4 components of comprehensive blood work at our functional medicine office

At the Connecticut Center for Integrative Medicine, comprehensive blood work is an essential part of functional medicine testing, and our complete approach goes beyond standard lab tests and health assessments. Our team knows that such thorough and multi-dimensional testing accounts for the complex needs of the individuals that we serve in Stamford, Fairfield, Westchester County, and beyond. We have highlighted four types of tests that are generally included in our complete blood analysis. 

No. 1: Complete blood count  

This test measures the red blood cells that carry oxygen, the infection-fighting white blood cells, the hemoglobin protein that carries oxygen to the red blood cells, hematocrit (or the amount of red blood cells in the blood), and blood-clotting platelets. Lower-than-normal levels of the first three components indicate anemia, deficiencies in iron or other vitamins, and blood loss or other diseases. This aspect of the test may also help explain why you lack energy all of the time or feel persistently weak. Low white blood cell and platelet counts can also indicate autoimmune disorders or other medical conditions, which may be side effects of medicines. Higher-than-usual levels in these areas can point to diseases, infections, or inflammation. So, anything outside of the normal range should be addressed promptly.

No. 2: Comprehensive Metabolic Panel

A CMP looks at several enzymes, waste products, minerals, sugars, and other substances that provide clues into how well your liver and kidneys are functioning and other elements (such as your fluid and electrolyte balance). Some of the substances that are measured include bilirubin, glucose, potassium, calcium, sodium, and albumin. This test may be ordered if you are experiencing general symptoms like fatigue (to rule out certain causes) and to see how well therapeutic interventions may be working and/or the effects of medications prescribed to treat certain symptoms/conditions. Abnormal results can be indicative of a range of problems, from liver and kidney disease to diabetes and hypertension. 

No. 3: Lipid profile 

Also known as a complete cholesterol test, the lipid profile measures the fats (lipids) levels in the blood. These fats include the “bad” LDL cholesterol that can build up in the walls of your arteries and put you at risk of heart attacks or stroke, as well as the “good” HDL cholesterol that helps to remove LDL from the blood. Triglycerides are also measured. They, too, are a risk factor for heart disease and develop when your body breaks down fats into smaller molecules. The level of triglycerides is also used to measure VLDL levels, yet another risk factor. Total cholesterol is determined by adding LDL, HDL, and VLDL in your blood. Regular testing should be done for most healthy adults, but may be particularly important if you are overweight, have a family history of heart problems, drink alcohol often, smoke, lead a sedentary lifestyle, and have diabetes, kidney disease, PCOS, and thyroid problems. 

No. 4: Autoimmune testing

Numerous tests support an accurate diagnosis of autoimmune diseases associated with disordered immune function and inflammation. Some of the more common autoimmune diseases include Celiac disease, Hashimoto’s, IBD, lupus, MS, RA (rheumatoid arthritis), Type 1 diabetes, and Sjögren’s disease. Such testing may detect signs of inflammation or elevated levels of ferritin and other proteins, which can be red flags for autoimmunity. Unlike antibodies that fight foreign “invaders” (like viruses and harmful bacteria), autoantibodies attack healthy cells. We can evaluate for specific autoantibodies like ANA. The antinuclear antibody attacks the center or nucleus of the cells, and a positive ANA can indicate lupus or other autoimmune diseases. 

As with everything at the Connecticut Center for Integrative Medicine, complete blood analysis is personalized to you. We may also test for blood sugar levels, insulin and leptin resistance, hormones, heavy metals, and much more. The findings from these tests provide a complete picture of how well vital organs and systems may be functioning and help us determine what your body needs. With this information, we can build a treatment plan that works and supports your sustained health and quality of life. 

If you are interested in more information about comprehensive blood work as part of our functional medicine approach, request an appointment today! Our Stamford, CT office serves Fairfield and Westchester County and can be reached at (866) 320-6402.

Share this Article