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Blood Panel Explanation
Listed below is a narrative description of a complete blood panel, inlcuding a SMAC 25 and a Complete Blood Count (CBC) with differential. The purpose of a screening procedure like this is to identify results that do not fall within normal limits. All results that are categorized as HIGH or LOW need to followed up with your personal physician unless otherwise stated.

Complete Blood Count

White Cell Count relates to the body’s immune system. Recent colds, allergies, infections, or chemical exposures may cause this value to be high or low.

Red Cell Count refers to the red blood cells. These cells carry oxygen in the blood. Low values are commonly seen in individuals with certain types of anemia.

Hemoglobin (HgB) is the oxygen carrying component in the red blood cell. It is formed in the bone marrow. Low values are commonly seen in individuals with certain types of anemia.

Hematocrit (Hct) - is the volume (percentage) of red blood cells in whole blood. Low values are commonly seen in individuals with certain types of anemia.

MCV stands for mean cell volume. This is a measure of the average size of the red blood cells.

MCH stands for mean cell hemoglobin. This is a measure of the amount of hemoglobin associated with each red cell.

MCHC stands for mean cell hemoglobin concentration. This value represents the mean hemoglobin concentration in each red blood cell.

Platelet Count refers to the disk shaped structures found in the blood, primarily known for their role in the coagulation process.

Neutrophils, Lymphocytes, Monocytes, Eosinophils, and Basophils are the different types of white blood cells. A detailed look at all of the white cells will provide a physician with useful information regarding the status of the immune system.

RBC Morphology refers to the size and the shape of the red blood cells obtained in your blood sample.

Blood Chemistry Panel

Glucose is a measure of sugar content in your blood. This value is watched closely to evaluate diabetes or hypoglycemia. This test needs to be performed in a fasted (no eating) state. Your blood sugar should be between 60-120 mg/dl to be considered normal.

Urea Nitrogen (BUN) is a waste product of protein metabolism. It is produced in the liver and excreted by the kidneys. When protein metabolism is not working properly, high values may occur. Low values need not always be followed with your personal physician.

Creatinine is another waste product of protein metabolism. It represents the function of the kidneys. A low value is not clinically significant.

Iron is the most sensitive indicator of your iron stores (in the absence of liver disease or inflammation). Low values may represent certain types of anemia and should be evaluated by your personal physician.

Calcium is involved in many physiologic processes. A normal blood calcium level is essential for normal function of the heart, nerves, and muscles. It is also involved in the coagulation process.

Phosphorus is an essential element in the diet. It is a major component of the mineral phase of bone and occurs in all tissues, being involved in almost all metabolic processes. Calcium is controlled by the kidneys and parathyroid glands. Processing errors may affect this value.

Uric Acid is a constituent in the blood which transports nitrogen in the body. It is normally excreted in the urine to rid the body of nitrogen. Values that are high may indicate gout, arthritis or certain kidney problems. A low value is not clinically significant.

Sodium is an ion that is important in the conduction of nerves, contraction of muscles, and functioning of cells. It is controlled primarily by the kidneys and adrenal glands.

Potassium is important for muscles and nerves to function properly. It is controlled by the kidneys. This value is watched very closely if one is taking diuretics or cardiovascular medications. If the blood sample is not processed properly, high values may occur.

Chloride, like sodium and potassium, is an ion that is important in the functioning of cells. It is primarily controlled by the kidneys and adrenal glands.

Total Protein is the total amount of protein circulating in the blood. This value represents your general nutritional habits.

Albumin is a carbohydrate-free plasma protein which transports fatty acids, bilirubin, and poorly saturated hormones. It also serves as a reserve store of protein. High values are not clinically significant.

Globulin is a protein fraction. Elevated values may indicate chronic infections and should be followed-up by your personal physician.

A/G Ratio is a ratio between Albumin and Globulin. Provided Albumin and Globulin values are normal, a high or low ratio is not significant.

Total Bilirubin is a bile pigment. It normally circulates in the plasma and is taken up by liver cells. High levels of bilirubin may result in jaundice.

LDH stands for lactate dehydrogenase. It is an enzyme involved in the breakdown of lactic acid. Anything which causes cellular damage, including heart attacks, liver disease, and blood drawing itself, may cause higher values.

Alkaline Phosphatase is an enzyme found primarily in bones and the liver. Values for pregnant women have found to be elevated, however low values are probably not significant.

SGOT stands for serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase. SGOT is a liver enzyme involved in cellular functions of the heart muscle and liver. Alcohol consumption, liver disease, and other normal factors have been shown to raise this value. Low values are probably not clinically significant.

SGPT stands for serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase. SGPT, like SGOT, is an enzyme involved in the functions of heart, liver, and muscle cells. Alcohol consumption has been shown to increase this value.

GGT stands for Gamma Glutamyl Transpedtidase. Similar to SGOT and SGPT, GGT is an enzyme involved in the function of the liver, heart, and muscle cells. Alcohol consumption, liver disease, heart attacks, recent heavy physical exertion, and other normal factors have been shown to raise this value. Low values are probably not significant.

Cholesterol is used to make essential body substances, such as cell walls and hormones. High levels of cholesterol have been associated with an increased risk for heart disease. Low levels of cholesterol are preferred.

Triglycerides are blood fats that are the usual storage form of lipids in the body. This value can be dramatically affected by a recent meal or recent physical activity. Thus, an eight hour fast with no significant activity is required for accurate results.

HDL Cholesterol is a High Density Lipoprotein, which is commonly referred to as the “good” cholesterol. HDL Cholesterol is a transport protein that carries cholesterol away from the artery walls for removal from the body. The higher the HDL value, the lower the risk of cardiovascular disease. Exercise and weight loss have been shown to increase your HDL level, while smoking has been shown to decrease it.

LDL Cholesterol is a Low Density Lipoprotein, which is commonly referred to as the “bad” cholesterol. LDL Cholesterol, like HDL Cholesterol, is a transport protein. However, LDL transports cholesterol to the arteries. The lower the LDL Cholesterol concentration, the lower the risk of cardiovascular disease. A low-fat, low-cholesterol diet has been shown to decrease this value.

Cholesterol/HDL Ratio is a ratio of Total Cholesterol to HDL Cholesterol. This ratio has been shown to be a good predictor of cardiovascular disease risk, with the lower the ratio the better. A combination of regular aerobic exercise and good nutritional practices have been shown to improve this ratio.

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