Immunoassay

  Reference Range
Ferritin Males: 28-397 ng/mL Females: 6-159 ng/mL
Ferritin is an iron-containing protein that is the primary form of iron stored inside cells. When iron is insufficient to meet the body's needs (such as in iron deficiency anemia), iron stores are depleted, and Ferritin levels decrease. Iron storage and Ferritin level increase when more iron is absorbed than the body can use, as happens in hemochromatosis.
Vitamin B12 174-878 pg/mL
Vitamin B12 is part of the B complex of vitamins and is necessary for normal red blood cell formation, tissue and cellular repair, and DNA synthesis. Vitamin B12 is also important for nerve health. A deficiency in vitamin B12 can lead to a type of anemia characterized by fewer, but larger, red blood cells. It can also lead to neuropathy, nerve damage that can cause tingling and numbness in the hands and feet.
Folate 3-17 ng/mL
Folate is part of the B complex of vitamins and is necessary for normal red blood cell formation, tissue and cellular repair, and DNA synthesis. A deficiency in Folate can lead to a type of anemia characterized by fewer, but larger, red blood cells. A deficiency in early pregnancy can increase the risk of neural tube defects in the fetus.
Testosterone Varies
Testosterone is a steroid hormone produced by the testes in males, by the ovaries in females, and by the adrenal glands in small amounts in both sexes. It is used to diagnose erectile dysfunction and testicular tumors in men, decreased sex drive and infertility in both sexes, and hirsutism and virilization in girls and women.
Free Testosterone Males: 46-157 pg/mL Females: 0.6-8.7 pg/mL
Free testosterone circulates in plasma unbound to albumin or sex hormone binding globulin. Free testosterone can be calculated once the Testosterone, SHBG, and serum albumin have been determined.
SHBGMales: 13-71 nmol/L Non Pregnant Females: 18-114 nmol/L
SHBG (Sex Hormone Binding Globulin) is a protein produced by the liver. It binds tightly to testosterone and Estradiol and transports them in an inactive form. Changes in SHBG levels can affect the amount of testosterone that is available to be used by the body. SHBG levels are measured as a supplement to testosterone determinations. Decreased SHBG levels can be found in hirsutism and polycystic ovary syndrome. Elevated levels may be seen in hyperthyroidism and during pregnancy.
Bioavailable Testosterone Males: 108-390 ng/dL Females: 1.3-19.8 ng/dL
Bioavailable Testosterone is the sum of the free testosterone and that which is bound to albumin. Because bioavailable testosterone is not bound to SHBG, it readily enters cells and better reflects the bioactivity of the hormone than total testosterone. Bioavailable testosterone can be calculated once the Testosterone, SHBG, and serum albumin have been determined.
Estradiol Varies
Estradiol is a hormone produced in women mainly in the ovary. Normal levels provide for proper ovulation, conception, and pregnancy. It also promotes healthy bone structure. Estradiol levels are used to evaluate ovarian function. In reproductive technology, serial measurements are used to monitor follicle development. It can also be used to monitor menopausal hormone replacement therapy.
FSHVaries
FSH (Follicle-Stimulating Hormone) is produced in the pituitary gland and stimulates the growth and maturation of ovarian follicles during the follicular phase of the menstrual cycle. During the luteal phase, FSH stimulates the production of progesterone. In men, FSH stimulates the testes to produce mature sperm. FSH is used in conjunction with other tests in the workup of infertility in both men and women. It is also helpful in the investigation of menstrual irregularities and to aid in the diagnosis of pituitary disorders or diseases involving the ovaries or testes.
LH Varies
LH (Luteinizing Hormone) is produced in the pituitary gland and increases at the middle of the menstrual cycle to help trigger ovulation in women. In men, LH stimulates the testes to produce testosterone. LH is used in conjunction with other tests in the workup of infertility in both men and women. It is also helpful in the investigation of menstrual irregularities and to aid in the diagnosis of pituitary disorders or diseases involving the ovaries or testes.
Prolactin Varies
Prolactin is a hormone produced by the anterior pituitary gland. It is normally present in low amounts in men and non-pregnant women but rises during pregnancy. It's primary role is to promote lactation.
Pyrilinks-D M: 2.3-5.4 nM DPD/mM Creat. F: 3.0-7.4 nM DPD/mM Creat.
Pyrilinks-D is a crosslink of collagen in bone. It is used to monitor the effectiveness of therapies in patients diagnosed with osteoporosis.
hsCRP 0-11 mg/L
hsCRP- C-Reactive Protein is made by the liver and secreted into the blood. It has been known for years to be a marker for inflammation. Recent evidence suggests that even minor elevations, such as those measured by the high sensitivity tests at very low concentrations, can be associated with cardiovascular risk.