Blood Panels

Immunology

Immunology is the study of the body’s immune system and it’s functions and disorders. These tests include:
  • Immunogobulin – proteins in the body that have antibody activity
  • Rheumatoid factor – used to classify types of arthritis
  • HLA (Human leukocyte antigens) – Tested to determine compatibility in organ, tissue, and bone marrow transplantation. Also used to test paternity and to diagnose HLA related disorders such as certain autoimmune conditions.

Hormone Panel

Hormone testing allows you to better understand how your body is operating under the surface. Your doctor knows best which types of tests you need. These may include:

Blood Serum

Used to determine the concentration of specific hormones in your blood. This includes;

  • Insulin
  • Thyroid hormones
  • Testosterone
  • Estrogen
  • Progesterone
  • LH (Luteinizing Hormone)
  • prolactin
  • FSH (Follicle Stimulatine Hormone) 
  • DHEA-S
  • SHBG (Sex Hormone Binding Gobulin)
  • PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen)
  • Cortisol 

Blood Spot

Minimally invasive, blood spot testing only requires a few drops of blood. Although blood spot samples offer longer term stability than blood serum, it’s also limited in the variety of hormones that can be tested for.

  • Insulin
  • Thyroid Hormones
  • Estrogen
  • Progesterone
  • DHEA-S
  • Testosterone
  • SHBG (Sex Hormone Binding Gobulin)
  • PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen)
  • LH (Luteinizing Hormone)
  • FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone)

Inflammation

  • A c-reactive protein test that measures the c-reactive protein (CRP) in blood. CRP is a protein made in the liver in response to inflammation.

Hematology

Hematology is the study of blood in relation to health and disease. Problems with blood can effect several of the body’s systems. Hematology disorders that can be tested for are:

  • Anemia: low red blood cells
  • Sickle Cell Anemia: The shape of blood cells are changed to sickle shaped. 
  • Thalassemia: The body doesn’t make enough hemoglobin.
  • Bleeding Disorders: THe lack of ability to clot blood.
  • Thrombocytopenia: Low platelet count
  • Malaria: Disease that distroys red blood cells.
  • Von Willebrand’s Disease: A bleeding disorder in people without the blood protein von Willebrand factor.
  • Thrombosis: Refers to a  clot in a blood vessel.
  • Hypercoagulability: Bloods increased tendency to clot.
  • Blood Cancers: Can effect function of blood cells.

Chemical Panels

Chemical Panels can include:

  • Basic Metabolic Panel (BMP)
  • Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP)
  • Electrolyte Panel
  • Lipid Panel
  • Liver Panel (Hepatic Function Panel)
  • Renal Panel (Kidney Function Panel)
  • Thyroid Function Panel

Cardiac Blood Panel

Cardiac Blood Panels are used to detect issues with the heart. Some tests may test for:

  • Heart Attacks
    • Creatine Kinase (CK)
    • Creatine Kinase-MB (CKMB)
    • Myoglobin
    • Cardiac Troponin I or T
  • Future Risks
    • C-reactive protein (CRP)
  • Heart Failure
    • BNP (B-Type natriuretic peptide)
    • pro-BNP (N-terminal pro-B type natriuretic peptide)