BLOOD TESTS EXPLAINED P - S
P
Phosphorus
Most of the phosphorus in the body is found in the bones. An optimum phosphorus level in the blood is very important for muscle and nerve function. Together with calcium, it is essential for healthy development of bones and teeth. It is associated with hormone imbalance, bone disease and kidney disease.
Platelet Count
Platelets are produced in the bone marrow and are essential for normal blood clotting. Platelet counts may be higher in women than men. Platelets are cells in the blood, but they lack nuclei and are part of the formed elements of blood.
Poikilocytosis
An abnormality that can occur in red blood cells. Refers to an abnormal shape. This abnormality is indicated as slight, moderate, or heavy when performed manually. In an automated version only heavy abnormalities are usually noted.
Polychromasia
An abnormality that can occur in red blood cells. Refers to a grayish-blue staining of the red blood cells that is a result of immaturity in the red blood cells. This abnormality is indicated as slight, moderate, or heavy when performed manually. In an automated version only heavy abnormalities are usually noted.
Potassium
Potassium is found primarily inside cells and is controlled very carefully by the kidneys. Potassium maintains water balance inside the cells and helps in the transmission of nerve impulses. It is very important for the proper functioning of the nerves and muscles, particularly the heart.
Progesterone
Progesterone is a steroid hormone made by both men and women. It plays an important role in pregnancies and specifically helps the body regulate the estrogen and testosterone hormones. It is wise to check the progesterone level before spending a great deal of money on additional sex hormone tests. Should be ordered yearly for prevention/benchmark purposes and more frequently for help with any of the following symptoms: infertility, menopause, PMS, lack of sexual libido, sleep disorder or thyroid problems.
PSA II – Total PSA & Free % PSA
The PSAII is actually two tests: Total PSA (commonly run) and Free % PSA (rarely run). Together, these two tests aid in the early detection of cancer and/or prostate enlargement. It is important to establish a benchmark on both tests at an early age so you can see what normal is for you. This test is included in our Cancer Package for Men. The Free % PSA must be run with the Total PSA. However, the Total PSA can be run without the Free % PSA. The PSA II is more accurate and complete and enables the earliest detection of prostate problems.
R
Red Blood Cell Count (RBC)
Red blood cells (erythrocytes) are relatively large cells in the blood that transport oxygen from the lungs to all living tissue in the body. They also help to remove carbon dioxide from the body. Normally, 40% to 45% of blood volume consists of RBCs.
Red Cell Distribution Width (RDW)
This test is done to determine the size of a red blood cell. RDW must be within particular limits to properly carry oxygen.
S
SGOT (AST)
Serum Glutamic-Oxaloacetic Transaminase, or SGOT, is an enzyme found in body tissues (heart, liver, kidney, brain, skeletal muscles, spleen, and lungs) where proteins are broken down into energy.
SGPT (ALT)
Serum Glutamic-Pyruvic Transaminase, or SGPT, is an enzyme that helps metabolize protein, a process which takes place primarily in the liver. An increase in this test is a warning signal for liver disease.
Sickle Cell Anemia
Sickle cell anemia is an inherited disease. It occurs when red blood cells assume an irregular shape (actually look like a sickle) due to a malformation of hemoglobin. The symptoms of this disease include fatigue and circulation problems. Sickle cell anemia can lead to serious health problems later in life if not discovered early and treated. Only people of African descent need to order this test. This test only needs to be run once—you either have sickle cells or you don’t.
Sodium
An electrolyte regulated by the kidneys and adrenal glands. Sodium helps balance water volume and pressure in body tissues. Because sodium acts as a sponge, it prevents water from overloading cells by keeping it in the bloodstream and in the fluids that surround cells. Without sodium, your body could not carry nutrients and wastes to and from cells, transmit electrical impulses throughout your nervous system, give you control of your bodily movements, or support the automatic functions of your intestinal tract.
Phosphorus
Most of the phosphorus in the body is found in the bones. An optimum phosphorus level in the blood is very important for muscle and nerve function. Together with calcium, it is essential for healthy development of bones and teeth. It is associated with hormone imbalance, bone disease and kidney disease.
Platelet Count
Platelets are produced in the bone marrow and are essential for normal blood clotting. Platelet counts may be higher in women than men. Platelets are cells in the blood, but they lack nuclei and are part of the formed elements of blood.
Poikilocytosis
An abnormality that can occur in red blood cells. Refers to an abnormal shape. This abnormality is indicated as slight, moderate, or heavy when performed manually. In an automated version only heavy abnormalities are usually noted.
Polychromasia
An abnormality that can occur in red blood cells. Refers to a grayish-blue staining of the red blood cells that is a result of immaturity in the red blood cells. This abnormality is indicated as slight, moderate, or heavy when performed manually. In an automated version only heavy abnormalities are usually noted.
Potassium
Potassium is found primarily inside cells and is controlled very carefully by the kidneys. Potassium maintains water balance inside the cells and helps in the transmission of nerve impulses. It is very important for the proper functioning of the nerves and muscles, particularly the heart.
Progesterone
Progesterone is a steroid hormone made by both men and women. It plays an important role in pregnancies and specifically helps the body regulate the estrogen and testosterone hormones. It is wise to check the progesterone level before spending a great deal of money on additional sex hormone tests. Should be ordered yearly for prevention/benchmark purposes and more frequently for help with any of the following symptoms: infertility, menopause, PMS, lack of sexual libido, sleep disorder or thyroid problems.
PSA II – Total PSA & Free % PSA
The PSAII is actually two tests: Total PSA (commonly run) and Free % PSA (rarely run). Together, these two tests aid in the early detection of cancer and/or prostate enlargement. It is important to establish a benchmark on both tests at an early age so you can see what normal is for you. This test is included in our Cancer Package for Men. The Free % PSA must be run with the Total PSA. However, the Total PSA can be run without the Free % PSA. The PSA II is more accurate and complete and enables the earliest detection of prostate problems.
R
Red Blood Cell Count (RBC)
Red blood cells (erythrocytes) are relatively large cells in the blood that transport oxygen from the lungs to all living tissue in the body. They also help to remove carbon dioxide from the body. Normally, 40% to 45% of blood volume consists of RBCs.
Red Cell Distribution Width (RDW)
This test is done to determine the size of a red blood cell. RDW must be within particular limits to properly carry oxygen.
S
SGOT (AST)
Serum Glutamic-Oxaloacetic Transaminase, or SGOT, is an enzyme found in body tissues (heart, liver, kidney, brain, skeletal muscles, spleen, and lungs) where proteins are broken down into energy.
SGPT (ALT)
Serum Glutamic-Pyruvic Transaminase, or SGPT, is an enzyme that helps metabolize protein, a process which takes place primarily in the liver. An increase in this test is a warning signal for liver disease.
Sickle Cell Anemia
Sickle cell anemia is an inherited disease. It occurs when red blood cells assume an irregular shape (actually look like a sickle) due to a malformation of hemoglobin. The symptoms of this disease include fatigue and circulation problems. Sickle cell anemia can lead to serious health problems later in life if not discovered early and treated. Only people of African descent need to order this test. This test only needs to be run once—you either have sickle cells or you don’t.
Sodium
An electrolyte regulated by the kidneys and adrenal glands. Sodium helps balance water volume and pressure in body tissues. Because sodium acts as a sponge, it prevents water from overloading cells by keeping it in the bloodstream and in the fluids that surround cells. Without sodium, your body could not carry nutrients and wastes to and from cells, transmit electrical impulses throughout your nervous system, give you control of your bodily movements, or support the automatic functions of your intestinal tract.