Lab Terms

Understanding your health better

The following terms are used to describe certain testing procedures and the purpose of some common tests. If you ever have a question about a lab test or your health in general please contact us. Your Center for Family Medicine team is here for your convenience.

Hemoglobin A1c
This is a lab test used to measure how well your diabetes has been managed. Learn More

AST
This is one of the lab tests used to monitor your liver and determine possible damage to your liver. Learn More

ALT
This is one of the lab tests used to monitor your liver and determine possible damage to your liver. Learn More

Basic Metabolic Panel (BMP)
This is a series of tests done to evaluate the electrolytes in your blood, along with tests to evaluate the function and health of your kidneys. Learn More

BNP
This test is used to monitor fluid overload and is often used to help measure the status of congestive heart failure. Learn More

CBC
A series of tests that are used to monitor your blood counts. The test includes white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets.

Hemoglobin
This is a test that is used to evaluate for possible anemia. Learn More

INR
This test is done to check on how thin your blood is and to evaluate the effectiveness of anti-coagulation medications like Coumadin. Learn More

Lipid Panel
This is a series of tests used to evaluate the level of total cholesterol, HDL (“good” cholesterol), LDL (“bad” cholesterol) and triglycerides in your blood. Learn More

Platelets
This is a test used to check for the number of platelets in the blood, which help with clotting the blood and stopping bleeding. Learn More

TSH
This is a test that is used to determine the status of thyroid function. Learn More

WBC
This is a test used to evaluate the number of white blood cells in the blood, which can be used to help check for possible infections. Learn More