Specialty Blood Tests

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A Simple Blood Test May Identify the Reason WHY You Have a Weight Issue, & Could Even Save Your Life...

Specialty Blood TestingOur detailed blood test panels will provide an excellent snapshot of your overall health and assist in identifying any unknown health concerns or conditions. Our preventative testing panels include our comprehensive male and female hormone evaluation, prostate health, cardiac health, cholesterol screening, cancer screening, diabetes screening, auto immune disorders such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis, adrenal fatigue, metabolic thyroid disorders, vitamin and mineral deficiency, and risks for potential life threatening health issues. We find underlying issues in 25% of the people that we test and usually years before any serious symptoms would occur.

Inches and Pounds is an industry leader in prescribing and accurately reviewing all forms of health testing.

We offer discounted pricing on our specialty blood testing. (Not typically covered under most insurance plans)

 

Specialty Blood Tests

Women's Hormone Panel

Most women experience symptoms before during and after menopause occurs. These symptoms may include insomnia, night sweats, hot flashes, decreased libido, weight gain, depression and dry skin. As women approach menopause their female hormone levels drop significantly. These hormones include estrogen, estradiol, progesterone, testosterone, DHEA, cortisol and growth hormone.  This panel will help your physician or naturalist determine if hormone replacement is needed to correct these symptoms which can significantly interfere with your lifestyle. This panel will also help women that have had surgical menopause due to a partial or total hysterectomy.

Estradiol

Estradiol is the most potent estrogen of a group of endogenous estrogen steroids which includes estrone and estriol. In women, estradiol is responsible for growth of the breast and reproductive cells, maturation of long bones and development of the secondary sexual characteristics. Estradiol is produced mainly by the ovaries and the adrenal glands and declines significantly with menopause and aging.

Free and Total Testosterone

Testosterone is a steroid hormone from the androgen group. Testosterone is primarily secreted in the testes of males and ovaries of females, although small amounts are also secreted by the adrenal glands. In both men and women, testosterone plays a key role in health and well-being as well as in sexual functioning. Examples include enhanced libido, increased energy, and protection against osteoporosis. On average, the adult male body produces about forty to sixty times more testosterone than the adult female body, but females are more sensitive to the hormone.

IGF-1 (Insulin-like growth factor)

IGF-1 is measured to help diagnose the cause of growth abnormalities, deficiencies and overproduction of growth hormone and to evaluate pituitary function. A decrease in growth hormone may also be related to adults that have high cholesterol levels. Decreased levels of IGF-1 also may be seen with nutritional deficiencies (including anorexia nervosa) and chronic kidney or liver disease. Decreased IGF-1 and can also be responsible for an increase in belly fat.

Progesterone

Progesterone is a female hormone important for the regulation of ovulation and menstruation that is made mainly by the corpus luteum in the ovary and by the placenta. Progesterone prepares the lining of the uterus to receive and sustain the fertilized egg and so permits pregnancy. As women approach menopause, their progesterone levels naturally decline causing various menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, dry skin, insomnia and a decrease in libido.

DHEA-Sulfate

The hormone DHEA is short for dehydroepiandrosterone and is known as the mother of all the hormones in the body. DHEA and the hormone Cortisol work synergistically together and are produced by the adrenal glands located just above the kidneys. After DHEA is produced by these glands it moves into the bloodstream, from there it travels through the body and into our cells where it is converted into male hormones, known as androgens, and female hormones, known as estrogens. Low levels of DHEA, androgen and estrogen levels may indicate Adrenal Insufficiency or Adrenal Fatigue.

Cortisol

Cortisol is known as the “stress” hormone and rises with prolonged episodes of stress. High levels of Cortisol also may cause the body to store fat, raise insulin levels and drive down DHEA. Low Cortisol and High DHEA levels are the preferred combination to maintain sufficient hormone health.

 

Men's Hormone Panel

As men age, their hormone levels naturally decline. This decrease of hormone activity can lead to fatigue, depression, decreased libido and mood swings which can significantly disrupt activities of daily living. This panel will help to determine if hormone replacement therapy is necessary for you.

Free and Total Testosterone

Testosterone is a steroid hormone from the androgen group. Testosterone is primarily secreted in the testes of males and ovaries of females, although small amounts are also secreted by the adrenal glands. In both men and women, testosterone plays a key role in health and well-being as well as in sexual functioning. Examples include enhanced libido, increased energy, and protection against osteoporosis. On average, the adult male body produces about forty to sixty times more testosterone than the adult female body, but females are more sensitive to the hormone.

IGF-1 (Insulin-like Growth Factor)

IGF-1 is measured to help diagnose the cause of growth abnormalities, deficiencies and overproduction of growth hormone and to evaluate pituitary function. A decrease in growth hormone may also be related to adults that have high cholesterol levels. Decreased levels of IGF-1 also may be seen in nutritional deficiencies (including anorexia nervosa) and chronic kidney or liver disease.

Estradiol

Estradiol is the most potent estrogen of a group of endogenous estrogen steroids which includes estrone and estriol. Elevated Testosterone levels may cause an increase in estrogen in men. When estradiol levels are too high, enlargement of the breasts (gyne-comastia) may occur. This is often seen in male hormone replacement therapy.

DHEA-Sulfate

The hormone DHEA is short for dehydroepiandrosterone and is known as the mother of all the hormones in the body. DHEA and the hormone Cortisol work synergistically together and are produced by the adrenal glands located just above the kidneys. After DHEA is produced by these glands it moves into the bloodstream, from there it travels through the body and into our cells where it is converted into male hormones, known as androgens, and female hormones, known as estrogens. Low levels of DHEA, androgen and estrogen levels may indicate Adrenal Insufficiency or Adrenal Fatigue.

Cortisol

Cortisol is known as the “stress” hormone and rises with prolonged episodes of stress. High levels of Cortisol also may cause the body to store fat, raise insulin levels and drive down DHEA. Low Cortisol and High DHEA levels are the preferred combination to maintain sufficient hormone health.

Luteinizing Hormone

Luteinizing Hormone is responsible for identifying if the body has the capability of  producing testosterone naturally. DNA structure of the Luteinizing Hormone is almost identical to the hormone hCG, (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin)

 

Cardiac Panel

Cardiac PanelA Complete Cardiac workup can be a life saving measure to prevent or treat existing or potential cardiovascular disease. This panel is designed to detect recent or past cardiac muscle inflammation due to myocardial infarction (heart attack), risk for arteriosclerosis, stroke, and heart disease. It also includes a new and advanced cholesterol test called an NMR (Nuclear Magnetic Resonance) that measures the amount of LDL (Low Density Lipids) the bad fats which cause build up of cholesterol within the arterial wall that can lead to a stroke. This panel will allow your physician to properly determine medication treatment and ongoing treatment to meet your cardiac needs.

CRP (C-Reactive Protein)

C-Reactive protein or CRP appears to be correlated to cardiovascular disease risk. Inflammation (swelling) of the arteries is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. It has been linked to an increased risk of heart disease, heart attack, stroke, and peripheral arterial disease. Doctors can test your blood for C-reactive protein (CRP). The body produces CRP during the general process of inflammation. Therefore, CRP is a "marker" for inflammation, meaning its presence indicates an increased state of inflammation in the body.

Fibrinogen Activity

Fibrinogen is a protein that plays a key role in blood clotting.  Fibrinogen is a sticky, fibrous coagulant in the blood that appears to significantly increase the risk of experiencing one of the leading causes of death and disability - stroke.

Homocysteine

This test measures the amount of the amino acid homocysteine in the blood. You may have high levels of homocysteine when cholesterol, white blood cells, calcium, and other substances (plaque) build up in your blood vessels. This build up may increase your chances of having a heart attack, stroke and blood clots in the lungs (pulmonary embolism) or deep veins of the legs (deep vein thrombosis). This test helps to determine your risk for having heart disease, stroke, and diseases of the blood vessels (peripheral arterial disease). It helps identify vitamin B12 deficiency or folic acid deficiency.

NMR Lipo Profile

A standard cholesterol test doesn’t give you enough information to know your true risk for heart disease. The NMR Lipo Profile test provides the number of LDL particles. This advanced test also measures the particle size and enables your doctor to take simple steps to reduce your risk by lowering your LDL particle count to acceptable levels. NMR (Nuclear Magnetic Resonance).

Lipo-protein (a)

Lipoproteins are tiny particles that circulate in the blood. They contain cholesterol, fat, and protein in varying amounts depending on the body's need. Abnormalities in the amounts or kinds of lipoproteins in the blood can cause increased risk of atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is sometimes referred to as hardening or narrowing of the arteries. These changes in the arteries lead to heart attack, angina, and stroke. Lipoprotein (a) is a lipoprotein molecule similar to low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol. Both lipoprotein (a) and LDL are rich in cholesterol and contribute to atherosclerosis of the blood vessels

 

Heavy Metals Panel

Toxic metals, including "heavy metals," are individual metals and metal compounds that negatively affect people's health. The 4 major toxic, semi-metallic elements include arsenic, mercury, cadmium and lead. In very small amounts, some of these metals are necessary to support life. However, in larger amounts, they become hazardous. They may build up in biological systems and become a significant health hazard to various organs in the body.

Arsenic

Extremely poisonous, colorless, odorless toxin that can affect the skin, lungs and intestinal tract. It may cause nervous disorders, kidney damage, cancer of the skin, lung, liver and bladder. Key sources are cigarettes, fungicides, pesticides and weed killers.

Cadmium

Extremely toxic and may be found in cigarettes, air pollution, batteries, ceramic glazes, tap and well water, paints, seafood, and fungicides. It may lead to lung and prostate cancer, heart disease, and affect the kidneys, bones and immune system.

Lead

Lead is a natural toxin found in older painted buildings and contaminated drinking water. Key sources are hair dye, paint, insecticides, pottery, tobacco smoke, water, pesticides and soil.It can affect fetal development, delay growth and may cause developmental problems. it can affect the heart, bones, kidney and nervous system.

Mercury

Mercury is poisonous and found in dental fillings, childhood vaccines, batteries, soil, freshwater fish, fungicides, pesticides, paints, laxatives, thermometers and tuna. It may affect the nervous system, kidney, liver and may contribute to autism.

 

Hair Loss Panel

Specific blood tests can help identify potential causes of hair loss and thinning. Generally hair loss is the first sign of an underlying health condition.  There are many medical issues that may cause hair loss such as auto immune disorders, thyroid problems, hormonal imbalances, elevated cholesterol levels and vitamin deficiencies, many of which may be undetected for months and years.

CBC (Complete Blood Count), TIBC (Total Iron Binding Capacity), IRON Anemia

Low Serum Iron - Iron deficiency anemia produces hair loss. Some people don't have enough iron in their diets or may not fully absorb iron. Low iron can be detected by laboratory tests and can be corrected by taking iron pills. Lack of iron causes the hair follicles to become weakened, thus resulting in hair loss and thinning.

CMP 14 Complete Metabolic Panel

A Complete Metabolic Panel is a baseline blood test to check your blood sugar, kidney and liver function. This test is designed to check the overall health of your kidney, pancreas and liver.

DHEA- Sulfate

DHEA is short for dehydroepiandrosterone, a hormone produced by the adrenal glands located just above the kidneys. After DHEA is produced by these glands it moves into the bloodstream, from there it travels through the body and into our cells where it is converted into male hormones, known as androgens, and female hormones, known as estrogens. A combination of low DHEA, androgen and estrogen levels often may be the cause of hair loss in men and women.

Prolactin

Prolactin is a hormone produced by the pituitary gland which helps produce breast milk. High levels of Prolactin are seen in pregnant women. Small amounts of Prolactin are found in men and non-pregnant women. However, hypothyroidism, medication, and pituitary tumors can cause the levels to rise. It is important to have Prolactin levels monitored because diseases of the thyroid and pituitary glands can cause significant hair loss.

ANA (Anti-Nuclear Antibodies) & Rheumatoid Factor

Lupus, Rheumatoid Arthritis and several other auto immune disorders occur when the patient's immune system creates antibodies which instead of protecting the body from bacteria & viruses, attack the person's own body tissues. This causes symptoms of extreme fatigue, joint pain, muscle aches, anemia, general malaise, & can result in the destruction of vital organs. Hair loss is one of the very first signs and symptoms of auto immune disorders. In some cases hair loss is patchy and even extreme. There are several medications to help treat auto immune disorders.

TSH, Free T3,  Free T4 (Thyroid Simulating Hormone) Hyper/Hypothyroidism

Thyroid disease is caused by an over or under production of thyroid hormone (hypo or hyperthyroidism) which directly affects metabolism. Unfortunately one of the most common symptoms of this disease is hair loss and hair thinning. Some people actually say this is the worst symptom of their thyroid problem. Thinning hair, large amounts falling out in the shower or sink, often accompanied by changes in the hair's texture, making it dry, coarse, or easily tangled. Interestingly, some people have said that their thyroid problem was initially "diagnosed" by their hairdresser, who noticed the change! Hypo or Hyperthyroidism can only be properly diagnosed with a blood test. Once treatment has started and hormone levels are stabilized within normal range, the loss will slow down and eventually stop.

Testosterone Free and Total

High levels of testosterone can cause hair loss. Testosterone in increased levels is converted into DHT (Dihydrotestosterone).High concentrations of DHT can weaken and eventually kill the hair follicle, thus leading to hair thinning and hair loss.

Estrogen, Total

The reason that women experience hair loss during and after menopause is that their estrogen levels decline. This results in a shorter hair growth cycle, finer hair and eventually produces hair thinning. When estrogen declines, DHT rises therefore causing significant hair loss and hair thinning. Estrogen therapy can control and correct declining levels, therefore restoring the hair follicle’s durability. A simple estrogen blood test can detect this decline within your blood.

Lipid Panel (Triglycerides, Low/High density Lipids, LDL/HDL Ratio

High cholesterol may be the result of an inherited disease or it may result from a diet high in saturated fats. Triglycerides are found in adipose (fat) tissue and also circulate in the blood to provide fuel for muscles to work. HDL’S (High Density Lipids) the “good fats” carry cholesterol in the blood and help to remove excess cholesterol and dispose of it. LDL’s (Low Density Lipids) the “bad fats” are considered undesirable because they deposit excess cholesterol in the walls of the blood vessel which can cause heart disease. High levels of cholesterol in the blood may travel to the hair follicle, suffocating it and blocking vitals nutrients to maintain follicular health and maintenance.

 

Adrenal Fatigue Panel

If you have symptoms such as chronic stress, fatigue, inability to lose weight after extensive efforts, anxiety, depression, reduced memory, difficulties in concentrating and insomnia, you may be suffering from Adrenal Fatigue.
DHEA-Sulfate

The hormone DHEA is short for dehydroepiandrosterone and is known as the mother of all the hormones in the body. DHEA and the hormone Cortisol work synergistically together and are produced by the adrenal glands located just above the kidneys. After DHEA is produced by these glands it moves into the bloodstream, from there it travels through the body and into our cells where it is converted into male hormones, known as androgens, and female hormones, known as estrogens. Low levels of DHEA, androgen and estrogen levels may indicate Adrenal Insufficiency or Adrenal Fatigue.

Cortisol

Cortisol is known as the “stress” hormone and rises with prolonged episodes of stress. High levels of Cortisol also may cause the body to store fat, raise insulin levels and drive down DHEA. Low Cortisol and High DHEA levels are the preferred combination to maintain sufficient hormone health.

TSH, Free T3,  Free T4 (Thyroid Simulating Hormone)

Hyper/Hypothyroidism Thyroid disease is caused by an over or under production of thyroid hormone (hypo or hyperthyroidism) which directly affects metabolism and adrenal insufficiency.

 

NMR Lipo Profile

NMR Lipo Profile (Nuclear Magnetic Resonance)

A standard cholesterol test doesn’t give you enough information to know your true risk for heart disease. The NMR Lipo Profile test provides the number of LDL particles. This advanced test also measures the particle size and enables your doctor to take simple steps to reduce your risk by lowering your LDL particle count to acceptable levels.

CEA 125 Cancer Screen

CEA 125 Cancer Screen Tumor markers are molecules occurring in blood or tissue that are associated with cancer and whose measurement or identification is useful in patient diagnosis or clinical management. Although CEA was first identified in colon cancer, an abnormal CEA blood level is not specific for only colon cancer or malignancy in general. Elevated CEA levels are found in a variety of cancers other than colonic, including pancreatic, gastric, lung, and breast. It is also detected in benign conditions including cirrhosis, inflammatory bowel disease, chronic lung disease, and pancreatitis.

Candida Panel

Candida Albicans is a yeast and a fungus that exists in small amounts in the intestinal tract. Antibiotics, excessive consumption of sugar and alcohol, mold and food allergies can cause Candida to multiply. In small amounts Candida is harmless. Moderate amounts may contribute to many troubling problems including chronic female yeast infections, chronic fatigue, irritable bowel syndrome, skin rashes, gas and bloating. If left untreated, Candida can migrate throughout the body until it becomes systemic.

Candida Albicans Qualitative

This blood test detects Candida in the blood stream, mouth, vaginal area and intestinal tract.

 

 

 

National hCG Recognition

Inches and Pounds on the Radio

HCG in the Media

As Seen On Television...
WFFA Dallas Fort Worth

Watch The Video

Read The Story

Read additional press releases and articles about Inches and Pounds and the HCG Diet here...

Marie Claire Magazine Online



Listen to Inches and Pounds HCG Expert, Sonia Russel, LPN discuss the benefits of the HCG diet on Health Radio...
Sonia Russel on CBS Radio

Location


Inches and Pounds the Vitality Clinic LLC

5132 US high way 19 North.

New Port Richey, FL 34652

727-230-8887

1) HCG is not an FDA approved method of weight-loss therapy. 2) HCG has not been demonstrated to be effective adjunctive therapy in the treatment of obesity. There is no substantial evidence that it increases weight loss beyond that resulting from caloric restriction, that it causes a more attractive or "normal" distribution of fat, or that it decreases the hunger and discomfort associated with calorie-restricted diets.