Laboratory Services

Understanding Consumer Lab Tests

Lab tests are generally done for one of the following reasons:

• To find the cause of symptoms

• To confirm a diagnosis

• To screen for disease. Screening tests are often done for people of a specific age or those who have a high risk for a specific disease.

• To help rule out a disease or condition

• To assess the severity of a disease

• To monitor the progression of a disease, how well an organ is working, or if treatment is helping We encourage you to share your lab

test results with your doctor to make informed decisions regarding your health.

Wellness Tests Offered at MRH

Blood Type (ABO & Rh) — test for blood type and Rh (positive or negative). Healthcare providers need to know your blood type if you need a transplant or transfusion, because not all blood types are compatible.

Cardiac Risk (Cholesterol Panel) – is a series of blood tests that can measure the amount of cholesterol and triglycerides in your blood. A cholesterol panel can be used to help determine a patient’s risk for coronary heart disease.

Complete Blood Count (CBC) — evaluates each type of cell in your blood. The CBC measures the number of red blood cells (RBC), white blood cells (WBC), and platelets (PLT). Each of these types of blood cells perform important functions, so determining their levels can provide important health information. A CBC may be used to help diagnose a range of health conditions and also monitor how the body is affected by different diseases or medical treatments.

Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP) – is a broad screening tool that is used to evaluate the status of kidneys, liver, blood sugar, blood proteins and electrolytes. The CMP can check for conditions such as diabetes and kidney or liver disease.

Prostatic Specific Antigen (PSA) – a test used to screen males for possible prostate cancer. Serum Iron, Total Iron Binding Capacity and Ferritin — a test used to screen the amount of iron present in the blood. The test will indicate iron deficiencies or overload. An iron deficiency may indicate anemia.

Serum Pregnancy – a serum pregnancy test screens for the presence of hCG, a hormone found in the bloodstream when you are pregnant. This test can detect a pregnancy 7-12 days after conception.

Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) — is used to evaluate thyroid function and to determine hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism.

Uric Acid – a test to detect high levels of uric acid in the blood. High levels of uric acid can cause gout or kidney disease.

Vitamin D — a test used to measure the level of this essential substance in your blood. It is used to diagnose vitamin D deficiencies or to monitor treatment for a known deficiency. The main function of vitamin D is to aid in the absorption of calcium during bone formation. Maintaining adequate levels of vitamin D supports healthy bones. In addition, vitamin D has anti-inflammatory and other properties that play a role in maintaining normal muscle, immune, and nervous system functions.

Vitamin B12 — a test used to measure your vitamin B12 levels, which are important for many aspects of health. Adequate levels of vitamin B12 are needed for your body to maintain a healthy nervous system, make red blood cells and create DNE, the genetic material in all of our cells.