Ferritin is the major protein found in the blood cells that stores iron. The Ferritin Blood test is used to check the iron levels in the body and may help diagnose various health conditions like iron-deficiency anemia, hemochromatosis (a condition where the body produces too much iron). Low ferritin levels in the blood show the presence of iron deficiency (anemia) in the body. The body requires iron to make hemoglobin, a protein found in red blood cells that helps transport oxygen from the lungs around the body.

Lipids are a collection of fats and fat-like substances that are considered an important component of cells and sources of energy. The Lipid Panel blood test measures the essential lipids of the blood for monitoring. This tests the triglyceride and serum cholesterol levels. Since it aids in the evaluation of possible cardiovascular risk, this test includes evaluation of the High-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C, often termed as “good cholesterol”), HDL-C ratio, Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C, often termed as “bad cholesterol”), Non-HDL-C (calculated from total cholesterol minus HDL-C), and total cholesterol (evaluates all the cholesterol in all the lipoprotein particles).

Maintaining normal levels of these lipids is thus essential in leading a healthy life. Cholesterol is needed for the body but eating too much of foods that are high in saturated fats and trans unsaturated fats can result in a high level of cholesterol in the blood, which is actually not needed and bad for the body. The extra and unwanted cholesterol may be dumped as plaques on the walls of blood vessels and heightens the risk of numerous health issues, including heart disease and stroke. The Lipid Panel blood test thus helps in detecting cardiovascular risk. Additionally, it also helps identify if the patient is suffering from an ischemic event and may be used in the prevention and management of atherosclerotic disease, as well as in the detection of metabolic syndrome.

It is important to understand that the high levels of HDL (good cholesterol) are associated with a reduced risk of heart and blood vessel disease, whereas high levels of LDL (bad cholesterol) are associated with increased risk of heart and blood vessel disease, including coronary artery disease and heart attacks.

Magnesium is an important mineral in the body that helps maintain the health of the nerves, muscles, heart, and bones. It also helps control blood sugar and blood pressure and manages your energy levels. The magnesium blood test is used to measure blood magnesium levels.

Magnesium deficiency is usually observed in malnutrition, malabsorption states, and kidney disease. High magnesium levels can be caused by excessive antacid intake and decreased ability of the kidneys to excrete the mineral. Magnesium imbalance can lead to signs and symptoms such as nausea, loss of appetite, weakness, irritability, muscle cramps, numbness, tingling, or irregular heart rate (Cardiac arrhythmia). Magnesium imbalance in the body can also affect calcium metabolism and aggravate calcium deficiencies.

Folic acid deficiency is common in pregnant women, alcoholics, patients with diets that do not include raw fruits and vegetables, and people with structural damage to the small intestine. The most reliable and direct method of diagnosing folate deficiency is the determination of folate levels in both erythrocytes and serum. Low folic acid levels, however, can also be the result of a primary Vitamin B12 deficiency that decreases the ability of cells to take up folic acid. Vitamin B12 is decreased in pernicious anemia, total or partial gastrectomy, malabsorption and certain congenital biochemical disorders.

Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that helps regulate calcium and phosphate in the body and keeps bones, muscles, and teeth healthy. Its deficiency can lead to bone problems like osteomalacia, softening of a person’s bones.

There are two forms of vitamin D present in the blood: 25-hydroxyvitamin D and 1,25-dihydroxy vitamin D. Of these two, 25-hydroxyvitamin D is the major form found in the blood and is commonly measured to evaluate and monitor vitamin D status in individuals.

The Vitamin D, 25 Hydroxy Blood Test is used to monitor vitamin D levels in the body. This test helps determine whether a person is at risk for developing bone problems such as rickets, bone malformations, bone weakness, or osteoporosis. Generally, this test is used to diagnose vitamin D deficiency and Hypervitaminosis D. It can also be used for monitoring Vitamin D replacement therapy.

Zinc is an essential element involved in a myriad of enzyme systems including wound healing, immune function, and fetal development. Zinc measurements are used to detect and monitor industrial, dietary, and accidental exposure to zinc. Also, zinc measurements may be used to evaluate health and monitor response to treatment.

The hs-CRP blood test is used to diagnose your risk for inflammation and cardiovascular disease. C-reactive protein (CRP) is an acute-phase protein released in the blood during inflammation. As this protein is a marker of inflammation, it is elevated in the blood when there are inflammatory conditions, cancer, infections, or even heart disease present. One should not confuse the standard CRP test with the hs-CRP test. hs-CRP test more precisely detects the lower levels of the protein than that measured by the standard CRP test. A high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) test, can also be used to assess your risk of developing coronary artery disease, a disorder in which the blood arteries of your heart are narrowed. Coronary artery disease can become a reason for a heart attack.