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Laboratory Testing

The following review is a summary and is not intended to be comprehensive or to replace discussion of results with a physician.

A “well” person will frequently have values that fall outside the established reference range. The following laboratory tests are common tests ordered by physicians to identify normal and abnormal conditions.

Common Laboratory Test Descriptions

ABO Rh:  This test is used to determine blood type.

B-Type Natriuretic Peptide (BNP): This is a screening test for congestive heart failure. Any result greater than 100 should be discussed with a physician.

Calcium: This test is indicative of bone function of the hormones that influence bone function. The presence of normal values does not exclude the risk of osteoporosis.

Carbon Dioxide (ECO2): eUsed as a preliminary screen for many abnormalities of acid-base balance, but additional studies are needed for some diseases.

Complete Blood Count (CBC): This is a count of red blood cells (RBC), white blood cells (WBC), platelets (PLT), and hemoglobin (HGB). Abnormal values should be discussed with a physician.

Chemistry Panel: Includes the following:

  • Albumin: This test is used to evaluate nutritional status, blood oncotic pressure, liver disease, renal disease, and other chronic illnesses.
  • Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT): This test is a measurement of the ALT enzyme.  This test may indicate liver or muscle disease. Recent vigorous exercise can alter the result. A physician should be consulted if the test result is elevated.
  • Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP): Elevations in this value are indicative of possible liver or bone disorders. Values are always elevated with increased age and in adolescence when bones are still actively growing.
  • Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST): This test is a measurement of an enzyme found in many tissues, such as muscle, heart, and liver. A physician should be consulted if the test result is elevated.
  • Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN): Blood urea nitrogen is a waste product made in the liver and secreted by the kidneys. High results can indicate kidney malfunction, but it can also be a result of high-protein diets and/or strenuous exercise.
  • Creatinine (CREA): Creatinine is a waste product produced in the liver and secreted by the kidneys. It is not affected by a high-protein diet.
  • Glucose: Glucose is sugar that circulates in the blood. The most common condition found by measuring glucose is diabetes mellitus, which is associated with a high concentration. Results are strongly affected by a recent meal. If glucose is elevated while fasting, please see a physician.
  • Sodium, Potassium, and Chloride: These tests measure electrolytes. Abnormalities may result from a variety of diseases. A low potassium level should be discussed with a physician.
  • Total Bilirubin (TBIL): This is a test of liver function but may be elevated as an inherited characteristic or as a result of some disorders of the red blood cells. Minor abnormalities can occur following an overnight fast or with following vigorous aerobic activity. Elevated values should be discussed with your physician.
  • Total Protein: This test measures the amount of protein in the blood. It is a general index of overall health and nutrition.
  • Uric Acid: Uric acid may be elevated in gout, but levels are extremely variable.  They tend to increase during periods of stress or apprehension and after ingestion of aspirin.

Laboratory test descriptions are not intended as diagnostic comments but are meant to provide basic information as a starting point for further discussion with a physician.

Colon Cancer Screening: This tests the presence of blood in the stool. A positive test result should be discussed with a physician.

Free T4 (FT4): This test measures the level of thyroxine, a thyroid hormone. High levels may be due to hyperthyroidism. However, alteration of results can occur due to high estrogen levels from pregnancy, estrogen replacement therapy or from birth control pills.

Human Chorionic Gonadotrophin (HCG): This test is used to determine possible pregnancy. Positive results need to be discussed with a physician.

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori): H. pylori is a bacteria that frequently causes gastritis and peptic ulcers. A positive result should be discussed with your physician.

Glycated Hemoglobin (HbA1c): This test measures the percentage of red cells that have glucose in them. Results are indicative of the time-averaged blood glucose over the past 1 to 3 months.

Infectious Mononucleosis (Mono):  A positive result indicates a mono infection. A physician’s attention is needed for proper treatment.

Influenza: Test to determine if Influenza virus is present. Follow-up treatment for positive results is available.

Insulin Resistance (IR) Panel: The IR panel is used to test for diabetes and insulin resistance. Many problems associated with insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes are heart disease, hypertension, neuropathy, polycystic ovarian syndrome, strokes, blood clots, gout, and clinically severe obesity. Any abnormal scores should be discussed with a physician.

Iron/Total Iron Binding Capacity (TIBC): This test measures the capacity of the red blood cells to carry oxygen. A low level is associated with anemia and should be discussed with a physician.

Lipid Panel: Includes cholesterol, HDL, LDL, and Triglycerides

  • Cholesterol: A high cholesterol level in the blood is a major risk factor for heart and blood vessel disease. Cholesterol in itself is not bad. In fact, our bodies need a certain amount to function properly. When the level gets too high, however, serious problems can result. Levels of 200 or more are too high for good health. Levels of 240 and above are considered high risk.
  • HDL: HDL cholesterol is considered “good cholesterol” because it helps remove excess cholesterol deposited in the arteries. High levels seem to be associated with a low incidence of heart disease.
  • LDL: LDL cholesterol is considered “bad cholesterol” because cholesterol deposits form in the arteries when LDL levels are high. An LDL level of less than 130 is recommended, 100 is ideal and values greater than 160 are considered high risk.
  • Triglycerides: Triglyceride is a fat in the blood that, if elevated, has been associated with heart disease or pancreatitis, especially if over 500. Fasting triglyceride levels over 150 may also be associated with problems other than the heart.

Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA): The PSA is a screening test for prostate cancer. Please consult a physician if the result is above 4.0.

Rapid Strep (Group A): A positive result indicates a strep throat infection. A physician’s attention is needed for proper treatment.

Rheumatoid Factor: This is a screening test for rheumatoid arthritis. Any positive result should be discussed with a physician.

Testosterone:

Males: Testosterone is responsible for the development of secondary sex characteristics. Measurements of testosterone are helpful in evaluating hypogonadism and hepatic cirrhosis.

Females: Measurements are helpful in evaluating polycystic ovaries, ovarian tumors, and adrenal tumors.

Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH): This test measures the function of a protein hormone that regulates the thyroid gland. A high level suggests the thyroid is underactive, and a low level suggests the thyroid is overactive.

Vitamin B12: This test measures the amount of vitamin B12 present in the blood. It is a general index of overall health and nutrition. Decreased levels may indicate anemia.

More Information

For more information, contact Express Lab, our on-site laboratory that has a more comprehensive list of tests.  Express Lab has additional draw sites, including another Idaho Falls location at Teton Medical Specialty Center on Woodruff avenue, and locations in Pocatello and Rexburg.

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