Description of Marker: Hemoglobin A1C shows what your average blood sugar (glucose) level was over the past two to three months.

Clinical Relevance: HbA1C is used to help diagnose Type II Diabetes, monitor blood glucose control, and to determine pre-diabetes risk.

Description of Marker: Insulin is an anabolic hormone secreted by the beta cells of the pancreas and regulates the uptake of glucose, the main source of the body’s energy, from the bloodstream to the cells

Clinical Relevance: A fasting insulin blood test determines the insulin levels in the body after a period of fasting. It is a reliable marker of blood sugar regulation, insulin sensitivity, and metabolic health.

Description of Marker: The lipid panel measures the overall amount of cholesterol in the blood, including LDL, HDL, and VLDL.

Clinical Relevance: The lipid panel is used to evaluate the risk of cardiovascular disease. High levels can indicate an increased risk of atherosclerosis, heart disease, and stroke.

Description of Marker: LDL is often referred to as “bad cholesterol” as it can build up in the walls of arteries and form plaques that can lead to heart disease and stroke. VLDL is another type of lipoprotein that carries triglycerides in the blood.

Clinical Relevance: LDL levels are measured to assess cardiovascular risk. High levels are associated with an increased risk of atherosclerosis, heart disease, and stroke. Elevated VLDL levels can indicate an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and are often associated with high triglycerides and low

Description of Marker: HDL is known as “good cholesterol” because it helps remove other forms of cholesterol from the bloodstream.

Clinical Relevance: HDL levels are measured to evaluate cardiovascular health. Higher levels are protective and associated with a lower risk of heart disease.

Description of Marker: Triglycerides are a type of fat (lipid) found in the blood, often a good measure of one’s diet quality.

Clinical Relevance: Triglyceride levels are measured to assess cardiovascular risk. High levels can contribute to atherosclerosis and increase the risk of heart disease and pancreatitis. Elevated triglycerides are also associated with insulin resistance, a precursor to Type 2 diabetes, and poor diet quality, particularly high in sugars and refined carbohydrates.

Description of Marker: Lipoprotein (a) is a type of lipoprotein that is genetically inherited and in high levels is a common independent risk factor for heart disease.

Clinical Relevance: A lipoprotein (a) test measures the level of lipoprotein (a) in your blood. A high level of lipoprotein (a) may mean you have a high risk for heart disease and stroke.

Description of Marker: APO-B is a protein that helps carry fat and cholesterol through your body and is responsible for the metabolism of lipids. It is a major component of atherogenic lipoproteins.

Clinical Relevance: This blood test assesses the risk for cardiovascular disease and atherosclerosis by detecting the presence of atherogenic particles.

Description of Marker: A complete blood count (CBC) measures various components of the blood, including red blood cells, white blood cells, hemoglobin, hematocrit, and platelets. The differential includes the different types of white blood cells (neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils, and basophils).

Clinical Relevance: The CBC with Differential is used to evaluate overall health and detect a wide range of disorders, including anemia, infection, inflammation, bleeding disorders, and leukemia. Different white blood cell counts help identify the nature of infections and immune system status.

Description of Marker: This protein measures general levels of inflammation in your body.

Clinical Relevance: The high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) test is a blood test that finds lower levels of C-reactive protein (CRP). The hs-CRP can be used to find the risk for heart disease and stroke in people who don’t already have heart disease. It is also higher in individuals with autoimmune conditions.

Description of Marker: Uric acid is a chemical created when the body breaks down substances called purines. It is a normal body waste product, cleared out by the kidneys.

Clinical Relevance: A high uric acid level is a marker of inflammation. It is associated with an increased risk of gout, kidney stones, and cardiometabolic illnesses.

Description of Marker: Ferritin is a protein inside your cells that stores iron. It allows your body to use the iron when it needs it.

Clinical Relevance: A ferritin test indirectly measures the amount of iron in your blood. It can also be an indirect marker of inflammation when elevated.

Description of Marker: A mineral essential for various bodily functions, including muscle and nerve function, blood glucose control, and bone health.

Clinical Relevance: Magnesium levels are measured to assess for deficiencies or excesses that can affect cardiovascular health, muscle and nerve function, and overall metabolism.

Description of Marker: A water-soluble vitamin crucial for red blood cell formation, neurological function, and DNA synthesis.

Clinical Relevance: Vitamin B12 levels are measured to diagnose deficiencies that can lead to low energy levels, anemia, neurological issues, and cognitive disturbances.

Description of Marker: A fat-soluble vitamin that helps in calcium absorption, bone health, immune function, hormone function, and gut health.

Clinical Relevance: Vitamin D levels are measured to assess for deficiencies or excesses, which can impact bone health, immune function, hormone regulation, mood, gut integrity, and cardiovascular health.

Description of Marker: A water-soluble B-vitamin essential for DNA synthesis and repair, and red blood cell production.

Clinical Relevance: Folate levels are measured to diagnose deficiencies that can cause anemia, neural tube defects in pregnancy, and elevated homocysteine levels (a marker of inflammation).

Description of Marker: This complete panel measures levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), triiodothyronine (T3), thyroxine (T4), and thyroid peroxidase antibodies (TPOab).

Clinical Relevance: The thyroid panel is used to evaluate thyroid function and diagnose disorders such as hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, and autoimmune thyroid disease. It gives us a more robust picture of your thyroid function.

Description of Marker: An inactive form of the thyroid hormone T3 that can block the action of active T3.

Clinical Relevance: Reverse T3 levels are measured to assess thyroid function and metabolism, especially in cases of chronic illness or stress where reverse T3 can be elevated.

Description of Marker: Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) are involved in regulating the reproductive system.

Clinical Relevance: FSH and LH levels are measured to evaluate reproductive health, diagnose conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), menopause, and infertility issues.

Description of Marker: A form of estrogen involved in the regulation of the menstrual cycle and reproductive system.

Clinical Relevance: Estradiol levels are measured to assess ovarian function, evaluate menstrual irregularities, diagnose menopause, and monitor hormone replacement therapy.

Description of Marker: A form of estrogen produced primarily in adipose tissue.

Clinical Relevance: Estrone levels are measured to evaluate estrogen status, particularly in postmenopausal women, and assess risk for estrogen-related conditions.

Description of Marker: A weaker form of estrogen primarily produced during pregnancy.

Clinical Relevance: Estriol levels are measured to monitor fetal health and placental function during pregnancy.

Description of Marker: The total amount of testosterone, a male sex hormone, present in the blood.

Clinical Relevance: Total testosterone levels are measured to diagnose conditions like hypogonadism, infertility, and monitor testosterone replacement therapy (TRT).

Description of Marker: HThe fraction of testosterone not bound to proteins in the blood, available to tissues.

Clinical Relevance: Free testosterone levels are measured to assess bioavailable testosterone, which can help diagnose androgen deficiency or excess.

Description of Marker: A hormone produced by the adrenal glands that serves as a precursor to sex hormones.

Clinical Relevance: DHEA sulfate levels are measured to evaluate adrenal function, diagnose adrenal insufficiency, and assess conditions related to androgen excess or deficiency.

Description of Marker: A hormone involved in the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and embryogenesis.

Clinical Relevance: Progesterone levels are measured to evaluate ovulation, diagnose infertility, assess placental function during pregnancy, and monitor hormone replacement therapy.