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Description:

This osteoporosis panel includes:

• Serum total calcium, albumin (to calculate albumin adjusted calcium) and phosphorus as part of a CMP panel to detect conditions associated with hypercalcemia such as primary hyperparathyroidism or hypocalcemia and consequent secondary hyperparathyroidism causing bone loss
• Serum creatinine and estimated glomerular filtration rate (GFR) as part of the CMP panel are useful to detect renal failure which can affect bone health. 
• Serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP) as part of a CMP panel. ALP measurement is useful to detect conditions including Paget's disease, metastatic bone disease and osteomalacia, etc.
• Vitamin D nutrition should be determined by measuring serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D [25(OH)D]. Although there is controversy about the optimum level of 25(OH)D for bone health; while 50 nmol/L is considered acceptable
• Parathyroid Hormone (PTH) measurement would be required if serum calcium is abnormal, to help investigate the cause of the calcium abnormality.
• Ultra-sensitive Estradiol. Low estradiol in men and women has been linked to bone loss.
• Phosphorus. An increased phosphorus with decreased calcium suggests either hypoparathyroidism or renal disease. A decreased phosphorus and an increased calcium suggests hyperparathyroidism or sarcoidosis. When both calcium and phosphorus are decreased diagnostic considerations include malabsorption, vitamin D deficiency and renal tubular acidosis. Increased phosphorus and normal or increased calcium suggests Milk-alkali syndrome or hypervitaminosis D.

What is Osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis is a systemic skeletal disorder characterized by low bone mass, micro-architectural deterioration of bone tissue leading to bone fragility, and consequent increase in fracture risk. It is the most common reason for a broken bone among the elderly.  Bones that commonly break include the vertebrae in the spine, the bones of the forearm, and the hip. Until a broken bone occurs there are typically no symptoms. Bones may weaken to such a degree that a break may occur with minor stress or spontaneously. After the broken bone heals, the person may have chronic pain and a decreased ability to carry out normal activities.

What Tests Can Diagnose Osteoporosis?

Absolute fracture risk in individual subjects is calculated by the use of algorithms which include bone mineral density (BMD), age, gender, history of prior fracture and other risk factors. This review describes the laboratory investigations into osteoporosis which include serum calcium, phosphate, creatinine, alkaline phosphatase and 25-hydroxyvitamin D and estradiol. Parathyroid hormone (PTH) is measured in patients with abnormal serum calcium to determine its cause. Other laboratory investigations such as thyroid function testing, screening for multiple myeloma, and screening for Cushing's syndrome, are performed if indicated. Measurement of bone turnover markers (BTMs) is currently not included in algorithms for fracture risk calculations due to the lack of data.

What Can Cause Osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis may be due to lower-than-normal maximum bone mass and greater-than-normal bone loss. Bone loss increases after menopause due to lower levels of estrogen. Osteoporosis may also occur due to a number of diseases or treatments, including alcoholism, anorexia, hyperthyroidism, kidney disease, and surgical removal of the ovaries. Certain medications increase the rate of bone loss, including some antiseizure medications, chemotherapy, proton pump inhibitors, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, and glucocorticosteroids. Smoking, and too little exercise are also risk factors. Osteoporosis is defined as a bone density of 2.5 standard deviations below that of a young adult. This is typically measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA).

Hypogonadal (low testosterone) states can cause secondary osteoporosis. These include Turner syndrome, Klinefelter syndrome, Kallmann syndrome, anorexia nervosa, andropause, hypothalamic amenorrhea or hyperprolactinemia. In females, the effect of hypogonadism is mediated by estrogen deficiency. It can appear as early menopause (<45 years) or from prolonged premenopausal amenorrhea (>1 year). Bilateral oophorectomy (surgical removal of the ovaries) and premature ovarian failure cause deficient estrogen production. In males, testosterone deficiency is the cause (for example, andropause or after surgical removal of the testes).

Endocrine disorders that can induce bone loss include Cushing's syndrome, hyperparathyroidism, hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, diabetes mellitus type 1 and acromegaly, and adrenal insufficiency.

Malnutrition, parenteral nutrition, and malabsorption can lead to osteoporosis. Nutritional and gastrointestinal disorders that can predispose to osteoporosis include undiagnosed and untreated coeliac disease (both symptomatic and asymptomatic people), Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, cystic fibrosis, surgery (after gastrectomy, intestinal bypass surgery or bowel resection) and severe liver disease (especially primary biliary cirrhosis).  People with lactose intolerance or milk allergy may develop osteoporosis due to restrictions of calcium-containing foods. Individuals with bulimia can also develop osteoporosis. Those with an otherwise adequate calcium intake can develop osteoporosis due to the inability to absorb calcium and/or vitamin D. Other micronutrients such as vitamin K or vitamin B12 deficiency may also contribute.

What Lab Tests Help to Diagnose Causes of Osteoporosis?

Laboratory investigations in patients with osteoporosis are undertaken to rule out or to detect common causes of osteoporosis in order to treat them. Further targeted investigations may be performed if indicated by clinical presentation, or if the first line investigations are normal but the severity of osteoporosis is unusual for the age and gender. The following first-line measurements may be routinely indicated in the investigation of patients with osteoporosis:

• Serum total calcium, albumin (to calculate albumin adjusted calcium) and phosphorus as part of a CMP panel to detect conditions associated with hypercalcemia such as primary hyperparathyroidism or hypocalcemia and consequent secondary hyperparathyroidism causing bone loss; although albumin adjustment for serum calcium is not universally performed, this practice may be useful to correct total calcium measurements skewed by abnormal albumin levels. Alternatively, ionized calcium measurement gives a more accurate measure of calcium homeostasis.
• Serum creatinine and estimated glomerular filtration rate (GFR) as part of the CMP panel are useful to detect renal failure which can affect bone health. 
• Serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP) as part of a CMP panel. ALP measurement is useful to detect conditions including Paget's disease, metastatic bone disease and osteomalacia, etc. Total ALP is adequate for demonstrating gross increases in bone formation such as those found in most patients with active Paget's disease, osteomalacia, fracture healing or metastatic bone disease, but is not sensitive enough to detect changes in bone remodeling seen in most cases of uncomplicated osteoporosis. Although gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) is suggested by some to distinguish an increase in liver ALP from bone ALP, this is neither sensitive nor specific for this purpose. If changes in bone formation need to be determined with sensitivity or distinguished from an increase in total ALP due to liver disease, a specific bone formation marker such as PINP could be measured.
• Vitamin D nutrition should be determined by measuring serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D [25(OH)D]. Although there is controversy about the optimum level of 25(OH)D for bone health; while 50 nmol/L is considered acceptable, others have suggested 75 nmol/L as desirable for optimum bone health [27, 28]. If the higher cut-off is used, then the vast majority of menopausal women (76.8%) would be considered to have sub-optimal vitamin D nutrition.
• Parathyroid Hormone (PTH) measurement would be required if serum calcium is abnormal, to help investigate the cause of the calcium abnormality.
• Ultra-sensitive Estradiol. Low estradiol in men and women has been linked to bone loss.
• Phosphorus. An increased phosphorus with decreased calcium suggests either hypoparathyroidism or renal disease. A decreased phosphorus and an increased calcium suggests hyperparathyroidism or sarcoidosis. When both calcium and phosphorus are decreased diagnostic considerations include malabsorption, vitamin D deficiency and renal tubular acidosis. Increased phosphorus and normal or increased calcium suggests Milk-alkali syndrome or hypervitaminosis D.

Other More Detailed Tests Depending on Specific Conditions (Not included):

 A full examination of blood and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) would be useful for general health and for inflammatory diseases which often increase bone loss. Serum protein electrophoresis and free light chains in older patients would be useful to exclude multiple myeloma which causes major bone loss. Other secondary causes such as thyrotoxicosis can be excluded with thyroid function tests, and in men hypogonadism is screened with a serum testosterone. In women, the diagnosis of menopause is made clinically and does not warrant estradiol measurement. If Cushing's syndrome is suggested clinically, then screening tests could be performed: 24 hr urine cortisol, midnight salivary cortisol or overnight dexamethasone suppression test. Rarer conditions, if suspected, could be specifically tested; e.g. celiac disease (which is commonly seen in people of European ancestry, but also in parts of Africa, the Middle East and South Asia) with tissue transglutaminase antibody (together with IgA) or systemic mastocytosis with serum tryptase and/or urine methyl histamine. BTMs are not routinely recommended for the assessment of osteoporosis for the reasons stated above. However, if treatment for osteoporosis is to be initiated and monitoring with BTMs is intended, baseline measurement of fasting morning s-CTX and/or s-PINP may be undertaken.

Reference:

Current Recommendations for Laboratory Testing and Use of Bone Turnover Markers in Management of Osteoporosis. Ann Lab Med. 2012 Mar; 32(2): 105–112.

Categories: Choose Your Test, Musculoskeletal Diseases​ Tests, Arthritis Test, Osteoporosis Tests,

Price: $311

Description:

The term fibromyalgia came from the Latin word “fibro” (fibrosis tissue), and the Greek terms for “myo” (muscle) and “algia” (pain).

Fibromyalgia is a relatively common health problem that affects around 3-4% of people worldwide. It consists of consistent pain across the entire body and it's a disease that directly affects the nervous system.

Although the pain symptoms are obvious, it can be really difficult to diagnose this condition. That's because many other illnesses cause pain in various parts of the body. With that being said, a lot of progress has been made when it comes to diagnosing fibromyalgia.

Keep reading to learn more about this health issue, how to test for it, and what are your treatment options.

What Is Fibromyalgia and What Are Its Symptoms?

As mentioned earlier, fibromyalgia creates consistent muscular and joint pain. This type of pain is disturbing, but bearable according to most patients. The muscles of a person with fibromyalgia are sensitive to the touch. This can drastically reduce the quality and enjoyment of life in patients diagnosed with this condition.

Some of the most common symptoms of fibromyalgia include:

• Tenderness and pain on joints, skin, and muscles
• Confusion and lack of concentration
• Sleeping difficulties
• Having troubles remembering things

Most of these secondary symptoms are directly caused by the constant, silent pain that fibromyalgia patients feel every day. It can be really difficult to think, focus, and sleep when your body is aching all the time for no obvious reasons.

It's important to stress out that fibromyalgia causes pain across the entire body. This includes your shoulders, neck, jaw, upper back, lower back, abdomen, chest, legs, and even the fingers of your limbs. The entire nervous system is affected and this is felt in the hundreds of muscles that make up the human body.

How Is Fibromyalgia Diagnosed?

Body pain is usually associated with a host of other health problems, so diagnosing fibromyalgia is not a walk in the park. Doctors usually run a battery of blood tests to rule out other conditions. Here are a few tests used to diagnose fibromyalgia.

Complete Blood Count

This test group looks at specific variables in your blood such as red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and more. This helps discover anemia or any infections that might cause you constant, whole-body pain.

Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone (TSH)

TSH is a hormone produced by your pituitary. It tells your thyroid gland what hormones to secrete and in what quantity. Your thyroid gland is responsible for numerous metabolic processes. Damages to your thyroid can cause symptoms similar to fibromyalgia such as frequent pain throughout your entire body, fatigue, and so on.

Complete Metabolic Panel

The CMP checks the function of your liver, kidneys, and several other organs. It can detect any electrolyte imbalance, diabetes, and other types of health problems that might cause you symptoms similar to fibromyalgia.

Iron Blood Test

Iron is one of the most important minerals in your body. Too little iron can cause anemia which is characterized by fatigue, lack of sleep, and minor muscle aches. At the same time, too much iron is also a bad thing, so this test will give you an accurate result when it comes to blood iron levels in your body.

Vitamin B12

The vitamin B complex is essential for a healthy nervous system, particularly vitamin B12. Low levels of this vitamin are commonly associated with fatigue, diffuse pain, and lethargy. Vitamin B12 depletion can be caused by various things including consuming too much alcohol and not eating a balanced diet.

Vitamin D

At the same time, too little vitamin D can also cause problems in your body including tiredness, mild pain, and a general state of confusion. Vitamin D is metabolized from the sun, but most people don't get enough sun exposure to get enough vitamin D in their system.

This test will reveal how much vitamin D is in your bloodstream. If you're deficient in this vital nutrient, you might be able to easily correct this problem with regular vitamin D supplementation.

Creatine Phosphokinase (CPK Test)

CPK is an enzyme found in most muscles in your body. When the muscles are injured, CPK is released into the bloodstream. This test can detect excess CPK in your system and it will help doctors detect infections and diseases quickly.

CPK is also split into 3 categories and each corresponds to certain muscle groups and organs. Measuring your levels of CPK can indicate recent muscle damage, heart attacks, brain problems, and more.

Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR Test)

ESR is often recommended as a routine laboratory test in fibromyalgia patients to rule out the presence of inflammatory disorders that may mimic symptoms. The upper limit of normal for the ESR in women is half their age (eg, a level of 40 in an 80-year-old women is normal), and in men is half their age minus 10.

How Is Fibromyalgia Treated?

Once a fibromyalgia diagnosis is confirmed, your doctor will help you fight this disease in a number of ways. Usually, a combination of medications and therapies is used, depending on the severity of your pain and how much disturbance it causes in your life.

Some of the drugs used to treat fibromyalgia include pain relievers such as ibuprofen, naproxen sodium, and others. These will help you cope with the constant pain easier. Other drugs used are anti-depressants such as Duloxetine.

These drugs might help fight the pain and lethargy commonly associated with fibromyalgia. Finally, anti-seizure drugs might be useful in extreme cases.

On top of that, counseling is highly recommended to find ways to cope with the constant pain and alleviate it slightly. Physical therapy is also very useful in improving the flexibility and stamina of people who struggle with fibromyalgia.

Other types of self-care strategies include practicing yoga, meditating, taking long, hot baths, or engaging in vigorous cardio exercise. These activities release natural endorphins that help numb the pain of people with fibromyalgia.

Order Your Fibromyalgia Panel Today!

As you can see, the only reliable way to test for fibromyalgia is by ordering a comprehensive panel of blood tests. This will help doctors rule out other conditions and accurately formulate treatment options for your specific case.

Order your fibromyalgia panel from Discountedlabs.com today and take advantage of quick delivery of results as well as one of the lowest prices for blood tests in the US!

Categories: Musculoskeletal Diseases​ Tests, Inflammation Lab Tests, Discounted Lab Panels, Choose Your Test,

Price: $572

Description:

This panel includes:

Sedimentation Rate (Westergren) – Helps to determine whether a condition causing inflammation is present.

Anti-Nuclear Antibody (ANA) – Test that measures the amount and pattern of abnormal antibody that work against the body's tissues (autoantibody).

Rheumatoid Factor – Used to help support a diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis.

hs- CRP C-Reactive Protein – Helps to diagnose and monitor the activity of some inflammatory and infectious conditions.

Uric Acid, Serum – This test measures the amount of uric acid in a blood sample. Uric acid is produced from the breakdown of your body's cells and from the food you eat. High uric acid could be a sign of gout.

What is Arthritis? - Everything You Need To Know

Arthritis is a general term that refers to joint pain and condition. Frequently though, arthritis is misunderstood as a single disease. There are over 100 types of arthritis and the conditions that result from them, and people affected, regardless of age, can develop associated severe illnesses and many disabilities.

The joints are the areas of the body where two bones meet, and their role is to provide mobility to the limbs connected by the respective bones of the joint. Arthritis means inflammation of one or more joints, accompanied by pain called arthralgia.

People of all ages and genders can have and have arthritis. Even though you may think that arthritis occurs only with age, this is not the only trigger. The condition can also occur as a result of a severe blow or physical exertion by athletes.

More than 120 million adults and nearly 600,000 children worldwide have arthritis or some other type of rheumatic disease. Estimates include only patients who report having doctor-diagnosed arthritis.

In the United States, only an estimated  54.5 million people are affected by arthritis, this being the primary reason for disability. The number of people with arthritis is unknown, as many do not seek treatment until their symptoms become severe.

What Causes Arthritis?

The causes of arthritis depend on the form of the condition. Arthritis types vary from those caused by the rupture and wear of the cartilage to those caused by the inflammation resulting from an overactive immune system, such as rheumatoid arthritis.

Types of Arthritis

Arthritis is a condition that can affect your quality of life quite seriously. For example, severe arthritis limits movement to such an extent that the affected person can no longer easily stand or stand in certain positions. The most common diagnosed arthritis types are:

Inflammatory arthritis-inflammation occurs without a valid physiological reason, on the surface of the joints and in the superficial layer of the bones. Inflammatory arthritis is classified as reactive arthritis, spondylosis, and rheumatoid arthritis.

Connective tissue disease- is a form of arthritis manifested by inflammation and local pain. It can affect the skin, kidneys, muscles, or lungs, and the most common form of connective tissue disease are scleroderma lupus.

Degenerative arthritis or Osteoarthritis- mainly affects the cartilage that covers the bones and leads to their inflammation. As a result, the cartilage becomes thinner, thicker, and more porous. To compensate for the loss of cartilage, the body's reaction is to reshape the affected bones, leading to abnormal bone growths, called osteophytes, and deformities of the joints.

Metabolic arthritis- occurs due to the accumulation of purines, substances that are naturally produced by the body and are found in foods such as red meat, sweets, and seafood. People who overeat these purine foods have high uric acid levels, which build up in the joints and cause local pain.

Septic arthritis- mainly affects the knee and hip. Streptococcus and staphylococcus are the leading causes of acute septic arthritis, and candida frequently leads to chronic septic arthritis. Joint problems, bacterial infections, or diseases such as diabetes and autoimmune diseases are risk factors for septic arthritis.

Psoriatic arthritis- is a common symptom in people living with psoriasis. The disease occurs when the immune system attacks the body's healthy cells in most cases. As a result, inflammation builds up in the joints. In general, people with psoriatic arthritis have an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, high triglycerides, and obesity.

How Can You Detect Arthritis?

Diagnosing arthritis may be a difficult thing do. There Are so many types of arthritis and disorders associated with it one test may not be enough to detect it.

Therefore, there were developed tests packages to diagnose better and monitor a possible arthritis disorder.

Your physician may ask you to perform a set of blood tests, review your medical history, check your joints, X-ray, ultrasounds closely, and sometimes MRI may also be needed. In some instances, arthrocentesis is required. The latter is a procedure that tests a sample of liquid from your joints.

What are The Symptoms of Arthritis?

Common symptoms of joint arthritis include:

• swelling
• pain in one or more joints
• stiffness
• decreased joint mobility
• low-grade fever
• fatigue
• lose weight

Symptoms may appear and disappear and may be mild, moderate, or severe. They can stay the same for years and then progress quickly. Severe arthritis can lead to chronic pain, inability to do daily activities, and difficulty walking or climbing stairs.

Arthritis can cause permanent changes in the joints. These changes may be visible, such as a knot in the joints of the fingers, but often the damage can only be seen by X-rays.

Some types of arthritis also affect other body parts, such as the heart, eyes, lungs, kidneys, and skin.

Essential Blood Tests in Diagnosing Arthritis

Sedimentation Rate (Westergren) - This test is meant to measure the level of inflammation. It measures the rate at which red blood cells sink into a vial, which may indicate if inflammation is present in your body. Higher levels may indicate inflammation in your body; however, this won't indicate its localization or what causes it if taken alone. This is why this test is accurate alongside other tests.

Antinuclear Antibody (ANA) - May indicate the presence of Lupus Autoimmune Disease or other Rheumatic Diseases. This test may occasionally be positive in a person without rheumatic disease. 95% of persons diagnosed with SLE or Lupus have a positive test.

Rheumatoid Factor - Usually used to diagnose rheumatoid arthritis. Note: some persons that have rheumatoid arthritis may never test positive. On the other hand, in the early stage of the RA, the test's result may be false negative. Hence it is important to have the test repeated if needed and performed alongside other relevant tests.

C-Reactive Protein (CRP)- This test measures the inflammation in your body, measuring a particular protein that may be found in the blood. Increased levels may show inflammation or acute infection.

Uric Acid, Serum - This test is usually undertaken to detect cases of gout.

These tests have to be interpreted by a doctor, and medication should be followed only at their recommendation.

Order Your Tests Now

Depending on your particular situation, symptoms, and suspected diagnosis, your doctor may order several types of tests. Unfortunately, there is no single test to diagnose all types of arthritis.

Instead, a combination of these different types of tests is often needed, and more importantly, it is most effective in finding all the clues required for an accurate diagnosis.

Coming in your help, DiscountedLabs.com has developed an arthritis panel that comprises the most common tests doctors recommend to identify your problem and start work from there for your health.

Categories: Musculoskeletal Diseases​ Tests, Inflammation Lab Tests, Choose Your Test, Discounted Lab Panels,

Price: $141

Description:

This panel includes blood tests that are related to inflammation and certain diseases. Blood tests included are: CRP high sensitivity, CPK, LDH, Ferritin, Homocysteine and ESR

The Inflammation Blood Test Panel Includes:

C-Reactive Protein (CRP), High sensitivity

CRP is a substance produced by the liver that increases in the presence of inflammation in the body, including autoimmune conditions and other inflammatory conditions. This test helps to diagnose and monitor the activity of some inflammatory and infectious conditions—arterial damage results from white blood cell invasion and inflammation within the wall. The hs-CRP test, also known as the high-sensitivity CRP test, is a more sensitive version of the traditional CRP test and can detect lower levels of inflammation in the body, including high levels of CRP. It is a general marker for inflammation and infection, making it a useful tool in determining risk for chronic diseases such as heart disease and identifying the type of inflammation present in various health conditions. Your health care provider might order a C-reactive protein test to determine your risk of heart disease and the risk of a second heart attack based on the CRP results. The American Heart Association and U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have defined risk groups based on hs-CRP levels: Low risk: less than 1.0 mg/L, average risk: 1.0 to 3.0 mg/L; high risk: above 3.0 mg/L. Sleep apnea, rheumatoid arthritis, colon cancer, and inflammatory bowel disease can also raise hs-CRP levels in individuals with autoimmune conditions, increasing their risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease and inflammation.

CPK-Creatine Kinase (or Creatine Phosphokinase)

Creatine phosphokinase is an enzyme in the heart, brain, and skeletal muscle. It is tested by taking a blood sample. High CPK can indicate muscle destruction and inflammation, heart attacks, and central nervous system issues. 

Ferritin

Serum ferritin is a screening tool to detect iron deficiency. Serum ferritin values in the 200–2000 ng/mL range may be increased due to non-iron-related factors, including inflammation and obesity.

Homocysteine

A high level of homocysteine in the blood (hyperhomocysteinemia) makes a person more prone to endothelial cell injury, leading to inflammation in the blood vessels, which may lead to plaque buildup inside blood vessels. Hyperhomocysteinemia is, therefore, a possible risk factor for coronary artery disease since it has been correlated with blood clots, heart attacks, and strokes.

Lactic Acid Dehydrogenase (LDH)

LDH is an enzyme, or catalyst, found in many body tissues involved in energy production. These include red blood cells, skeletal muscles, the heart, kidneys, brain, and lungs. LDH is most often measured to check for tissue damage. LDH is in many body tissues, especially the heart, liver, kidney, muscles, brain, blood cells, and lungs. An elevated level of LDH may be seen with: anemia, infections (such as infectious mononucleosis (mono), meningitis, encephalitis, and HIV), sepsis, intestinal and lung (pulmonary) infarction, kidney disease, liver disease, muscle injury, pancreatitis, cancers, and bone fractures.

Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (by Westergren) (ESR)

ESR is the rate at which red blood cells sediment in a period of one hour. To perform the test, anticoagulated blood was traditionally placed in an upright test tube, known as a Westergren tube, and the rate at which the red blood cells fell was measured and reported in mm/h. The ESR is increased in inflammation, pregnancy, anemia, autoimmune disorders (such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus), infections, kidney diseases, and cancers (such as lymphoma and multiple myeloma). The ESR is also a common indicator of inflammation in a blood test, and an increased rate may suggest the presence of a medical condition causing inflammation, such as polymyalgia rheumatica. It is important to note that an ESR test alone cannot diagnose a specific medical condition, but it can provide valuable information for further diagnosis and treatment. During the test, a small amount of blood will be collected from a vein in your arm using a small needle, which may cause a little sting or slight pain. This process usually takes less than five minutes. To take a sample of your blood, a health care provider places a needle into a vein in your arm, usually at the bend of the elbow. The blood sample goes to a lab for analysis. You can return to your usual activities right away.

Questions:

What Lifestyle Factors Affect the Results of Blood Tests for Inflammation?

Lifestyle factors can indeed influence the outcome of a blood test for inflammation. Several aspects of one's lifestyle, such as diet, exercise, stress levels, sleep patterns, and family history, can impact inflammation levels in the body. For example, consuming a diet high in processed foods, sugar, and unhealthy fats can lead to chronic inflammation. In contrast, a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and omega-3 fatty acids can help reduce inflammation. If you have a family history of autoimmune disorders, it is important to consider inflammation testing to help differentiate potential diseases.

Regular physical activity has been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects on the body. Engaging in regular exercise not only helps control weight but also reduces inflammation markers. On the other hand, leading a sedentary lifestyle can contribute to increased inflammation.

Stress is another significant factor that can affect inflammation levels. Chronic stress triggers the release of cortisol and other stress hormones, which can promote inflammation in the body. Finding healthy ways to manage stress, such as practicing mindfulness or yoga, can help lower inflammation levels.

Furthermore, inadequate or poor quality sleep can also impact inflammation. Sleep deprivation disrupts the body's immune response and increases inflammatory markers. Establishing good sleep hygiene habits and ensuring an adequate amount of restful sleep each night is crucial for maintaining optimal inflammation levels.

In conclusion, adopting a healthy lifestyle that includes a balanced diet, regular exercise, effective stress management techniques, and sufficient quality sleep can positively influence the results of a blood test for inflammation. By addressing these lifestyle factors, individuals may be able to reduce inflammation levels and improve their overall health and well-being. It is important to regularly monitor inflammation levels through laboratory tests to track progress and make necessary adjustments to lifestyle habits. These laboratory tests, performed in a CLIA-certified clinical laboratory, provide accurate and reliable results within the normal range to guide individuals in their journey towards better health.

What Specific Dietary Recommendations Can Help to Reduce Chronic Inflammation?

When it comes to reducing inflammation based on blood test results, there are specific dietary recommendations that can be beneficial. For instance, foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as fatty fish, flaxseeds, and walnuts, have anti-inflammatory properties and can help lower inflammation levels in the body. Including colorful fruits and vegetables high in antioxidants, like berries, cherries, spinach, and kale, can also aid in reducing inflammation. Moreover, incorporating spices like turmeric, ginger, and garlic, known for their anti-inflammatory properties, can be beneficial.

Additionally, avoiding processed foods high in trans fats and refined sugars is essential, as they can promote inflammation in the body. Opting for whole grains over refined grains and choosing lean sources of protein like poultry, legumes, and nuts can also help in managing inflammation levels and improving overall health. It is advisable to consult with a healthcare provider or a registered dietitian who can interpret your blood test results and provide personalized dietary recommendations based on your specific health information to reduce inflammation effectively.

What Conditions or Diseases can be Linked to High Levels of Inflammation in a Blood Test?

High levels of inflammation in a blood test can be associated with various conditions and diseases, including:

1. Arthritis: Inflammatory markers in the blood can indicate different types of arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.

2. Autoimmune disorders: Conditions like lupus, multiple sclerosis, and inflammatory bowel disease are characterized by high levels of inflammation.

3. Chronic infections: Inflammation may be elevated in response to chronic infections like tuberculosis or hepatitis.

4. Cardiovascular diseases: High levels of inflammation can contribute to conditions such as atherosclerosis and heart disease.

5. Cancer: Some cancers can cause inflammation in the body, leading to elevated inflammatory markers in the blood.

It's important to consult with a healthcare provider for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment if you have concerns about high levels of inflammation detected in a blood test.

What Medications Can Affect a Blood Test for Inflammation?

Medications can indeed interfere with the results of a blood test measuring inflammation markers. Certain medications, such as corticosteroids, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and immunosuppressants, can impact the levels of inflammatory markers in the blood. For example, corticosteroids can suppress the immune system and reduce inflammation, leading to lower levels of inflammatory markers in the bloodstream. On the other hand, NSAIDs may mask inflammation by reducing pain and swelling, thereby affecting the accuracy of the test results. It is essential to inform your healthcare provider about any medications you are taking before undergoing a blood test to ensure an accurate interpretation of the results.

Categories: Musculoskeletal Diseases​ Tests, Inflammation Lab Tests, Choose Your Test, Discounted Lab Panels,

Price: $266