Ulta Lab Tests

Ulta Wellness Blood Chemistry Panel - 21 Biomarkers

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.

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.
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The Ulta Wellness Blood Chemistry Panel - 21 Biomarkers test contains 1 test with 21 biomarkers .

Comprehensive Evaluation of Health Through Blood Chemistry Tests

The Ulta Wellness Blood Chemistry tests provide valuable insights into various body systems, allowing for targeted management and early detection of potential health issues. Here's a detailed look at the value of each test categorized by body systems:

Liver Function Tests

  • Albumin: This test measures the albumin level, a protein synthesized by the liver. It's crucial for maintaining fluid balance within the blood and transporting hormones, vitamins, and drugs. Low levels may indicate liver disease or kidney problems.
  • Bilirubin, Total: Bilirubin is measured as a byproduct of red blood cell breakdown to assess the liver's ability to perform its waste-processing function. High levels can indicate liver dysfunction or blockages.
  • Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP): Elevated ALP levels can signal liver disease, blockages in the bile ducts, or bone disorders, given its presence in liver and bone tissues.
  • Alanine Transaminase (ALT) and Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST): These enzymes are primarily found in the liver, with ALT being more liver-specific. Elevated levels of these enzymes suggest liver damage orinflammation.

Kidney Function Tests

  • Creatinine: This waste product from muscle metabolism is filtered out by the kidneys. Elevated levels can indicate reduced kidney function, suggesting potential kidney disease.
  • Urea Nitrogen (BUN): Measures urea levels in the blood, providing insight into kidney function and hydration status. High levels might indicate kidney stress or dehydration.
  • Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR): This test estimates how well the kidneys filter waste and is crucial for detecting early kidney damage or monitoring known kidney disease.
  • Bun/Creatinine Ratio: Used to differentiate between acute kidney damage and dehydration. Changes in the ratio can help pinpoint the underlying cause of kidney dysfunction.

Metabolic and Electrolyte Balance

  • Glucose: A fundamental test for monitoring blood sugar levels and assessing diabetes risk or management. Stable glucose levels are vital for overall metabolic health.
  • Calcium, Sodium, Potassium, and Chloride: These electrolytes are essential for various bodily functions, including nerve transmission, muscle contraction, and maintaining fluid and acid-base balance. Imbalances can indicate issues like dehydration, kidney disease, or metabolic disorders.
  • Carbon Dioxide (CO2): Often used to evaluate the body's acid-base balance (pH), which is crucial for overall metabolic processes.

Protein Levels and Immune Function

  • Total Protein: This test measures albumin and globulin levels in the blood. It helps assess nutritional status, liver function, and kidney health.
  • Albumin/Globulin Ratio (A/G ratio): Provides a snapshot of protein balance, with deviations from the norm suggesting possible liver disease, kidney disorders, or changes in immune system activity.
  • Globulin: This group includes various proteins, predominantly antibodies. Testing globulin levels is important for assessing the immune system's ability to fight infections and other diseases.

Each of these tests offers critical data that can help in diagnosing, monitoring, and managing various health conditions. They provide a comprehensive overview of an individual's health status and effectively guide treatment decisions.

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