Ferritin Screening: What is Ferritin

Ferritin, composed of protein and iron, is the storehouse in the body for iron. The doctor will order this test to determine how much iron your body has stored in reserves for future use. This test is usually ordered because the doctor suspects that you have too little iron or you have too much iron in your body – both of which have health risks.

Ferritin Screening: Low Levels of Ferritin

Low levels of ferritin can indicate several different health issues. They can indicate either anemia, restless leg syndrome, or iron deficiency.

Anemia, indicated by low levels of ferritin, can be caused by low levels of iron or a reduction in iron. Symptoms of anemia include mild skin paleness, less pink in the lips and the nail beds, irritability, fatigue and dizziness with a rapid heartbeat. It is very important to have children showing these symptoms to get tested, according to the Nemours Foundation, as anemia can cause developmental delays and behavioral problems.

Ferritin Screening: High Levels of Ferritin

High levels of ferritin can occur in patients with hemochromatosis, inflammation, liver disease, infection, and certain types of cancer, such as lymphoma and leukemia.

Hemochromatosis is an inherited disease found mostly in Caucasians. Hemochromatosis interferes with the body’s ability to get rid of iron. Over time, there is a buildup of iron in the tissues and organs which can lead to the dysfunction and failure of several organs. Complications of this disease can lead to diabetes, heart failure, heart attack, arthritis and cirrhosis of the liver. Discuss with your doctor the ordering of the ferritin test if you are concerned with this genetic disease.

Ferritin Sreening: How It is Done

The ferritin test is a simple sample test completed by drawing blood from the vein in your arm. If you have any questions about this test or any other lab test we offer, please contact one of our health experts.

The Roby Institute: The History

The Roby Institute, founded by Dr. Russell Roby, believes in diagnosing and treating the causes of many chronic conditions and common diseases versus just treating the symptoms. By understanding the cause, they can work toward keeping the ailment from causing a disruption in the patient’s standard of living. The Roby Institute also believes that a lot of these conditions and diseases are actually caused by allergies and hormone imbalances. To determine whether or not this is the case, the patient would need to have a series of tests completed.

The Roby Institute: Female Series Option A

The Female Series Option A is a panel customized for The Roby Institute and specifically for women. The Series includes the following lab tests: Estradiol, Progesterone, Testosterone, DHEA Sulfate, T3 Free, T4 Free and TSH.

TSH, T3 Free and T4 Free are all thyroid tests that help determine whether or not your thyroid is functioning properly. These lab tests can determine whether or not your symptoms are actually symptoms of hyper- or hypothyroidism. Some symptoms of thyroid problems can include: Fatigue and weakness, hair loss, dry and coarse skin, insomnia, and depression.

Estradiol, Progesterone, Testosterone and the DHEA Sulfate tests are done to determine hormonal imbalances, as well as Adrenal function. According to The Roby Institute, common disorders caused by hormonal imbalance are PMS, Weight Problems, Fatigue, Skin Problems, Mood Swings and Diminished Sex Drive.

The Roby Institute: Female Series Option B

The Female Series Option B is another lab test that is customized for The Roby Institute and specifically for women. The Series includes all the tests that are in Option A, as well as a CRP hs, Homocysteine, CBC, Lipid Panel and a Total Metabolic Panel.

Three of these additional lab tests are used to determine a person’s risk of cardiovascular disease, heart attack or stroke. These tests are the CRP hs, the Homocysteine and the Lipid Panel.

The CBC, or complete blood count, is a broad screening test that can check for many different diseases and conditions. The Total Metabolic Panel is also a broad screening tool that is used to evaluate organ function and to check for diseases associated with the malfunction of your organs, such as liver disease, kidney disease and diabetes. Ordering both of these tests can assist a physician in determining your overall state of health.

If you have any questions about The Roby Institute Female Series of lab tests, please email our health testing experts. They are happy to help!

You Should Know About the CA-125 Cancer Test

The CA-125 cancer test may not be a household name to you, but it probably should be, especially if you’re a woman or there are women in your household. You see, the CA-125 cancer test is one of the best weapons we have against ovarian cancer - a lab test that, when properly used, can spot the signs of ovarian cancer and help people get the treatment they need.

Of course, cancer is the great silent killer of our times. Ovarian cancer is the seventh most common cancer among American women. The Ovarian Cancer National Alliance says that some 20,000 American women contract ovarian cancer yearly. 15,000 of them die from the disease.

As with prostate cancer, colon cancer and other kinds of cancer, regular cancer screenings are critical to survival. The five-year survival rate for women with ovarian cancer is a mere 45%. However, this rate increases to a much rosier 93% when a CA-125 cancer test or other cancer screening identifies the disease early, before it has a chance to spread. Testing is critical, and you don’t need a prescription for a health test like the CA-125 cancer test.

The CA-125 Cancer Test Should Be Part of Your Early Detection Routine

Unfortunately, many health professionals and medical textbooks still hold to the obsolete notion that ovarian cancer has no symptoms during the earliest stages. The truth is that there are many symptoms, including:

• gastrointestinal upset, including indigestion, gas and nausea
• changes in bowel movement
• mysterious weight gain or loss
• pain during intercourse
• lack of energy and breath
• low back pain
• a sudden “full stomach” sensation during or after eating
• loss of appetite

A regular CA-125 cancer test can complement your awareness of these other symptoms. If others in your family have suffered from ovarian cancer, make sure you monitor these symptoms and get CA-125 cancer tests regularly. Ask your doctor about lab tests and the frequency of your CA-125 cancer test routine.

How Does the CA-125 Cancer Test Work?

The CA-125 test monitors a substance that is secreted by cancer cells and normal cells that are in an inflamed condition. The cancer test derives its name from the abbreviation “CA,” which stands for “cancer antigen.”

However, lab test customers should know that the CA-125 cancer test is not a perfect cancer screening test. It’s about 80% accurate, but it’s possible that the CA-125 cancer test returns a positive result when the subject is cancer-free or returns a negative result when the subject does have ovarian cancer. Possible “red herring” conditions that can cause a false positive CA-125 cancer test are: pregnancy, endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease and menstruation.

It’s important that the CA-125 cancer test is used as part of an early detection routine, not as a complete standalone cancer screening. Don’t hesitate to protect your loved ones and yourself from the insidious threat of ovarian cancer. Find one of our locations nationwide and and order a test - the CA-125 cancer test specifically. If you have any questions, check our lab testing FAQ or email our health testing experts. Good health to you!