Risk is Silent. Our Results Aren't.

Hemoglobin A1c measures the average amount of blood sugar (glucose) level for the past two to three months. The blood level of glucose is tightly controlled by hormones, especially insulin produced by the pancreas. Consistently, high blood glucose is typically observed in individuals with uncontrolled diabetes or undiagnosed diabetes. In people with diabetes, insulin is either less effective or not produced in sufficient quantity thus making it harder to manage the amount of sugar passing through the blood.

The thyroid gland produces hormones that regulate or affect many bodily functions. Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) is the hormone which controls the thyroid gland function. An excess or deficiency of this hormone can affect energy levels, mood, and many functions. When the thyroid gland fails, due to primary disease of the thyroid, TSH levels increase. This condition is called primary hypothyroidism, meaning low functioning of the thyroid. In contrast, when the thyroid gland is overactive and producing too much thyroid hormone, the TSH level decreases. This is called primary hyperthyroidism, meaning excessive functioning of the thyroid. Both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism can be detected by the TSH test.

Creatinine is derived from muscles and released into the blood. It is removed from the body by the kidneys. When the creatinine level is elevated, a decrease in kidney function is suggested.

Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN) is a medical test that measures the amount of urea nitrogen in the blood. Urea nitrogen is a waste product formed when the body breaks down proteins. It's carried in the blood, filtered by the kidneys, and then excreted in the urine. The BUN test is used to assess kidney function, as elevated BUN levels can indicate that the kidneys are not effectively filtering waste from the blood.

Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) is an enzyme produced primarily in the liver, skeletal and heart muscle. ALT is present in the liver in a higher concentration than AST and is more specific for differentiating liver injury from muscle damage. ALT rises in the instance of liver disease.

Total Cholesterol is a combination of three types of cholesterol: HDL, LDL, and part of triglycerides. High cholesterol may put you at risk for heart disease or stroke. A low cholesterol measurement can indicate other health conditions. It is possible for your total cholesterol to be high when your other cholesterol results are in healthy ranges. In this case, we recommend focusing on your triglycerides (if available), LDL, and HDL cholesterol results.

Nearly 1 in 3 American adults has high cholesterol. Too much cholesterol puts you at risk for heart disease and stroke, two leading causes of death in the United States. High cholesterol has no signs or symptoms, so the only way to know if you have it is to get your cholesterol checked.

High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol is commonly called "good" cholesterol. Unlike other cholesterol levels, the HDL cholesterol test result is best if it is high. Elevated HDL cholesterol is associated with decreased risk of heart disease. A low level of HDL cholesterol can be associated with increased risk for heart disease. Genetic factors or conditions including liver disease, malnutrition, or hyperthyroidism may decrease HDL cholesterol levels. Smoking and drinking alcohol may also decrease your HDL cholesterol level.

Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol is considered "bad" cholesterol. Elevated LDL cholesterol is associated with an increased risk of heart disease. LDL cholesterol often increases with a diet high in cholesterol and saturated fats. For many people, their LDL cholesterol is based on heredity. Lifestyle choices including diet and many medications are effective in lowering the LDL cholesterol level.

Triglycerides are a type of fat found in a person’s blood and also in many foods. High triglyceride levels (hypertriglyceridemia) can increase the risk of heart disease and stroke.