BLOOD TESTS EXPLAINED (T)
T3 Uptake Thyroid
This test often causes confusion because it is NOT a thyroid test at all. It is actually a test to find out if your thyroid has enough protein (specifically tyrosine or casein). In addition, a high test score may indicate a low level of the proteins. This test is used to compute the T7 Free Thyroxine Index.
This test is part of the Complete Thyroid Package (5 total tests) and cannot be ordered individually.
T7 Free Thyroxine Index
The T7 Index is used to calculate Free T4, one of the two active thyroid hormones in your bloodstream. The T7 Index is a calculated Free T4 score and is not as accurate as a machine run Free T4 test. This test is part of the Complete Thyroid Package (5 total tests) and cannot be ordered individually.
Target Cells
An abnormality that can occur in red blood cells. Refers to red blood cells that resemble a target with a bull’s eye. Usually are present after the spleen has been removed or in certain anemias. This abnormality is indicated as slight, moderate, or heavy when performed manually. In an automated version only heavy abnormalities are usually noted.
Test Only Wellness Panel
This is a thorough overview of the body’s systems and is excellent for benchmarking and early disease detection. Designed for people who are working with a health professional and/or do not need customized nutritional analysis from YFH. It does not include the following specialized tests: serum zinc and magnesium, manual differential, and manual red blood cell morphology. These tests are only available in a HealthPrint.
Ten total categories are tested: Electrolytes, Minerals, Bones, Kidneys, Protein, Liver, Lipid Profile, CBC, Automated Differential (WBC Details), and Automated Red Blood Cell Morphology. Additional tests including cancer screens, thyroid tests, and heart disease tests can be added to the Test Only Wellness Panel to create the exact package of tests you need. The additional tests can also be ordered on their own without a Test Only Wellness Panel.
Thyroid Package, Complete (5 Tests)
The Complete Thyroid Package is a comprehensive group of thyroid tests. Includes the T3 Uptake, T4, T7 Index, TSH, and Free T4 tests. An unbalanced thyroid gland can lead to migraines, weight gain, insomnia, fatigue, infertility, arthritis, and even osteoporosis. These 5 tests are able to evaluate whether your thyroid has enough protein to make sufficient quantities of the T3, T4, and TSH hormones. It is also able to determine if your thyroid is healthy enough to release these hormones at the right times. This package of tests provides a very complete thyroid analysis. It is frequently added to a Basic HealthPrint or Test Only Wellness Panel. Balancing these tests early (I.e. before symptoms develop) can help you ward off abnormal weight gain, weight loss, lack of energy, or memory loss before more serious symptoms develop.
Thyroid Stimulationg Hormone (TSH)
This protein hormone is secreted by the pituitary gland. The pituitary gland regulates the release of TSH, which then tells the thyroid gland to release T3s and T4s as needed. This test is part of the Complete Thyroid Package (5 total tests). It can also able to be ordered individually.
Thyroxine 4 (T4)
T4 is a thyroid gland hormone that has four molecules of iodine, thus the name T4. The thyroid gland uses traces of iodine to combine with the amino acid tyrosine to create this molecule. If you are low in tyrosine or protein foods that supply tyrosine (like casein), or if you are low in iodine, you may be prone to an imbalance of your thyroid gland. This test is part of the Complete Thyroid Package (5 total tests) and cannot be ordered individually.
Total Bilirubin (Liver)
A chemical involved with liver functions. High concentrations may result in jaundice. It is produced during the breakdown of red blood cells (hemoglobin specifically), a natural occurrence. Elevated levels can be indicative of liver disease. During the breakdown of hemoglobin, bilirubin is produced in the spleen and is transported to the liver for excretion by attaching to albumin. Bilirubin is also known for being the orange-yellow pigment that creates the yellow tint in serum.
Total Cholesterol (Lipid Profile)
Cholesterol is not entirely bad. In fact, our bodies need a certain amount of this substance to function properly. When the level gets too high, however, serious problems can result. Elevated cholesterol is associated with an increased risk of coronary heart disease. Cholesterol makes it possible to pass vital substances through cell walls, keeps us from getting waterlogged when we bathe, and is essential for hormones involved in sex drive and reproduction among other things.
Total Cholesterol/HDL Ratio
75% of all heart attacks happen to people who have “normal” cholesterol levels. This test is simply a mathematical computation derived by taking total cholesterol and dividing by HDL. This ratio provides a much better (and more accurate) measure for heart disease risk than a total cholesterol test. This ratio is a good starting point for assessing heart disease but specialized tests are available that provide even greater information. Anyone who is concerned about heart disease should strongly consider ordering the Heart Package. It includes a VAP, homocysteine, and high sensitivity C-reactive protein and will provide significantly more accurate picture of your cardiovascular health.
Total Protein
A rough measure of the total amount of serum protein in your body. Represents the sum of the albumin and globulin scores. Total protein helps physicians understand your metabolic function as well as your body’s overall defense capability. It is primarily formed in the liver. There are several distinct types of protein, each with its own function. Two types of proteins we test for in every Basic HealthPrint and Test Only Wellness Panel include albumin and globulin.
Total PSA (prostate cancer)
Measures the total amount of prostate specific antigen (PSA) in the blood. PSA is a protein made only in the prostate gland and can be produced by normal, abnormal and cancerous prostatic tissue. Cancer causes more of this protein to be made and leaked into the blood than normal prostate tissue. As a result, Total PSA is now used for assisting in the diagnosis and monitoring of prostate cancer. This is a basic, less detailed prostate screen and is not a cancer marker test. It is important to establish a baseline on this test before you are experiencing problems. The trend of this test score is actually more important than any individual test result because of the numerous factors that can cause an elevation in this specific protein in the blood.
Triglycerides
Triglycerides are a kind of fat that is found in the blood. It is responsible for providing energy to the cells of the body. They are made in the liver from excess carbohydrates, especially sugar and alcohol. Triglycerides are stored in special cells called adipose tissue.
Triglycerides/HDL Ratio
This measure is a mathematical computation derived by dividing triglycerides by HDLs.