Blood Biomarkers

Blood Biomarkers

Having your blood tested and not going over every detail with your Doctor is a serious mistake. Knowledge of why the biomarker is run and what it tells you at your specific level is crucial to you overall optimum health. Here we go over the biomarkers and what they measure and why.

Cholesterol and APO-B

Total Cholesterol:Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance that is found in the cells of the body and in the bloodstream. It is an essential component of cell membranes and plays a vital role in various physiological processes. Your total cholesterol measurement includes many different types of lipoproteins, carriers of cholesterol, plus triglycerides.

There are five different types of lipoproteins are chylomicrons, very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL), intermediate-density lipoprotein (IDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and HDL. Lipoproteins classify according to their density and composition.Cholesterol levels are measured in milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) of blood.

The ideal cholesterol levels for adults are generally as follows:
Total Cholesterol:Less than 200 mg/dL

There are two primary types of cholesterol:
Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL) Cholesterol:Often referred to as “bad cholesterol,” LDL cholesterol carries cholesterol from the liver to the cells.
High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL) Cholesterol:Known as “good cholesterol,” HDL cholesterol has a different function. It helps remove excess cholesterol from the bloodstream and arteries, transporting it back to the liver for processing and excretion. HDL, as per its denomination, is the highest density of the lipoproteins, with the highest proportion of proteins to lipids.[1] HDL is of particular interest in medicine, as research has shown a strong inverse association between HDL cholesterol concentration and the risk of atherosclerosis.[2] HDL is known for is anti-atherogenic and anti-inflammatory properties, thanks to its uptake and return of the cholesterol stored in the foam cells of atherosclerotic plaques to the liver. [4]

LDL CHOLESTEROL: If you have a high LDL level, this means that you have too much LDL cholesterol in your blood. This extra LDL, along with other substances, forms plaque. The plaque builds up in your arteries; this is a condition called atherosclerosis.

Coronary artery disease happens when the plaque buildup is in the arteries of your heart. It causes the arteries to become hardened and narrowed, which slows down or blocks the blood flow to your heart. Because your blood carries oxygen to your heart, this means that your heart may not be able to get enough oxygen. This can cause angina (chest pain), or if the blood flow is completely blocked, a heart attack.
Optimum range for LDL Cholesterol 50-99 mg/dL
Some clinical studies have advised levels as low as 40 mg/dl has significant benefits

HDL CHOLESTEROL: HDL is composed of cholesterol, triglycerides, and various apolipoproteins. In particular, the composition of HDL is apolipoproteins Apo-AI, Apo-AII, Apo-AIV, Apo-AV, Apo-C1, Apo-CII, Apo-CIII, and Apo-E.[1]

  • Apo-AI is the primary structural apolipoprotein of HDL and activates Lecithin–Cholesterol AcylTransferase (LCAT).
  • Apo-AII is also a structural protein in HDL and acts as an activator of hepatic lipase.
  • Apo-IV has an unknown function.
  • Apo-AV activates lipoprotein lipase (LPL), which is responsible for triglyceride lipolysis.
  • Apo-CI is responsible for activating LCAT.
  • Apo-CII is responsible for activating LPL.
  • Apo-CIII is responsible for inhibiting LPL.
  • Apo-E is a ligand for the LDL receptor.

Recent Clinical Studies have revealed there is an optimum level of HDL. The NCEP ATP III guidelines indicate that the ideal HDL levels should be between 40 and 60 mg/dL. Higher levels of HDL beyond 60 mg/dl was thought to be protective however recent studies have shown that it too can be dangerous.

Some laboratory reports give a ratio of total cholesterol to HDL cholesterol, with a desirable ratio being 5 to 1 and the optimum ratio being 3.5 to 1.

TRIGLYCERIDE:Triglycerides are a type of fat, called lipid, that circulate in your blood. They are the most common type of fat in your body. Triglycerides come from foods, especially butter, oils, and other fats you eat. Triglycerides also come from extra calories your body does not need right away. Unused calories are stored as triglycerides in fat cells. When your body needs energy, it releases the triglycerides. Some triglycerides are important for good health. However, high triglyceride levels in your blood can raise your risk of heart disease and stroke.

Triglyceride levels usually fall into the following categories:

  • Healthy: Below 150 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) for adults; lower than 90 mg/dL for children and teens (ages 10-19)
  • Borderline high: Between 150 and 199 mg/dL
  • High: Between 200 and 499 mg/dL

NOTE: Life Extension has advised that, “The standard US guidelines for triglycerides and cholesterol, called the Adult Treatment Panel III, recommend that triglycerides be kept at a level of 150 mg/dL or lower. At what level, however, do triglycerides begin to add to heart disease risk? The answer is 60 mg/dL or higher. When triglycerides are present at a level of 60 or higher, several abnormal hidden particles begin to appear in the blood: very low-density lipoproteins (VLDL), intermediate-density lipoproteins (IDL), and, perhaps most important, “small” low-density lipoproteins (LDL). Small LDL alone can triple your risk for heart attack. Beneficial high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels decrease as triglyceride levels increase. In other words, increasing triglycerides trigger a whole cascade of ill effects that cause coronary plaques to grow and that lead to heart attacks.”

Maintaining healthy cholesterol levels is essential for heart health. Lifestyle changes, such as adopting a balanced diet, regular exercise, and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, can help manage cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease. In some cases, medication may be prescribed by a healthcare professional to help control cholesterol levels, especially if lifestyle changes alone are not sufficient.

Apolipoprotein B (ApoB):ApoB containing lipoproteins play a crucial role in atherogenesis, including promoting plaque formation within arteries.  Many studies in the recent past have demonstrated that increased levels of apoB are a better predictor of risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD)  than the LDL cholesterol traditional markers.  Measurement of ApoB serves as a direct indicator of the number of circulating atherogenic particles.

Peter Attia views the “ceiling” to be ~60 milligrams per deciliter for ApoB levels

Lp-PLA2: Lp-PLA2, or lipoprotein-associated phospholipase-A2, is secreted by the macrophages and circulates in the blood in the form of a complex with lipoproteins ~70% with low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and ~30% with high-density lipoprotein (HDL). This test looks for a specific lipoprotein, Lp-PLA2, in your blood. The test is used to help predict your risk for cardiovascular disease and stroke.

Lipids are fats in your blood. Lipoproteins are combinations of fats and proteins that carry the fats in your bloodstream. If you have Lp-PLA2 in your blood, you may have fatty deposits in your arteries that are at risk of rupturing and causing heart disease or stroke.

This measures disease activity within the artery wall below the collagen or calcified cap due to the activation of macrophages.
The normal range for Lp-PLA2 is less than 200 ng/ml in healthy individuals.

Metabolism

Insulin: Insulin regulates the body’s energy by facilitating food absorption and ensuring proper utilization of calories. Insulin is a hormone made by your pancreas that acts like a key to let blood sugar into cells for use as energy. If you have prediabetes, the cells in your body don’t respond normally to insulin. Your pancreas makes more insulin to try to get cells to respond. Eventually your pancreas can’t keep up, and your blood sugar rises, setting the stage for prediabetes—and type 2 diabetes down the road. A high fasting Insulin level can predict if you will eventually develop type 2 diabetes.

A normal fasting insulin level is 5 µIU/mL (micro international unit per milliliter) though ideally, this number should be around 3 µIU/mL.

Glucose: A fasting blood glucose test measures the amount of glucose in your blood when it should be at its lowest. That happens in the morning and when you haven’t had anything to eat or drink for a while. This is a measure of what your blood sugar is, fasted, at the time of a blood draw. Glucose is the body’s main fuel source.

The expected values for normal fasting blood glucose concentration are between 70 mg/dL (3.9 mmol/L) and 99 mg/dL (5.6 mmol/L). When fasting blood glucose is between 100 to 125 mg/dL (5.6 to 6.9 mmol/L) changes in lifestyle and monitoring glycemia are recommended.

Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c): The A1C test—also known as the hemoglobin A1C or HbA1c test—is a simple blood test that measures your average blood sugar levels over the past 3 months. When sugar enters your bloodstream, it attaches to hemoglobin, a protein in your red blood cells. Everybody has some sugar attached to their hemoglobin, but people with higher blood sugar levels have more. The A1C test measures the percentage of your red blood cells that have sugar-coated hemoglobin.

A normal A1C level is below 5.7%, a level of 5.7% to 6.4% indicates prediabetes, and a level of 6.5% or more indicates diabetes. Within the 5.7% to 6.4% prediabetes range, the higher your A1C, the greater your risk is for developing type 2 diabetes.

Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT):  ALT is a blood test that checks for liver damage. Your doctor can use this test to find out if a disease, drug, or injury has damaged your liver.

Your liver does a lot of important things for you:

  • It makes a fluid called bile that helps your body digest food.
  • It removes waste products and other toxins from your blood.
  • It produces proteins and cholesterol.

Elevated ALT levels in the blood may indicate liver or muscle cell damage. The normal range is 0 to 36 U/L.

Aspartate transferase (AST): AST is an enzyme that’s found in your liver, heart, pancreas, muscles and other tissues in your body. An AST blood test is often included in a liver panel and comprehensive metabolic panel, and healthcare providers most often use it to help assess your liver health.

The normal range is 8 to 33 U/L.

Hormone balance

Estradiol: The hormone estradiol is one of three main forms of estrogen—a prominent female sex hormone. Estradiol has a profound impact on reproductive health and regulating menstruation, and it also impacts other body systems such as the cardiovascular system (including the heart and blood vessels) and the musculoskeletal system (including your bones, ligaments, cartilage, and tendons). So abnormally high or abnormally low levels of estradiol can have many different health implications.

Normal levels for estradiol are: 30 to 400 pg/mL for premenopausal women. 0 to 30 pg/mL for postmenopausal women. 10 to 50 pg/mL for men.

Progesterone: Progesterone is a steroid hormone that plays a vital role in regulating the menstrual cycle. It’s produced by the adrenal cortex and the ovaries. Like estradiol, progesterone levels readily rise and fall throughout the menstrual cycle, and then decline greatly after menopause. The main function of progesterone is to prepare the endometrium (lining of your uterus) for a fertilized egg to implant and grow. If a pregnancy doesn’t occur, the endometrium sheds during your menstrual period. If conception occurs, progesterone increases to support the pregnancy.

  • to 0.3 ng/mL for prepubescent girls
  • to 0.7 ng/mL in the follicular stage of the menstrual cycle
  • to 25 ng/mL in the luteal stage of the menstrual cycle
  • 10 to 44 ng/mL during the first trimester of pregnancy
  • 19.5 to 82.5 ng/mL during the second trimester of pregnancy
  • 65 to 290 ng/mL during the third trimester of pregnancy

Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH):A thyroxine test is a blood test that helps diagnose thyroid conditions. The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland at the base of your throat. Your thyroid makes hormones that control the way your body uses energy. These hormones affect your weight, heart, body temperature, muscle strength, and even your mood. In children, thyroid hormones affect growth, too.

Thyroxine, also known as T4, is a type of thyroid hormone. A T4 test measures the level of T4 in your blood. Too much or too little T4 can be a sign of thyroid disease.

There are two forms of T4 in your blood:

  • Free T4 is the active form of thyroxine hormone that enters your tissues where it’s needed.
  • Bound T4 is thyroxine that attaches or binds to certain proteins which prevent it from entering your tissues.

T4 levels can be measured with either a free T4 test or a total T4 test:

A free T4 test directly measures the amount of free T4 in your blood. Medical experts believe this test provides more accurate information than a total T4 test, so it’s used more often.

A total T4 test measures free and bound T4 together. A calculation may be done to figure out how much T4 is free. This is a less accurate way to check how well your thyroid is working.

Normal TSH levels are typically considered 0.5-5.0 mIU/L. The preferable the upper limit should be less than 2.5 mIU/L.

Calcium: Calcium is an essential mineral for maintaining and repairing bone and muscle tissue, as well as for increasing muscle mass, reducing the risk of bone fracture, greater bone density, and supporting normal blood clotting. A normal, healthy teenager will have blood calcium levels that are above 10.0, and most of the time these healthy normal teenagers have calcium levels between 10.0 and 10.7 mg/dl. A patient who is 60 years old, however, should have calcium levels “in the 9’s”. A calcium level of 10.5 is normal in a person who is 21 years old, but signals the presence of a parathyroid tumor in an adult over 40 years old.

Cortisol: A cortisol test measures the level of cortisol in your blood, urine, or saliva to see if your levels are normal. Cortisol is a hormone that affects almost every organ and tissue in your body.Cortisol is a hormone that the body releases in response to physical and emotional stress. It helps regulate energy, metabolism, and immune function. Chronically high cortisol levels are associated with poor sleep quality, impaired blood sugar control, increased anxiety, depressed moods, digestive problems, and loss of muscle mass.

It helps your body:

  • Respond to stress (cortisol is sometimes called the “stress hormone”)
  • Reduce inflammation
  • Regulate blood sugar and metabolism (how your body uses food for energy)
  • Control blood pressure

Normal values at 8 a.m. are 6 to 23 mcg/dl

Dehydroepiandrosterone-sulfate (DHEAS): DHEAS is a hormone produced in the adrenal glands. The body uses DHEAS to make different sex hormones, including estrogen and testosterone. Based on the current research, Healthy DHEAS levels in women are associated with a healthy immune system, increased energy, better bone and muscle health, and good sexual function.

Normal blood levels of DHEA-sulfate can differ by sex and age. Typical normal ranges for females are: Ages 18 to 19: 145 to 395 micrograms per deciliter (µg/dL) or 3.92 to 10.66 micromoles per liter (µmol/L) Ages 20 to 29: 65 to 380 µg/dL or 1.75 to 10.26 µmol/L.

Sleep

Magnesium: Magnesium is a mineral that supports healthy blood pressure and blood sugar levels, strengthens the immune system, and assists in muscle contraction and relaxation.

RBC magnesium: RBC magnesium is a measure of the amount of magnesium in your red blood cells (RBC). Compared to serum magnesium, RBC magnesium is considered a more sensitive measure of magnesium in the body. Optimized RBC magnesium is an indicator of healthy magnesium levels.

The normal plasma magnesium concentration is 0.75 to 1.0 mmol/l (1.8 to 2.4 mg/dl). The majority of the magnesium present in the body is in cells and bone, with only 1% in the extracellular fluid.

Vitamin D: Vitamin D is an important nutrient that helps the body absorb calcium to maintain bone strength and health. Ensuring that you have optimal vitamin D appears to be important for maintaining bone and muscle health, promoting sleep quality, improving athletic performance, and supporting longevity.

The Vitamin D Council places the ideal level between 40 and 80 ng/mL with levels below 20 ng/mL as deficient.

Cognition

Vitamin B12: Vitamin B12 is an essential vitamin that plays a role in producing red blood cells, converting food into energy, and making DNA. Optimal vitamin B12 levels are associated with cognitive benefits like memory and learning.

The vitamin B12 standard reference range is 200–700 pg/ml whereas the proposed optimal range is 500–1300 pg/ml.

Folate: Folate, or folic acid, is a vitamin the body requires to create new, healthy cells—especially red blood cells. Folate is involved in the metabolism of multiple nutrients, so optimal folate levels are associated with optimal levels of micronutrients.

Optimal Result: 3 – 20 ng/mL, or 6.80 – 45.32 nmol/L.

Homocysteine: A homocysteine test measures the amount of homocysteine in a sample of your blood. Homocysteine is an amino acid. Amino acids are molecules that your body uses to make proteins.

Normally, your homocysteine levels are low. That’s because your body uses vitamin B12, vitamin B6, and folic acid (also called folate or vitamin B9) to quickly break down homocysteine and change it into other substances that your body needs. High levels of homocysteine in your blood may be a sign that this process isn’t working properly or that you’re lacking certain B vitamins.

High levels of homocysteine can damage the inside of your arteries and increase your risk of forming blood clots. This may increase your risk for heart attack, stroke, and other heart diseases and blood vessel disorders.

An optimal goal for homocysteine would be ~ 5 – 7.2 umol/L.

Inflammation

Monocytes: Monocytes are a type of white blood cell. Monocytes protect against viral, bacterial, fungal, and protozoal infections. They kill microorganisms, ingest foreign particles, remove dead cells, and boost the immune response.

People with monocyte levels within the normal range (0.2 – 0.8 x10^9/L) tend to develop fewer infections and chronic diseases.

Lymphocytes: Lymphocytes are a type of white blood cell activated in response to immune system stress.

In adults, the normal range of lymphocytes is between 1,000 and 4,800 lymphocytes in every 1 microliter of blood. Lymphocytes normally represent 20% to 40% of circulating white blood cells. When the percentage of lymphocytes exceeds 40%, it is recognized as relative lymphocytosis.

Eosinophils: Eosinophils are a white blood cell type that acts as infection fighters in the immune system. They are typically activated during allergic responses and are associated with chronic inflammation.

Absolute eosinophil counts exceeding 450 to 550 cells/µL, depending on laboratory standards, are reported as elevated. Percentages generally above 5% of the differential are regarded as elevated.

Basophils: Basophils are a type of white blood cell that works closely with your immune system to defend your body from allergens, pathogens and parasites. Basophils release enzymes to improve blood flow and prevent blood clots.

Normally, basophils account for 0.5% to 1% of your white blood cell count. A basophil level that is higher or lower than this amount can point to something irregular.

Neutrophils: Neutrophils help your immune system fight infections and heal injuries. Neutrophils are the most common type of white blood cell in your body. An absolute neutrophil count identifies whether your body has enough neutrophils or if your count is above or below a healthy range.

The normal range of neutrophils in a healthy adult is between 2,500 and 7,000 neutrophils per microliter of blood. Any number above 7,000 or below 2,500 puts you at risk of a neutrophil condition.

White blood cells (WBCs): A white blood count measures the number of white cells in your blood. White blood cells are part of the immune system. They help your body fight off infections and other diseases. When you get sick, your body makes more white blood cells to fight the bacteria, viruses, or other foreign substances causing your illness.

The normal number of WBCs in the blood is 4,500 to 11,000 WBCs per microliter (4.5 to 11.0 × 109/L).

High sensitivity C-Reactive Protein (hsCRP):  High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) is a marker of inflammation that predicts incident myocardial infarction, stroke, peripheral arterial disease, and sudden cardiac death among healthy individuals with no history of cardiovascular disease, and recurrent events and death in patients with acute or stable coronary syndromes.

hsCRP is a marker of general inflammation throughout the body. When hsCRP levels are optimal, it indicates that the total amount of inflammation in the body is very low.

Low risk: Less than 1.0 mg/L

Average risk: 1.0 to 3.0 mg/L

High risk: Greater than 3.0 mg/L

GlycA: GlycA is a spectroscopic marker of systemic inflammation with low intra-individual variability and other attributes favoring its clinical use in patients with chronic inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. When GlycA is elevated in acute and chronic inflammation, it predicts mortality in healthy individuals and is associated with disease severity in patients with chronic inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis and lupus.

Optimal levels 100.00 – 300.00 umol/L

Fitness

Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG): SHBG is a protein produced primarily in the liver that transports sex hormones throughout the body. It binds tightly to 3 sex hormones found in both males and females. These hormones are estrogen, dihydrotestosterone (DHT), and testosterone. SHBG carries these 3 hormones throughout your blood. So unoptimized SHBG levels can throw off the amount of active sex hormones you have—negatively influencing your sex drive, overall energy, and memory.

The normal ranges for SHBG concentrations in adults are:

Males: 10 to 57 nanomoles per liter (nmol/L)

Females (nonpregnant): 18 to 144 nmol/L

Testosterone: Testosterone is a steroid hormone found in both men and women. Optimized testosterone levels are essential to overall health, sexual function, bone health, and athletic performance.

Free testosterone: Free testosterone is a biomarker measured in males and refers to the amount of active testosterone, or testosterone that isn’t bound to a carrier like SHBG. Low levels of free testosterone are associated with impaired post-workout recovery. (Currently only measured in males).

Here are the acceptable testosterone levels for men by age group.

Children: The first couple of months, a male baby should produce 75-400 ng/dL. By the time he’s 10 to 11 years old, that should change to 7-130 ng/dL.

Early Teens: Between 12 to 13 years old, a person should have 7-800 ng/dL. But by 15 to 16 years old, the ng/dL should be 100-1,200.

Late Teens: Anyone between 17 to 18 years old should have testosterone levels between 300 and 1,200 ng/dL.

Adults: An adult (19 years and older) should have anywhere between 240 and 950 ng/dL.

Endurance

Iron: Serum iron measures the amount of iron in your blood. Serum iron fluctuates based on your diet, and in combination with your ferritin level can determine if you are consuming too much or too little iron.

Normal value range is:

Iron: 60 to 170 micrograms per deciliter (mcg/dL), or 10.74 to 30.43 micromoles per liter (micromol/L)

Total iron binding capacity (TIBC): 240 to 450 mcg/dL, or 42.96 to 80.55 micromol/L

Ferritin: Ferritin is a protein that stores iron. Low ferritin levels reduce the body’s capacity to deliver oxygen to cells and tissues. Low ferritin levels indicate that you’re not getting enough iron in the diet compared to your body’s needs.

Group ng/mL
Adult males 24–336
Adult females 24–307
Newborns 25–200
Infants aged 1 month 200–600
Infants aged 2–5 months 50–200
Children aged 6 months to 15 years 7–140

Hemoglobin: Hemoglobin is a protein found in red blood cells. It binds to and delivers oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body. Optimal hemoglobin levels are linked to improved strength and aerobic performance.

For men, a normal level ranges between 14.0 grams per deciliter (gm/dL) and 17.5 gm/dL. For women, a normal level ranges between 12.3 gm/dL and 15.3 gm/dL. A severe low hemoglobin level for men is 13.5 gm/dL or lower. For women, a severe low hemoglobin level is 12 gm/dL.

Total iron-binding capacity (TIBC): TIBC measures the maximum amount of iron your blood can carry. High TIBC levels may actually indicate a low iron level, which can sap your energy, weaken your immune system, and make it harder to think clearly.

The normal range is taken as 240 mcg/dL to 450 mcg/dL.

Transferrin saturation (TS): TS is a result of your serum iron divided by the total iron-binding capacity (TIBC). Transferrin is a protein that binds to iron and carries it through the blood. Transferrin saturation, abbreviated TS and measured as a percentage, is the ratio of serum iron and total iron-binding capacity (TIBC). TS is a more useful indicator of iron status than just iron or TIBC alone. In iron deficiency, the iron level is low but the TIBC is increased, thus transferrin saturation becomes very low. In iron overload states, such as hemochromatosis, the iron level will be high and the TIBC will be low or normal, causing transferrin saturation to increase. It is customary to test for transferrin saturation when evaluating a person’s nutritional status or liver function. Transferrin saturation levels may also be used in the diagnoses of anemia.

Transferrin saturations of less than 20% indicate iron deficiency, while transferrin saturations of more than 50% suggest iron overload.

Total iron binding capacity (TIBC): 240 to 450 mcg/dL, or 42.96 to 80.55 micromol/L.

Red blood cells (RBCs): RBCs transport oxygen throughout the body. Red blood cells also remove carbon dioxide from your body, bringing it to the lungs for you to exhale. Red blood cells are made in the bone marrow. They typically live for about 120 days, and then they die. A healthy number of red blood cells is crucial for ensuring your body has the energy it needs to function properly.

For adults, the usual range is generally 4.35 to 5.65 million red blood cells per microliter (mcL) of blood for men and 3.92 to 5.13 million red blood cells per mcL of blood for women.

Hematocrit: Hematocrit is the measure of the percentage of red blood cells circulating in the bloodstream. This measurement depends on the number of and size of the red blood cells. Blood transports oxygen and nutrients to body tissues and returns waste and carbon dioxide.

Male: 40.7% to 50.3%

Female: 36.1% to 44.3%

Mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC): An MCV blood test measures the average size of your red blood cells. Red blood cells carry oxygen from your lungs to every cell in your body. Your cells need oxygen to grow, reproduce, and stay healthy. If your red blood cells are too small or too large, it could be a sign of a blood disorder such as anemia, a lack of certain vitamins, or other medical conditions. Low and high MCV can result from low iron or vitamin B12 levels, respectively.

A normal MCV range is roughly 80–100 fl

An MCH test is one part of a panel of tests called the red blood cell (RBC) indices, which evaluate different characteristics and functions of red blood cells. MCH is a useful measurement for understanding how effectively oxygen is being distributed throughout the body. Changes in MCH or other RBC indices may be a sign of a blood disorder called anemia.

An MCV test measures the size and volume of red blood cells. A normal MCV range is roughly 80–100 fl.

If someone’s MCV level is below 80 fl, they will likely develop or have microcytic anemia. Alternatively, if their MCV levels are greater than 100 fl, they could experience macrocytic anemia.

Red cell distribution width (RDW): A red cell distribution width (RDW) test measures the differences in the volume and size of your red blood cells (erythrocytes). Red blood cells carry oxygen from your lungs to every cell in your body. Your cells need oxygen to grow, make new cells, and stay healthy.

Normally, your red blood cells are all about the same size. A high RDW means that there’s a major difference between the size of your smallest and largest red blood cells. This may be a sign of a medical condition.

Optimum 11.7 – 15.4 %. Interpret your laboratory results now. The RDW value tells you whether enough of your red blood cells are of normal size and shape.

Platelets: Platelets, or thrombocytes, are small, colorless cell fragments in our blood that form clots and stop or prevent bleeding. Platelets are made in our bone marrow, the sponge-like tissue inside our bones. Bone marrow contains stem cells that develop into red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. Platelets are cells found in the bloodstream that play an important role in the immune response and blood clotting. An optimized platelet level is associated with lower whole-body inflammation levels and better overall health.

A normal platelet count ranges from 150,000 to 450,000 platelets per microliter of blood. Having more than 450,000 platelets is a condition called thrombocytosis; having less than 150,000 is known as thrombocytopenia.

Mean platelet volume (MPV): MPV stands for mean platelet volume. Platelets are small blood cells that stick together to make blood clots that stop or slow bleeding when you have a cut or injury. Platelets are made in your bone marrow. An MPV blood test measures the average size of your platelets. An optimal MPV level is associated with lower levels of inflammation and better overall health. A high MPV could mean a Vitamin B12, D or folate deficiency.

Generally, a normal MPV blood test is 7 fL to 9 fL (femtoliters) for non-pregnant adults.

Recovery

Gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT): GGT is an enzyme found in the liver, bile ducts, pancreas, spleen, and kidneys. GGT helps to transfer proteins across cell membranes and plays an important role in helping the liver break down toxins. GGT is an enzyme found throughout the body, but it is mostly found in the liver. When the liver is damaged, GGT may leak into the bloodstream. High levels of GGT in the blood may be a sign of liver disease or damage to the bile ducts. Bile ducts are tubes that carry bile in and out of the liver. Above optimal levels of GGT may indicate complications of the liver.

An optimal range for GGT of 10-17 U/L

Aspartate aminotransferase (AST): AST is an enzyme found in the liver, heart and muscle tissue, and kidneys. This enzyme helps to metabolize proteins. High levels of AST in the blood likely indicate damage to tissues.

An increased AST level is often a sign of liver disease. Liver disease is even more likely when the levels of substances checked by other liver blood tests have also increased.

An increased AST level may be due to any of the following:

  • Scarring of the liver (cirrhosis)
  • Death of liver tissue
  • Heart attack
  • Too much iron in the body (hemochromatosis)
  • Swollen and inflamed liver (hepatitis)
  • Lack of blood flow to the liver (liver ischemia)
  • Liver cancer or tumor
  • Use of drugs that are toxic to the liver, especially alcohol use
  • Mononucleosis (“mono”)
  • Muscle disease or trauma
  • Swollen and inflamed pancreas (pancreatitis)

AST level may also increase after:

  • Burns (deep)
  • Heart procedures
  • Seizures
  • Surgery

AST level for adults is: 8 to 48 IU/L.

Creatine kinase (CK): CK is found in muscle cells and plays a major role in producing energy during the first few seconds of exercise. an enzyme that’s found in your skeletal muscle, heart muscle and brain. When any of these tissues are damaged, they leak creatine kinase into your bloodstream. Elevated CK levels may indicate muscle injury or disease.

CK Level 24 – 204 U/L, 0.41 – 3.47 µkat/L, or 24.00 – 204.00 IU/L.

Sodium: A sodium blood test measures the amount of sodium in your blood. Sodium is a type of electrolyte. Electrolytes are electrically charged minerals. They help control the amount of fluid and the balance of acids and bases (pH balance) in your body. Sodium also helps your nerves and muscles work properly.

You get most of the sodium you need in your diet. If you take in too much, your kidneys get rid of the extra sodium in your urine. Normally, your body keeps your sodium levels in a very narrow range. If your sodium blood levels are too high or too low, it may mean that you have a kidney problem, dehydration, or another type of medical condition.

Normal sodium levels are usually between 136 and 145 millimoles per liter (mmol/L). Blood sodium levels below 136 mmol/L may mean you have low blood sodium (hyponatremia). Blood sodium levels greater than 145 mmol/L may mean you have blood sodium levels that are too high (hypernatremia).

Potassium: Potassium plays a critical role in regulating blood pressure, heartbeat, kidney function, calcium levels, and energy use in muscle cells. In active people, optimized potassium levels are associated with better endurance performance, stronger bones, and healthier cholesterol and glucose levels. In the right amounts, the mineral potassium helps your nerves and muscles “talk” to each other, moves nutrients into and waste out of your cells, and helps your heart function. Kidney disease is a common cause of a high potassium level. Either high or low potassium levels can cause heart problems. Low potassium can cause muscle cramps.

Normal level 3.5 to 5.2 mEq/L for adults. 3.4 to 4.7 mEq/L for children ages 1 to 18 years old.

Albumin: Albumin is a protein made by the liver and transports many molecules (including testosterone) throughout the body. Optimal albumin levels indicate that you are likely consuming a normal amount of protein in your diet and can indicate the status of your kidney and liver health. An albumin blood test measures the amount of albumin in your blood. Low albumin levels can be a sign of liver or kidney disease or another medical condition. High levels may be a sign of dehydration. Albumin enters your bloodstream and helps keep fluid from leaking out of your blood vessels into other tissues. It is also carries hormones, vitamins, and enzymes throughout your body. Without enough albumin, fluid can leak out of your blood and build up in your lungs, abdomen (belly), or other parts of your body.

A normal albumin range is 3.4 to 5.4 g/dL. If you have a lower albumin level, you may have malnutrition. It can also mean that you have liver disease, kidney disease, or an inflammatory disease. Higher albumin levels may be caused by acute infections, burns, and stress from surgery or a heart attack.