Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Base Assessment

The following is a list of what is included in the item above. Click the test(s) below to view what biomarkers are measured along with an explanation of what the biomarker is measuring.

C-PEPTIDE, LC/MS/MS

INSULIN RESISTANCE SCORE

INSULIN, INTACT, LC/MS/MS

Also known as: Chem 12, Chemistry Panel, Chemistry Screen, CMP, Complete Metabolic Panel, Comprehensive Metabolic Panel CMP, SMA 12, SMA 20

Albumin

Albumin is a protein made by the liver. A serum albumin test measures the amount of this protein in the clear liquid portion of the blood.

Albumin/Globulin Ratio

The ratio of albumin to globulin (A/G ratio) is calculated from measured albumin and calculated globulin (total protein - albumin). Normally, there is a little more albumin than globulins, giving a normal A/G ratio of slightly over 1. 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. A low A/G ratio may reflect overproduction of globulins, such as seen in multiple myeloma or autoimmune diseases, or underproduction of albumin, such as may occur with cirrhosis, or selective loss of albumin from the circulation, as may occur with kidney disease (nephrotic syndrome). A high A/G ratio suggests underproduction of immunoglobulins as may be seen in some genetic deficiencies and in some leukemias. More specific tests, such as liver enzyme tests and serum protein electrophoresis, must be performed to make an accurate diagnosis. With a low total protein that is due to plasma expansion (dilution of the blood), the A/G ratio will typically be normal because both albumin and globulin will be diluted to the same extent.

Alkaline Phosphatase

Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) is a protein found in all body tissues. Tissues with higher amounts of ALP include the liver, bile ducts, and bone.

Alt

Alanine transaminase (ALT) is an enzyme found in the highest amounts in the liver. Injury to the liver results in release of the substance into the blood.

AST

AST (aspartate aminotransferase) is an enzyme found in high amounts in liver, heart, and muscle cells. It is also found in lesser amounts in other tissues.

Bilirubin, Total

Bilirubin is a yellowish pigment found in bile, a fluid made by the liver. A small amount of older red blood cells are replaced by new blood cells every day. Bilirubin is left after these older blood cells are removed. The liver helps break down bilirubin so that it can be removed from the body in the stool.

Bun/Creatinine Ratio

A ratio between a person’s BUN and blood creatinine to help determine what is causing these concentrations to be higher than normal. The ratio of BUN to creatinine is usually between 10:1 and 20:1. An increased ratio may be due to a condition that causes a decrease in the flow of blood to the kidneys, such as congestive heart failure or dehydration. It may also be seen with increased protein, from gastrointestinal bleeding, or increased protein in the diet. The ratio may be decreased with liver disease (due to decrease in the formation of urea) and malnutrition.

Calcium

You have more calcium in your body than any other mineral. Calcium has many important jobs. The body stores more than 99 percent of its calcium in the bones and teeth to help make and keep them strong. The rest is throughout the body in blood, muscle and the fluid between cells. Your body needs calcium to help muscles and blood vessels contract and expand, to secrete hormones and enzymes and to send messages through the nervous system.

Carbon Dioxide

CO2 is carbon dioxide. Measures the amount of carbon dioxide in the liquid part of your blood, called the serum. In the body, most of the CO2 is in the form of a substance called bicarbonate (HCO3-). Therefore, the CO2 blood test is really a measure of your blood bicarbonate level.

Chloride

Chloride is a type of electrolyte. It works with other electrolytes such as potassium, sodium, and carbon dioxide (CO2). These substances help keep the proper balance of body fluids and maintain the body's acid-base balance. This is a measure of the amount of chloride in the fluid portion (serum) of the blood.

Creatinine

The creatinine blood test measures the level of creatinine in the blood. This test is done to see how well your kidneys work.

Egfr African American

Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is a test used to check how well the kidneys are working. Specifically, it estimates how much blood passes through the glomeruli each minute. Glomeruli are the tiny filters in the kidneys that filter waste from the blood.

Egfr Non-Afr. American

Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is a test used to check how well the kidneys are working. Specifically, it estimates how much blood passes through the glomeruli each minute. Glomeruli are the tiny filters in the kidneys that filter waste from the blood.

GFR-AFRICAN AMERICAN

GFR-NON AFRICAN AMERICAN

Globulin

Globulins is the collective term for most blood proteins other than albumin. Identifying the types of globulins can help diagnose certain disorders. Globulins are roughly divided into three groups: alpha, beta, and gamma globulins. Gamma globulines include various types of antibodies such as immunoglobulins (Ig) M, G, and A.

Glucose

A blood glucose test measures the amount of a sugar called glucose in a sample of your blood. Glucose is a major source of energy for most cells of the body, including those in the brain. The hormones insulin and glucagon help control blood glucose levels.

Potassium

Potassium is a mineral that the body needs to work normally. It helps nerves and muscles communicate. It also helps move nutrients into cells and waste products out of cells. A diet rich in potassium helps to offset some of sodium's harmful effects on blood pressure.

Protein, Total

The total protein is the total amount of two classes of proteins, albumin and globulin that are found in the fluid portion of your blood. Proteins are important parts of all cells and tissues. Your albumin helps prevent fluid from leaking out of blood vessels and your globulins are an important part of your immune system.

Sodium

Sodium is a substance that the body needs to work properly it is vital to normal body processes, including nerve and muscle function

Urea Nitrogen (Bun)

BUN stands for blood urea nitrogen. Urea nitrogen is what forms when protein breaks down. BUN measures the amount of urea nitrogen in the blood.

Also known as: Gamma Glutamyl Transferase GGT, Gamma-Glutamyl Transferase, Gamma-Glutamyl Transpeptidase, Gamma-GT, GGTP, GTP

Ggt

Gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) is a test to measure the amount of the enzyme GGT in the blood.

Also known as: A1c, Glycated Hemoglobin, Glycohemoglobin, Glycosylated Hemoglobin, HA1c, HbA1c, Hemoglobin A1c, Hemoglobin A1c HgbA1C, Hgb A1c

Hemoglobin A1c

The A1c test evaluates the average amount of glucose in the blood over the last 2 to 3 months. It does this by measuring the concentration of glycated (also often called glycosylated) hemoglobin A1c. Hemoglobin is an oxygen-transporting protein found inside red blood cells (RBCs). There are several types of normal hemoglobin, but the predominant form – about 95-98% – is hemoglobin A. As glucose circulates in the blood, some of it spontaneously binds to hemoglobin A. The hemoglobin molecules with attached glucose are called glycated hemoglobin. The higher the concentration of glucose in the blood, the more glycated hemoglobin is formed. Once the glucose binds to the hemoglobin, it remains there for the life of the red blood cell – normally about 120 days. The predominant form of glycated hemoglobin is referred to as HbA1c or A1c. A1c is produced on a daily basis and slowly cleared from the blood as older RBCs die and younger RBCs (with non-glycated hemoglobin) take their place. This test is used to monitor treatment in someone who has been diagnosed with diabetes. It helps to evaluate how well their glucose levels have been controlled by treatment over time. This test may be used to screen for and diagnose diabetes or risk of developing diabetes. In 2010, clinical practice guidelines from the American Diabetes Association (ADA) stated that A1c may be added to fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) as an option for diabetes screening and diagnosis. For monitoring purposes, an A1c of less than 7% indicates good glucose control and a lower risk of diabetic complications for the majority of diabetics. However, in 2012, the ADA and the European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD) issued a position statement recommending that the management of glucose control in type 2 diabetes be more "patient-centered." Data from recent studies have shown that low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) can cause complications and that people with risk of severe hypoglycemia, underlying health conditions, complications, and a limited life expectancy do not necessarily benefit from having a stringent goal of less than 7% for their A1c. The statement recommends that people work closely with their doctor to select a goal that reflects each person's individual health status and that balances risks and benefits.

Also known as: Cholesterol, HDL,Fasting Lipids,Cholesterol, LDL, Fasting Lipids, Lipid Panel (fasting), Lipid Profile (fasting), Lipids

Chol/HDLC Ratio

Cholesterol, Total

Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance that occurs naturally in all parts of the body. Your body needs some cholesterol to work properly. But if you have too much in your blood, it can combine with other substances in the blood and stick to the walls of your arteries. This is called plaque. Plaque can narrow your arteries or even block them. High levels of cholesterol in the blood can increase your risk of heart disease. Your cholesterol levels tend to rise as you get older. There are usually no signs or symptoms that you have high blood cholesterol, but it can be detected with a blood test. You are likely to have high cholesterol if members of your family have it, if you are overweight or if you eat a lot of fatty foods. You can lower your cholesterol by exercising more and eating more fruits and vegetables. You also may need to take medicine to lower your cholesterol.

HDL Cholesterol

LDL-Cholesterol

Non HDL Cholesterol

Triglycerides

Triglycerides are a form of fat and a major source of energy for the body. This test measures the amount of triglycerides in the blood. Most triglycerides are found in fat (adipose) tissue, but some triglycerides circulate in the blood to provide fuel for muscles to work. After a person eats, an increased level of triglycerides is found in the blood as the body converts the energy not needed right away into fat. Triglycerides move via the blood from the gut to adipose tissue for storage. In between meals, triglycerides are released from fat tissue to be used as an energy source for the body. Most triglycerides are carried in the blood by lipoproteins called very low density lipoproteins (VLDL). High levels of triglycerides in the blood are associated with an increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease (CVD), although the reason for this is not well understood. Certain factors can contribute to high triglyceride levels and to risk of CVD, including lack of exercise, being overweight, smoking cigarettes, consuming excess alcohol, and medical conditions such as diabetes and kidney disease.
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The Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Base Assessment panel contains 5 tests with 32 biomarkers.

Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Base Assessment Panel is a specialized diagnostic tool designed to evaluate key biochemical markers associated with liver function, metabolic health, and cardiovascular risk. This panel offers a comprehensive overview of factors that may contribute to the development or progression of NAFLD, a condition characterized by excessive fat accumulation in the liver unrelated to alcohol consumption. By assessing liver enzymes, glucose regulation, lipid levels, and insulin resistance, this panel helps healthcare providers understand the underlying metabolic disturbances contributing to NAFLD and formulate an effective treatment or management plan.

When and Why the Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Base Assessment Panel May Be Ordered

The Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Base Assessment panel may be ordered for individuals at risk of NAFLD or those with signs or symptoms suggesting liver dysfunction or metabolic syndrome. Risk factors include obesity, type 2 diabetes, insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, and a sedentary lifestyle. This panel is also commonly ordered for individuals with elevated liver enzyme levels or imaging findings consistent with fatty liver. Early identification and monitoring of NAFLD are critical because the condition can progress to more severe stages, such as nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), fibrosis, cirrhosis, or even liver cancer. It may also be used to evaluate individuals with a family history of liver disease or metabolic disorders or to monitor the effectiveness of lifestyle interventions or medical treatments aimed at reducing liver fat and improving metabolic health.

What the Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Base Assessment Panel Checks For

The Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Base Assessment panel evaluates multiple aspects of metabolic and liver health through a combination of biochemical tests. Each test provides essential insights into the metabolic processes and liver function, offering a holistic understanding of the factors contributing to NAFLD.

The comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP) is a foundational test that evaluates liver function, kidney health, and electrolyte balance. It measures liver enzymes, including alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST), which can indicate liver inflammation or damage. The panel also assesses albumin and total protein levels, markers of liver function and nutritional status, as well as bilirubin, which may reveal liver dysfunction. The CMP provides a snapshot of overall health, which is critical for identifying early liver abnormalities associated with NAFLD.

The gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) test specifically measures GGT levels, an enzyme found in the liver. Elevated GGT levels may indicate liver dysfunction, bile duct problems, or oxidative stress, all of which are commonly seen in NAFLD. This test helps distinguish between liver-related conditions and provides additional context when evaluating abnormal liver enzyme levels detected in the CMP.

The hemoglobin A1c (HgbA1c) test assesses average blood sugar levels over the past two to three months. Since insulin resistance and impaired glucose metabolism are strongly associated with NAFLD, this test provides critical information about a patient's glycemic control. Elevated HgbA1c levels may indicate prediabetes or diabetes, both of which are key contributors to the development and progression of NAFLD.

The lipid panel measures cholesterol and triglyceride levels, including low-density lipoprotein (LDL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and total cholesterol. Dyslipidemia, characterized by high triglycerides and low HDL, is a common feature of metabolic syndrome and NAFLD. Understanding a patient’s lipid profile helps healthcare providers identify cardiovascular risks and implement strategies to manage dyslipidemia, which can exacerbate liver inflammation and damage.

The Cardio IQ Insulin Resistance Panel with Score evaluates insulin resistance, a core feature of metabolic syndrome and a major driver of NAFLD. This panel measures fasting insulin and glucose levels and calculates an insulin resistance score, providing a detailed assessment of the body’s ability to regulate glucose and insulin. Identifying insulin resistance is crucial for addressing the underlying metabolic dysfunction that contributes to liver fat accumulation and progression of NAFLD.

How Healthcare Professionals Use the Results of the Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Base Assessment Panel

Healthcare professionals use the results of the Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Base Assessment panel to diagnose and manage NAFLD effectively. If the results indicate elevated liver enzymes, dyslipidemia, insulin resistance, or poor glycemic control, the provider may confirm a diagnosis of NAFLD and evaluate the risk of progression to more severe liver conditions. Based on the results, healthcare professionals may recommend lifestyle modifications, such as dietary changes, increased physical activity, or weight loss, which are key strategies for managing NAFLD. Medications may also be prescribed to control blood sugar, lower cholesterol, or address insulin resistance if lifestyle changes are insufficient.

The results of the panel are also used to monitor the effectiveness of treatment interventions. For example, improvements in liver enzyme levels, lipid profile, or insulin resistance scores over time may indicate a positive response to therapy or lifestyle changes. Conversely, worsening results may prompt further investigation, imaging studies, or a referral to a specialist, such as a hepatologist, for advanced care. The comprehensive nature of this panel allows healthcare providers to take a proactive approach in managing NAFLD and mitigating associated cardiovascular and metabolic risks.

The Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Base Assessment panel is an essential tool for diagnosing, monitoring, and managing NAFLD, a condition that poses significant risks to liver health and overall well-being. By providing a detailed evaluation of liver function, metabolic health, and cardiovascular risk, this panel empowers healthcare providers to identify and address the underlying factors contributing to NAFLD. Early detection and intervention can prevent disease progression, improve patient outcomes, and reduce the burden of complications associated with NAFLD and its related metabolic disorders.

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