The Total B Cell marker is a critical indicator used to assess the status of B cells within the immune system.

B cells, also known as B lymphocytes, play a pivotal role in the adaptive immune response, primarily responsible for the production of antibodies that neutralize pathogens and facilitate their removal by other immune cells. The Total B Cell marker quantifies the overall population of B cells, providing insights into the body's capability to mount an effective humoral immune response.

In the context of autoimmune conditions, an altered level of B cells can indicate dysregulation in the immune system, potentially leading to or exacerbating autoimmune reactivity. By evaluating this marker within the comprehensive Lymphocyte MAP panel, clinicians can gain a nuanced understanding of the patient's immune landscape, including potential autoimmune triggers and the balance between different lymphocyte populations.

Total Bifidobacteria refers to the overall population of beneficial Bifidobacterium species in the gut. These probiotic bacteria play a crucial role in digestive health, immune function, and maintaining a balanced gut microbiome. They help break down dietary fiber, produce short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) like acetate and butyrate, and support the production of essential vitamins such as B vitamins.

Total bile acids refer to the sum of all bile acids present in the bloodstream, including both primary and secondary bile acids. On Labcorp's Bile Acids, Fractionated LC/MS-MS Panel, the measurement of total bile acids provides a comprehensive assessment of bile acid metabolism and liver function. Elevated levels of total bile acids can indicate liver dysfunction, cholestasis, or bile acid synthesis disorders. The LC/MS-MS method used in this test offers high accuracy and sensitivity, enabling precise quantification of total bile acids in serum or plasma samples. By evaluating total bile acid levels, healthcare providers can diagnose conditions such as liver disease, biliary obstructions, and metabolic disorders, ensuring timely and effective management of these conditions.

- BCAAs are key nitrogen donors in the form of glutamic acid, glutamine, and alanine.

- Elevated total BCAAs have been associated with obesity, weight loss, insulin resistance, and NAFLD.

- Elevated plasma BCAAs were associated with an increased risk of hypertension, cardiovascular disease.

- BCAAs are higher in a “Western” diet. Check B6 need.

- Lower levels seen in liver cirrhosis and urea cycle disorders.

- Decreased amino acids are seen with decreased protein and calorie intake; increased tissue uptake, and body losses (urine, sweat, etc.).

- BCAAs are key nitrogen donors in the form of glutamic acid, glutamine, and alanine.

- Elevated total BCAAs have been associated with obesity, weight loss, insulin resistance, and NAFLD.

- Elevated plasma BCAAs were associated with an increased risk of hypertension, cardiovascular disease.

- BCAAs are higher in a “Western” diet. Check B6 need.

- Lower levels seen in liver cirrhosis and urea cycle disorders.

- Decreased amino acids are seen with decreased protein and calorie intake; increased tissue uptake, and body losses (urine, sweat, etc.).

The total C18 trans isomers include elaidic acid, petroselaidic, and transvaccenic acids. The presence of these eighteen-carbon long trans fatty acids in human tissue can disrupt or impair cell membrane function. A person with high levels of total C18 trans isomers should avoid hydrogenated oils.

The Total CD3- CD57+ Lymphocyte marker is offering insights into the immune system's state, particularly in the context of chronic infections and certain health conditions. This marker focuses on a subset of lymphocytes that are characterized by the absence of the CD3 marker and the presence of the CD57 marker. These lymphocytes are significant in immunophenotyping, a process that categorizes lymphocytes based on their surface markers, which in turn helps in understanding the immune system's response to various conditions.

Natural Killer (NK) cells are a type of immune cell critical for identifying and destroying virus-infected cells and cancerous cells. The subset of NK cells marked as CD57+ CD16+ is involved in regulating immune responses and maintaining long-term immune surveillance.

These cells are often associated with the maturation and functionality of NK cells. CD57 is a marker of late-stage, terminally differentiated NK cells, while CD16 contributes to the activation of NK cells, allowing them to destroy target cells effectively.

What Does the Marker Measure?

This test measures the total number of CD57+ CD16+ NK cells in your blood. These cells are key players in:

• Killing abnormal cells: Such as infected or malignant cells.
• Regulating immune responses: By modulating inflammation and coordinating with other immune cells.

The Total CD57+ CD8+ T Cell marker plays a crucial role in immunological assessments. This marker is particularly significant because CD57+ CD8+ T cells are a subset of natural killer T cells (NKT cells) and cytotoxic T cells, which are integral components of the body's immune response. These cells are characterized by the expression of the CD57 and CD8 markers on their surface.

CD57 is a marker often associated with terminal differentiation, senescence, and memory in various immune cells, including NK cells and T cells. In the context of CD8+ T cells, CD57 expression signifies a highly differentiated state. These cells are known for their potent effector functions, especially in cytotoxic responses, which are essential in controlling viral infections and tumor surveillance.

Your total cholesterol score is calculated using the following equation: HDL + LDL + 20 percent of your triglyceride level.

With HDL cholesterol, higher levels are better. Low HDL cholesterol puts you at a higher risk for heart disease. With LDL cholesterol, lower levels are better. High LDL cholesterol puts you at a higher risk for heart disease.

Total Cholesterol represents the combined level of cholesterol in the blood, encompassing low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, and very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) cholesterol. Cholesterol is a type of lipid essential for various bodily functions, including the formation of cell membranes, production of hormones, and synthesis of vitamin D.

Elevated levels of Cholesterol in the stool may indicate inadequate absorption.

The total cholesterol /HDL ratio is the proportion of one type of cholesterol to all the other cholesterol in the blood. Total cholesterol includes three substances HDL, LDL, and VLDL. 

The total commensal abundance is a sum-total of the reported commensal bacteria compared to a healthy cohort. Low levels of commensal bacteria are often observed after antimicrobial therapy, or in diets lacking fiber and/or prebiotic-rich foods and may indicate the need for microbiome support. Conversely, higher total commensal abundance may indicate potential bacteria overgrowth or probiotic supplementation.

The Total Coronary Score, often referred to as the Agatston score, in a Coronary Calcium Scan is a critical quantitative measure that encapsulates the cumulative burden of calcified plaque within the coronary arteries. This score is derived from a computed tomography (CT) scan, specifically designed to detect calcium deposits in the coronary arteries, which are a hallmark of atherosclerotic coronary artery disease (CAD). The Agatston method, named after its inventor, Dr. Arthur Agatston, assigns a density factor to each segment of detectable calcification, and this factor is multiplied by the area of the calcification to generate a score for each lesion. These individual lesion scores are then summed to obtain the total coronary calcium score. The higher the score, the greater the extent of calcification and, consequently, the higher the risk of future cardiac events such as myocardial infarction.

Cortisol is a stress hormone produced by the adrenal glands and is the primary agent used in our body’s flight or fight response to threatening stimuli.

The inactive or “storage form” of adrenal glucocorticoid. Can be reversibly transformed to cortisol. Clinically, cortisone may reflect a measure of adrenal reserve when compared to cortisol. Ideally, cortisone will be about 30% higher than cortisol when both are at optimal levels. Values at the high end or low end of the reference range are generally not optimal.