Blood Health

AspirinWorks® 11-Dehydrothromboxane B2 (11-dhTXB2) with Creatinine - Aspirin (which inhibits platelet cyclooxygenase) reduces the risk of thrombosis in cardiovascular disease by impairing platelet function. Patients who do not respond to the plat

Absolute Reticulocyte Count (ARC) is a critical blood test used to assess the bone marrow's ability to produce red blood cells (RBCs), essential for diagnosing and managing various hematological conditions. Reticulocytes are immature red blood ce

Your phenotype or genotype are basically the letters given to the two alleles that make up your Alpha-1 gene. Your phenotype or genotype (e.g. ZZ, MZ, MS, etc.) is important because it can give you a general idea of how at risk you are. Phenotypes

Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency is a hereditary disorder in which a lack or low level of the enzyme alpha-1 antitrypsin damages the lungs and liver.

Ammonia is a waste product naturally produced in the body. It primarily comes from the digestion of protein by bacteria in the intestines.

Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) is an enzyme that helps regulate blood pressure. An increased blood level of ACE is sometimes found in sarcoidosis, a systemic disorder of unknown cause that often affects the lungs but may also affect many othe

Beta-2 glycoprotein 1 antibody is an autoantibody that is associated with inappropriate blood clotting. This test detects and measures one class (IgA) of beta-2 glycoprotein 1 antibodies.

The assay contributes to the diagnosis of antiphospholipid syndrome (APS). The clinical symptoms of APS alone are not sufficiently specific to make a definitive diagnosis. Laboratory tests thus play an important role in the diagnosis of the disease.

The assay contributes to the diagnosis of antiphospholipid syndrome (APS). The clinical symptoms of APS alone are not sufficiently specific to make a definitive diagnosis. Laboratory tests thus play an important role in the diagnosis of the disease.

The bicarbonate content of serum or plasma is a significant indicator of electrolyte dispersion and anion deficit. Together with pH determination, bicarbonate measurements are used in the diagnosis and treatment of numerous potentially serious disord

C-reactive protein (CRP) is a liver-produced protein that rises in response to inflammation, and it is measured through a CRP or high-sensitivity CRP (hs-CRP) test. The standard CRP test detects significant inflammation caused by infections or chroni

What is C-reactive protein (CRP)? C-reactive protein (CRP) is a protein the liver produces in the presence of infection or inflammatory disease such as rheumatoid arthritis. When you have an infection, the white blood cells act to fight it by prod

Copper serum is one of the diagnostic methods of ascertaining whether a patient is suffering from some kind of liver problem or from a genetic disease called Wilson’s disease.

D-Dimer is a protein fragment (small piece) that's made when a blood clot dissolves in your body.

The D-Dimer, Quantitative test is a crucial laboratory tool used primarily to assess the likelihood of clotting disorders such as deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, and disseminated intravascular coagulation. This test measures the concentrati

The Delta Aminolevulinic Acid, Urine, 24 Hour test can help diagnose porphyrias, lead or mercury poisoning and aid in the evaluation of certain neurological problems with abdominal pain. Delta Aminolevulinic Acid may be increased in attacks o

Erythropoietin, also known as EPO, is a hormone that the kidneys produce to stimulate production and maintenance of crucial red blood cells. The hormone does this in two ways: First, it stimulates bone marrow cells to produce red blood cells. Th

F2-Isoprostane, prostaglandin-like compounds formed from the free radical-mediated oxidation of arachidonic acid, are the ‘gold standard’ for measuring oxidative stress in the body. F2-Isoprostane also have potent biological effects as

The Factor IX Activity assay is a blood test that measures the activity of factor IX. This is one of the proteins in the body that helps the blood clot.

Venous thromboembolism is a complex condition that can be caused by a combination of genetic factors, lifestyle choices, and specific situations. One key genetic risk factor is the presence of a specific change in the F5 gene, known as Factor V Leide

The factor VII assay is a blood test to measure the activity of factor VII. This is one of the proteins in the body that helps the blood clot.

This test measures the activity of factor VIII, a blood-clotting protein. The test can find out whether you have hemophilia A or another clotting disorder. Because blood-clotting proteins work together to stop bleeding, the test may be done as part o

The factor X assay is a blood test to measure the activity of factor X -- one of the substances involved in blood clotting (coagulation).

Ferritin is a protein that serves as a storehouse for iron in the body. When iron supplies dwindle, ferritin releases some into the blood. Therefore, a blood ferritin test is an indication of how much iron is stored in the body. Iron is used primaril

Ferritin is a protein that serves as a storehouse for iron in the body. When iron supplies dwindle, ferritin releases some into the blood. Therefore, a blood ferritin test is an indication of how much iron is stored in the body. Iron is used prim

It’s used to determine the level of fibrinogen in your blood. Fibrinogen, or factor I, is a blood plasma protein that’s made in the liver. Fibrinogen is one of 13 coagulation factors responsible for normal blood clotting.

Fibrinogen is a soluble protein in the plasma that is broken down to fibrin by the enzyme thrombin to form clots.

Glucose 6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase, often abbreviated as G6PD (or G-6-PD), plays a critical role in the body's cellular function. This enzyme is vital for the health of all cells, but it's particularly crucial for red blood cells.  G6P

Glutathione (GSH) is a tripeptide (λ-glutamyl-cysteinylglycine) synthesized by most cells, serving as a critical marker of cellular health and resilience against toxic stress. In erythrocytes, GSH levels are a sensitive indicator of the body&#

Haptoglobin is a protein that your liver produces. It combines with hemoglobin, which transports oxygen to your organs and tissues via the red blood cells.  The haptoglobin test is a test for hemolytic anemia.

Hemoglobin A, featured prominently on the Thalassemia and Hemoglobinopathy Comprehensive (COMP) panel, is a critical component in diagnosing and managing blood disorders. This panel is an essential tool used to detect various forms of thalassemia and

Hemoglobin F, an integral component analyzed in the Thalassemia and Hemoglobinopathy Comprehensive (COMP) panel, holds significant diagnostic value in the field of hematology. This panel is extensively utilized to detect and manage various blood diso

The Immature Reticulocyte Fraction (IRF) measures the percentage of young red blood cells (RBCs) in the bloodstream, indicating the bone marrow's RBC production rate. High IRF suggests active bone marrow response, as seen in recovery from anemia,

Circulating immature platelets, also known as the immature platelet fraction (IPF), is the term that defines much larger platelets that have been recently released from the bone marrow, presence of which show the thrombopoietic activity of the marrow

The Immature Reticulocyte Fraction (IRF) test is a vital diagnostic tool in the field of hematology, offering crucial insights into the health and functionality of the bone marrow. IRF measures the percentage of immature reticulocytes (young red bloo

Iron - the basics: - Iron is supplied by the diet.  - As much as 70% of the iron in the body is found in the hemoglobin of the red blood cells (RBCs).  - The other 30% is stored in the form of ferritin and hemosiderin (=iron-storag

Iron is an essential element required for the production of hemoglobin. Without it, red blood cells cannot reproduce in the body. Doctors are also finding a connection of iron to hair regrowth in the body. 

Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) is an enzyme that helps the process of turning sugar into energy for your cells to use. LDH is present in many kinds of organs and tissues throughout the body, including the liver, heart, pancreas, kidneys, skeletal muscle

Large unstained cells (LUC) are cells that are activated lymphocytes and peroxidase-negative cells. They are not stem cells, normal lymphocytes (white blood cells) or virocytes. They may indicate viral infections or inflammation.

Large unstained cells (LUC) are cells that are activated lymphocytes and peroxidase-negative cells. They are not stem cells, normal lymphocytes (white blood cells) or virocytes. They may indicate viral infections or inflammation.

Macrocytosis is a notable hematological condition characterized by the presence of abnormally large red blood cells (RBCs) in the bloodstream, a crucial marker in blood tests for various health assessments. This condition, detectable through a Comple

Hundreds of enzymatic reactions in the body depend on magnesium for energy production, nerve transmission, muscle contraction, and blood vessel function. A deficiency of this critical element within the cell may be seen with the RBC magnesium test.

Nucleated Red Blood Cells (NRBCs) are immature red blood cells that have not yet expelled their nucleus. In a typical Complete Blood Count (CBC) test, the presence of NRBCs is significant and can provide valuable insights into a patient's health.

The term 'NRBC' – 'nucleated red blood cells' – refers to precursor cells of the red blood cell lineage which still contain a nucleus.

Oxidized phospholipids are found on all apoB-containing lipoproteins, namely, LDL, VLDL, and especially Lp(a). When taken up by the artery wall, oxidized lipoproteins accelerate atherosclerosis, thereby, increasing the risk of myocardial infarctions,

Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor 1 (PAI-1) Activity is a marker measured in a blood test that helps understand how easily your blood clots or dissolves clots, playing a crucial role in your body's ability to manage bleeding and healing. PAI-1 is a

The Platelet Antibodies, Indirect (IgG, IgM, IgA) panel, featuring the Platelet Ab, Indirect (IgA) test, is a significant diagnostic asset in the realms of hematology and immunology, particularly for assessing conditions like thrombocytopenia (low pl

The Platelet Antibodies, Indirect (IgG, IgM, IgA) panel, featuring the Platelet Ab, Indirect (IgG) test, is a critical diagnostic tool in the field of hematology and immunology, particularly in the evaluation of thrombocytopenia (low platelet count)

The Platelet Antibodies, Indirect (IgG, IgM, IgA) panel, which includes the Platelet Ab, Indirect (IgM) test, is a crucial diagnostic tool in the realm of hematology and immunology, specifically for evaluating thrombocytopenia and platelet dysfunctio

PCT is the volume occupied by platelets in the blood as a percentage and calculated according to the formula PCT = platelet count × MPV / 10,000 (25-27).

Polychromasia is a significant hematological condition characterized by the presence of variously colored red blood cells (RBCs) in a blood smear. This condition, often indicative of an ongoing process in the bone marrow where red blood cells are pro

The Porphobilinogen Deaminase, Whole Blood test is used to a) confirm a diagnosis of acute intermittent porphyria (AIP) following a positive urine porphobilinogen (PBG) test and/or b) to evaluate disease risk in family members of an individual w

Function of this test: a) To monitor porphyria cutanea tarda (PCT) Porphyria cutanea tarda (PCT) is a rare disorder characterized by painful, blistering skin lesions that develop on sun-exposed skin (photosensitivity). Affected skin is fragile

The PTT-LA Ratio is an essential part of lupus anticoagulant (LA) testing. It is calculated using a modified partial thromboplastin time (PTT) test that employs a low-phospholipid reagent, making it highly sensitive to the presence of lupus anticoagu

PTT-LA screen helps to help investigate the cause of a blood clot (thrombotic episode); to evaluate a prolonged partial thromboplastin time (PTT); to help determine the cause of recurrent miscarriages, or as part of an evaluation for antiphospholipid

Reticulocyte Hemoglobin Equivalent (Retic Hgb Equivalent) is an invaluable marker in hematology, gaining prominence for its role in assessing iron status and erythropoiesis in clinical settings. This marker measures the hemoglobin content in reticulo

Reticulocytes are newly produced, relatively immature red blood cells (RBCs). A reticulocyte test determines the number and/or percentage of reticulocytes in the blood and is a reflection of recent bone marrow function or activity.

Reticulocyte hemoglobin (Ret-He) is a crucial indicator in hematology, measuring hemoglobin in immature red blood cells, or reticulocytes. It's pivotal for diagnosing and managing anemia, especially iron deficiency anemia. Ret-He offers an early

Reticulocytes are red blood cells that are still developing. They are also known as immature red blood cells. Reticulocytes are made in the bone marrow and sent into the bloodstream. About two days after they form, they develop into mature red blood

A sickle cell screen, also known as a sickle cell test or sickle cell screening, is a medical test used to determine whether an individual carries a gene mutation associated with sickle cell disease (SCD). Sickle cell disease is a genetic disorder th

Stomatocytes are a unique type of red blood cells (RBCs) characterized by their distinct mouth-like shape, playing a significant role in the field of hematology and medical diagnostics. These cells, identifiable under a microscope, present with a cen

The Thrombin Antithrombin Complex (TAT) marker is an important blood test used to evaluate the balance between clot formation and dissolution in the body, which is crucial for understanding certain blood clotting disorders. Thrombin is a prot

Thrombocytes are one of three types of blood cell found in our bodies. Along with red blood cells and white blood cells, thrombocyte levels are assessed with a comprehensive blood count, which can be done as a part of a general health check up or in

Total iron-binding capacity (TIBC) is a blood test to see if you have too much or too little iron in the blood. Iron is vital in that it transports oxygen around the body. Frequently, a TIBC is ordered along with several other tests to determine the

Transferrin is the main protein in the blood that binds to iron and transports it throughout the body. A transferrin test directly measures the level in the blood.

The Transferrin Receptor, a critical protein in iron metabolism, plays a pivotal role in diagnosing and managing iron-related disorders, making it an essential biomarker in modern medical diagnostics. This receptor, found on the surface of most cells

Transferrin saturation (TSAT) is the ratio of serum iron and total iron-binding capacity. All three measurements are used to help determine the cause of iron levels that are abnormally high or abnormally low. TS may also be used to identify the prese

Unsaturated Iron-Binding Capacity (UIBC) is an important marker often measured in blood tests to evaluate iron status in the body. Essentially, UIBC represents the reserve capacity of transferrin, a protein that binds iron and transports it through t

Lactate is a byproduct of cell metabolism, primarily produced in muscles, and exists mostly in the blood due to the body’s neutral pH. This biomarker is measured in blood or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) to evaluate oxygen availability and mitochon