What’s in the Foundations Lab Panel?
Great question. Our comprehensive baseline Foundations Lab Panel includes the following:
CMP (Comprehensive Metabolic Panel)
Fasting glucose
Basic electrolytes and acid/base markers - Sodium, Potassium, Chloride, Calcium, CO2
Kidney function - BUN, Creatinine, GFR
Protein markers - Albumin, Total Protein
Liver damage markers - ALP, AST, ALT, Bilirubin
We add GGT - In addition to liver and biliary problems, high levels can predict cardiovascular and metabolic disease, indicate the presence of oxidative stress and cellular damage or that your body is being overwhelmed with toxic exposures, and suggest the need for glutathione support (a powerful antioxidant).
Additional Metabolic Markers
HbA1c (Hemoglobin A1c) - The average % of blood that’s been glycated (“candy-coated”).
Fasting Insulin - High levels can point to insulin resistance.
Uric Acid - Not just a marker for gout. High levels can also be linked to high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, and metabolic syndrome.
CBC (Complete blood count)
Hgb (Hemoglobin), Hct (Hematocrit) - Can indicate the presence of anemia (not enough red blood cells) or polycythemia (too much red blood cells).
MCV, MCH, MCHC - These patterns can indicate iron, B-vitamin deficiency, or hereditary causes of anemia.
WBC (White blood cells) - Elevated in infection, inflammation, or stress. Low levels have to be interpreted in the context of the individual.
Platelets - Low levels can cause easy bruising or bleeding. Low or high levels can have various causes that need to be interpreted in the context of the individual.
Other WBCs - Neutrophils, Lymphocytes, Monocytes, Eosinophils, Basophils - can indicate underlying bacterial, viral, or parasitic infections or an allergic process going on.
Inflammation
hs-CRP (High sensitivity C-reactive protein) - Slightly elevated levels can indicate the presence of low-grade inflammation, which you won't necessarily feel, but may manifest as vague symptoms or manifest as a chronic disease that you may be predisposed to.
Homocysteine - A potential risk factor for cardiovascular disease, blood clots, Alzheimer’s, and birth defects. High levels could indicate the need for certain methylated B vitamins.
Thyroid Panel
TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone)
Free T4
Free T3
Reverse T3 - An inactive form of T3 that can indicate the body is undergoing stress when high.
Thyroid Peroxidase antibodies (Hashimoto’s Disease)
Thyroglobulin antibodies (Hashimoto’s Disease)
Thyroid stimulating antibodies (Grave’s Disease)
Heavy Metals
Mercury - Commonly elevated in sushi lovers!
Lead - Not just found in old houses. Exposure can happen from certain foods!
Nutrients and Other Minerals
Vitamin D, 25-OH Total
Folate, RBC
Vitamin B12
Methylmalonic Acid - High levels can indicate an early B12 deficiency before you see serum B12 levels drop.
Iron and total iron binding capacity
Ferritin - Indicates your level of iron stores.
Magnesium, RBC
Copper, RBC
Zinc, RBC
Selenium, RBC
More important than what’s included in any of our panels, is that your lab panels will be tailored to what your needs are. At your consultation, we’ll add or subtract additional labs based on your symptoms, concerns, and goals.
Lab interpretation is not black and white. There are often nuances and gray areas. Your labs will be analyzed and interpreted by a board-certified medical doctor taking into consideration the context of YOU and your health story.
