Male Health Screen Lab Test Information
Test 329614
Men's Health Tests
This is a comprehensive panel of tests designed for men to help determine what state of health their body is in. The results of this series of tests are a snapshot in time and should be used in conjunction with a medically supervised program of good health maintenance strategies. The goal is to live long and well!
Testosterone
Testosterone testing is used to diagnose several conditions in men, women, and boys. These conditions include:
delayed or precocious (early) puberty (boys)
decreased sex drive (men)
erectile dysfunction (men)
infertility (men and women)
testicular tumors (men)
excessive body hair, also called hirsutism (women).
In boys, the test is ordered, often along with the FSH and LH tests, if puberty is delayed or slow in developing. Although there are differences from individual to individual as to when puberty begins, generally by the age of 10 years, there are hormonal and physical manifestations of the onset of puberty. A delay can occur if the testes do not produce enough testosterone or if the pituitary does not produce enough LH.
The test also can be ordered if a young boy seems to be undergoing a very early (precocious) puberty with obvious secondary sex characteristics, such as an enlarged penis, development of muscle mass, and growth of body hair.
In men, the test may be ordered when infertility is suspected or if the patient has a decreased sex drive or erectile dysfunction, which can result from low testosterone, levels.
In women, testosterone testing may be done if a patient has irregular or no menstrual periods, is having difficulty getting pregnant, or appears to have masculine features, such as facial and body hair, male pattern baldness, and a low voice. Testosterone levels can rise because of tumors that develop in either the ovary or adrenal gland or because of other conditions, such as polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS).
What does the test result mean?
There is great variability in testosterone levels between men and a broad range in age-related values for testosterone. It is normal for testosterone levels to decline as men age.
However, in males, a decreased testosterone level may indicate hypothalamic or pituitary disease or damage to the testes. Genetic diseases also can cause decreased testosterone production in young men (Klinefelter’s, Kallman’s, and Prader-Willi syndromes) or testicular failure and infertility (as in myotonic dystrophy, a form of muscular dystrophy). A decreased testosterone level also can indicate impaired testosterone production because of acquired damage to the testes, such as alcoholism, physical injury, or viral diseases like mumps.
Increased testosterone levels in males can indicate testicular tumors or use of androgens (also called anabolic steroids). Increased testosterone in boys is usually the cause of early puberty.
In women, increased testosterone levels can indicate polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or an ovarian or adrenal gland tumor.
In most cases, test results are reported as numerical values rather than as "high" or "low", "positive" or "negative", or "normal". In these instances, it is necessary to know the reference range for the particular test. However, reference ranges may vary by the patient's age, sex, as well as the instrumentation or kit used to perform the test.
Is there anything else I should know?
Alcoholism and liver disease in males can decrease testosterone levels. Drugs, including androgens and steroids, can also decrease testosterone levels. Prostate cancer responds to androgens, so many men with advanced prostate cancer receive drugs that lower testosterone levels.
Women taking estrogen therapy may have increased testosterone levels. Anticonvulsants, barbiturates, and clomiphene can cause testosterone levels to rise.
Estradiol
The estradiol assay is designed for the investigation of fertility of women of reproductive age and for the support of in vitro fertilization and can be indicators of problems in men.
Estradiol is the primary reproductive hormone in nonpregnant women. This steroid hormone plays an important role in normal fetal development and in the development of secondary sexual characteristics in females. Estradiol influences the maturation and maintenance of the uterus during the normal menstrual cycle. Levels of estradiol steadily increase during the follicular phase of the menstrual cycle in association with the growth and development of the ovarian follicle. As the follicular phase proceeds, estradiol exerts a negative feedback control on the pituitary, resulting in a drop in FSH levels. Near the end of the follicular phase, there is a dramatic increase in estradiol levels. At this point, the feedback of estradiol on the hypothalamus becomes positive and produces the midcycle surge of LH, which immediately precedes ovulation. After ovulation, estradiol levels initially fall abruptly, but then increase as the corpus luteum forms. At the end of the cycle, levels fall off in anticipation of the initiation of the next follicular phase. During pregnancy, the placenta produces estradiol. Estradiol levels are generally low in menopause due to diminished ovarian production.
A small amount of estradiol is produced by the male testes. Elevated levels in males can lead to gynocomastia. Increased estradiol levels in males may be caused by increased body fat, resulting in enhanced peripheral aromatization of androgens. Levels in men can also be increased by excessive use of marijuana, alcohol, or prescribed drugs, including phenothiazines and spironolactone. Estradiol levels can also be dramatically elevated in germ cell tumors and tumors of a number of glands in both men and women.
Estradiol levels are routinely used to monitor ovulation induction to stimulate follicle development in patients being treated by assisted reproductive techniques. Estradiol levels can be used to calibrate the exogenous gonadotropin administration and have been found to correlate with follicle size. The pattern of estradiol secretion during the cycle can be used to predict the outcome of the ART protocol
Complete Blood Count Panel (CBC)
WBC is medical shorthand for White Blood Cells.
WBC’s are the body\'s first line defense against disease, and help fight infections.
They are also involved in reactions to allergies, tumors, and stress in general.
RBC is medical shorthand for Red Blood Cells.
RBCs transport hemoglobin. Hemoglobin transports oxygen. The amount of oxygen body tissues receive depends on the amount and function of RBCs and hemoglobin. RBCs normally survive about 120 days in the blood.
Specialized “clean-up” cells in the spleen and liver then remove them.
Hemoglobin is the protein that carries oxygen in the blood. It is contained in red blood cells. Both high and low hemoglobin counts indicate defects in the balance of red blood cells in the blood, and may indicate disease.
Lymphocytes are specialized WBCs whose purpose are to identify and destroy invading antigens.
These cells are important to the body\'s defense against infection, especially from viral infection.
Lymphocytes that mature in the Bone Marrow are called B-cells, and those that mature in the
Thymus organ are called T-cells.
Neutrophils are specialized WBCs, filled with tiny sacs of enzymes that help to kill and digest microorganisms it has engulfed. An increased proportion of neutrophils in the blood are a common finding with acute bacterial infections. A decreased proportion of neutrophils may be seen with viral infections and after radiotherapy and chemotherapy.
Monocytes- are specialized WBCs derived from bone marrow, which circulate in the blood briefly
before entering the tissues in which they become macrophages. Macrophages phagocytize (ingest)
are large particles and cellular debris that neutrophils cannot handle.
MCH is medical shorthand for Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin. This number represents a measurement
of the average hemoglobin concentration within red blood cells. Elevations can be caused by too little
vitamin B12 or folate, and decreases can be seen in iron deficiency.
MCHC is medical shorthand for Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin Concentration. It is an estimate of the concentration (amount) of hemoglobin in a given number of packed red blood cells.
MCV is medical shorthand for Mean Corpuscular Volume. This number represents the size or volume
of the average RBC within a sample. I creases or decreases in MCV can point to specific anemias.
Platelets are irregularly shaped, colorless bodies that are present in blood. Their sticky surface lets them, along with other substances, form clots to stop bleeding. When bleeding from a wound suddenly occurs, the platelets gather at the wound and attempt to block the blood flow. The mineral calcium, vitamin K, and a protein called fibrinogen help the platelets form a clot.
Liver Function Panel (4AC + CMP14)
Alanine aminotransferase (also called ALT or SGPT) is an enzyme found primarily in the liver.
It helps to form a salt known as pyruvate and an amino acid known as l-glutamate. Amino acids are groups of chemical substances that form proteins. Proteins are extremely complex, naturally occurring substances made of amino acids that are essential to the body\'s structure and function. Long-term or sudden liver damage can cause a rise in ALT levels.
Albumin is the most abundant protein in the body. It is produced in the liver. Albumin binds to certain substances (such as bilirubin) and helps retain them in the body so they are not all filtered out. Decreased levels of albumin in the blood also increase the risk for jaundice.
Albumin/Globulin ratio is calculated by dividing the albumin by the globulin. Decreasing albumin/globulin ratio may be seen in states characterized by chronic inflammation. Increasing ratio may be seen in congenital or acquired hypogammaglobulinemia, a disorder that is caused by low levels of immunglobulins (antibodies) in the blood.
Alkaline phosphatase An enzyme made in the liver, bone, and the placenta and normally present in high concentrations in growing bone and in bile. Alkaline phosphatase is released into the blood during injury and during such normal activities as bone growth and pregnancy. high blood levels may indicate disease in bone or liver, bile duct obstruction, or certain malignancies. Very low levels may point toward a genetic condition, which results in bone deformities.
Aspartate aminotransferase (also called AST or SGOT) is an enzyme that is normally present in liver and heart cells. AST is released into blood when the liver or heart is damaged. The blood AST levels are thus elevated with liver damage (for example, from hepatitis) or with an insult to the heart (for example, from heart attack). Some medications can also raise AST levels.
Bilirubin, Total is the chemical that results from the normal breakdown of hemoglobin from red blood cells.
High concentrations may result in jaundice.
Gamma Glutamyltranspeptidase (GGT) - This is an enzyme made in the bile ducts. High levels may mean problems with the liver\'s bile ducts. It can also be an early indicator of liver abnormalities. It is highly sensitive to ingestion of alcohol.
Globulin, Total is a blood protein. High levels may indicate heart, liver, chronic inflammatory or certain metabolic abnormalities. Low levels may indicate problems with antibodies produced by the immune system.
Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH) is an enzyme found in the cells of many body tissues, including the heart, liver, kidneys, skeletal muscle, brain, red blood cells, and lungs. It is responsible for converting muscle lactic acid into pyruvic acid, an essential step in producing cellular energy. When disease or injury affects tissues containing LDH, cells release LDH into the bloodstream. LDH is often elevated in diseases of the liver, certain types of anemia, and in cases of excessive destruction of cells, such as fractures, muscle damage, and shock.
Total Protein - Total protein is a rough measure of serum protein. Protein measurements can reflect nutritional state, kidney disease, liver disease, and many other conditions. If total protein is abnormal, further tests should be performed to identify which protein fraction is abnormal. Serum proteins are grossly separated into albumin and globulins. That is, total protein equals albumin plus globulin
Iron
Serum Iron The composition of diet may influence iron absorbtion. Citrate and ascorbate (in citrus fruits, for example) can form complexes with iron that increase absorbtion, while tannates in tea can decrease absorbtion. Only a small fraction of the body\'s iron is gained or lost each day. Most of the iron in the body is recycled when old red blood cells are taken out of circulation. Their iron is then returned to the storage pool for re-use. Decreases in serum iron can be a signal of Iron deficiency anemia.
Total Iron Binding Capacity (TIBC) is an indirect measure of transferring. A small percentage of the body\'s iron is in transport between various compartments of the body in association with transferring, or is a component of enzymes in cells throughout the body. Free iron is very reactive (it stimulates free radical reactions) and is not normally in body fluids.
Kidney Function Panel
Urea Nitrogen (BUN) is a by-product of protein metabolism. BUN is increased in acute and chronic kidney disease, in states of decreased circulating blood volume with decreased kidney perfusion, in obstruction of urine flow, and in people with high protein intake. Decreases are seen in high carbohydrate/low protein diets, states characterized by increased anabolic demand (late pregnancy, infancy), malabsorption states, and severe liver damage.
Creatinine is a breakdown product of creatine, which is an important constituent of muscle.
The test is used to evaluate kidney function. If kidney function is abnormal, creatinine levels will increase in the blood, due to decreased excretion of creatinine in the urine.
Uric acid - Uric acid is the end product of purine metabolism. Purines are obtained from both dietary sources and from the breakdown of body proteins. Elevated levels are found in gout and in renal failure, among other reasons. Decreased levels are associated with an increase in plasma volume.
BUN/Creatinine Ratio Is calculated by dividing the BUN by the Creatinine, and is used to distinguish between major types of kidney damage.
Lipid Panel – Cardiovascular Health (LP)
Cholesterol, Total is a fatty substance that travels in the blood to all parts of the body. Not only is it part of the cell membranes but it is also involved in the production of vitamin D, estrogen, testosterone, and bile acids to aid in the digestion of fats. Total cholesterol is a sum of HDL, LDL, VLDL, and Triglycerides. Elevated total cholesterol is associated with an increasing risk of coronary heart disease.
HDL Cholesterol (High-density lipoprotein) HDL cholesterol is known as the \"good\" cholesterol because a high level of HDL cholesterol seems to have a protective effect. Medical experts think that HDL tends to carry cholesterol away from the arteries and back to the liver, where it is passed from the body. Some experts believe that excess cholesterol is removed by HDL, thus slowing build-up. Therefore, low HDL cholesterol levels may result in a greater risk for heart disease. Low HDL could have genetic origins, or be the result of smoking and lack of exercise.
LDL Cholesterol (Low-density lipoprotein) is known as \"bad cholesterol”, since it can slowly build up in the walls of the arteries that feed the heart and brain, and form plaque that can clog those arteries causing a heart attack, or a stroke. Recent studies revealed that elevated LDL cholesterol is a major factor in the development of heart disease. Thus, the lower your LDL cholesterol, the lower your risk of heart disease.
VLDL Cholesterol (Very Low-density lipoprotein) VLDL is derived from the liver and carries triglycerides from the liver to other tissues. LDL is formed from VLDL. Normal VLDL levels are 25% to 50% of total cholesterol. Higher amounts are linked to a higher risk of heart disease.
Cholesterol/HDL Ratio is calculated by dividing the total cholesterol by the HDL.
Improvement in cholesterol/HDL ratio can be shown by lowering LDL cholesterol level, while raising HDL level. HDL levels can be raised significantly by exercising, not smoking and leanness. Exercising regularly may also lower LDL cholesterol.
Triglyceride is responsible for providing energy to the cells of the body. Calories ingested in a meal and not used immediately by these cells are converted to triglycerides and transported to fat cells to be stored. Hormones regulate the release of triglycerides from fat tissue so they meet the body\'s needs for energy between meals. Being overweight, drinking a lot of alcohol, or having diabetes can cause high triglyceride levels. Most body fat comes in the form of triglyceride.
Bones and Joints
Calcium - Calcium is the most abundant mineral in the body. Calcium is important for healthy bones and teeth, as well as nerves and muscles including the heart. The amount of calcium in blood is carefully controlled by the body\'s hormonal (glandular) system. A body gets calcium when dairy products, and vegetables such as broccoli are consumed. The body also needs vitamin D to absorb calcium from food. Most calcium in the body is in bones.
The blood calcium test measures only the amount of calcium in blood. This test doesn\'t measure the amount of calcium in bones. A procedure similar to an x-ray, called a bone density test can measure the calcium in bones.
Phosphorus is the second most abundant element present in the body, and makes up about 1 percent of total body weight. It is present in every cell, but 85 percent of the phosphorus is found in the bones and teeth. Phosphorus also provides the phosphate in adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which is the high-energy carrier molecule in the body\'s primary metabolic cycles. Deficiency of phosphorus can be caused by very high calcium intake or by taking a lot of antacids, which can bind phosphorus. Low vitamin D intake can also lead to deficient body phosphorus.
The ideal ratio of calcium to phosphorus in the diet is reported to be 1:1
Electrolyte Panel
Sodium (Na+) is the major positive ion of the extracellular (outside of the cell) fluids. The sodium content of the blood is a result of a balance between dietary intake and kidney excretion (only a small percent is lost through stool or sweat). Many factors affect sodium levels, including the steroid hormone aldosterone, which decreases loss of sodium in the urine.
Potassium (K+) is the major positive ion in intracellular (inside of the cell) fluid and is of primary importance in its maintenance. In conjunction with sodium and chloride, it aids in regulation of osmotic pressure and acid-base balance. Potassium is essential for normal excitability of muscle tissue and plays a role in the conduction of nerve impulses. Small changes in the potassium concentration outside cells can have substantial effects on the activity of nerves and muscles. This is particularly true of heart muscle.
Chloride (Cl-) is the major negative ion in the fluid outside the body\'s cells. Its main function is to maintain electrical neutrality, mostly as a counter-ion to sodium. Changes in the chloride level often accompany sodium losses and excesses.
Sex Hormone Binding Globulin
Levels of SHBG are under the positive control of estrogens and thyroid hormones, and are suppressed by androgens. These influences dynamically control the liver synthesis of this carrier protein. Decreased levels of SHBG are frequently seen in hirsutism, virilization, obese postmenopausal women, and in women with diffuse hair loss. Increased levels may be present in cases of hyperthyroidism, testicular feminization, cirrhosis, male hypogonadism, pregnancy, women using oral contraceptives, and prepubertal children.
DHT - Dihydrotestosterone
5 -dihydrotestosterone, the most potent naturally occurring androgen, is produced from testosterone through the action of cholestenone 5 -reductase.2 The concentrations of cholestenone 5 -reductase are highest in certain peripheral tissues, including genital skin and hair follicles. This enzyme is localized intracellularly in apparent association with the nuclear membrane.2 DHT initiates its biological action by binding to the androgen receptor in the cell cytoplasm. The DHT receptor/receptor complex is then transferred to the nucleus where DNA binding occurs with resultant effects on DNA transcription.3 Most of the residual DHT undergoes intracellular metabolism to 3 -androstanediol and 3 -androstanediol glucuronide. Only a small portion of DHT escapes into the peripheral circulation, where it is present primarily complexed to sex hormone-binding globulin.4 DHT is responsible for the development of the male external genitalia and prostate and is primarily responsible for the physical changes that occur during male sexual maturation. An autosomal-recessive genetic deficiency of cholestenone 5 -reductase leads to inadequate differentiation of DHT-dependent peripheral tissues. The resultant syndrome is referred to as male pseudohermaphroditism or pseudovaginal perineoscrotal hypospadias. Male infants with this disorder have ambiguous genitalia and are often raised as females, although significant virilization may occur later in life, presumably due to the natural increase in testosterone levels
** Test Details
CMP14 Chemistry Panel - A:G ratio; albumin, serum; alkaline phosphatase, serum; ALT (SGPT); AST (SGOT); bilirubin, total; BUN; BUN:creatinine ratio; calcium, serum, total; chloride, serum; creatinine, serum; globulin, total; glucose, serum; potassium, serum; protein, total, serum; sodium, serum
Iron - Percent of saturation; serum iron; total iron binding capacity; unsaturated iron binding capacity
LP Lipid Panel - Cholesterol, total; high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol; low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol (calculation); triglycerides; very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) cholesterol (calculation)
Testosterone - Free: direct analog/radioimmunoassay (RIA); total: immunochemiluminometric assay (ICMA)
4AC - AC Globulin; Labile Factor; Plasma Accelerator Globulin; Proaccelerin
CBC Complete Blood Count - Hematocrit; hemoglobin; mean corpuscular volume (MCV); mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH); mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC); red cell distribution width (RDW); percentage and absolute differential counts; platelet count; red cell count; white blood cell count
Estradiol - Immunochemiluminometric assay (ICMA)
Sex Hormone and Binding Globulin - Immunochemiluminometric assay (ICMA)
You can use our Lab Test Locator to find a testing lab near you
by clicking here
Notes: The Male Health Screen
medical lab tests provided by YourLabTest.com are performed by
US certified laboratories who operate patient service centers
in most cities in the United States. Once your Male Health Screen
lab test specimens are taken your lab results are available in
24 to 48 hours. One of our physicians will be sending the results
to you directly.
|
Popular Lab Tests