Blood Biomarkers

Hemoglobin

Protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen throughout the body

Range:Men:13.5-17.5 g/dL, Women:12.0-15.5 g/dL

Hematocrit

Percentage of blood volume occupied by red blood cells

Range:Men:38-50%, Women:35-45%

Red Blood Cell Count (RBC)

Number of red blood cells per volume of blood

Range:Men:4.5-5.5 million/μL, Women:4.0-5.0 million/μL

White Blood Cell Count (WBC)

Total number of white blood cells that fight infection

Range:4.5-11.0 thousand/μL

Platelet Count

Cell fragments that help blood clot

Range:150-400 thousand/μL

MCV, MCH, MCHC

Measures of red blood cell size and hemoglobin content

Range:MCV:80-100 fL, MCH:27-33 pg, MCHC:32-36 g/dL

RDW (Red Cell Distribution Width)

Variation in red blood cell size

Range:11.5-14.5%

Mean Platelet Volume (MPV)

Average size of platelets in the blood

Range:7.5-11.5 fL

Reticulocyte Count

Immature red blood cells released from bone marrow

Range:0.5-2.5%

Immature Granulocytes

Young white blood cells indicating bone marrow activity

Range:<1% of WBC

nRBC (Nucleated Red Blood Cells)

Immature red blood cells with nucleus still present

Range:0/100 WBC (normally absent)

Neutrophils

Most abundant white blood cells;first responders to infection

Range:40-70% or 1.5-8.0 x10^9/L

Lymphocytes

White blood cells for immune memory and antibody production

Range:20-40% or 1.0-4.0 x10^9/L

Monocytes

White blood cells that become macrophages in tissues

Range:2-8% or 0.2-0.8 x10^9/L

Eosinophils

White blood cells involved in allergic reactions and parasites

Range:1-4% or 0.04-0.4 x10^9/L

Basophils

Rarest white blood cells;involved in allergic responses

Range:0-1% or 0-0.1 x10^9/L

Band Neutrophils

Immature neutrophils released early from bone marrow.

Range:0-5% of WBC

Reactive Lymphocytes

Activated lymphocytes responding to infection or antigen.

Range:0-3% of WBC

Total Cholesterol

Total amount of cholesterol in the blood

Range:Desirable:<200 mg/dL, Borderline:200-239 mg/dL, High:≥240 mg/dL

LDL Cholesterol

Low-density lipoprotein, or "bad"cholesterol

Range:Optimal:<100 mg/dL, Near optimal:100-129 mg/dL, Borderline high:130-159 mg/dL, High:≥160 mg/dL

HDL Cholesterol

High-density lipoprotein, or "good"cholesterol

Range:Men:>40 mg/dL, Women:>50 mg/dL, Optimal:>60 mg/dL

Triglycerides

Type of fat found in blood that stores excess energy

VLDL Cholesterol

Very low-density lipoprotein that carries triglycerides

Range:Normal:5-40 mg/dL

Apolipoprotein B (ApoB)

Protein that carries LDL particles;key cardiovascular risk marker

Range:Optimal:<90 mg/dL, Desirable:<100 mg/dL, High risk:>130 mg/dL

Lipoprotein (a)

Genetic cardiovascular risk factor

Range:Desirable:<30 mg/dL, Borderline:30-50 mg/dL, High:>50 mg/dL

LDL Particle Number

Total number of LDL particles;more accurate risk assessment

Range:Optimal:<1000 nmol/L, Moderate risk:1000-1299 nmol/L, High risk:≥1300 nmol/L

LDL Particle Size

Size distribution of LDL particles (small vs large)

Range:Pattern A (large):>20.5 nm, Pattern B (small):<20.5 nm

TMAO (Trimethylamine N-oxide)

Gut bacteria metabolite linked to heart disease

Range:<6.2 μM optimal

Lp-PLA2 (PLAC Test)

Enzyme indicating arterial plaque inflammation

Range:<200 ng/mL

Oxidized LDL (OxLDL)

Damaged LDL particles that trigger atherosclerosis

Range:<60 U/L optimal

Apolipoprotein A1 (ApoA1)

Main protein component of HDL cholesterol

Range:Men:120-160 mg/dL, Women:140-180 mg/dL

Non-HDL Cholesterol

Total cholesterol minus HDL cholesterol. Represents all "bad"cholesterol including LDL, VLDL, and Lp(a).

Range:<130 mg/dL optimal

Total Cholesterol/HDL Ratio

Ratio of total cholesterol to HDL cholesterol.

Range:<4.5 optimal, <5.0 acceptable

LDL/HDL Ratio

Ratio of LDL cholesterol to HDL cholesterol.

Range:<2.5 optimal for men, <2.0 optimal for women

ApoB/ApoA1 Ratio

Ratio of apolipoprotein B to apolipoprotein A1.

Range:<0.8 optimal

Fasting Glucose

Blood sugar level after fasting

Range:Normal:70-99 mg/dL, Prediabetes:100-125 mg/dL, Diabetes:≥126 mg/dL

Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c)

Average blood sugar over past 2-3 months

Range:Normal:<5.7%, Prediabetes:5.7-6.4%, Diabetes:≥6.5%

Insulin

Hormone that regulates blood sugar

Range:Fasting:2.6-24.9 μIU/mL, Optimal:<10 μIU/mL

Uric Acid

Waste product that can indicate gout or kidney issues

Range:metabolic syndrome

Fructosamine

Average blood sugar over past 2-3 weeks

Range:200-285 μmol/L

C-Peptide

Byproduct of insulin production

Range:0.5-2.0 ng/mL

ALT (Alanine Aminotransferase)

Enzyme that indicates liver health

Range:fatty liver disease

AST (Aspartate Aminotransferase)

Enzyme found in liver and other tissues

Range:10-40 U/L

ALP (Alkaline Phosphatase)

Enzyme related to liver and bone health

Range:44-147 U/L

GGT (Gamma-Glutamyl Transferase)

Enzyme that indicates liver and bile duct health

Range:9-48 U/L

Bilirubin (Total)

Waste product from breakdown of red blood cells

Range:bile duct obstruction

Albumin

Main protein made by the liver

Range:malnutrition

Total Protein

Total amount of protein in blood

Range:kidney disease

Globulin

Group of proteins including antibodies

Range:autoimmune conditions

Lipase

Pancreatic enzyme that digests fats

Range:10-140 U/L

De Ritis Ratio (AST/ALT)

Ratio of AST to ALT liver enzymes.

Range:0.8-1.0 normal

Creatinine

Waste product filtered by kidneys

Range:Men:0.74-1.35 mg/dL, Women:0.59-1.04 mg/dL

BUN (Blood Urea Nitrogen)

Waste product from protein breakdown

Range:dehydration

eGFR (Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate)

Measure of kidney function

Range:>60 mL/min/1.73m², Normal:>90 mL/min/1.73m²

BUN/Creatinine Ratio

Ratio that helps assess kidney function

Range:10:1 to 20:1

Cystatin C

More accurate marker of kidney function than creatinine

Range:0.53-0.95 mg/L

Albumin/Globulin Ratio (A/G)

Ratio of albumin to globulin proteins in blood.

Range:1.1-2.5

Sodium

Main electrolyte that regulates fluid balance

Range:fluid balance

Potassium

Electrolyte crucial for heart and muscle function

Range:3.5-5.0 mEq/L

Chloride

Electrolyte that helps maintain acid-base balance

Range:96-106 mEq/L

Carbon Dioxide (CO2)

Measure of blood acidity

Range:23-29 mEq/L

Calcium

Mineral essential for bones and muscle function

Range:8.5-10.5 mg/dL

Magnesium

Mineral involved in 300+ biochemical reactions

Range:muscle function

Zinc

Essential mineral for immune function and wound healing

Range:60-120 mcg/dL

Copper

Essential trace mineral for enzymes and connective tissue

Range:70-140 mcg/dL

Ceruloplasmin

Copper-carrying protein in the blood

Range:20-60 mg/dL

Phosphorus

Mineral essential for bones and energy metabolism

Range:2.5-4.5 mg/dL

PTH (Parathyroid Hormone)

Hormone that regulates calcium and bone health

Range:15-65 pg/mL

Anion Gap

Calculated value indicating acid-base balance

Range:8-12 mEq/L

TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone)

Hormone that regulates thyroid function

Range:energy

Free T4 (Thyroxine)

Main thyroid hormone produced by thyroid gland

Range:weight gain

Free T3 (Triiodothyronine)

Active thyroid hormone

Range:2.3-4.2 pg/mL

TPO Antibodies (Thyroid Peroxidase)

Antibodies that indicate autoimmune thyroid disease

Range:<35 IU/mL, Negative:<9 IU/mL

Thyroglobulin Antibodies

Antibodies associated with thyroid disorders

Range:<40 IU/mL

Iodine

Essential mineral for thyroid hormone production

Range:52-109 μg/L, WHO optimal:100-199 μg/L

Selenium

Mineral that supports thyroid function

Range:70-150 μg/L

T3 Uptake

Measures thyroid hormone binding capacity

Range:24-39%

Total T4

Total thyroxine in blood (bound and unbound)

Range:4.5-12.0 μg/dL

Reverse T3

Inactive form of thyroid hormone that blocks T3

Range:9.2-24.1 ng/dL

Total T3

Total triiodothyronine (bound and free)

Range:80-200 ng/dL

Free Thyroxine Index (FTI)

Calculated estimate of free T4 using T3 uptake

Range:1.4-3.8

Total Testosterone

Main male sex hormone

Range:Men:300-1000 ng/dL, Women:15-70 ng/dL

Free Testosterone

Bioavailable testosterone not bound to proteins

Range:5.0-21.0 ng/dL, or 1.5-3% of total

SHBG (Sex Hormone Binding Globulin)

Protein that binds sex hormones

Range:regulating how much is available for tissues to use. Low SHBG is associated with insulin resistance;high SHBG can cause symptoms of low testosterone.

Estradiol (E2)

Primary estrogen hormone (also in males)

Range:Men:10-40 pg/mL, Women vary by cycle phase

PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen)

Marker for prostate health

Range:prostatitis

DHEA-S

Precursor hormone for testosterone and estrogen

Range:fatigue

Pregnenolone

Master precursor hormone for all steroid hormones

Range:10-200 ng/dL

Estradiol (E2)

Primary female sex hormone

Range:elevated estradiol can cause gynecomastia and reduced testosterone effects.

Progesterone

Hormone important for menstrual cycle and pregnancy

Range:Follicular:<1.0 ng/mL, Luteal:2.0-25.0 ng/mL, Postmenopausal:<1.0 ng/mL

FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone)

Hormone that regulates reproductive processes

Range:Follicular:3.5-12.5 mIU/mL, Mid-cycle:4.7-21.5 mIU/mL, Postmenopausal:25.8-134.8 mIU/mL

LH (Luteinizing Hormone)

Hormone that triggers ovulation

Range:Follicular:2.4-12.6 mIU/mL, Mid-cycle:14.0-95.6 mIU/mL, Luteal:1.0-11.4 mIU/mL

Prolactin

Hormone that stimulates milk production

Range:2-29 ng/mL (non-pregnant women), 10-209 ng/mL (pregnant women)

AMH (Anti-Mullerian Hormone)

Marker of ovarian reserve

Range:High:>3.0 ng/mL, Normal:1.0-3.0 ng/mL, Low:<1.0 ng/mL

hs-CRP (High Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein)

Marker of inflammation and cardiovascular risk

Range:exercise

ESR (Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate)

Non-specific marker of inflammation

Range:autoimmune diseases

Homocysteine

Amino acid linked to cardiovascular disease

Range:<10 μmol/L optimal, <15 μmol/L normal

Fibrinogen

Blood clotting protein and inflammation marker

Range:200-400 mg/dL

Vitamin D (25-Hydroxy)

Essential vitamin for bone health and immunity

Range:Deficient:<20 ng/mL, Insufficient:20-29 ng/mL, Sufficient:30-100 ng/mL, Optimal:40-60 ng/mL

Vitamin B12

Vitamin essential for nerve function and red blood cells

Range:fatigue

Folate

B vitamin important for cell division and DNA synthesis

Range:>3.0 ng/mL, Optimal:7-15 ng/mL

Ferritin

Storage form of iron

Range:Men:24-336 ng/mL, Women:11-307 ng/mL, Optimal:50-150 ng/mL

Iron (Serum)

Iron in blood plasma

Range:Men:65-175 μg/dL, Women:50-170 μg/dL

TIBC (Total Iron Binding Capacity)

Measure of blood's capacity to bind iron

Range:250-450 μg/dL

UIBC (Unsaturated Iron Binding Capacity)

Reserve capacity of transferrin to bind iron

Range:110-370 μg/dL

Cortisol

Stress hormone produced by adrenal glands

Range:muscle loss

Omega-3 Index / Fatty Acids

Measure of omega-3 fatty acids in blood

Range:Target:>8%, Intermediate:4-8%, Undesirable:<4%

EPA (Eicosapentaenoic Acid)

Omega-3 fatty acid with anti-inflammatory properties

Range:No established reference range;higher levels generally better

DHA (Docosahexaenoic Acid)

Omega-3 fatty acid important for brain health

Range:No established reference range;higher levels generally better

Arachidonic Acid / EPA Ratio

Ratio of inflammatory to anti-inflammatory fatty acids

Range:Target:<3:1, Ideal:1.5-3:1

Heavy Metals - Lead

Toxic heavy metal exposure

Range:<5 μg/dL, Elevated:>5 μg/dL

Heavy Metals - Mercury

Toxic heavy metal often from fish consumption

Range:<10 μg/L, Elevated:>10 μg/L

Creatine Kinase

Enzyme indicating muscle damage or heart issues

Range:Men:52-336 U/L, Women:29-168 U/L

IGF-1 (Insulin-like Growth Factor)

Growth hormone that affects aging and metabolism

Range:Age-dependent, typical adult:100-300 ng/mL

HOMA-IR (Insulin Resistance)

Calculated measure of insulin resistance

Range:Optimal:<1.0, Moderate risk:1.0-2.9, High risk:>2.9

Osteocalcin

Bone formation marker made by osteoblasts

Range:9-42 ng/mL

LDH (Lactate Dehydrogenase)

Enzyme released when cells are damaged

Range:140-280 U/L

Leptin

Satiety hormone produced by fat cells

Range:Men:1-5 ng/mL, Women:7-13 ng/mL

Adiponectin

Anti-inflammatory hormone from fat tissue

Range:Men:2-30 μg/mL, Women:5-40 μg/mL

APOE Genotype

Genetic variant affecting Alzheimer's and cardiovascular risk

Range:E2/E3, E3/E3 preferred;E3/E4, E4/E4 higher risk

Omega-6 Total

Total omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids in blood

Range:Optimal ratio Omega-6:Omega-3 <4:1

Linoleic Acid

Essential omega-6 fatty acid from diet

Range:No established clinical range

Arachidonic Acid

Omega-6 fatty acid involved in inflammation

Range:No established clinical range;ratio to EPA more meaningful

DPA (Docosapentaenoic Acid)

Omega-3 fatty acid intermediate between EPA and DHA

Range:No established clinical range

IGF-1 Z-Score

Age and sex-adjusted IGF-1 score

Range:-2.0 to +2.0 (normal range)

ANA Screen (Antinuclear Antibodies)

Screening test for autoimmune diseases

Range:Negative (titer <1:40)

ANA Titer

Measures concentration of antinuclear antibodies

Range:Negative:<1:40, Positive:≥1:80

ANA Pattern

Specific pattern of autoimmune antibodies

Range:Varies by pattern and disease

Rheumatoid Factor (RF)

Antibody associated with rheumatoid arthritis

Range:<14 IU/mL, Weakly positive:14-40 IU/mL, Positive:>40 IU/mL

Celiac Disease Panel (Comprehensive)

Tests for gluten sensitivity and celiac disease

Range:tTG-IgA <4 U/mL negative

PSA Free (Prostate Cancer)

More specific prostate cancer marker

Range:Free/Total PSA ratio >25% suggests benign disease

CEA (Carcinoembryonic Antigen)

Marker for certain cancers (colon, lung)

Range:Non-smoker:<3.0 ng/mL, Smoker:<5.0 ng/mL

CA-125 (Ovarian Cancer)

Marker for ovarian cancer

Range:fibroids

CA 19-9 (Pancreatic/GI Cancer)

Marker for pancreatic and GI cancers

Range:<37 U/mL

AFP (Alpha-Fetoprotein - Liver Cancer)

Marker for liver cancer

Range:<10 ng/mL, Elevated:>400 ng/mL suggests cancer

Galleri Multi-Cancer Test (50+ cancers)

Advanced test detecting 50+ cancer types

Range:Negative result preferred;positive requires imaging

Neutrophil/Lymphocyte Ratio

Inflammatory marker and immune health indicator

Range:Normal:<3.0, Elevated:>3.0

Platelet/Lymphocyte Ratio

Marker of inflammation and platelet activity

Range:Normal:<180, Elevated:>180

Monocyte/HDL Ratio

Cardiovascular risk marker

Range:Optimal:<0.3, Elevated:>0.4

LDL-P (LDL Particle Number)

Total number of LDL particles

Range:Optimal:<1000 nmol/L, High risk:>1300 nmol/L

LDL Particle Size Analysis

Distribution of LDL particle sizes

Range:Pattern A (large):>20.5 nm preferred

HDL Subfractions (Large/Small)

Breakdown of HDL particle types

Range:Large HDL-2 preferred for cardioprotection

Transferrin Saturation

Percentage of transferrin bound to iron

Range:Men:20-50%, Women:15-50%

GGT/HDL Ratio

Liver and cardiovascular health marker

Range:Optimal:<0.3, Elevated:>0.4

Systemic Inflammation Index (SII)

Combined inflammatory marker

Range:<500 optimal, >1000 elevated

Free Androgen Index (FAI)

Ratio of testosterone to SHBG

Range:Men:14.8-94.8, Women:0.8-11.0

Testosterone/Estradiol Ratio

Balance of male and female hormones

Range:erectile dysfunction

Urine Appearance

Visual assessment of urine clarity (clear, cloudy, turbid).

Range:Clear

Urine Color

Visual assessment of urine color.

Range:Light yellow to amber

Urine pH

Acidity or alkalinity of urine.

Range:4.5-8.0

Urine Specific Gravity

Concentration of particles in urine compared to water.

Range:1.005-1.030

Urine Protein

Presence of protein in urine.

Range:Negative

Urine Glucose

Presence of glucose (sugar) in urine.

Range:Negative

Urine Ketones

Presence of ketone bodies in urine.

Range:Negative

Urine Bilirubin

Presence of bilirubin in urine.

Range:Negative

Urine Blood (Occult)

Presence of blood or hemoglobin in urine.

Range:Negative

Urine Nitrite

Presence of nitrites in urine, produced by certain bacteria.

Range:Negative

Urine Leukocyte Esterase

Enzyme released by white blood cells in urine.

Range:Negative

Urine WBC

White blood cells detected in urine sediment.

Range:0-5 cells/HPF

Urine RBC

Red blood cells detected in urine sediment.

Range:0-3 cells/HPF

Urine Bacteria

Presence of bacteria in urine.

Range:None or few (normal)

Squamous Epithelial Cells (Urine)

Cells from skin or outer urethra found in urine.

Range:Few or none

Transitional Epithelial Cells (Urine)

Cells from bladder, ureters, or renal pelvis.

Range:Few or none

Renal Epithelial Cells (Urine)

Cells from kidney tubules found in urine.

Range:None (normal)

Hyaline Casts (Urine)

Cylindrical protein structures formed in kidney tubules.

Range:0-2 per LPF

Granular Casts (Urine)

Casts containing cellular debris or protein aggregates.

Range:None (normal)

Urine Crystals

Crystalline structures found in urine sediment.

Range:None or few

Calcium Oxalate Crystals (Urine)

Most common type of crystal associated with kidney stones.

Range:None (normal)

Uric Acid Crystals (Urine)

Crystals formed from uric acid in acidic urine.

Range:None (normal)

Triple Phosphate Crystals (Urine)

Struvite crystals often associated with UTIs.

Range:None (normal)

Yeast (Urine)

Presence of yeast organisms in urine.

Range:None (normal)

Reducing Substances (Urine)

Detects sugars and other reducing substances in urine.

Range:Negative