Ferritin is a protein that stores iron. Red blood cells need iron to form normally and carry oxygen around your body. Low levels of ferritin lead to iron deficiency anemia, which means you have too few red blood cells. High levels of ferritin can damage your joints, heart, liver, and pancreas.

The serum iron test measures the amount of iron in your blood. The total iron-binding capacity (TIBC) test looks at how well the iron moves through your body.

The Rheumatoid Arthritis Factor is often evaluated in patients suspected of having any form of arthritis or destructive articular disease even though positive results can be due to other causes, and negative results do not rule out disease. But, in combination with signs and symptoms, it can play a role in both diagnosis and disease prognosis. It is part of the usual disease criteria of rheumatoid arthritis.

The thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) is produced and secreted by the pituitary gland and stimulates the thyroid to produce T3 and T4. When TSH is elevated, low thyroid function may be indicated. If TSH is low it is indicative of high thyroid function. A study found that TSH was suppressed in all subjects after food, so fasting may be suggested although it is not reqired by Quest. Free T4 and Free T4 values did not change significantly after eating.

A complete blood count CBC with differential test panel measures several components of your blood including:Red blood cells, which carry oxygen, White blood cells, which fight infection, Hemoglobin, the oxygen-carrying protein in red blood cells, Hematocrit, the proportion of red blood cells to the fluid component in your blood (which correlated with blood thickness), and Platelets, which help with blood clotting. This is also called Complete Blood Count (CBC) with Differential and Platelets Blood Test

Thyroxine-binding globulin (TBG) is a globulin that binds thyroid hormones in circulation. It is one of three transport proteins (along with transthyretin and serum albumin) responsible for carrying the thyroid hormones thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3) in the bloodstream. Of these three proteins, TBG has the highest affinity for T4 and T3 but is present in the lowest concentration. Despite its low concentration, TBG carries the majority of T4 in the blood plasma.

Renin, also known as angiotensinogenase, is an enzyme that the kidneys produce to regulate aldosterone production. It’s also essential in the renin–angiotensin aldosterone system (RAAS) which maintains your body’s fluid balance and blood pressure. Aldosterone is the primary of several endogenous members of the class of mineralocorticoids in humans. Aldosterone tends to promote sodium and water retention, and lower plasma postasium concentrations.

Lipoprotein (a) has been called a powerful predictor of premature atherosclerotic vascular disease. As an independent risk factor for premature coronary artery disease, excess Lp(a) concentrations are associated with an increased risk of cardiac death in patients with acute coronary syndromes and with restenosis after angioplasty (PTCA) and coronary bypass procedures. In general, concentrations greater than or equal to 75 nmol/L of Lp(a) in serum are associated with a two- to sixfold increase in risk, depending on the presence of other risk factors.

Immunoglobulin A (IgA) is a crucial antibody in the immune system, predominantly found in mucous membranes of the respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts. It helps protect against infections by neutralizing pathogens before they can cause harm. Testing IgA levels can provide insights into immune health, indicating potential issues such as chronic infections, autoimmune diseases, or immunodeficiency disorders. Elevated or decreased IgA levels can signal various health conditions, making this test valuable for diagnosing and managing immune-related issues. For those experiencing frequent infections or gastrointestinal issues, an IgA test can be an essential diagnostic tool.

A Magnesium RBC test can provide an earlier indicator of magnesium deficiency that a standard magnesium blood test. When levels are low, the body will pull magnesium from the cells to keep blood levels normal. In this case, a magnesium blood test may show normal levels while a magnesium RBC test will give a more accurate result.