Opti-Chem Blood Report
Each element in the Opti-Chem report has an impact on your health. The chemistry portion measures a variety of things in the blood and these include proteins, fats, minerals, electrolytes, enzymes and by-products of metabolism. A brief explanation of what each test means along with some reasons and conditions that may cause increases and decreases are provided for you. Blood chemistry is very complex and there is much more to it than is mentioned here, including the effects of various drugs. Your Healthcare Professional can guide and assist you in balancing your chemistry for optimal health, but your participation and compliance is necessary for success. In some cases you may be referred to another physician for further consultation. Overviews of the blood cell counts, urinalysis and thyroid tests are also provided. Congratulations on your decision to take charge of your body and your health.
Chemistry Analysis
- Glucose is sugar that is used by the cells
to provide energy. It is the only type of fuel that can be used by the
brain and nervous system, whereas other tissues can also burn fats for
energy. Glucose comes from the digestion of carbohydrates and may also
be stored as glycogen for later use. It is primarily kept in balance
by 2 hormones made in the pancreas – insulin and glucagon, although
the liver, adrenal and thyroid glands are also involved. Increased values
are related to diabetes, stress, Syndrome X and diet. Decreased values
can reflect hypoglycemia and result from overproduction of insulin,
alcoholism and liver disorders.
- Uric Acid is an end product of a protein
digestion, mainly a type of protein called purine. Some foods that are
high in purine are organ meats, spinach, mushrooms, yeast and asparagus.
It also comes from the breakdown of purine proteins in the nucleus of
cells. Increases occur when the kidneys can’t eliminate properly
or with gouty arthritis, alcoholism and high protein diets. Decreases
are primarily associated with low protein diet or malabsorption.
- BUN - Blood Urea Nitrogen is an end product
of protein breakdown. It’s produced mainly in the liver and is
eliminated by the kidneys. Increases can be caused by excessive protein
consumption, inadequate water consumption and kidney disorders. Decreases
are related to poor diet, liver problems, excessive water consumption
and malabsorption.
- Creatinine is a waste product of muscle
activity and levels are related to a person’s muscle mass and how
much exercise and strenuous activity they perform. Increases can also
be related to inadequate kidney function. Deceases may be due to lack
of muscle mass or degeneration.
- Sodium is an electrolyte related to fluid
balance, the kidneys, the heart and nerve conduction. Sodium is present
mainly in the fluids surrounding the cells. Increases are seen in hypertension,
fluid retention, excessive dietary consumption, dehydration and kidney
and heart disorders. Decreases are seen in diuretic use, excessive sweating,
excessive water intake and diarrhea.
- Potassium is an electrolyte related to
fluid balance and is used mainly inside the body’s cells. It is
necessary for proper function of the heart and muscles. Increases are
seen with excessive destruction of cells, underactive adrenal glands
and kidney disease. Decreases are mainly seen in diarrhea, diuretic
use, nutritional deficiency and overactive adrenal glands.
- Chloride is another electrolyte involved
in maintaining proper fluid balance and pH balance. It is also part
of the stomach’s hydrochloric acid that digests protein and levels
are also influenced by kidney function. Increases are seen when too
much acid is in the system, in dehydration, and with swelling caused
by too much fluid inside the cells. Decreases are seen in excessive
sweating, stomach acid deficiency and edema.
- Carbon Dioxide (CO2) is actually the total
of bicarbonate and carbon dioxide. These two substances are in a dynamic
equilibrium and help maintain the balance of acid and base in the body.
The test also reflects the ability of the lungs to exchange oxygen for
the carbon dioxide gas. Increases indicate more alkaline blood condition
and in the extreme, metabolic alkalosis. Decreases show more acidity
in the blood and in the extreme metabolic acidosis.
- Calcium is a principle component of the
bones and teeth with 99% of the body’s calcium found in these structures.
The other 1% is very important to processes like blood clotting, nerve
and muscle function, and various enzyme activities. Increases are seen
in disorders involving the parathyroid and thyroid glands, excess intake
of vitamin D, and in conditions related to much acid in the body. Decreases
are seen in parathyroid dysfunction, vitamin D deficiency, magnesium
deficiency and numerous other conditions.
- Phosphorus is the other principle component
of bones and teeth and much like calcium, it has an important role to
play in physiology. It helps form compounds for energy production, it
is related to pH balance, and is necessary for transporting foods from
the stomach for processing elsewhere in the body. Phosphorus and calcium
must be in balance with each other for good health. Increases are seen
when the stomach is too alkaline, with healing fractures and certain
kidney problems. Decreases are found when the stomach is too acidic
causing digestive problems and with the use of aluminum containing antacids.
- Magnesium is necessary for good function
of nerves and muscles. It allows muscles to relax after a contraction,
calms the nervous system, functions in many enzyme systems and is necessary
for regulation of the heartbeat. It is the second most prevalent mineral
inside the cells (potassium is first) where it assists with the integrity
of DNA and its counterparts. Increases are mainly found in kidney disorders,
use of certain antacids and regular use of magnesium sulfate type enemas.
Decreases are seen in cardiac arrhythmia, muscle spasm and cramps, and
some viral disorders.
- Total Protein is a measure of available
building blocks for many compounds in the body. Protein are used to
form enzymes, hormones, antibodies and many structural components like
muscle tissue. The main proteins in the blood are albumin and globulin.
Increases are seen in liver disorders, alcoholism, and chronic infections
and inflammation. Decreases are noted in malabsorption, colitis, and
poor nutrition.
- Albumin is a primary protein in the blood
and is made from amino acids in the liver and is also available from
the diet, especially from eggs. It helps with the immune system, maintains
proper fluid balance in the tissues and plays a role in nutrient transport
and waste removal. Increases are seen in kidney disorders and dehydration.
Decreases are noted in decreased immune function and edema.
- Globulin is the other primary protein
and has important functions in immune response. Among its other jobs
are carrying hormones and lipids. Compounds known as imunoglobulins,
like IgA, IgG and IgE are highly important for various immune issues
like allergies and infections in the mucus linings of the body. Increases
are seen in chronic infection and during recovery from acute infections,
as well as in Rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and in some cases when stomach
acids are deficient. Decreases are primarily found in patients with
compromised immunity and in cases of poor nutrition or malabsorption.
- Bilirubin (Total Bilirubin) comes from
the normal breakdown of red blood cells. This breakdown is done by the
spleen, which produces indirect bilirubin, and the liver, which produces
direct bilirubin. The combination of these two forms is called total
bilirubin. Increases are seen in liver and spleen dysfunction. Decreases
are found in iron deficiency anemia and also a type of spleen dysfunction.
- Alkaline Phosphatase is an enzyme produced
primarily in the bone, liver and intestinal tract. It reflects growth
or activity in these areas of the body and is often used as a tumor
marker. Through its highly alkaline nature, it functions as one of the
pH controls in the blood. Increases are seen in some types of tumor,
bone injury, pregnancy, gall bladder duct obstruction and skeletal growth.
Decreases are seen in low adrenal function and zinc deficiency.
- LDH (Lactic Dehydrogenase) is an enzyme
formed in all cells of the body from the use of sugar. It is a general
indicator of pancreas function due to its relationship with sugar metabolism.
Different types of this enzyme can be used to find which of the body’s
structures are producing it, such as the heart, lung, liver and skeletal
muscle. Increases are seen in heart attack, diabetes, pancreatitis,
muscle damage and cancer. Decreases are seen in cases of low blood sugar
and poor carbohydrate metabolism.
- SGOT (also called AST) is an enzyme found
mainly in the liver, heart, muscle and gonads. It functions in conversion
of cholesterol to hormones and in the synthesis of several acids formed
from the breakdown of proteins and fats. Increases are seen in congestive
heart disease, heart attack, liver disease and alcoholism. Decreases
are seen in gonadal dysfunction and vitamin B-6 deficiency.
- SGPT (also called ALT) is an enzyme found
primarily in the liver where it is produced when fatty membranes release
stored food substances. It is released when cells die and is used to
measure liver damage and other cellular damage. Increases are seen in
liver disorders, alcoholism, vitamin A deficiency and heart attack.
Decreases are seen in congested liver with poor release of stored nutrients.
- GGT is another enzyme found primarily
in the liver that is responsible for transporting amino acids and proteins
into cells. Increases are seen in obstruction of the bile duct, liver
damage and alcohol use, especially chronic. Decreases are seen when
the liver is congested and in hypothyroid conditions.
- Iron is an important part of hemoglobin
the red blood cells, carrying oxygen to all cells of the body. It also
provides information on how the liver and spleen are functioning. Increases
are indicative of some types of anemia where adequate co-factors are
deficient leaving unbound iron that can cause free radicals. Decreases
are seen in iron deficiency anemia, fatigue and bleeding in the G.I.
tract.
- Triglycerides are circulating fats that
are made in the liver. Like glucose, they can be a source of energy
and their amount increases when glucose cannot be used properly. Increases
are seen in diabetes, atherosclerosis, hypothyroid conditions, high
fat diet and alcoholism. Decreases are seen in hyperthyroidism, autoimmune
disorders, vegetarian diet and deficiency of stomach acid.
- Cholesterol is derived from the diet,
formed in the liver and found in all cells of the body. It is used to
form hormones, antibodies and bile salts and also protects cell membranes.
It is also used to evaluate risk for atherosclerosis. HDL cholesterol
is called the “good” cholesterol and LDL is the “bad”
fraction that sticks to the linings of arteries. Increases are seen
in atherosclerosis, hypothyroidism, and stomach problems affecting digestion
of fats and in high fat diets. Decreases are seen some liver disorders,
hyperthyroidism and severely fat restricted diets.
Blood Cell Counts
White Blood Cells (WBC) represent the body’s immune system and the various kinds of white cells have specialized functions. Lymphocytes are mainly for defense against virus and cancer cells, while Polys are primarily defending against bacteria. Monocytes are the second line of defense and finish the job started by the lymphocytes and polys. They are seen in higher numbers when there is infection or inflammation. Basophils primarily function as clean up for allergy reactions and Eosinophils perform a service when toxins, allergens and parasites attack.
Red Blood Cells are the oxygen carrying cells using Hemoglobin to hold the oxygen until it is exchanged for carbon dioxide. Hematocrit is a measure of the volume of whole blood taken up by the red blood cells and expressed as a percent. MCV, MHC, MCV and RDW all reflect the size, shape and contents of red cells.
Platelets are special cells in the blood that help form clots when repair is necessary.
Urinalysis
The urine is analyzed to determine a number of things including how concentrated it is through Specific Gravity, which tells us how “heavy” it is compared to water. The pH is very important because it is a good measure of how acidic or alkaline the tissues of the body are. WBC Esterase tells us whether there are white blood cells in the urine and Occult Blood indicates the presence of blood (may be due to menstruation). Nitrite is a sign of infection, while Glucose in the urine may indicate diabetes. Ketones can also indicate diabetes, but may be due to a low carbohydrate diet or fasting. Protein may “leak” through the kidney and show a possible weakness in that organ. Bilirubin is normally eliminated through the bile and its presence in the urine may be an early sign of liver problems. Urobilinogen is a by-product of intestinal activity and may suggest a lack of proper bowel flora
A microscopic examination is used, if indicated, to confirm suspicious findings of the basic urinalysis.
Thyroid Tests
T-4 or thyroxine is a very important hormone because it is responsible for maintaining the body temperature, regulating the heart rate and stimulating metabolic activity in general through its involvement in using nutrients. Increases in T-4 can cause nervousness, palpitations, sweating, sleep disorders and weight loss. Decreases in T-4 may cause intolerance to cold, dry skin, fatigue and weight gain.
T-3 Uptake provides an estimate of how many of the available binding sites for this related thyroid hormone are used up. This test should be viewed in the context of the other thyroid tests, but in general, lower values are seen in hypothyroidism and higher values in hyperthyroidism.
FTI or Free Thyroxine Index provides an estimate of how much T-4 is in the free or active state. It is a useful index of hormonal levels and again low values are often associated with hypothyroid tendencies and high values with hyperthyroid tendencies.
TSH or Thyroid Stimulating Hormone is produced by the pituitary gland and sends a signal to the thyroid gland to produce more T-4 and T-3. This reflects how well the thyroid is responding to the orders of the pituitary and also how well the pituitary is working. It is part of the feedback mechanism that insures a proper metabolic rate.
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