Blood Tests
1. TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) The thyroid is a small gland of the neck. It provides and releases the thyroid hormones (T3, T4) that are essential to our
metabolism. A complex system within the body controls their adequate release. TSH is the final hormone in the system to control the release of T3 and T4 .The TSH blood test is used to screen for an under or overactive thyroid gland.
2. Hemoglobin A1C- (for diabetics only) Hemoglobin is the molecule within red blood cells that carries oxygen to tissues. Red blood cells are functional for
about 120 days. Glucose is the main energy source for the cells and tissues in our body. As glucose enters and is used by the red blood cell a small percentage (less
than 6%) is bound to hemoglobin within the cell. However, in people with diabetes whose blood sugars (glucose) are not well controlled their blood sugar is high and so
is the percentage of glucose bound to their hemoglobin. When glucose has bound in this way it is called glycated hemoglobin. This binding process is permanent.
Therefore, it changes much more slowly than a blood glucose test which is immediate. Blood cells are continually being produced and broken down. The lower
the percentage of glycated hemoglobin (hemoglobin A1C) in your blood, the better you've controlled your diabetes. This blood test measures your glycated
hemoglobin level and is used to assess long term (during the previous 3-4 months) blood glucose control. It is a very accurate way to know how well your treatment
program is working. It is still important to monitor your blood glucose levels daily.
3. C-Reactive Protein, High Sensitivity (hs-CRP or Cardio-CRP) - This protein is produced by the body as part of its inflammatory process. Many conditions
can create an inflammatory response: a reaction to allergies, an infection, arthritis and cancer. Damage to the inner lining of the arteries of the heart (coronary arteries)
due to atherosclerotic changes also results in an inflammatory response. This response can increase a person’s risk of having a heart attack. The High Sensitivity
C-Reactive Protein test (hs-CRP) measures this response. The test result levels can assist your doctor in predicting your risk of having a heart attack.
