Includes liver and kidney function, glucose and electrolytes

The electrolyte panel includes: Carbon dioxide, chloride, potassium, and sodium  

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.

This panel includes comprehensive testing of the thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) in addition to free thyroxine (T4) and free triiodothyronine (T3).

This Testosterone Panel Includes 5 Tests:

• Testosterone, Total, LC/MS (most accurate testosterone test for men with high testosterone and women, no upper or lower limit)
• Testosterone, Free. Free testosterone is best calculated based on the LC/MS-derived total testosterone and equilibrium dialysis-derived percent free levels. 
• Testosterone, Bioavailable. Bioavailable testosterone is calculated based on the LC/MS/MS-derived total testosterone,  free testosterone levels, albumin and SHBG.
• Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG)
• Albumin

Note: Despite SHBG not being listed on the lab requisition form under "Testosterone, Free, Bioavailable, and Total, Males (Adult)," rest assured the results include this critical component, as it's necessary for calculating bioavailable testosterone.

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.

A single fasting growth hormone (GH) level is of limited value. The secretion of GH is episodic and pulsatile. GH has a half-life of 20 to 25 minutes. Testing for growth hormone deficiency or excess is best done as part of a dynamic test involving specific stimuli (see the online Endocrine Appendices: Growth Hormone Stimulation and Growth Hormone Suppression). Insulin-like growth factor-1 can also be useful in assessing growth hormone status.

The adrenal gland produces a hormone known as dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA). It is also made in the brain. DHEA leads to the production of androgens and estrogens (male and female sex hormones). DHEA levels in the body begin to decrease after age 30. Lower DHEA levels are found in people with hormonal disorders, HIV/AIDS, Alzheimer's disease, heart disease, depression, diabetes, inflammation, immune disorders, and osteoporosis. Corticosteroids, birth control taken by mouth, and agents that treat psychiatric disorders may reduce DHEA levels.

Insulin-like Growth Factor 1, also known as IGF-1, is used as a biomarker for blood levels of human growth hormone. It is a hormone produced by the liver and other tissues which affects growth-promoting activities and glucose metabolism. The blood level of IGF-1 appears to fluctuate over 24 hours and is found to be related to growth hormone secretion.

Cortisol (hydrocortisone) is the most prominent glucocorticosteroid, and it is essential for the maintenance of several body functions. The most important physiological effects of cortisol are that it raises blood sugar levels (enhances gluconeogenesis, or breaks down glucose) and lowers inflammation and the immune system.