Blood Testing Services

Integrative medicine is a form of healthcare that combines conventional Western medicine with complementary and alternative therapies to address the whole person – body, mind, and spirit – and promote optimal health and wellness.

Integrative medicine aims to treat the underlying causes of illness and disease, rather than just the symptoms, by taking into account a person’s lifestyle, environment, and unique needs and preferences.

This approach may include a range of therapies and interventions, such as nutrition, exercise, stress reduction techniques, acupuncture, massage, herbal supplements, and other complementary practices, in addition to conventional medical treatments. The goal of integrative medicine is to create a personalized, comprehensive, and collaborative approach to healthcare that empowers individuals to take an active role in their own health and healing.

An “alt blood test” typically refers to a liver function test that measures the levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) in the blood. ALT is an enzyme found mainly in the liver, but also in other tissues, that helps break down proteins and convert them into energy. When the liver is damaged or inflamed, ALT is released into the bloodstream in higher amounts than normal, which can be detected by a blood test.

An ALT blood test is commonly used to screen for liver damage or disease, such as hepatitis, cirrhosis, or fatty liver disease. It can also be used to monitor the progression of liver disease and the effectiveness of treatment.

In addition to ALT, a liver function test may also measure other enzymes and chemicals in the blood that are produced by the liver, such as aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), bilirubin, and albumin. These tests can provide additional information about the overall health and function of the liver. However, the specific tests included in a liver function panel may vary depending on the healthcare provider or laboratory.

For some blood tests, such as a lipid panel, glucose test or HbA1c test, you may be asked to fast for a certain period of time (usually 8-12 hours) before the test. This means that you should avoid eating or drinking anything other than water during that time.

However, for other blood tests, such as a complete blood count (CBC), electrolyte panel, or liver function test, fasting is not necessary, and you can eat and drink normally before the test.

In general, drinking water is usually allowed before a fasting blood test, as it will not affect the results of the test. However, it’s always a good idea to follow the specific instructions given to you by your healthcare provider or laboratory to ensure accurate and reliable results.