Aarogyam 1.8 With UTSH near me in Chennai

The Blood Urea Nitrogen test measures the amount of urea nitrogen in the blood. Urea is a waste product which is formed in the liver. It is formed when protein is metabolized into amino acids. This leads to the production of ammonia which is further converted into urea which is a less toxic waste product. 

Both ammonia and urea have nitrogen as their component. The liver releases urea into the blood which is then carried out to the kidneys. Here, it is filtered out of the blood and then released into the urine. Since this is a continuous process, a small and stable amount of urea nitrogen always remains in the blood.

In case of kidney or liver diseases, there is a change in the amount of urea present in the blood. If the liver produces urea in increased amounts or if there is any problem in the functioning of the kidneys, there can be difficulty in filtering out wastes of the blood which will lead to rising in urea concentrations in the blood. If due to liver damage or disease there is less production of urea, the concentration of BUN will fall.

The BUN test is done along with creatinine test to evaluate kidney function to diagnose kidney disease and to monitor patients undergoing treatment of kidney disease. 

This further contains

• Mercury
• Cadmium
• Aluminium
• Chromium
• Barium
• Cobalt
• Caesium
• Selenium
• Arsenic
• Bismuth
• Beryllium
• Antimony
• Thallium
• Strontium
• Uranium
• Molybdenum
• Vanadium
• Manganese
• Tin
• Lead
• Silver
• Nickel

Carbohydrates consumed in the diet are digested and converted into the simple sugar, glucose. Glucose is absorbed by the cells for the production of energy, or stored in other forms like fats. Insulin is the hormone responsible for the uptake of glucose by the cells from blood for utilization and storage. It thus helps to maintain blood glucose levels within a normal range. Insulin also plays an essential role in the metabolism of lipids.

Levels of blood glucose and levels of insulin in blood maintain a balance with each other. A rise in blood sugar stimulates insulin production by the pancreas. This causes insulin levels to rise in blood. Insulin stimulates the uptake of glucose by cells, leading to a fall in blood glucose, and insulin levels in turn. Disruptions in this mechanism due to low insulin production by pancreas or inability of cells to respond to insulin (insulin resistance) cause a rise in blood sugar levels or hyperglycemia. Hyperglycemia is associated with diabetes. Diabetes Type 1 is an inherited condition where insulin is produced in insufficient quantities. Diabetes Type 2 occurs due to insufficient insulin production, or due to the development of insulin resistance. When cells are unable to respond to insulin, they cannot take up glucose from the blood effectively. The cells are deprived of glucose for energy, while glucose levels become high in the blood.

Insulin resistance increases with time. Increased glucose levels in blood stimulate the pancreas to produce excess insulin, leading to hyperinsulinemia (high insulin levels in the blood) along with hyperglycemia. Insulin resistance can also be seen in cases other than diabetes, such as prediabetes, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), pituitary or adrenal gland diseases, etc.

High insulin levels in the blood may also occur in patients suffering from tumors in the beta cells of pancreatic glands, or in cases of insulin overdose. Since excess insulin in these cases is not caused due to excess blood sugar levels, hyperinsulinemia in these cases can cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), leading to energy deprivation in all cells of the body.

Thyroxine (T4) Total test measures the total levels (both free and bound forms) of Thyroxine hormone (T4) in the blood.

The thyroid gland secretes the following hormones:

• Triiodothyronine (T3)

• Thyroxine (T4)

Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH), also called Thyrotropin is a hormone secreted into the blood by the pituitary gland (a gland present in the brain). It directs the thyroid gland to produce and release the thyroid hormones (T3 & T4) into your blood. The iodine from the food stimulates the thyroid gland to make the thyroid hormones.

The thyroid hormones regulate growth and metabolism. If the thyroid gland produces very high amounts of these hormones (T3 and T4), symptoms of weight loss, rapid heartbeat, tremors, sweating, anxiety, increased sensitivity towards heat, etc occurs. This is known as Hyperthyroidism.

The decreased production of thyroid hormones (T3 and T4) results in Hypothyroidism which may lead to weight gain, fatigue, slow heart rate, increased sensitivity towards cold, depression, dry and thin hair, etc.

There is a feedback system in the body to maintain stable amounts of the thyroid hormones (T3 and T4) in the blood. When the levels of thyroid hormones decrease, the pituitary gland is stimulated to release TSH. High TSH, in turn, increases the release of thyroid hormones (T3 & T4) from the thyroid gland and vice-versa.

T4 hormone constitutes about 90% of thyroid hormones and circulates in the blood in two forms:

1) Bound form - It is bound to the proteins present in blood and this prevents it from entering the body tissues. The three main proteins in the blood that the T4 hormone is bound to are albumin, transthyretin and Thyroxine-binding globulin (TBG). TBG is also called Thyroid hormone Binding Globulin (THBG).

2) Free form - It enters the body tissues where it is needed and this is the active form.

Hence, the T4 hormone can be measured as Free T4 or Total T4. The total T4 includes both bound and free forms circulating in the blood and can be affected by the amount of protein available in the blood to bind to them.

While the total T4 test is a useful indicator of T4 levels in the presence of normal binding proteins, it is not useful when levels of binding proteins are increased or decreased. For example, increased total T4 levels can be seen despite normal levels of free T4 levels and normal thyroid function due to an increase in thyroxine-binding proteins.

Thyroxine (T4) Total test is also done as a part of the Thyroid profile Total test which includes two more tests: Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) and Triiodothyronine (T3) Total.

Chloride is an essential mineral which acts as an electrolyte along with potassium, sodium, bicarbonate, etc. It helps to maintain the normal fluid and electrolyte balance of the body. It also acts as a buffer to help maintain the pH balance of the body. It also plays essential roles in metabolism. Chloride is used by the stomach to produce hydrochloric acid (HCl) for digestion. Chloride is present in all body fluids and is found in highest concentration in the blood and extracellular fluid (fluid present outside the cells).

Most of the chloride intake is through dietary salt (sodium chloride or NaCl), and a small portion through other food items. The body absorbs the required amount and the kidneys excrete the remaining through urine. The concentration of chloride in blood is maintained within a very narrow range by the body and usually increases or decreases in direct correlation with sodium levels.

Triiodothyronine (T3) Total Test measures the total levels (both free and bound forms) of Triiodothyronine (T3) hormone in the blood.

The thyroid gland secretes the following hormones:

• Triiodothyronine (T3)

• Thyroxine (T4)

Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) is a hormone secreted into the blood by a gland present in the brain (Pituitary gland) and it tells your thyroid gland to make and release the thyroid hormones (T3 & T4) into your blood. The thyroid gland uses iodine from food to make the thyroid hormones.

The thyroid hormones are essential for growth and metabolism. If the thyroid gland produces very high amounts of these hormones (T3 and T4), you may experience symptoms of weight loss, rapid heartbeat, tremors, sweating, anxiety, increased sensitivity to heat etc. and this is known as Hyperthyroidism.

Also, the decreased production of thyroid hormones (T3 and T4) results in Hypothyroidism which may cause symptoms like weight gain, fatigue, slow heart rate, increased sensitivity to cold, depression, dry and thin hair etc.

There is a feedback system in the body to maintain stable amounts of the thyroid hormones (T3 and T4) in the blood. When thyroid hormone levels decrease, the pituitary gland is stimulated to release TSH. This high TSH in turn leads to the release of more thyroid hormones (T3 & T4) from the thyroid gland and vice-versa.

Majority of the T3 hormone is formed from T4 hormone and a smaller fraction is produced directly by the thyroid gland. T3 hormone circulates in the blood in two forms:

1) Bound form - It is bound to proteins present in blood and this prevents it from entering body tissues. The two main proteins in the blood that the T3 hormone is bound to are albumin and Thyroxine-binding globulin (TBG), also called Thyroid hormone Binding Globulin (THBG).

2) Free form - It enters the body tissues where it is needed and this is the active form. Free Triiodothyronine (FT3) constitutes only 0.3% of the total T3 hormone.

The total T3 includes both bound and free forms circulating in the blood and can be affected by the amount of protein available in the blood to bind to them. The T3 hormone can be measured as Free T3 or Total T3. Triiodothyronine (T3) Total Test measures the total levels (both free and bound forms) of Triiodothyronine (T3) hormone in the blood and is usually done as a part of the Thyroid Profile Total test which includes two more tests: Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) and Thyroxine Total (T4) hormone.

This further contains

• Glycosylated Hemoglobin
• Average Glucose (For last 60 - 90 days)

The Sodium test measures the concentration of sodium in the blood.

Sodium is an essential body electrolyte which, along with potassium, chloride, bicarbonate, etc., helps to maintain the normal fluid and pH balance in the body. It is also vital for cellular metabolism, and in the activity of nerves and muscles and transmission of impulses between them. Sodium is present in all body fluids and is found in highest concentration in the blood and extracellular fluid.

Sodium is supplied to the body principally through dietary salts (sodium chloride or NaCl), and a small portion of sodium is absorbed through other food items. The required portion is absorbed by the body and the remaining is excreted by the kidneys through urine. The body maintains a very narrow range of sodium concentration by three mechanisms:

·         Secretion of hormones natriuretic peptides and aldosterone to control sodium elimination through urine

·         Secretion of antidiuretic hormone (ADH), also called Vasopressin, to control the volume of water eliminated through urine

·         Induction of thirst

Any disruption in the abovementioned mechanisms gives rise to an imbalance in the concentration of sodium in the blood to produce Hyponatremia (low blood sodium concentration), or Hypernatremia (high blood sodium concentration). Both these conditions produce a number of symptoms and may even lead to death.

The Vitamin B6 test measures the levels of Vitamin B6 in blood. Vitamin B6 belongs to the Vitamin B complex group. Generally, this vitamin is found in the diet, but its deficiency can be found in people who are deficient in other B complex vitamins. The chances of vitamin B6 deficiency are more in people having liver, kidney, digestive, or autoimmune diseases. Along with that, people who are smokers, overweight, alcoholics, and pregnant women can also have a deficiency of this vitamin. 

Vitamin B6 plays a role in the processing of protein, carbohydrates, and fats in the body. It is also important for the proper functioning of the nervous system and the immune system. It is also said to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties which help in preventing chronic conditions such as heart disease and cancer. 

Vitamin B6 is found in food sources like poultry, fish, meat, eggs. potatoes, bananas, chickpeas, cereal grains and flour, vegetables (e.g., peas, spinach, and carrots), seeds and nuts, legumes, milk, and cheese. It is also found in fortified cereals and nutrition bars. The recommended daily amount of Vitamin B6 required for adults is around 1.7 mg. People eating only plant-based food require additional foods to meet the required amount of Vitamin B6 intake in the body.

Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) test measures the amount of TSH in your blood which helps to find out if the thyroid gland is working normally or not. Low TSH levels indicate hyperthyroidism and high TSH levels indicate hypothyroidism.

In case of hyperthyroidism, the thyroid gland produces very high amounts of thyroid hormones (T3 and T4) and you may experience symptoms of weight loss, rapid heartbeat, tremors, sweating, anxiety, increased sensitivity towards heat, etc. In case of Hypothyroidism, there is a decrease in the production of thyroid hormones (T3 and T4) which may cause weight gain, fatigue, slow heart rate, increased sensitivity towards cold, depression, dry and thin hair, etc.

There is a feedback system in the body to maintain stable amounts of the thyroid hormones (T3 and T4) in the blood. TSH signals the thyroid gland to make and release the thyroid hormones (T3 & T4) into the blood when the level of thyroid hormones is low and can also signal the thyroid gland to lower the production of thyroid hormones when the level of thyroid hormones is very high. So, when the thyroid hormone (T3 and T4) levels decrease, the pituitary gland is stimulated to release TSH and this high TSH level, in turn, stimulates thyroid gland to release more thyroid hormone (T3 & T4) from the thyroid gland and the vice-versa happens when the thyroid hormone levels are very high.

Zinc is a mineral which is a micronutrient (required by the body in small amounts). It has a number of essential roles in the body. Zinc is a structural component of a number of proteins. It is essential in the synthesis of proteins and DNA, for cell division, and is necessary for proper enzymatic activity. It is also essential in the proper functioning of the immune system and in wound healing. Zinc is essential for proper physical and mental growth and development of children. It is also essential for the senses of taste and smell.

Zinc is absorbed primarily from dietary sources. It is transported in the serum bound to proteins, namely, albumin and alpha-macroglobulin. Excess zinc is disposed out of the body primarily through the feces, and a small amount through urine and sweat. The absorbed amount of zinc is utilized by almost all the cells of the body but is not stored anywhere in particular.

This further contains

• Creatinine
• Uric Acid

This further contains

• Total Iron Binding Capacity
• Iron Serum
• Unsaturated Iron Binding Capacity
• Transferrin Saturation

Vitamin A is also called as Retinol. It is an essential nutrient required for healthy vision, skin growth and integrity, bone formation, immune function, and embryonic development.
Vitamin A toxicity is typically due to the overuse of supplements but may also be caused by diets which include large amounts of foods which are high in Vitamin A. Deficiency of Vitamin A may occur in people who do not get enough meat, fruits and vegetables in their diet. The most common symptom of Vitamin A deficiency is night blindness.

Amylase is an enzyme that helps in the breakdown of complex dietary carbohydrates into simple carbohydrates for absorption. Digestion of carbohydrates begins in the mouth since amylase is secreted by the salivary glands. However, most of the amylase is produced by the pancreas and secreted into the duodenum of the small intestine. Amylase is also found in small quantities in blood, urine and peritoneal fluid.

The levels of amylase in blood rise either due to its increased secretion into the blood or decreased clearance by the kidneys or due to both these reasons. High levels are commonly seen in acute pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas) where the amylase levels rise rapidly (in 6 to 48 hours). In mild cases of pancreatitis, amylase levels slowly return to normal within a few days. Higher levels for longer periods indicate other complications.

Apolipoprotein A-I (apo A-I) is a protein that plays an important role in the transportation and metabolism of lipids and is the main protein component in high-density lipoprotein. Apo A-I is ordered in someone who has a personal or family history of abnormal lipid levels and/or premature cardiovascular disease. It may be ordered when your doctor is trying to determine the cause of a person's high cholesterol.

High sensitive CRP: High sensitive C reactive protein is a test that measures the amount of C reactive protein in the blood. The level of this marker is elevated in cases of inflammation in the body. This test can evaluate your risk of heart diseases such as coronary artery disease.

Apolipoprotein B/ Apolipoprotein A1 Ratio helps in evaluating your risk of developing cardiovascular disease (CVD); It is also used to monitor treatment for high cholesterol. This test is not widely used for a screening test but may be ordered if a person has a family history of heart disease and/or high cholesterol and triglycerides (hyperlipidemia).  

Lipoprotein B is a marker that has been proven to indicate a person's chance of having a cardiovascular event such as a heart attack or stroke. 

Apolipoprotein B is ordered along with an apo A-I or other lipid tests, when a healthcare practitioner is trying to evaluate someone's risk of developing CVD and when a person has a personal or family history of heart disease and/or abnormal lipid levels, especially when the person has significantly elevated triglyceride levels.
 

This further contains

• Lipoprotein A
• High Sensitive CRP
• Apolipoprotein - A1
• Apolipoprotein - B
• Apolipoprotein B/A1 Ratio

Testosterone is a sex hormone which is mainly found in men. It can also be found in women but in small amounts. The appearance of male physical characteristics is due to testosterone hormone. Testosterone Total measures the levels of testosterone in the blood. 

In men, testosterone is produced by the Leydig cells present in the testicles. It is also produced by the adrenal glands in both males and females. In females, small amounts of testosterone are produced by the ovaries. 

The function of testosterone is to develop secondary sex characteristics which include enlargement of the penis, body hair growth, development of muscle, and deepening of the voice. During puberty, it is produced in large amounts in males. In adult males, its function is to regulate the sex drive and to maintain muscle mass. In adult females, the testosterone gets converted to estradiol, which is the main sex hormone in females.

The testosterone hormone production is regulated by luteinizing hormone (LH), which is produced by the pituitary gland. As the levels of testosterone rise, the production of LH decreases which in turn slows down the production of testosterone. Similarly, when the levels of testosterone fall, it leads to an increase in production of LH which stimulates testosterone production.

The levels of testosterone are highest in the early morning and lowest in the evening. With exercise, the levels of testosterone increase and with age the levels decrease. 

In the blood, about two-thirds of testosterone hormone is bound to sex-hormone binding globulin (SHBG) and about one-third is bound to albumin. A small amount is present as free testosterone. 

Vitamin B12 is a part of B complex of vitamins. Vitamin B12 is also called as Cobalamin. It is a water soluble vitamin. Vitamin B12 plays an important role in formation of normal red blood cells, repair of tissues, DNA synthesis and genetic material in cells. It is not produced in the body and has to be taken in diet. The diet sources include red meat, fish, milk, poultry, yoghurt, eggs, fortified cereals, breads and other grain products. It can also be taken in the form of Vitamin B12 tablets or multivitamin pills. The deficiency of Vitamin B12 results in macrocytic anemia (size of red blood cells larger than normal).

Megaloblastic anemia is a type of macrocytic anemia, in which large size red blood cells called as macrocytes are produced. These red blood cells are fewer in number. There is a decrease in white blood cell count and platelet count. Megaloblastic anemia occurs due to acquired deficiency of Vitamin B12. The reason can be an inadequate dietary intake of Vitamin B12 or any problem in the absorption of Vitamin B12 from the intestines.

In case of problem in the absorption of Vitamin B12 from intestines, it is known as Pernicious anemia. It occurs due to lack of intrinsic factor which is present in secretions of the stomach.

Vitamin B12 is also important for nerve health and is taken as a nutritional supplement for the treatment of nerve damage.

Vitamin B12 binds with intrinsic factor (protein secreted by cells in the stomach). After binding, a complex is formed which is absorbed by the small intestine. In case of any disease interfering in this process can cause weakening of absorption of Vitamin B12.   

The Vitamin B9 test measures the levels of Vitamin B9 in the blood. Vitamin B9 also known as folate is a part of the B complex of vitamins. It is important for the formation of normal red blood cells, tissue and cell repair, and synthesis of DNA. This vitamin cannot be produced in the body, and hence it has to be taken in the diet. 

Folate is the naturally occurring form of the vitamin, while folic acid is referred to as a supplement which is added to food and drinks. This vitamin is found in food sources such as green leafy vegetables, citrus fruits, peas, dry beans, yeast, and liver. Apart from these food sources, Vitamin B9 can be found in fortified cereals (in which minerals are added), bread, and other grain products.

The deficiency of Vitamin B9 can lead to macrocytic anemia in which the size of red blood cells becomes larger than normal. Such type of macrocytic anemia includes Megaloblastic anemia which is characterized by the production of fewer but larger red blood cells. These red blood cells are known as macrocytes. Along with this, white blood cells may also get reduced and low platelet count can be seen.

Vitamin B9 is important for cell division such as in the case of developing a fetus. The deficiency of this vitamin during early pregnancy can expose the growing fetus to the risk of neural tube defects such as spina bifida. 

The cause of Vitamin B9 deficiency can be due to not taking supplements or diet rich in Vitamin B9, inadequate absorption of this vitamin or at the time of pregnancy when the requirement of this vitamin increases.

Lipase is an enzyme, which helps in the breakdown and digestion of dietary triglycerides (fats) into simple fatty acids for absorption. Lipase is secreted primarily by the pancreas, and in small amounts by the stomach, intestines, and the liver. The pancreas secretes lipase into the pancreatic duct, which flows into the duodenum (anterior portion of the small intestine). Normally only a small amount of lipase is secreted into the blood and is maintained at this low level. However, in the case of conditions like pancreatitis, blockage of the pancreatic duct, pancreatic cysts or tumors, etc., the levels of lipase in the blood get increased.

The Lipase Test may be performed together with Amylase Test to help in the diagnosis of pancreatitis or other conditions. Amylase levels also increase in case of pancreatitis. In Pancreatitis, Lipase rises almost at the same time as amylase (4-8 hrs) but the elevation lasts much longer (7-14 days) as compared to amylase.

This further contains

• Albumin
• Bilirubin Indirect
• Bilirubin Direct
• Albumin/Globulin Ratio
• Protein Total
• Bilirubin Total
• Alanine Transaminase
• Aspartate Aminotransferase
• Globulin
• Alkaline Phosphatase, Serum

The Homocysteine Test measures the levels of homocysteine in the blood.

Homocysteine is an amino acid which is an intermediate in the production of cysteine from methionine. Methionine is obtained from dietary sources, mainly fish, meat, and dairy products, and is converted to homocysteine, and then to cysteine in the body. This conversion from methionine to cysteine is regulated by various enzymes which require Vitamin B6, B12, and folic acid to work. Deficiency of these vitamins causes an increase in the levels of homocysteine in the body. Increased homocysteine levels in the blood can be due to a rare genetic disease called homocystinuria, where the enzymes needed for methionine metabolism are dysfunctional.

Increased levels of homocysteine in the blood are associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases including atherosclerosis, thrombosis (formation of blood clots) in blood vessels, heart attack, and stroke. It has also been implicated in some studies with an increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease.

The Lipid Profile Test typically measures the levels of total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides. Other results that may be reported include VLDL cholesterol, non-HDL cholesterol, and total cholesterol to HDL cholesterol ratio.

Lipids are fatty acids which store energy for the body and play essential roles in cellular structure and cell signaling. Cholesterols and triglycerides are essential lipids, carried in the blood by lipoprotein particles made up of cholesterol, triglycerides, proteins and phospholipid molecules. The lipoprotein particles are classified according to their densities into High Density Lipoproteins (HDL), Low Density Lipoproteins (LDL), and Very Low Density Lipoproteins (VLDL).

Cholesterol is a fat-like substance formed in the liver, as well as obtained from dietary sources. It is found in all the cells and is an essential part of the structural framework of the cells apart from performing various vital body processes. However, excess cholesterol is harmful. Increased cholesterol in blood can cause it to get deposited on the inner walls of the blood vessels forming plaque.

Triglycerides are the commonest type of fat in the body. Triglycerides are obtained from dietary sources and form the stored fat in adipose tissues. Increase in triglyceride concentration can also give rise to cardiovascular diseases.

High Density Lipoproteins or HDLs are high density particles which help to reduce the chances of cardiovascular diseases by picking up and carrying lipoprotein particles of lower density to the liver for disposal.

Low Density Lipoproteins or LDLs are lipoprotein particles of low density which carry cholesterol to the tissues. Cholesterol carried by LDLs easily comes out of blood and get deposited on the inner walls of the blood vessels, increasing the chances of cardiovascular diseases.

Very Low Density Lipoproteins or VLDLs are lipoprotein particles of very low density which carry triglycerides to the tissues. Excess triglycerides in blood causes increase in VLDL particles which in turn again increases the chance of developing cardiovascular diseases.

Plaque deposition makes the lumen of the blood vessels narrower thereby preventing proper flow of blood and may stop the flow completely. Excessive plaque deposition can also cause the arteries to harden, giving rise to a condition called Atherosclerosis. Improper flow of blood prevents the supply of nutrients and oxygen to the vital organs and may cause heart attack or stroke.

This further contains

• Cholesterol - LDL
• Triglycerides
• Cholesterol - Total
• Cholesterol - HDL
• Very Low Density Lipoprotein
• Total Cholesterol/HDL Cholesterol Ratio
• LDL/HDL Ratio
• Non HDL Cholesterol