A Comprehensive Blood Analysis is being sponsored by the Coudersport Rotary & Charles Cole Memorial Hospital on Saturday May 21, 2011 from 6 – 9 a.m. at the St. Eulalia Parish Center Rte 6 Coudersport, Pa. (across from Sheetz).
What can be discovered by a Comprehensive Blood Analysis
by Pat Northeimer, RN
Some of the tests reported are:Hemoglobin is the protein that carries oxygen in the blood. Low hemoglobin levels may indicate anemia. Very high hemoglobin levels may cause diseases of the liver and other organs.
Hematocrit measures the volume of red blood cells. High hematocrit levels can be caused by dehydration or may indicate that there are too many red blood cells. Low hematocrit values can be a sign of anemia.
Sodium measures the body’s water and electrolyte balance in order to evaluate symptoms that could be caused by abnormal sodium levels. High sodium levels can be caused by a high sodium diet or by dehydration. Low sodium levels can be caused by over-hydration or by certain diseases.
Potassium is a vital electrolyte in the blood. High levels of potassium may indicate kidney damage, while low levels of potassium can be caused by poor diet or significant loss of water from the body.
Blood Urea Nitrogen measures the amount of urea in your blood in order to determine if kidneys are functioning normally or to monitor kidney disease. A high BUN value can indicate kidney injury or disease, or be caused by some medications. Low BUN values can be caused by over-hydration.
Creatinine evaluates kidney function. The test also is used to monitor the progress of kidney disease or to monitor the kidney function of people who take medication that can damage the kidneys. High creatinine levels can indicate serious kidney damage or disease. Low creatinine levels can indicate a decrease in muscle mass or severe liver disease.
Blood Urea Nitrogen / Creatinine Ratio helps predict which conditions, such as dehydration, are causing abnormal Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine levels and decreased kidney functions. A high BUN-creatinine ratio occurs with sudden kidney failure or an obstruction in the urinary tract. A low BUN-creatinine ratio may be associated with a diet low in protein, cirrhoses, or a severe muscle injury.
Glucose tests can diagnose diabetes and monitor its treatment. It can also diagnose hypoglycemia, which is abnormally low blood sugar. A fasting (no food for 8 hours preceding the test) blood glucose level of 126 mg/dL or higher may require a second test to diagnose diabetes. A fasting glucose level below 40 mg/dL in women or below 50 mg/dL in men may indicate high amounts of insulin in the body.
Calcium measures the level of calcium in the body that is not stored in the bones. To measure the level of calcium in the bones, a bone densitometry test is required. High levels of calcium in the blood may be caused by prolonged immobilization, kidney disease, tuberculosis, or cancer that has spread to the bones. Low levels of blood calcium can be caused by an under active parathyroid gland, bone problems, or kidney disease.
Magnesium is a vital electrolyte in the blood. High magnesium levels may be caused by kidney failure or dehydration. Low levels may indicate alcoholism, pancreatitis, or a diet low in magnesium.
The Uric Acid test can be used to diagnose gout or reasons for recurrent kidney stones, or to check for kidney disease. High levels of uric acid may increase the chance of developing gout or kidney stones. Low levels may indicate liver or other disease.
Comprehensive Blood Analysis - $45.00
Screening for over 30 + commonly requested blood tests
(12-hour fast - refrain from consuming all food/beverages, except water. Continue to take all medications.)
Register online at: www.CharlesColeHospital.com or by calling
(814) 274-8200 (9 a.m. – 5 p.m., Monday – Thursday)
