pregnancy can cause temporary increases.
Abnormal Globulin Levels - Symptoms
Symptoms of abnormal globulin levels are often related to the underlying cause. Symptoms can include:
Glucose is a type of sugar derived from food and the body's primary energy source. It is transported through the bloodstream to various tissues. Your liver stores extra glucose which is utilized during times when you are not eating.
Blood glucose levels are measured to assess how effectively the body processes and utilizes this important energy source.
Low Glucose (Hypoglycemia) may be caused by:
Low Glucose (Hypoglycemia) - Acute Symptoms:
Low Glucose (Hypoglycemia) - Severe Symptoms:
High Serum Glucose (Hyperglycemia): Too much glucose in the blood can be a sign of diabetes, a serious medical condition that can cause tissue and organ damage if it is not managed. Causes include:
High Serum Glucose (Hyperglycemia) - Acute Symptoms
High Serum Glucose (Hyperglycemia) - Chronic Symptoms
Hemoglobin A1C (HbA1c) is a blood test measuring the average blood glucose (sugar) level over the past two to three months. It reflects the percentage of hemoglobin, a protein in red blood cells, that is coated with sugar (glycated). The HbA1c test is commonly used to diagnose and monitor diabetes and assess how well blood sugar levels are managed over time.
Low HbA1c Levels (<4.0%) - Causes
Low HbA1c Levels (<4.0%) - Symptoms
High HbA1c Levels (≥6.5%) - Causes
High HbA1c Levels (≥6.5%) - Symptoms
Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas that plays a key role in regulating blood sugar (glucose) levels. Its primary function is to maintain stable blood sugar levels by facilitating uptake of glucose into cells, especially in response to meals.
Understanding your fasting insulin levels can provide important insights into your metabolic health. If your levels are outside the normal range, it’s crucial to consult with a healthcare provider to determine the underlying cause and appropriate treatment.
Clinical Uses for the Insulin Test
When to Test Insulin Levels
Low Insulin Levels - Causes
Low Insulin Levels - Symptoms
High Insulin Levels - Causes
High Insulin Levels - Symptoms
Sodium is an important electrolyte that helps keep the right balance of fluids in your body. It also ensures that your muscles and nerves work properly.
A sodium test measures the sodium in your blood, revealing much about your health. It can show whether you drink enough water or your kidneys and heart are functioning well. Measuring sodium levels is important for diagnosing and treating several health conditions.
Low Sodium Levels (Hyponatremia) - Causes
Low Sodium Levels - Symptoms
High Sodium Levels (Hypernatremia) - Causes
High Sodium Levels - Symptoms
Arachidonic acid (AA) is an Omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acid found in certain foods that plays a key role in the inflammatory response and cellular signaling. It's a component of cell membranes and serves as a precursor for various signaling molecules, including those involved in inflammation and immune responses. While AA is essential for bodily functions, imbalances can lead to health issues.
Low AA Levels - Causes
Low AA Levels - Signs & Symptoms
High AA Levels - Causes
High AA Levels - Signs & Symptoms
The Arachidonic Acid/EPA Ratio is a measure that compares the levels of arachidonic acid (AA), an omega-6 fatty acid, to eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), an omega-3 fatty acid, in the body. Arachidonic acid is involved in inflammation, while EPA has anti-inflammatory properties. The ratio helps assess inflammation levels and overall cardiovascular health.
Low Ratio - Causes: A lower ratio may suggest a stronger anti-inflammatory profile, often seen in individuals with high omega-3 intake. A low ratio is usually caused by a diet rich in omega-3, fish oil supplementation, or low levels of dietary omega-6 fats.
Low Ratio - Symptoms: A low ratio may cause few symptoms but could indicate appropriate inflammatory responses and heart health.
High Ratio - Causes: This often indicates a higher level of inflammation, as arachidonic acid is associated with pro-inflammatory processes. A high ratio is usually caused by a diet high in omega-6 fats (such as processed foods and vegetable oils), a low intake of omega-3 (like fatty fish 9 or fish oil supplements), or chronic inflammatory conditions.
High Ratio - Symptoms
Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA) is a long-chain omega-3 fatty acid that is a critical component of the brain, eyes, and other tissues throughout the body. DHA plays a key role in brain development and function, especially in infants and young children. It is also important for maintaining heart health, reducing inflammation, and supporting overall well-being.
The DHA (Docosahexaenoic Acid) test measures the level of DHA in the blood. This test is often part of a broader fatty acid profile or Omega-3 Index, which assesses the balance of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids in the body. The test is used to assess cognitive health, cardiovascular health, prenatal and infant health as well as inflammation and nutritional balance.
Low DHA Levels - Causes
Low Levels - Symptoms
High DHA Levels - Causes
High DHA Levels - Symptoms
Docosapentaenoic Acid (DPA) is a long-chain omega-3 fatty acid found in fish oil, marine sources, and to some extent in the human body. DPA is often considered a beneficial nutrient, playing a role in various physiological processes, such as:
Low Levels of DPA - Causes
Low Levels of DPA - Symptoms
High Levels of DPA - Causes
High Levels of DPA - Symptoms
There are typically no direct symptoms of high DPA levels, as it is generally considered beneficial. However, excessive omega-3 intake can potentially lead to issues such as excessive bleeding, as omega-3s can thin the blood.
Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA) is an omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid primarily found in cold-water fish like salmon, mackerel, and sardines. EPA plays a crucial role in reducing inflammation, supporting heart health, and regulating mood. It is often associated with its benefits in lowering the risk of cardiovascular disease, reducing triglycerides, and supporting mental health.
While optimal EPA levels may vary among individuals, some studies suggest that higher levels of EPA in the blood are associated with greater cardiovascular protection.
Low EPA Levels - Causes
Low EPA Levels - Signs & Symptoms
High EPA Levels - Causes
High EPA Levels - Signs & Symptoms
Small LDL particles are a subtype of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol. These particles are smaller and denser than the typical LDL particles, LDL-P. Because of their size and density, small LDL particles are more likely to penetrate the walls of arteries, where they can get stuck, oxidize, and form plaques. This process increases the risk of atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), which can lead to heart attacks and strokes.
This test quantifies Small LDL particle levels and provides insight into cholesterol management and CVD risk. The Small LDL-P marker is usually part of a lipoprotein fractionation NMR test.
Low Small LDL-P - Causes
Low levels of Small LDL-P are generally not concerning. Rather, they are likely a sign of heart health. However, if your levels are too low, it might be a sign that your body is struggling to get enough nutrients or having trouble processing fats properly. Remember, while it's called "bad cholesterol," your body still needs a certain amount to make hormones and keep your cells strong.
Low Small LDL-P Levels - Symptoms
Symptoms of low small LDL levels are not typically noticeable, However, if the low levels are due to malnutrition or poor lipid absorption, one might experience symptoms related to those conditions, such as fatigue, weight loss, or digestive issues.
High Small LDL - Causes
High Small LDL - Symptoms
Symptoms of high LDL levels are typically not noticeable on their own. Generally, they only become apparent as part of the broader effects of conditions like heart disease or stroke, which can result from long-term, untreated high cholesterol. These can include chest pain, shortness of breath, sudden numbness, or weakness in limbs.
Lipoprotein (a), or Lp (a), is one kind of LDL or low-density lipoprotein in your blood, with an extra protein called apolipoprotein(a) that makes it different. While Lp(a)'s role in our bodies is not completely understood, it is known to be involved in blood clotting and healing wounds and is thought to help move and use fats within the body.
LDLs (cholesterol or fats) can cause issues because they can make speed bumps of plaque, slowing down your blood's ability to flow through your arteries. Enough of these speed bumps can give you a blood-stopping blockage. Further, lipoprotein (a) makes your blood clot more and makes it harder for blood clots to break down, increasing blockage concerns. Inflammation from lipoprotein (a) makes it more likely that those speed bumps of plaque will break open, attracting more blood clots. Therefore, elevated Lp(a) levels can be a risk factor for heart disease.
While the amount of Lp(a) in your blood is mainly genetically determined, it is an important risk factor to understand. This test is used to assess coronary heart disease risk and identify lipid metabolism issues.
Elevated Lipoprotein (a) Levels - Causes
Elevated Lipoprotein (a) Levels - Symptoms
Elevated Lp(a) levels typically do not cause symptoms directly. However, they contribute to the development of cardiovascular diseases, which can manifest as:
Non-HDL Cholesterol represents the total cholesterol in your blood minus the HDL (high-density lipoprotein) cholesterol. It includes all the "bad" types of cholesterol that can contribute to plaque buildup in your arteries, increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD).
This test is considered a comprehensive marker for cardiovascular risk and is useful for monitoring the efficacy of therapy or lifestyle changes.
Low Non-HDL Cholesterol - Causes & Symptoms
High Non-HDL Cholesterol - Causes
High Non-HDL Cholesterol - Symptoms
Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance found in all cells of the body, essential for several functions such as cell structure, hormone production, vitamin D synthesis, and digestion of fats. However, excessive cholesterol increases the risk of cardiovascular disease.
The total cholesterol test measures the overall cholesterol in your blood, including LDL, HDL, and VLDL. It helps assess the risk of coronary artery disease and diagnose conditions like hyperlipoproteinemia, atherosclerosis, liver, and thyroid diseases.
Low Cholesterol - Causes
Low Cholesterol - Symptoms
High Cholesterol - Causes
High Cholesterol - Symptoms
Triglycerides are a type of fat found in your blood. They store excess energy from your diet and can be used for energy between meals. Elevated triglyceride levels can increase the risk of heart disease and other health issues.
This test is commonly included in a lipid panel and measures the level of triglycerides in the blood serum triglycerides.
Clinical Applications:
Low Triglycerides (Hypotriglyceridemia)
Low triglycerides usually don't cause noticeable symptoms. They are rarely a direct health concern but could indicate underlying issues.
High Triglyceride Levels (Hypertriglyceridemia) - Causes
High Triglyceride Levels (Hypertriglyceridemia) - Symptoms
Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG) is a glycoprotein produced mainly in the liver that binds to sex hormones, specifically testosterone and estrogen, in the bloodstream. SHBG controls the amount of testosterone and estrogen that is available for the body's tissues to use. When hormones are bound to SHBG, they are inactive and cannot be used by cells. The levels of SHBG can influence the balance of available sex hormones, affecting many bodily processes.
The Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG) test measures the level of SHBG in your blood. This test is often used to help diagnose conditions related to abnormal levels of sex hormones, such as testosterone and estrogen. It is particularly useful when total hormone levels are normal, but symptoms of hormone imbalance are present.
Low SHBG levels have been associated with an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and metabolic disorders including metabolic syndrome, as well as some cancers and arthritis in both genders.
Low SHBG - Causes
Low SHBG - Symptoms
Often, higher levels of SHBG are associated with positive health outcomes. For example, elevated SHBG levels have been linked to a lower risk of type 2 diabetes and prostate cancer. However, they are also linked to a higher risk of bone loss and fractures, hypogonadism in males, and hepatic cirrhosis. In some cases, it may be caused by hyperthyroidism, as thyroid hormone stimulates the production and release of SHBG.
High SHBG - Causes
High SHBG - Symptoms
Testosterone is a key male sex hormone and an androgenic steroid. It's essential for both men and women, influencing libido, muscle mass, bone density, red blood cell production, mood, and overall well-being. In men, it also drives the development of masculine characteristics such as deeper voice, facial and body hair, and a more muscular body shape.
A total testosterone test measures the hormone's total amount in the blood, aiding in the evaluation of sexual dysfunction, infertility, and endocrine disorders. The total testosterone test measures two forms of testosterone, bound and free. Both of these forms decline with age.
Low Testosterone in Men
Low Testosterone in Women
High Testosterone in Men - Physical Symptoms
High Testosterone in Men - Behavioral Symptoms
High Testosterone in Men - Other Symptoms
High Testosterone in Women
Free Testosterone is the portion of testosterone that is not bound to proteins in the blood, making it biologically active and available to interact with cells and tissues. While most testosterone in the blood is bound to sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) or albumin, only a small fraction is "free" and active, which plays a crucial role in various bodily functions.
The Free Testosterone test measures the amount of unbound testosterone in the bloodstream. This test is often used when total testosterone levels are borderline or do not match clinical symptoms. It's beneficial in evaluating conditions related to hormone imbalance, such as hypogonadism in men or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in women.
Causes
Symptoms
Causes
Symptoms
RDW stands for Red Blood Cell Distribution Width, a measure of the variation in size or volume of red blood cells (RBCs). It assesses the uniformity of RBCs in a blood sample. A higher RDW value indicates greater variation in RBC size, which can signal various health conditions.
This test is often used to help determine the cause of anemia, a condition where you don't have enough healthy red blood cells.
High RDW: A high RDW indicates significant variation in red blood cell size, which may suggest:
Low RDW: A low RDW isn't usually a cause for concern. It is not associated with any particular type of anemia.
White blood cells are produced in your bone marrow. They are a crucial component of the immune system, helping the body to fight infections and diseases. The White Blood Cell (WBC) Count measures the number of white blood cells in a volume of blood.
A low WBC count (leukopenia) may be due to the following:
Low WBC Count (Leukopenia) - Symptoms
A high WBC count (leukocytosis) is a normal immune response, such as when your body responds to allergies or infections. Other causes include:
High WBC Count (Leukocytosis) - Symptoms