Basic Laboratory Markers

Basic laboratory markers play an important role in monitoring the health of patients and identifying potential concerns. Basic laboratory markers measure specific factors in the body which can be used as an indicator of, and to monitor a disease condition. They are objective, reproducible, quantitative measures that provide information on the health status and function of the human body. Some of the more common basic laboratory markers include Hemoglobin A1C, Complete Blood Count, C-reactive protein, and triglycerides. 

These tests may be ordered to specifically check for certain illness conditions, or be part of a routine health examination. One of the most often ordered is the Complete Blood Count (CBC) which includes information about red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets. Other markers include parameters such as blood glucose levels, lipid profile, liver function tests, and kidney function tests.

What Basic Laboratory Markers tests measure?

There are a variety of testing panels using blood and serum sampling to measure different substances to provide information on the status of the patient.

Some examples of basic laboratory markers tests include:

• Access Medical Labs' Comprehensive Metabolic Panel: A blood sample is processed for 14 tests to provide information about a patient’s metabolic functioning, and status of the kidneys, liver, electrolytes, and blood glucose and proteins.
• Access Medical Labs' Thyroid Panel: A blood sample is evaluated for thyroid function.

In addition to the results from basic laboratory markers testing, a physical examination and complete health history are important to determine health status or potential concerns. Depending on the outcome of the tests, additional blood and diagnostic tests may be required.