BLOOD TESTS EXPLAINED (B)
Bands
Bands, a specific type of white blood cell, are immature neutrophils. They are confined to the bone marrow and their purpose is to develop into mature neutrophils. In the case of acute infections, they may be prematurely released to help fight the invading bacteria.
Basic HealthPrint
This is the most comprehensive and most popular package of blood tests offered by YFH. Designed for people who are looking for significantly more than just normal ranges. It provides an excellent overview of the body’s major systems. It includes the following specialized tests: serum zinc and magnesium, manual differential, and manual red blood cell morphology. Compared to the Test Only Wellness panel, a Basic HealthPrint is the premium service. In addition to the specialized tests, the Basic HealthPrint includes customized nutrition analysis and a personalized Health ScoreCard and YFH Guide (200+ pages of information and tools for optimizing your health). Ten total categories are tested: Electrolytes, Minerals, Bones, Kidneys, Protein, Liver, Lipid Profile, CBC, Manual Differential (WBC Details), and Manual Red Blood Cell Morphology.
Basophils
Basophils, a specific type of white blood cell, are manufactured in the bone marrow and their purpose is to protect body tissues. They are responsible for allergic reactions, especially in deep tissues like the intestines and liver. Also important to the body's defense against infection and in the assessment of nutritional status.
Bicarbonate
Bicarbonate (CO2) is the major waste product of normal metabolism. Since the main route of excretion of CO2 is through the lungs, high levels are found in those with breathing difficulties such as pneumonia or emphysema. As a negative particle, it is responsible for maintaining a balance with the positively charged electrolytes sodium, potassium, and chloride.
BUN
A waste product, derived from protein breakdown, produced in the liver and excreted by way of the kidneys. High values may mean that the kidneys are not working as well as they should. Elevated in renal failure; influenced by the amount of protein intake in the diet.
BUN/Creatinine Ratio
Ratio calculated by dividing BUN by Creatinine. This ratio is important if BUN is high to narrow down the cause. If BUN is elevated this ratio, which compares the BUN level in the blood to the Creatinine level, can help distinguish between a possible kidney problem or if the cause is something like dehydration or blood loss into the gut.
Bands, a specific type of white blood cell, are immature neutrophils. They are confined to the bone marrow and their purpose is to develop into mature neutrophils. In the case of acute infections, they may be prematurely released to help fight the invading bacteria.
Basic HealthPrint
This is the most comprehensive and most popular package of blood tests offered by YFH. Designed for people who are looking for significantly more than just normal ranges. It provides an excellent overview of the body’s major systems. It includes the following specialized tests: serum zinc and magnesium, manual differential, and manual red blood cell morphology. Compared to the Test Only Wellness panel, a Basic HealthPrint is the premium service. In addition to the specialized tests, the Basic HealthPrint includes customized nutrition analysis and a personalized Health ScoreCard and YFH Guide (200+ pages of information and tools for optimizing your health). Ten total categories are tested: Electrolytes, Minerals, Bones, Kidneys, Protein, Liver, Lipid Profile, CBC, Manual Differential (WBC Details), and Manual Red Blood Cell Morphology.
Basophils
Basophils, a specific type of white blood cell, are manufactured in the bone marrow and their purpose is to protect body tissues. They are responsible for allergic reactions, especially in deep tissues like the intestines and liver. Also important to the body's defense against infection and in the assessment of nutritional status.
Bicarbonate
Bicarbonate (CO2) is the major waste product of normal metabolism. Since the main route of excretion of CO2 is through the lungs, high levels are found in those with breathing difficulties such as pneumonia or emphysema. As a negative particle, it is responsible for maintaining a balance with the positively charged electrolytes sodium, potassium, and chloride.
BUN
A waste product, derived from protein breakdown, produced in the liver and excreted by way of the kidneys. High values may mean that the kidneys are not working as well as they should. Elevated in renal failure; influenced by the amount of protein intake in the diet.
BUN/Creatinine Ratio
Ratio calculated by dividing BUN by Creatinine. This ratio is important if BUN is high to narrow down the cause. If BUN is elevated this ratio, which compares the BUN level in the blood to the Creatinine level, can help distinguish between a possible kidney problem or if the cause is something like dehydration or blood loss into the gut.