BLOOD TESTS EXPLAINED M - O
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Macrocytosis
An abnormality that can occur in red blood cells. Refers to red blood cells that are abnormally large. This abnormality is indicated as slight, moderate, or heavy when performed manually. In an automated version only heavy abnormalities are usually noted.
Magnesium, Serum
A mineral that is very important to nerves and muscles. Symptoms resulting from low levels of magnesium include tremors, muscle cramps or irregular heartbeat, and are often found in cases of malnutrition, alcoholism, diabetes, and pregnancy. Ninety percent of all YFH HealthPrint clients are deficient in this mineral. This is a very important test—it is critical for optimizing the calcium and phosphorus levels in your blood.
Manual Differential
There are seven types of white blood cells (WBC) present in your blood (Aypical lymphocytes, bands, basophils, eosinophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, and neutrophils). The manual differential quantifies the number of each specific WBC type as a percentage of the total white blood cell count calculated in a complete blood count (CBC). Manual blood cell analysis is performed by a highly skilled lab technician whereas automated analysis is performed by a machine. The manual analysis is the higher quality test and provides more information about the strength and condition of your immune system. This test, when run manually, will specify the percentages of each type of white blood cell manufactured in the body. Each type of white blood cell is listed with the percentage of the total white blood cells it represents in your blood. In the automated version, however, two of the most important kinds of white blood cells (atypical lymphocytes and bands) are only listed when their scores are outside the normal range. If the atypical lymphocytes and bands scores are within the normal range, they are considered to be zero and no percentage is listed. This severely limits the opportunity for early disease detection.
Basic HealthPrints include an automated and manual analysis of the red and white blood cells. Due to the fact that the manual analysis provides all of the information included in an automated analysis and then much more, only the manual results are shared on your reports. The Test Only Wellness panel, on the other hand, does not include manual blood cell analysis. Only the automated blood cell analysis is performed under the Test Only division.
Manual RBC Morphology
The manual red blood cell morphology identifies specific abnormalities (size, shape, and color) in your red blood cells (RBC). It tests for types of anemia including iron and B vitamin deficiencies, which can result in poor oxygenation of tissue when abnormalities are present. Usually a less expensive test, called automated red blood cell morphology, is run. The automated version of this test is performed on a machine. At YFH, we insist (and pay extra) on having a skilled technician personally view the specimen and interpret the results (that is why it is called a Manual RBC morphology). Manual analysis is able to identify slight and moderate abnormalities where an automated analysis is only able to identify heavy abnormalities. Basic HealthPrints include both an automated and manual analysis of the red and white blood cells. Due to the fact that the manual analysis provides all of the information included in an automated analysis and then much more, only the manual results are shared on your reports. The Test Only Wellness panel, on the other hand, does not include manual blood cell analysis. Only the automated blood cell analysis is performed under the Test Only division.
MCH (CBC)
MCH is actually not a test. It is a calculation based on two other tests. To calculate MCH, divide the hemoglobin score by the number of red blood cells and multiply by ten. MCH reflects the average hemoglobin concentration within red blood cells.
Macrocytosis
An abnormality that can occur in red blood cells. Refers to red blood cells that are abnormally large. This abnormality is indicated as slight, moderate, or heavy when performed manually. In an automated version only heavy abnormalities are usually noted.
Magnesium, Serum
A mineral that is very important to nerves and muscles. Symptoms resulting from low levels of magnesium include tremors, muscle cramps or irregular heartbeat, and are often found in cases of malnutrition, alcoholism, diabetes, and pregnancy. Ninety percent of all YFH HealthPrint clients are deficient in this mineral. This is a very important test—it is critical for optimizing the calcium and phosphorus levels in your blood.
Manual Differential
There are seven types of white blood cells (WBC) present in your blood (Aypical lymphocytes, bands, basophils, eosinophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, and neutrophils). The manual differential quantifies the number of each specific WBC type as a percentage of the total white blood cell count calculated in a complete blood count (CBC). Manual blood cell analysis is performed by a highly skilled lab technician whereas automated analysis is performed by a machine. The manual analysis is the higher quality test and provides more information about the strength and condition of your immune system. This test, when run manually, will specify the percentages of each type of white blood cell manufactured in the body. Each type of white blood cell is listed with the percentage of the total white blood cells it represents in your blood. In the automated version, however, two of the most important kinds of white blood cells (atypical lymphocytes and bands) are only listed when their scores are outside the normal range. If the atypical lymphocytes and bands scores are within the normal range, they are considered to be zero and no percentage is listed. This severely limits the opportunity for early disease detection.
Basic HealthPrints include an automated and manual analysis of the red and white blood cells. Due to the fact that the manual analysis provides all of the information included in an automated analysis and then much more, only the manual results are shared on your reports. The Test Only Wellness panel, on the other hand, does not include manual blood cell analysis. Only the automated blood cell analysis is performed under the Test Only division.
Manual RBC Morphology
The manual red blood cell morphology identifies specific abnormalities (size, shape, and color) in your red blood cells (RBC). It tests for types of anemia including iron and B vitamin deficiencies, which can result in poor oxygenation of tissue when abnormalities are present. Usually a less expensive test, called automated red blood cell morphology, is run. The automated version of this test is performed on a machine. At YFH, we insist (and pay extra) on having a skilled technician personally view the specimen and interpret the results (that is why it is called a Manual RBC morphology). Manual analysis is able to identify slight and moderate abnormalities where an automated analysis is only able to identify heavy abnormalities. Basic HealthPrints include both an automated and manual analysis of the red and white blood cells. Due to the fact that the manual analysis provides all of the information included in an automated analysis and then much more, only the manual results are shared on your reports. The Test Only Wellness panel, on the other hand, does not include manual blood cell analysis. Only the automated blood cell analysis is performed under the Test Only division.
MCH (CBC)
MCH is actually not a test. It is a calculation based on two other tests. To calculate MCH, divide the hemoglobin score by the number of red blood cells and multiply by ten. MCH reflects the average hemoglobin concentration within red blood cells.
MCHC (CBC)
MCHC measures the relative volume of hemoglobin in the average red blood cell-that is, what portion of each red blood cell is hemoglobin. Together with MCV, MCHC is used to identify types of anemia.
MCV
MCV refers to the relative volume of each red blood cell or its average size. MCV helps determine the size oxygen-carrying capacity of individual red blood cells. Together with MCHC, MCV is used to identify types of anemia.
Microcytosis
An abnormality that can occur in red blood cells. Refers to red blood cells that are abnormally small. This abnormality is indicated as slight, moderate, or heavy when performed manually. In an automated version only heavy abnormalities are usually noted.
Monocytes
The largest cells in your blood, monocytes begin their existence in the bone marrow and migrate into the bloodstream. They stay in the bloodstream for about three days, and prepare themselves for battle against infection in the body’s tissues. Monocytes engulf and digest foreign particles as well as damaged body cells that caused the reaction. Also fight bacteria, pollens, and viruses. Also help to reduce swelling by ingesting stagnant fluids in inflamed tissues. This test will be quantified as an actual percentage of the total white blood cells present in your blood. This is the case for both manual and automated analysis.
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Neutrophils
Segmented neutrophils make up more than half of the white blood cells in the body. Produced in the bone marrow, they enter the body tissues within twenty-four hours. In the event of an infection, Neutrophils destroy bacteria by engulfing them. If there is no infection, these cells self-destruct. This test will be quantified as an actual percentage of the total white blood cells present in your blood. This is the case for both manual and automated analysis.
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Omega 3 Profile +
This stand-alone test is a highly specialized essential fatty acids (EFAs) test. In fact, it is a group of tests including EPA, DHA, GLA, ALA, and Arachidonic Acid levels (AA). This test provides the data to know how to adjust your intake of EFAs. Balancing arachidonic acid levels via the “right” amount of fish oil for you; reduces silent inflammation (and pain) and increases circulation. As a result, it is excellent for managing and preventing heart disease and other inflammatory diseases. The best way to optimize this test is through fish oil. The key measure in this test is the Serum AA/EPA ratio; which divides AA (arachidonic acid or omega 6 long chain fatty acid) by EPA.
It is critical that you get the right version of this test. The serum phospholipid test is better than the red cell phospholipid test because the serum phospholipid version is a 14 day average of the amount of fish oil in your blood. The red cell phospholipid is a longer 90 to 120 day average. The higher the average the longer you have to wait until you can re-test to verify that you are taking the right amount of fish oil for your body. Testing on red cells is not nearly as accurate as testing the serum phospholipids. Doing this test on serum is much more stable than doing it on whole blood (red cells). It is important to note that there is only one lab in the world with the technology to perform this test on serum phospholipids. Also, the Omega 3 Profile + is not part of the HealthPrint or Test Only divisions. It is a stand-alone test and has its own registration form.
Ovalocytes
An abnormality that can occur in red blood cells. Refers to red blood cells that are oval in shape. This abnormality is indicated as slight, moderate, or heavy when performed manually. In an automated version only heavy abnormalities are usually noted.
MCHC measures the relative volume of hemoglobin in the average red blood cell-that is, what portion of each red blood cell is hemoglobin. Together with MCV, MCHC is used to identify types of anemia.
MCV
MCV refers to the relative volume of each red blood cell or its average size. MCV helps determine the size oxygen-carrying capacity of individual red blood cells. Together with MCHC, MCV is used to identify types of anemia.
Microcytosis
An abnormality that can occur in red blood cells. Refers to red blood cells that are abnormally small. This abnormality is indicated as slight, moderate, or heavy when performed manually. In an automated version only heavy abnormalities are usually noted.
Monocytes
The largest cells in your blood, monocytes begin their existence in the bone marrow and migrate into the bloodstream. They stay in the bloodstream for about three days, and prepare themselves for battle against infection in the body’s tissues. Monocytes engulf and digest foreign particles as well as damaged body cells that caused the reaction. Also fight bacteria, pollens, and viruses. Also help to reduce swelling by ingesting stagnant fluids in inflamed tissues. This test will be quantified as an actual percentage of the total white blood cells present in your blood. This is the case for both manual and automated analysis.
N
Neutrophils
Segmented neutrophils make up more than half of the white blood cells in the body. Produced in the bone marrow, they enter the body tissues within twenty-four hours. In the event of an infection, Neutrophils destroy bacteria by engulfing them. If there is no infection, these cells self-destruct. This test will be quantified as an actual percentage of the total white blood cells present in your blood. This is the case for both manual and automated analysis.
O
Omega 3 Profile +
This stand-alone test is a highly specialized essential fatty acids (EFAs) test. In fact, it is a group of tests including EPA, DHA, GLA, ALA, and Arachidonic Acid levels (AA). This test provides the data to know how to adjust your intake of EFAs. Balancing arachidonic acid levels via the “right” amount of fish oil for you; reduces silent inflammation (and pain) and increases circulation. As a result, it is excellent for managing and preventing heart disease and other inflammatory diseases. The best way to optimize this test is through fish oil. The key measure in this test is the Serum AA/EPA ratio; which divides AA (arachidonic acid or omega 6 long chain fatty acid) by EPA.
It is critical that you get the right version of this test. The serum phospholipid test is better than the red cell phospholipid test because the serum phospholipid version is a 14 day average of the amount of fish oil in your blood. The red cell phospholipid is a longer 90 to 120 day average. The higher the average the longer you have to wait until you can re-test to verify that you are taking the right amount of fish oil for your body. Testing on red cells is not nearly as accurate as testing the serum phospholipids. Doing this test on serum is much more stable than doing it on whole blood (red cells). It is important to note that there is only one lab in the world with the technology to perform this test on serum phospholipids. Also, the Omega 3 Profile + is not part of the HealthPrint or Test Only divisions. It is a stand-alone test and has its own registration form.
Ovalocytes
An abnormality that can occur in red blood cells. Refers to red blood cells that are oval in shape. This abnormality is indicated as slight, moderate, or heavy when performed manually. In an automated version only heavy abnormalities are usually noted.