cyclops
Member
- Joined
- May 30, 2017
- Messages
- 1,636
Never had bloodwork done before. Seriously, how are you guys affording these things regularly lol? Some of the individual tests seem crazy expensive.
Direct Labs has this thing called a Comprehensive Wellness Profile and it's only $97. It seems like a good deal as it includes many tests, including some Ive seen recommended, but certainly not everything. I'm not sure if it includes many tests that really aren't all that important or helpful though.
I'm thinking about having this panel done and maybe a couple other tests that are considered the most important. Could someone recommend what other tests I should supplement this one with in order to get the best general snapshot of my health? Or maybe this Comprehensive Wellness Profile is not the best way to go? I don't want to throw away money on tests that aren't that important.
Below is what the Comprehensive Wellness Profile at Direct labs includes. What do you think?
Complete Blood Count
WBC—White blood cells are the body's primary defense against disease. White blood cells help fight infection.
RBC—Red blood cells are responsible for carrying oxygen to and carbon dioxide away from all cells.
Hemoglobin—A chemical compound inside red cells that transports oxygen through the blood stream to all cells of the body. Oxygen is needed for healthy organs. Hemoglobin gives the red color to blood.
Hematocrit—Hematocrit measures the amount of space red blood cells take up in the blood.
MCV—MCV reflects the size of red blood cells by expressing the volume occupied by a single red blood cell.
MCH Mean—Corpuscular Hemoglobin is one way to measure the average hemoglobin concentration within red blood cells.
MCHC—MCHC measures the average concentration of hemoglobin in red blood cells. It is most valuable in evaluating therapy for anemia because Hemoglobin and Hemotacrit are used, not R.B.C., in the calculation.
RDW—Red cell distribution width (RDW) is a calculation of the variation in the size of your RBC's.
Platelets—Blood cell particles involved with the forming of blood clots.
Neutrophils, Lymphocytes, Monocytes, Eosinophils, and Basophils deal with white blood cell function. Important to the body's defense against infection and also important in the assessment of nutritional status. These tests are based upon percentages.
Neutrophils (Absolute), Lymphocytes (Absolute), Monocytes (Absolute), Eosinophils (Absolute), and Basophils (Absolute) deal with white blood cell function. Important to the body's defense against infection and also important in the assessment of nutritional status. These tests are based upon total count.
Immature Granulocytes and Immature Grans (Abs) deal with white blood cell function. These tests check the maturity, percentage and total count, of immature neutrophils, which can be neutrophilic, acidophilic, or basophilic in nature.
Thyroid
Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH)-TSH, produced by the anterior pituitary gland, causes the release and distribution of stored thyroid hormones.
Lipid Profile
Cholesterol, Total—Cholesterol is a critical fat that is a structural component of cell membrane and plasma lipoproteins, and is important in the synthesis of steroid hormones, glucocorticoids, and bile acids. Mostly synthesized in the liver, some is absorbed through diet, especially one high in saturated fats.
HDL Cholesterol—High-density lipoproteins are believed to take cholesterol away from cells and transport it back to the liver for processing or removal. They have become known as the "good" cholesterol.
LDL Cholesterol—Low-density lipoproteins contain the greatest percentage of cholesterol and may be responsible for depositing cholesterol on the artery walls. For that reason, they are known as the "bad" cholesterol.
Cholesterol/HDL Ratio—This ratio is calculated by dividing the total cholesterol by the HDL cholesterol and is used for determining relative risk for developing cardiovascular heart disease.
Triglycerides—Triglycerides are fat in the blood responsible for providing energy to the cells of the body.
Liver Profile
Protein, Total—Proteins are the most abundant compound in serum. The protein makeup of the individual is of important diagnostic significance because of protein's involvement in enzymes, hormones, and antibodies as well as osmotic pressure balance, maintaining acid-base balance, and as a reserve source of nutrition for the body's tissues and muscles.
Albumin, Serum—Albumin is the major constituent of serum protein (usually over 50%). It is manufactured by the liver from the amino acids taken from the diet. It helps in osmotic pressure regulation, nutrient transport, and waste removal.
Globulin, Total—Globulin, a larger protein than albumin, has many diverse functions such as, the carrier of some hormones, lipids, metals, and antibodies.
Albumin/Globulin Ratio—Calculated by dividing the albumin by the globulin.
Bilirubin, Total—A byproduct of the breakdown of hemoglobin from red blood cells in the liver, bilirubin is a good indication of the liver's function. Excreted into the bile, bilirubin gives the bile its pigmentation.
Alkaline Phosphatase—A body protein important in diagnosing proper bone and liver functions.
Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH)—An enzyme found mostly in the heart, muscles, liver, kidney, brain, and red blood cells.
Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST or SGOT)—An enzyme found in skeletal and heart muscle, liver and other organs.
Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT or SGPT)—An enzyme found primarily in the liver.
GGT—Also known as Gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase, GGT helps detect liver and bile duct injury.
Kidney Panel
Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN)—A by-product of protein metabolism eliminated through the kidneys.
Creatinine, Serum—Creatinine is the waste product of muscle metabolism. Its level is a reflection of the body's muscle mass.
Uric Acid—Another by-product of protein metabolism eliminated through the kidneys.
BUN/Creatinine—Ratio calculated by dividing the BUN by the Creatinine.
Glomerular Filtration (eGFR)—Provides an assessment of the filtering capacity of the kidney.
Iron
Iron, Total—Iron is necessary for the formation of some proteins, hemoglobin, myoglobulin, and cytochrome. Also, it is necessary for oxygen transport, cellular respiration, and peroxide deactivation.
Fluids, Electrolytes & Minerals
Chloride, Serum—Similar to sodium, it helps to maintain the body's electrolyte balance.
Potassium—Helps to control the nerves and muscles.
Sodium, Serum—One of the major salts in the body fluid; sodium is important in the body's water balance and the electrical activity of nerves and muscles.
Carbon Dioxide (CO2)—CO2 level is related to the respiratory exchange of carbon dioxide in the lungs; is part of the body's buffering system. Generally when used with other electrolytes, it is a good indicator of acidity and alkalinity.
Calcium—A mineral essential for development and maintenance of healthy bones and teeth. It is important also for the normal function of muscles, nerves and blood clotting.
Phosphorus—Together with calcium, it is essential for healthy development of bones and teeth. Associated with hormone imbalance, bone disease and kidney disease. It is found mainly in bones and teeth.
Glucose
Glucose— Glucose, formed by the digestion of carbohydrates and the conversion of glycogen by the liver, is the primary source of energy for most cells. It is regulated by insulin, glucagon, thyroid hormone, liver enzymes, and adrenal hormones.
Direct Labs has this thing called a Comprehensive Wellness Profile and it's only $97. It seems like a good deal as it includes many tests, including some Ive seen recommended, but certainly not everything. I'm not sure if it includes many tests that really aren't all that important or helpful though.
I'm thinking about having this panel done and maybe a couple other tests that are considered the most important. Could someone recommend what other tests I should supplement this one with in order to get the best general snapshot of my health? Or maybe this Comprehensive Wellness Profile is not the best way to go? I don't want to throw away money on tests that aren't that important.
Below is what the Comprehensive Wellness Profile at Direct labs includes. What do you think?
WBC—White blood cells are the body's primary defense against disease. White blood cells help fight infection.
RBC—Red blood cells are responsible for carrying oxygen to and carbon dioxide away from all cells.
Hemoglobin—A chemical compound inside red cells that transports oxygen through the blood stream to all cells of the body. Oxygen is needed for healthy organs. Hemoglobin gives the red color to blood.
Hematocrit—Hematocrit measures the amount of space red blood cells take up in the blood.
MCV—MCV reflects the size of red blood cells by expressing the volume occupied by a single red blood cell.
MCH Mean—Corpuscular Hemoglobin is one way to measure the average hemoglobin concentration within red blood cells.
MCHC—MCHC measures the average concentration of hemoglobin in red blood cells. It is most valuable in evaluating therapy for anemia because Hemoglobin and Hemotacrit are used, not R.B.C., in the calculation.
RDW—Red cell distribution width (RDW) is a calculation of the variation in the size of your RBC's.
Platelets—Blood cell particles involved with the forming of blood clots.
Neutrophils, Lymphocytes, Monocytes, Eosinophils, and Basophils deal with white blood cell function. Important to the body's defense against infection and also important in the assessment of nutritional status. These tests are based upon percentages.
Neutrophils (Absolute), Lymphocytes (Absolute), Monocytes (Absolute), Eosinophils (Absolute), and Basophils (Absolute) deal with white blood cell function. Important to the body's defense against infection and also important in the assessment of nutritional status. These tests are based upon total count.
Immature Granulocytes and Immature Grans (Abs) deal with white blood cell function. These tests check the maturity, percentage and total count, of immature neutrophils, which can be neutrophilic, acidophilic, or basophilic in nature.
Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH)-TSH, produced by the anterior pituitary gland, causes the release and distribution of stored thyroid hormones.
Cholesterol, Total—Cholesterol is a critical fat that is a structural component of cell membrane and plasma lipoproteins, and is important in the synthesis of steroid hormones, glucocorticoids, and bile acids. Mostly synthesized in the liver, some is absorbed through diet, especially one high in saturated fats.
HDL Cholesterol—High-density lipoproteins are believed to take cholesterol away from cells and transport it back to the liver for processing or removal. They have become known as the "good" cholesterol.
LDL Cholesterol—Low-density lipoproteins contain the greatest percentage of cholesterol and may be responsible for depositing cholesterol on the artery walls. For that reason, they are known as the "bad" cholesterol.
Cholesterol/HDL Ratio—This ratio is calculated by dividing the total cholesterol by the HDL cholesterol and is used for determining relative risk for developing cardiovascular heart disease.
Triglycerides—Triglycerides are fat in the blood responsible for providing energy to the cells of the body.
Protein, Total—Proteins are the most abundant compound in serum. The protein makeup of the individual is of important diagnostic significance because of protein's involvement in enzymes, hormones, and antibodies as well as osmotic pressure balance, maintaining acid-base balance, and as a reserve source of nutrition for the body's tissues and muscles.
Albumin, Serum—Albumin is the major constituent of serum protein (usually over 50%). It is manufactured by the liver from the amino acids taken from the diet. It helps in osmotic pressure regulation, nutrient transport, and waste removal.
Globulin, Total—Globulin, a larger protein than albumin, has many diverse functions such as, the carrier of some hormones, lipids, metals, and antibodies.
Albumin/Globulin Ratio—Calculated by dividing the albumin by the globulin.
Bilirubin, Total—A byproduct of the breakdown of hemoglobin from red blood cells in the liver, bilirubin is a good indication of the liver's function. Excreted into the bile, bilirubin gives the bile its pigmentation.
Alkaline Phosphatase—A body protein important in diagnosing proper bone and liver functions.
Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH)—An enzyme found mostly in the heart, muscles, liver, kidney, brain, and red blood cells.
Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST or SGOT)—An enzyme found in skeletal and heart muscle, liver and other organs.
Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT or SGPT)—An enzyme found primarily in the liver.
GGT—Also known as Gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase, GGT helps detect liver and bile duct injury.
Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN)—A by-product of protein metabolism eliminated through the kidneys.
Creatinine, Serum—Creatinine is the waste product of muscle metabolism. Its level is a reflection of the body's muscle mass.
Uric Acid—Another by-product of protein metabolism eliminated through the kidneys.
BUN/Creatinine—Ratio calculated by dividing the BUN by the Creatinine.
Glomerular Filtration (eGFR)—Provides an assessment of the filtering capacity of the kidney.
Iron, Total—Iron is necessary for the formation of some proteins, hemoglobin, myoglobulin, and cytochrome. Also, it is necessary for oxygen transport, cellular respiration, and peroxide deactivation.
Chloride, Serum—Similar to sodium, it helps to maintain the body's electrolyte balance.
Potassium—Helps to control the nerves and muscles.
Sodium, Serum—One of the major salts in the body fluid; sodium is important in the body's water balance and the electrical activity of nerves and muscles.
Carbon Dioxide (CO2)—CO2 level is related to the respiratory exchange of carbon dioxide in the lungs; is part of the body's buffering system. Generally when used with other electrolytes, it is a good indicator of acidity and alkalinity.
Calcium—A mineral essential for development and maintenance of healthy bones and teeth. It is important also for the normal function of muscles, nerves and blood clotting.
Phosphorus—Together with calcium, it is essential for healthy development of bones and teeth. Associated with hormone imbalance, bone disease and kidney disease. It is found mainly in bones and teeth.
Glucose— Glucose, formed by the digestion of carbohydrates and the conversion of glycogen by the liver, is the primary source of energy for most cells. It is regulated by insulin, glucagon, thyroid hormone, liver enzymes, and adrenal hormones.
