Laboratory Blood Testing

Laboratory Blood Testing for Holland Clinic's Medical Weight Loss Programs

At Holland Clinic Medical Weight Loss Program, we perform comprehensive laboratory blood testing at the start of your medical weight loss treatment. This testing is crucial to screen for common weight-related issues and assess your overall health. We use Quest Diagnostics for these tests, and you will be given written orders for this testing during your first office visit. Simply bring the paperwork to any nearby Quest location, and their technicians will draw the required blood samples. Results are typically available within 24 hours.

Testing Panels

Complete Blood Count with Differential (CBC with 'dif')

The CBC with Differential test measures several components of your blood to evaluate your overall health and detect various disorders. The test includes:

Red Blood Cell (RBC) Count

Measures the number of red blood cells, which are responsible for carrying oxygen throughout your body.

White Blood Cell (WBC) Count

Measures the number of white blood cells, which are essential for your immune system and fighting infections.

Hemoglobin

Evaluates the oxygen-carrying capacity of your blood.

Hematocrit

Measures the proportion of red blood cells to the total blood volume.

Platelet Count

Assesses the number of platelets, which are essential for blood clotting.

Differential

Analyzes the different types of white blood cells, providing more information about your immune system.

Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP)

The Comprehensive Metabolic Panel evaluates your body's metabolism and checks for imbalances or problems related to your kidneys, liver, and electrolytes. The test includes:

Glucose

Measures your blood sugar levels to check for diabetes or insulin resistance.

Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN) and Creatinine

Assess kidney function.

Electrolytes (sodium, potassium, chloride, and bicarbonate)

Check for electrolyte imbalances.

Calcium

Evaluates calcium levels in your blood.

Albumin and Total Protein

Assess liver function and nutritional status.

Liver Enzymes (alanine aminotransferase [ALT], aspartate aminotransferase [AST], and alkaline phosphatase [ALP])

Evaluate liver function and detect possible liver damage or disease.

Lipid Panel with Cholesterol Fractions

The Lipid Panel with Cholesterol Fractions measures the levels of lipids (fats) in your blood, which can help detect dyslipidemia and assess your risk for cardiovascular diseases. The test includes:

Total Cholesterol

Evaluates the overall cholesterol levels in your blood.

High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL) Cholesterol

Measures the levels of "good" cholesterol that helps remove excess cholesterol from your body.

Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL) Cholesterol

Measures the levels of "bad" cholesterol that can contribute to plaque buildup in your arteries.

Triglycerides

Assess the levels of another type of fat in your blood.

Purpose of the Testing

It is important to note that these tests do not inform Dr. Holland about how to treat your weight specifically. Instead, they are performed to screen for common weight-related issues like dyslipidemia, elevated blood sugar, and liver enzyme elevations that can indicate Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH). More broadly, this testing represents a basic screen for overall health, but it does not provide insight into the causes of your obesity or its treatment.

Additional Tests (Not Routine)

Although the primary testing panels (CBC with Differential, CMP, and Lipid Profile with Fractions) provide a comprehensive assessment of your overall health and screen for common weight-related issues, additional tests may be ordered if needed, based on your individual health history and specific concerns. These tests can further help Dr. Holland evaluate your health and ensure that your weight loss program is tailored to your unique needs.

Some additional tests that might be considered include:

Thyroid Function Tests

These tests assess the function of your thyroid gland, which plays a crucial role in regulating your metabolism. Imbalances in thyroid hormones can impact your weight and overall health.

Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone (TSH):

Evaluates the function of the thyroid gland and detects thyroid disorders.

Free T3 and Free T4:

Measure the levels of active thyroid hormones in your blood.

Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c)

This test provides an average of your blood sugar levels over the past 2-3 months, offering a more comprehensive assessment of your glucose control and diabetes risk.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D deficiency is common and can contribute to a variety of health issues, including bone loss, fatigue, and weakened immunity. This test measures the level of vitamin D in your blood to ensure adequate levels for optimal health.

C-reactive Protein (CRP)

This test measures the levels of CRP, a protein produced by the liver in response to inflammation. Elevated CRP levels can indicate inflammation in the body and may be associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular disease.

Remember, the primary goal of these tests is to ensure your safety and success throughout your medical weight loss journey. By identifying potential health issues and monitoring your progress, Dr. Holland can customize your treatment plan and help you achieve optimal results.