Wellness Express Blood Test Panel Plus Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG)

What is the purpose of this test?

The Wellness Express Blood Test Panel Plus SHBG is a comprehensive blood test that provides valuable insights into your overall health. This test measures the levels of various important biomarkers in your blood, such as glucose, cholesterol, liver and kidney function, electrolytes, and more. Additionally, it includes a measurement of SHBG (sex hormone-binding globulin), which can help assess hormone imbalances in both men and women. By detecting any abnormalities in these biomarkers, this test can help identify potential health problems and allow for proactive steps to be taken to address them.

The Wellness Express Blood Test Panel Plus SHBG includes the following:

Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP-14) - The Comprehensive Metabolic Panel, or CMP-14, is a blood test that provides information about the body's metabolism. It measures the levels of various substances in the blood, including electrolytes, glucose, and liver and kidney function markers. This test is often used to evaluate overall health and wellness, as well as to monitor chronic conditions such as diabetes, liver disease, and kidney disease. By understanding the results of a CMP-14 test, doctors can identify potential health problems and develop treatment plans to help patients maintain optimal health.

• Glucose - Blood sugar level, the most direct test to screen for diabetes and also used in diabetes management.
•  Kidney Profile
• Bun or Urea Nitrogen (BUN) - An indicator of kidney function.  
• Creatinine, Serum - An indicator of kidney function.  
• Bun/Creatinine Ratio - Calculated by dividing BUN by creatinine. This ratio can suggest conditions including dehydration or intestinal bleeding.
• Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR) - Measures kidney function to determine kidney disease stage and detect early kidney damage.
•  Liver Panel
• Protein, Total - Assists in determining liver and kidney function and nutritional health.
• Albumin Serum - One of the major proteins essential for the healthy function of the liver and kidney. 
• Globulin, Total - One of the major proteins that assist the blood to clot properly and also comprises infection-fighting antibodies. 
• Albumin/Globulin Ratio - Calculated by dividing albumin by globulin. When paired with other test results, this ratio can assist in diagnosing various liver problems. 
• Bilirubin, Total - Aids in detecting hepatitis, sickle cell, anemia, cirrhosis, alcohol, and drug abuse. High concentrations may result in jaundice.
• Alkaline Phosphatase - A protein vital in detecting bone disorders and liver disease.
• Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST or SGOT) - An enzyme helpful in evaluating liver function. An elevated level is an indication of hepatitis. 
• Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT or SGPT) - An enzyme helpful in identifying liver damage. Abnormalities may represent liver disease.
•  Fluids & Electrolytes
• Sodium - One of the major salts in body fluid. Sodium is important in water balance and the electrical activity of nerves and muscles.
• Potassium - Helps to control the nerves and muscles.
• Chloride - Similar to sodium, it helps to maintain the body's electrolyte balance.
• Carbon Dioxide, Total - Used to help detect, evaluate, and monitor electrolyte imbalances.
• Calcium - A mineral essential for developing and maintaining healthy bones and teeth. It is also important for the normal function of muscles, nerves, and blood clotting.

Lipid Panel - Briefly explain the Lipid Panel in simple terms and how it relates to overall wellness.

• Cholesterol, Total - A measurement used to assess heart health. Cholesterol is required by your body to build healthy cells, but high cholesterol levels can increase your risk of heart disease.
• Triglycerides - Surplus fats transported in the bloodstream and provide energy to the body.
• HDL Cholesterol - High-density lipoproteins, or "good" cholesterol, take cholesterol away from the cells and transport it back to the liver for removal or processing.
• LDL Cholesterol - Low-density lipoproteins (calculation), or "bad" cholesterol, contain the highest percentage of cholesterol and are responsible for depositing cholesterol on the artery walls.
• VLDL Cholesterol - contains the highest amount of triglycerides. VLDL is a type of "bad cholesterol" because it helps cholesterol build up on the walls of arteries. (VLDL Cholesterol included in LabCorp Only)

Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG) - Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG) is a protein that binds to sex hormones such as testosterone and estrogen in the bloodstream. When these hormones are bound to SHBG, they become inactive. This can have an impact on overall wellness because it affects the level of free testosterone and estrogen in the body, which can impact mood, energy levels, and sexual function. High levels of SHBG can lead to lower levels of free testosterone and estrogen, while low levels of SHBG can lead to higher levels of free hormones. It's important to maintain a healthy balance of SHBG to support overall wellness.

Benefits of the Wellness Express Blood Test Panel Plus SHBG:

1. Comprehensive Health Assessment: The panel includes a wide range of tests that evaluate key biomarkers related to overall health and wellness. These biomarkers encompass various areas such as metabolic function, organ health, cardiovascular health, and nutritional status, providing a comprehensive overview of an individual's current health status.
2. Identification of Health Risks: By measuring biomarkers like cholesterol levels, glucose levels, liver function markers, and markers of inflammation, the panel can help identify potential health risks and underlying health conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, liver dysfunction, and inflammatory conditions. Early detection of these risks allows for timely intervention and preventive measures to mitigate future health complications.
3. Hormonal Assessment with SHBG: The inclusion of Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG) in the panel allows for the evaluation of hormonal balance. SHBG plays a crucial role in regulating the bioavailability of sex hormones such as testosterone and estrogen. Abnormal levels of SHBG can indicate hormonal imbalances, which may have implications for reproductive health, metabolism, and overall well-being.
4. Convenient Access to Testing: Walk-In Lab offers the convenience of easy access to testing without the need for a doctor's visit or insurance approval. This enables individuals to take a proactive approach to their health by accessing comprehensive laboratory testing directly through an online platform.
5. Monitoring Health Progress: For individuals undergoing lifestyle modifications, dietary changes, or medical treatments, regular monitoring of biomarkers included in the panel can help track progress over time. This allows individuals and healthcare providers to assess the effectiveness of interventions and make necessary adjustments to optimize health outcomes.

Overall, the Wellness Express Blood Test Panel Plus SHBG provides individuals with valuable insights into various aspects of their health and wellness, facilitating early detection of health risks, personalized interventions, and proactive management of overall well-being. As with any laboratory testing, it's important to consult with a healthcare provider to interpret the results accurately and develop appropriate action plans based on individual health needs.