Lab Assessments Flashcards
Lipid panel overview, sample collection, clinical application, and limitations
Lipid panel measures total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, and triglycerides to assess CV risk. Blood is drawn 9-12 hours of fasting. Lipid panel assesses cardiovascular risk, guides treatment, monitors effectiveness of medicines. Results are affected by food intake, stress, meds, and genes
Homocysteine overview, sample collection, clinical application, and limitations
Homocysteine is an animo acid linked to cardiovascular risk and vascular damage when elevated. Fasting is not required for blood draw. Assess cardiovascular risk, especially in esp. those with genetic risk. Results are influenced by diet (B12, folate) but may not be a sole risk marker.
Comprehensive metabolic panel overview, sample collection, clinical application, and limitations
CMP assesses metabolic parameters (electrolytes, kidney/liver function, glucose levels). Blood drawn is taken after 8-12 hours of fasting. Measures glucose, electrolytes, proteins, enzymes, abnormal levels may indicate kidney/liver issues or metabolic imbalances. Monitors health, metabolic conditions, guides treatments. Results are affected by hydration, food intake, meds.
Fasting glucose overview, sample collection, clinical application, and limitations
Fasting glucose measures blood sugar after fasting, indicating metabolic health and diabetes risk. Blood sample is taken after 8+ hours of fasting. Diagnoses diabetes and metabolic syndrome which are CVD risk factors. Lab results can be affected by stress, illness, meds (one elevated reading may not confirm diagnosis).
Fasting insulin overview, sample collection, clinical application, and limitations
Fasting insulin measures insulin levels post-fasting, reflecting insulin sensitivity and metabolic health. Blood sample is taken after 8-12 hours of fasting. It evaluates metabolic health, especially for those at risk for type 2 diabetes and CVD. Test results may depend on time of day, stress, and food intake.
Lp(a) (Lipoprotein(a)) overview, sample collection, clinical application, and limitations
A lipoprotein that carries cholesterol and is a genetic risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Fasting is typically not required. Assesses cardiovascular risk, especially for those with a family history of heart disease or persistent high cholesterol. Lpa largely genetic, not significantly affected by lifestyle or medications.
Apoliprotein B (ApoB) overview, sample collection, clinical application, and limitations
A protein found in LDL and VLDL, crucial for lipid metabolism. Each LDL particle contains one ApoB molecule, making it a market for atherogenic particles and CV risk. Fasting is recommended for blood sample. Useful for those with normal cholesterol but high ApoB levels. Tracks effectiveness of treatments like statins or dietary changes. Results are influenced by diet, exercise, and hormones. Should be used along with other tests, not in isolation.
MTHFR gene mutation overview, sample collection, clinical application, and limitations
Assesses variations in the MTHFR gene, which affects folate metabolism and homocysteine levels. Identifies individuals at risk for high homocysteine levels, guiding dietary or supplementation strategies. Not a complete risk assessment for CVD.
Organic Acids Test (OAT) overview, sample collection, clinical application, and limitations
Measures organic acids in urine to assess metabolic processes. Abnormal levels may indicate oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, nutrient deficiencies. Urine sample after an overnight fast. Identifies metabolic dysfunctions that could predispose to CVD. Diet, hydration, and individual factors can affect results.
