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The estrogen test measures the total amounts of the estrogen in the blood. Estrogens are the hormones responsible for female sexual development and function. Estrogens are secreted by the gonads, adrenal glands, and placenta. Normal estrogen results depend upon the sex and age of the person being tested. With women, it also depends upon their menstrual cycle or whether they are pregnant. Total estrogens provide an overall picture of estrogen status for men and women.

The test measures the amount of the hormone estradiol in the blood. Estradiol, a form of estrogen and in women, is mostly released from the ovaries and adrenal glands. Estrone (E1), estradiol (E2), and estriol (E3) are the three major forms of estrogen. Of these, estradiol (E2) is the most potent endogenous estrogen. In nonpregnant females, most of the E2 originates in the ovaries, with smaller contributions from the peripheral tissues. The placenta is an additional source during pregnancy. In males, 75% of E2 is produced from testosterone (and other androgens) by an aromatase-catalyzed reaction in the peripheral tissues and 25% of E2 is produced in the testes. This test is the most common way to measure levels of estrogen for non-pregnant women.

The Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP) measures blood sugar (glucose) levels, electrolyte and fluid balance, kidney function, and liver function. The 14 measurements included in the CMP help to provide a look at the overall health of the body and its metabolism and chemical balance. The CMP is useful in helping to diagnose certain conditions like diabetes, kidney disease, liver disease and hypertension. The CMP aids in determining how the liver and kidneys are functioning and where glucose, calcium, protein, sodium, potassium, and chloride levels stand. The Comprehensive Metabolic Panel is a type of test that looks at your blood and measures its glucose levels, the balance of electrolytes and fluid, the kidney function, and the liver function. The CMP can be used to diagnose diabetes, high blood pressure, kidney disease, liver disease, hypertension, or it is often just used as part of a regular health examination.

Fasting is required for this lab test. You should not consume food or beverages other than water for at least 8 hours prior to visiting the lab. If you choose not to fast, it may affect your results. The diabetes test panel includes multiple tests relevant to diagnosing and monitoring diabetes. Diabetes is a group of diseases that result in blood sugar (glucose) levels that are too high. Type 1 Diabetes is characterized by the body failing to produce insulin. Type 2 Diabetes is characterized by failing to produce enough insulin for proper function or by the body not reacting to insulin. Approximately 90 percent of diabetes cases are Type 2. Gestational diabetes affects pregnant women. It occurs when their bodies have very high glucose levels and not enough insulin to transport it into cells. Often women with gestational diabetes have no symptoms, so testing is important if you are considered an at-risk patient.

A food allergy is a negative immune system reaction that can occur shortly after eating certain types of food. Your body reacts this way because it views the food you’re allergic to as invaders and creates antibodies known as immunoglobulin E (IgE) to fight against the foreign substances. This test searches the blood for these antibodies. This Basic Food Allergy test panel can determine if you are allergic to 15 of the most common allergenic foods, including the “Big-8,” which are 8 specific foods that alone account for 90% of the food allergens in the US.