THE FOLATE SERUM TEST MEASURES THE LEVEL OF FOLATE (VITAMIN B9) IN THE LIQUID PORTION OF YOUR BLOOD. FOLATE IS CRUCIAL FOR VARIOUS BODILY FUNCTIONS, INCLUDING RED BLOOD CELL PRODUCTION, DNA SYNTHESIS, AND CELL DIVISION. THIS TEST HELPS ASSESS YOUR BODYS FOLATE STATUS, IDENTIFY DEFICIENCIES, AND MONITOR THE EFFECTIVENESS OF SUPPLEMENTATION OR DIETARY CHANGES.

The Complete Blood Count Advanced (CBC Advanced) test provides a comprehensive assessment of blood health by measuring various parameters of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. It goes beyond the standard CBC by including additional markers like reticulocyte count, immature granulocyte count, and platelet indices, offering a deeper understanding of blood cell production, function, and potential abnormalities. This advanced test is valuable in diagnosing a wide range of conditions, including anemia, infections, blood clotting disorders, and certain types of cancer.

IRON STUDIES WITHOUT FERRITIN TYPICALLY INCLUDE MEASUREMENTS OF SERUM IRON, TOTAL IRON BINDING CAPACITY (TIBC), AND TRANSFERRIN SATURATION. THESE TESTS PROVIDE VALUABLE INFORMATION ABOUT THE BODYS IRON STORES AND HOW EFFICIENTLY IRON IS TRANSPORTED. WHILE FERRITIN IS A MORE SENSITIVE INDICATOR OF IRON STORAGE, THESE TESTS CAN STILL HELP DIAGNOSE IRON DEFICIENCY ANEMIA OR IRON OVERLOAD IN CERTAIN CASES. HOWEVER, A COMPLETE PICTURE OF IRON STATUS OFTEN REQUIRES ADDITIONAL TESTING, INCLUDING FERRITIN LEVELS.

A VITAMIN B12 TEST MEASURES THE AMOUNT OF VITAMIN B12 IN YOUR BLOOD. VITAMIN B12 IS ESSENTIAL FOR RED BLOOD CELL FORMATION, NERVE FUNCTION, AND DNA SYNTHESIS. THIS TEST HELPS DIAGNOSE VITAMIN B12 DEFICIENCY, WHICH CAN CAUSE ANEMIA, FATIGUE, WEAKNESS, AND NEUROLOGICAL SYMPTOMS. ITS OFTEN RECOMMENDED FOR PEOPLE WITH CERTAIN MEDICAL CONDITIONS, OLDER ADULTS, VEGANS, AND VEGETARIANS WHO MAY BE AT HIGHER RISK FOR DEFICIENCY.

FERRITIN LEVELS REFLECT IRON STOES IN NORMAL INDIVIDUALS. A LOW SERUM FERRITIN LEVEL IS AN INDICATOR OF IRON DEPLETION. THIS ASSAY IS CLINICALLY USEFUL IN DISTINGUISHING BETWEEN IRON DEFICIENCY ANEMIA (LOW LEVEL) AND ANEMIA OF CHRONIC DISEASE (NORMAL OR HIGH LEVEL). IT IS ALSO USEFUL TO ASSESS IRON OVERLOAD CONDITIONS LIKE HEMOCHROMATOSIS. FERRITIN IS ALSO AN ACUTE PHASE REACTANT.