Livingston Health Screenings

Blood Tests and General Health Overview

A health screening is a great way to get a basic overview of your current state of health. Health screens are available at Livingston HealthCare on a walk-in basis. Please see below for information on our standard blood profile testing as well as additional options. The blood profile test requires fasting from 8 PM the night before. Appointments and walk-ins are welcome. Walk-in patients can check in at registration at Livingston HealthCare.

Standard Blood Profile Testing ($50)

Blood tests provide substantial information on a person’s overall health. There are several different types of blood tests, each examining different factors. You can learn about each type of test offered by Livingston HealthCare below.

Complete Blood Count:

The complete blood count (CBC) is often used as a broad screening test to determine an individual's general health status. It can be used to help diagnose various conditions, such as anemia, infection, inflammation, bleeding disorder or leukemia, to name just a few.

A CBC is a panel of tests that evaluates the three types of cells that circulate in the blood and includes the following:

1. White blood count (WBC): total number of white blood cells in a person’s sample of blood. White blood cells are a part of the body’s defense system against infections and cancer and also play a role in allergies and inflammation.
2. Red blood cells: Transport oxygen throughout the body. The actual number of red blood cells in a person’s sample of blood.
3. Red blood cell indices are calculations that provide information on the physical characteristics of the RBCs.
4. Platelets: cells that are vital for normal blood clotting. Reported as the # of platelets in a person’s sample of blood.

Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP)

This test is used as a broad screening tool to evaluate organ function and check for conditions such as diabetes, liver disease, and kidney disease. The CMP may also be ordered to monitor known conditions, such as hypertension, and to monitor people taking specific medications for any kidney- or liver-related side effects.

The CMP includes:

• Glucose: Screen for both high blood glucose (hyperglycemia) and low blood glucose (hypoglycemia), helps to diagnose diabetes, and monitor glucose levels in persons with diabetes.
• Calcium: A blood calcium test is ordered to screen for, diagnose, and monitor a range of conditions relating to the bones, heart, nerves, kidneys, and teeth. The test may also be ordered if a person has symptoms of a parathyroid disorder, malabsorption, or an overactive thyroid.
• Albumin and Protein: Frequently ordered as a part of an evaluation of a person’s overall health status and/or nutritional status.
• AG/Ratio: The calculated ratio of albumin to globulins. Normally, there is a little more albumin than globulins. Because disease states affect the relative amounts of albumin and globulin, the A/G ratio may provide a clue as to the cause of the change in protein levels.
• Electrolytes: An electrolyte panel (Sodium, Potassium, CO2, and Chloride) may be ordered as part of a routine screening to detect a problem with the body’s fluid balance.
• BUN and Creatinine: Primarily used to evaluate kidney function in a wide range of circumstances, to help diagnose kidney disease, and to monitor people with acute or chronic kidney dysfunction or failure. It also may be used to evaluate a person's general health status.
  • BUN/Creat Ratio: Occasionally, a doctor will look at the ratio between a person’s BUN and blood creatinine to help them determine what is causing these concentrations to be higher than normal
  • The GFR is used to screen for and detect early kidney damage and to monitor kidney status

Liver Tests

Liver panel test results are not diagnostic of a specific condition; they indicate that there may be a problem with the liver.

Lipid Panel

The lipid panel is used as part of a cardiac risk assessment to help determine an individual's risk of heart disease and to help make decisions about what treatment may be best if there is borderline or high risk. The results of the lipid profile are considered along with other known risk factors of heart disease to develop a plan of treatment.

Lipid Profile includes:

• Cholesterol
• Triglycerides
• High Density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol
• Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol

Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH)

the test of choice for evaluating thyroid function and/or symptoms of hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism.

Optional Tests

• Vitamin D ($25): To determine if you have a vitamin D deficiency; if you are receiving vitamin D supplementation, to determine if it is adequate.
• Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) ($15): Recommended for men over the age of 50 as a screening tool for prostate cancer.
• Hemglobin A1c ($20): The A1c test is used to monitor the glucose control of diabetics over time. The A1c test result gives a picture of the average amount on glucose in the blood over the last few months. For diagnostic and screening purposes, A1c may be ordered as part of a health checkup or when someone is suspected of having diabetes.

Contact Us

To learn more about Livingston HealthCare’s health screenings, or to schedule an appointment, call 406.222.3541. We are happy to answer any questions.