Blood Tests
NatMed has full access to pathology tests through Clinipath centres throughout the metropolitan area. Here are a few tests we do regularly at NatMed.
Fasting glucose
- C reactive protein
- Liver Function tests (LFT's)
- Total Cholesterol (and more specifically LDL's and HDL's)
- Triglycerides
- TSH
- Homocysteine
Liver Function
A liver function test (LFT) is a blood test that gives an indication of whether the liver is functioning properly. The test is also very useful to see if there is active damage in the liver (hepatitis) or sluggish bile flow (cholestasis) or just fatty liver. If the liver is damaged by toxins or blocked with excessive waste material, it will be less able to remove small fat globules circulating in the bloodstream. This will cause excessive fat to build up in the blood vessel walls. This fat may then gradually build up in many other parts of the body, including other organs, and in fatty deposits under the skin. Therefore, you may develop cellulite in the buttocks, thighs, arms and abdominal wall.
If the liver does not regulate fat metabolism efficiently, weight gain tends to occur around the abdominal area and a (pot belly) will develop. Another sign can be a roll of fat around the upper abdomen, which is affectionately call the "liver roll." This is often a sign of a fatty liver.
Thyroid Function
Thyroid function tests are available however their accuracy and relevancy is somewhat questionable. We recommend that you measure your Basal Metabolic Temperature as the primary indicator as to whether your thyroid is working. It is a relatively simple test which requires you taking your temperature over 3 consecutive days.
Your basal temperature reflects your metabolic rate, which is largely determined by the activity of your thyroid gland. A basal body temperature test can be done at home, making this an easy way to assess current thyroid function.
Vitamin D
vitamin D is used to determine if bone weakness, bone malformation, or abnormal metabolism of calcium is occurring as a result of a deficiency or excess of vitamin D. Deficiency of vitamin D is not only a distinct contributor to osteoporosis we now know it increases appetite. 70% of men & women over 55 in WA are now testing deficient in Vitamin D. We have slip slop slapped, uv protected and down sized our gardens and garden time and now our bones and bellies are suffering.
Homocysteine
High level of blood serum homocysteine is a powerful risk factor for cardiovascular disease and potential blood clots. High levels are associated with oxidative stress, and an increased risk of developing Alzheimer's and cardiac problems. Deficiencies of the vitamins folic acid, Vitamin B6, or Vitamin B12 can lead to high homocysteine levels.
Blood Sugar
Glucose is the main source of fuel for the body. Glucose is made by the breakdown of carbohydrates.Insulin is a hormone that helps glucose move from the blood into the cells. When the body does not produce enough insulin, the cells cannot use glucose and the blood glucose level rises.
| Random (Non Fasting) | Glucose (mmol/L) |
|---|---|
| Normal | < 5.5 |
| Metabolic Syndrome Possible | 5.5 - 11 |
| Diabetes likely | > 11.1 |
| Diabetes diagnosis | > 16 |
Cholesterol
Cholesterol is a type of fat that forms part of all animal cells. It is essential for many of the body's metabolic processes, including hormone and bile production, and to help the body use vitamin D. The body is very good at making its own cholesterol and because of this we should all aim at reducing the amount of cholesterol in our diets. Too much cholesterol in your diet can lead to heart disease.
There are two types of cholesterol:
- Low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol - called the 'bad' cholesterol because it enters the bloodstream and clogs up your arteries.
- High density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol - called the 'good' cholesterol because it helps clear the 'bad' cholesterol out of the bloodstream. Ideally you want a ratio of HDL to LDL of 2:1 but if you can achieve a 1:1 ratio then this is adequate. Total cholesterol is really unimportant compared to this ratio.
Safe blood cholesterol levels
It is recommended that cholesterol levels should be no higher than 5.5 mmols per litre. Approximately 50 per cent of adult Australians have a blood cholesterol level above 5 mmols per litre.
Recommended (non-fasting) cholesterol levels.
- Cholesterol (< 5.5)
- Triglyceride (< 1.8)
- HDL Cholesterol (> 1.0)
- LDL Cholesterol (< 2.5)
- Chol/HDL Ratio (< 3.5)
C - reactive protein (CRP)
C-reactive protein is a test that measures the amount of a protein in the blood that signals acute inflammation. (Inflammation occurs in response to infection, injury, or various conditions such as arthritis.)C-reactive protein is produced by the liver. The level of CRP rises when there is body-wide (systemic) inflammation. The CRP test is considered a general test, not a specific one. In other words, it can reveal that there is inflammation present in the body, but it cannot tell you where it is. Scientific studies have found that the higher the CRP levels, the higher the risk of having a heart attack. In fact, the risk for heart attack in people in the upper third of CRP levels has been determined to be twice that of those whose CRP level is in the lower third.
It is used, with other risk factors, in the patient assessment and management of vascular disease. Levels less than 5 indicate minimal inflammation. A reading of 3.0 gives you 2.1 times the chance of developing CHD.
