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: Folate Serum, Folic Acid
Also known as: Iron and TIBC, Iron and Total Iron Binding Capacity TIBC, TIBC
Also known as: Thyroxine Binding Prealbumin, Thyroxine-binding Prealbumin, Transthyretin
Also known as: B12, B12 Vitamin, Cobalamin, Cyanocobalamin, Vitamin B12 Cobalamin
The Vitamins & Minerals - Basic Plus panel contains 8 tests with 15 biomarkers.
Brief Description: The Vitamins & Minerals - Basic Plus panel is an enhanced health assessment tool that goes beyond the foundational nutritional screening provided by the basic panel. This expanded panel includes a wider range of tests to assess an individual's nutritional status, helping to identify specific deficiencies and imbalances that could impact health. The tests included in this panel are Ferritin, Folate Serum, Iron and Total Iron Binding Capacity (TIBC), Magnesium Serum, Prealbumin, QuestAssureD 25-Hydroxyvitamin D Total with D2 and D3, Transferrin, and Vitamin B12.
Collection Method: Blood Draw
Specimen Type: Serum
Test Preparation: Fasting for at least 12 hours is required. Collection should be done in the morning.
Healthcare providers might order the Vitamins & Minerals - Basic Plus panel for patients exhibiting symptoms of nutritional deficiencies, such as fatigue, weakness, neurological issues, or immune dysfunction. This panel is particularly useful for those at risk of specific deficiencies due to lifestyle factors, dietary restrictions, chronic health conditions, or certain medications that can affect nutrient absorption and metabolism.
Ferritin: Measures the body's iron storage levels, providing insight into iron deficiency or overload.
Folate Serum: Assesses folate levels in the blood, essential for DNA synthesis and red blood cell formation.
Iron and Total Iron Binding Capacity (TIBC): Evaluates iron levels and the blood's capacity to transport iron, essential for diagnosing various forms of anemia.
Magnesium Serum: Measures magnesium levels, a mineral important for muscle, nerve function, and energy production.
Prealbumin: Reflects protein status and can help assess nutritional status, particularly in patients at risk for malnutrition.
QuestAssureD 25-Hydroxyvitamin D Total with D2 and D3: Provides a comprehensive assessment of vitamin D levels, including D2 and D3 forms, crucial for bone health and immune function.
Transferrin: A protein that binds and transports iron in the blood, indicating iron metabolism status.
Vitamin B12: Essential for nerve function, DNA synthesis, and red blood cell formation, this test assesses B12 levels to identify deficiencies that can lead to anemia and neurological issues.
For those seeking a more comprehensive health assessment, the Vitamins & Minerals - Advanced and Vitamins & Minerals - Comprehensive panels offer a broader spectrum of tests. These panels build upon the Basic Plus panel by including additional crucial nutrients and biomarkers for a more in-depth analysis of your health.
The Vitamins & Minerals - Advanced panel adds tests like Homocysteine, Magnesium RBC, and Zinc, enhancing the assessment of cardiovascular risk, intracellular magnesium levels, and immune function.
The Vitamins & Minerals - Comprehensive panel is the most extensive option, including all the tests in the Advanced panel plus additional ones for Copper, Iodine, Selenium, various B vitamins, Vitamins A, C, D 1,25-Dihydroxyvitamin, E, and K. This panel provides a thorough evaluation of your nutritional status, identifying specific deficiencies and guiding personalized health interventions.
The Vitamins & Minerals - Basic Plus panel can detect conditions such as iron-deficiency anemia, B12 deficiency anemia, and vitamin D deficiency. For example, low ferritin and abnormal iron/TIBC levels can indicate iron-deficiency anemia, leading to fatigue and weakness. Low B12 levels can result in pernicious anemia, causing neurological issues and cognitive impairments. Vitamin D deficiency, identified through the 25-Hydroxyvitamin D test, can affect bone health and immune function.
Healthcare professionals use the Vitamins & Minerals - Basic Plus panel results to tailor treatment plans for identified deficiencies. For iron-deficiency anemia, iron supplementation might be recommended. B12 injections or oral supplements can address B12 deficiency, while vitamin D deficiency may require dietary changes and supplementation. Regular follow-up testing ensures the effectiveness of interventions and adjusts treatment as needed.
The Vitamins & Minerals - Basic Plus panel provides a valuable tool for assessing and addressing nutritional deficiencies, contributing to improved health outcomes. By identifying specific deficiencies, healthcare providers can implement targeted interventions, enhancing patient health and well-being.
We advise having your results reviewed by a licensed medical healthcare professional for proper interpretation of your results.