Blood Tests
Vision Tests
Urine/Stool Tests
Other Tests

Blood Tests

Total Cholesterol
High blood cholesterol is one of the major risk factors for heart disease. When there is too much cholesterol (a fat-like substance) in your blood, it builds up in the walls of your arteries. Over time, this buildup causes the arteries to become narrowed and blood flow to the heart is slowed down or blocked. Since this is already stored in your body it is not necessary to fast for this test. The Coefficient of Variation (CV) for this test using the Cholestech LDX is 2-3%.

HDL Cholesterol
High Density Lipoprotein is considered the “good cholesterol” because it helps to prevent cholesterol buildup and blockage of the arteries. Since this is already stored in your body it is not necessary to fast for this test. The CV using the Cholestech LDX is 3-6%.

LDL Cholesterol
Low Density Lipoprotein is considered “bad” cholesterol and is the main source of cholesterol buildup and blockage in your arteries. Because this is calculated (Friderwald equation) using Triglyceride values, fasting is recommended for this test. The CV using the LDX is 4-6%.

C - Reactive Protein
The high sensitivity CRP test is a predictor of first and recurring cardiovascular events. CRP is a measure of low-level inflammation in the body. Studies have shown that an elevated value is an excellent marker of plaque (buildup in arteries) instability. It has been recommended that CRP, in conjunction with standard lipid testing, improves the accuracy of cardiovascular risk prediction.

Triglycerides
This is another form of fat in the blood. When testing triglycerides in your blood, fasting is recommended. The CV using the LDX is 2-4%.

Glucose
Blood sugar is used to screen for diabetes and to monitor diagnosed diabetics. Tests can be done while fasting or post-prandial (after eating). High levels of glucose may present a need for follow-up testing. Significantly abnormal levels may be life-threatening. Diagnosed diabetics may be required to check their blood glucose levels frequently to see how their diabetes is being controlled (glycemic control) over a period of a few hours.

Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c)
Hemoglobin A1c measures the amount of blood glucose chemically attached (Glycated) to your red blood cells. The HbA1c result reflects your average blood glucose level for the previous 2-3 months. This measure of glycemic control is necessary for all diagnosed diabetics. Other names for this test include glycosylated hemoglobin (GHb) or glycohemoglobin.

Renal Function Tests
This panel of tests uses blood from a venipuncture (blood drawn from the arm). The tests are useful in detecting and/or monitoring changes due to various types of chronic illnesses, including diabetes. The panel of tests can include Alkaline, Albumin, ALT, AST, Total Bilirubin, BUN, Calcium, Creatinine, Electrolytes (Sodium, Potassium, Chloride, CO2), Glucose, Phosphatase, Phosphorus, Total Protein, and more. Results are available by mail in 10-15 business days.

Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA)
PSA is a protein that the prostate gland normally secretes in small amounts. It has been found that the concentration of this protein is predictive of prostate cancer. The PSA level helps to determine whether the probability of prostate cancer is high enough to warrant performing a biopsy of the prostate gland.

Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) Testing
Thyroid Stimulating Hormone is a test for thyroid function. Fourteen percent of women over 45 have some form of thyroid dysfunction. Primary hypothyroidism is the most prevalent thyroid disease. Symptoms can be very non-specific, e.g. weight gain, thinning hair, brittle nails, dry skin, memory loss and more. Due to the nature of these complaints many people attribute them to aging. If TSH is elevated it can be an indicator of primary hypothyroidism. Affected individuals are advised to see their primary care physician for further investigation.

H. Pylori
Helicobacter Pylori is a bacterium with a connection to ulcers. Studies have shown that H. Pylori was present in most confirmed cases of duodenal ulcers, gastric ulcers and gastritis. This simple test may offer the clinician a simple treatment plan of antibiotic therapy. Applicable symptoms include upper gastrointestinal issues, including persistent burning. An estimated 25% of the US adult population is believed to be infected with the bacterium.

Allergy Testing
This panel of tests measures sensitivities to 10 different allergens. These include both environmental and food allergens. The test is performed on a finger stick sample by a fully accredited allergy laboratory. Results are available by mail in 10-15 business days.

Contrast Sensitivity
This vision test evaluates the ability to see well under a variety of different lighting conditions, e.g. computer monitors, high glare, bright lights and low contrast environments. Poor performance in this test can alert the physician to look for related clinical conditions.

Visual Field Testing
This vision test will evaluate the broader field of vision, signs of glaucoma and other possible neurological abnormalities.

LDL Cholesterol
Low Density Lipoprotein is considered “bad” cholesterol and is the main source of cholesterol buildup and blockage in your arteries. Because this is calculated (Friderwald equation) using Triglyceride values, fasting is recommended for this test. The CV using the LDX is 4-6%.

Microalbumin
This 30-second urine test measures very small levels of protein (albumin) in the urine. One of the most common clinical signs of kidney dysfunction is the presence of excessive amounts of protein in the urine. By identifying the presence of small amounts of protein, microalbumin gives the patient a head start in identifying related clinical conditions. Co-morbidity issues link the presence of microalbumin with increased risk for hypertension, diabetes, renal problems and cardiovascular disease. This is a simple, non-invasive and fast test that can help to ascertain the conditions of pre-hypertension and pre-diabetes.

Fecal Occult Blood Testing (FOBT)
FOBT is a simple test to check for hidden blood in the stool (feces). At times, a pre-cancerous polyp may bleed and FOBT can be used to confirm even the smallest amount of blood in the stool that would otherwise go undetected. If blood in the stool is confirmed, further diagnostic tests are necessary to establish the cause of the bleeding.

Spirometry
FVC (Forced Vital Capacity) and FEV1 (Forced Expiratory Volume) are performed using a spirometer. Lung capacity is based on many factors including, but not limited to: height, weight and sex. FVC measures the total amount of air that a participant can exhale and the FEV1 measures the amount of air in the first second of an explosive exhale. These tests can be used to screen for restrictive and obstructive conditions.

Bone Density
Ultrasound is used to measure bone density by calculating the speed with which sound passes through the bone. Bone density is reported in a T-Score which should be measured as a baseline and then compared over time. Higher risk for osteoporosis is seen in postmenopausal women, Caucasians and Asians, small-framed women, smokers and those with a family history.

Blood Pressure
Hypertension may be a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. A blood pressure reading is easily done and non-invasive. However, it should be noted that a single blood pressure reading is not diagnostic and should be followed with additional blood pressure readings and possibly other tests.

Skin Damage
Skin cancer is the most common of all cancers. There are over one million cases of skin cancer diagnosed annually. Since 1973, the mortality rate for melanoma has increased by about 44%. With careful inspection of the skin most skin cancers can be detected early and treated successfully. The skin cancer program helps participants begin to recognize the danger of exposure to the sun, identify areas of concern and begin a dialogue with their health care provider.

Body Mass Index (BMI)
BMI is a calculation that assumes for any height there is a weight that corresponds to better health. This calculation is often used in conjunction with cardiovascular programs but can also be used as an educational tool for other chronic illnesses.

Nicotine Dependency
This electronic test can be used on site at a health fair or as a web-based tool to measure a patient’s level of nicotine dependency. This level can have a direct effect on a patient’s success rate when quitting smoking

This information is presented as a quick overview of the tests that Impact Health offers and their application in health and wellness promotion. This is not intended to be all-inclusive or diagnostic. Those at risk will be advised to see their personal physician or another healthcare professional.