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
EPA (Eicosapentaenoic Acid), DPA (Docosapentaenoic Acid), and DHA (Docosahexaenoic Acid) are fatty acids and essential nutrients that your body needs but can't produce on its own. They are found in fish oils, marine sources, and certain plants in smaller amounts. They can also be obtained through supplements. These fatty acids play a crucial role in maintaining cardiovascular health, reducing inflammation, and supporting brain function.
EPA+DPA+DHA is a blood test that measures the levels of three specific types of omega-3 fatty acids in your blood. They're primarily found in fatty fish, but can also be obtained through supplements.
Higher levels of EPA+DPA+DHA have been linked to several health benefits, including:
Low Levels of EPA, DPA, and DHA - Causes
Low Levels of EPA, DPA, and DHA - Symptoms
High Levels of EPA, DPA, and DHA - Causes
High Levels of EPA, DPA, and DHA - Symptoms
Linoleic Acid is an essential omega-6 fatty acid, crucial for maintaining the integrity of cell membranes, supporting skin health, and playing a role in inflammation and overall cellular function. Since the body cannot produce linoleic acid, it must be obtained from the diet.
Low Levels of Linoleic Acid - Causes
Low Levels of Linoleic Acid - Symptoms
High Levels of Linoleic Acid - Causes
High Levels of Linoleic Acid - Symptoms
The Omega-6/Omega-3 ratio refers to the balance between two essential fatty acids in the diet: omega-6 in vegetable oils and processed foods, and omega-3 in fatty fish, flaxseeds, and walnuts. Maintaining a healthy balance between these fatty acids is important for overall health, particularly for reducing inflammation and heart disease risk. The ideal ratio is considered to be between 2:1 and 4:1 Omega-6 over Omega-3, although typical Western diets often exceed this range, leading to potential health issues.
This test calculates the ratio of omega-6 fatty acids to omega-3 fatty acids in your blood.
Low Ratio (Omega-6 Dominant) - Causes
Low Ratio - Symptoms
High Ratio (Omega-6 Dominant) - Causes
High Ratio (Omega-6 Dominant) - Signs & Symptoms
Omega-3 fatty acids are essential for many bodily functions, including reducing inflammation, supporting brain function, and maintaining cardiovascular and eye health. There are three key omega-3s. Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA) and Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA). These come mostly from fatty fish like salmon and sardines. The third, Alpha-Linolenic Acid (ALA), comes from plants like flaxseeds and walnuts. We can't make omega-3s ourselves, so we need to get them from food or supplements.
The Omega-3 Total Test measures the combined levels of all omega-3 fatty acids in the blood.
Key Points:
Causes
Symptoms
Causes
Symptoms
Omega-6s are polyunsaturated fats that affect inflammation, immunity, and cellular function. While omega-6 fatty acids are essential for health, an imbalance between omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids can lead to chronic inflammation and poor health. Omega-6 fatty acids include linoleic acid (LA) and arachidonic acid (AA), typically found in vegetable oils, nuts, seeds, and processed foods.
The Omega-6 Total Test measures the levels of omega-6 fatty acids in the blood.
Low Omega-6 Levels - Causes
Low Omega-6 Levels - Symptoms
High Omega-6 Levels - Causes
High Omega-6 Levels - Symptoms
Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance found in all the cells in your body. Often referred to as "bad cholesterol," LDL cholesterol is a type of lipoprotein that carries cholesterol from the liver to the cells throughout the body. When present in excess, LDL cholesterol can deposit in the walls of arteries, leading to plaque formation, which narrows the arteries and increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases like heart attacks and strokes.
Your liver makes cholesterol and it's also in some foods, such as meat and dairy products. Your body needs some cholesterol to work properly. However, having too much cholesterol in your blood raises your risk of coronary artery disease (CAD).
The Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL) Cholesterol Test measures the amount of LDL cholesterol in the blood and is part of a routine lipid panel. It is used to evaluate the risk of developing heart disease and to monitor the effectiveness of LDL-lowering protocols.
Low LDL - Causes & Symptoms
Low LDL cholesterol levels are generally considered very healthy and do not cause noticeable symptoms. Genetic disorders, malnutrition, hyperthyroidism, liver disease, or medication may cause low levels. Very low levels might be associated with:
Causes
Symptoms
Medium Low-Density Lipoprotein Particles (Medium LDL-P) are cholesterol particles that transport fats from your liver to other parts of your body, where they help create cells and make certain hormones.
This test quantifies Medium LDL-P levels and provides insight into cholesterol management and CVD risk.
Low Medium LDL-P Levels might mean your body isn't making or moving around as much cholesterol as it usually does. Low levels are uncommon but may indicate an efficient cholesterol metabolism or underlying health conditions.
There are generally no symptoms of low Medium LDL-P levels. However, in some cases, individuals might experience fatigue, unexplained weight loss, or issues related to hormonal imbalances. Regular monitoring and working with healthcare providers are crucial for managing LDL-P levels.
Low Medium LDL-P - Causes
High Medium LDL-P can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) by 1.2 to 1.4 times. While there are no symptoms associated with elevated levels, over time, elevated levels could contribute to the development of atherosclerosis, which may lead to symptoms such as chest pain or discomfort, shortness of breath, or fatigue during physical activity.
High Medium LDL-P - Causes
Low-Density Lipoprotein particles (LDL-P) are a key component of LDL cholesterol, responsible for transporting fats through the bloodstream. When these particles become trapped in the artery walls, they contribute to the buildup of fatty plaques, which can increase the risk of heart attacks or strokes.
The higher the concentration of LDL-P in the blood, the greater the likelihood of plaque formation. Studies indicate that elevated LDL-P levels can raise cardiovascular risk, even when total cholesterol and LDL-C levels appear normal. This helps explain why some individuals experience heart attacks despite not having high total cholesterol or LDL-C.
While standard LDL-C tests are helpful for assessing cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk, they may not fully capture the risk for some individuals, particularly those with conditions like diabetes. In such cases, LDL-P testing can provide a more accurate picture of cardiovascular risk, offering valuable insight for those with normal LDL-C levels but elevated risk factors.
Low LDL Particle Numbers - Causes
Low LDL Particle Numbers - Symptoms
High LDL Particle Numbers - Causes
High LDL Particle Numbers - Symptoms
LDL cholesterol is often referred to as 'bad' cholesterol. There are different types of LDL particles: small, dense LDL, and large, buoyant LDL. The size and density of LDL particles can provide more detailed information about cardiovascular risk than just measuring total LDL cholesterol.
The LDL Pattern test categorizes LDL particles into the following types based on their size and density.
Abnormal LDL Pattern - Causes
Abnormal LDL Pattern - Symptoms
The size of LDL particles can provide more detailed information about cardiovascular risk beyond just measuring total LDL cholesterol. Larger LDL particles are generally considered less atherogenic (less likely to promote the formation of plaque in the arteries) than smaller, denser LDL particles.
The LDL (Low-Density Lipoprotein) peak size test measures the average size of LDL particles in your blood.
Abnormal LDL Peak Size - Causes
Abnormal LDL Peak Size - 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
Basophils are a type of white blood cell involved in immune responses. They play a key role in fighting infections and responding to allergies and inflammation.
When exposed to allergens or germs, basophils release substances like histamine and heparin. These chemicals help widen blood vessels, make blood vessels leaky, and attract other immune cells to the area of infection or allergy. Various factors, including medications, pregnancy, and chronic stress can influence basophil levels.
This test looks at the basophils as a white blood cell count percentage.
Low Basophils (Basopenia) - Causes
Low Basophils - Symptoms
Elevated Basophils (Basophilia) - Causes
Elevated Basophils - Symptoms
Eosinophils are a type of white blood cell that plays a role in the immune system. They are involved in helping the body respond to allergies, parasitic infections, and certain other inflammatory conditions.
The eosinophil test reflects the count of eosinophils as a percentage of your total white blood cell count.
Low Eosinophils (Eosinopenia) - Causes
Low Eosinophils - Symptoms
High Eosinophils (Eosinophilia) - Causes
High Eosinophils - Symptoms
Hematocrit is a measure of the proportion of blood that is occupied by red blood cells. Expressed as a percentage, it provides information about the volume of red blood cells relative to the total blood volume.
Hematocrit levels are important for assessing blood health and oxygen-carrying capacity. As such, hematocrit levels are useful in evaluating anemia, blood loss, various blood conditions, state of hydration, and monitoring treatment response.
Low Hematocrit Levels - Causes
Low hematocrit levels are generally caused by blood disorders such as anemia. They may also reflect an elevated level of white blood cells, typically due to an illness or infection.
Low Hematocrit - Symptoms
Elevated Hematocrit - Causes
Elevated Hematocrit - Symptoms
Lymphocytes are a type of white blood cell that plays a crucial role in the immune system, particularly in fighting off infections and diseases. They include T cells, B cells, and natural killer (NK) cells. T cells are involved in cell-mediated immunity, B cells produce antibodies, and NK cells destroy infected or cancerous cells.
The lymphocyte test reflects the lymphocytes as a percentage of the total white blood cell count. A lymphocyte test is typically part of a complete blood count (CBC) with differential, which measures the types and numbers of cells in the blood including red blood cells, white blood cells (WBCs), and platelets. The lymphocyte test, when viewed alongside the absolute lymphocyte count, provides important insights into the immune system's function. While similar, these tests provide different insights.
Lymphocyte (%) Test: This test measures the proportion of lymphocytes in relation to the total white blood cell (WBC) count. It is expressed as a percentage. The percentage alone doesn't give the full picture because it depends on the total WBC count.
Absolute Lymphocyte Count: This test measures the actual number of lymphocytes in a given volume of blood, usually per microliter (uL). It provides the total number of lymphocytes regardless of the WBC count.
Low Lymphocytes (Lymphocytopenia) - Causes
Low Lymphocytes - Symptoms
High Lymphocytes (Lymphocytosis) - Causes
High Lymphocytes - Symptoms
Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin (MCH) measures the average amount of hemoglobin in a single red blood cell (RBC). Hemoglobin is the protein that carries oxygen in the blood. So, abnormal MCH levels can indicate issues with oxygen delivery in the body. Too much or too little can be a sign of different health issues.
This test is used to help diagnose different types of anemia and other blood disorders. However, MCH is just one piece of the puzzle, and additional tests and clinical evaluation are usually necessary for a comprehensive diagnosis, understanding the underlying cause of anemia, and guiding appropriate treatment.
Low MCH can indicate hypochromic anemia, where red blood cells contain less hemoglobin than normal. This condition may be due to iron deficiency, thalassemia, various anemias, lead poisoning, or other factors affecting hemoglobin production.
Low MCH - Symptoms
High MCH can indicate macrocytic anemia, where red blood cells are larger and contain more hemoglobin than normal. This can be caused by conditions, such as pernicious anemia (vitamin B12 deficiency), folate deficiency, hypothyroidism, liver disease, alcoholism, or certain medications.
High MCH - Symptoms