General Health Panel
CPT Code(s):
80050
Turnaround Time:
4 hours
Specimen Requirements
Preferred Specimen:
Serum and Whole Blood
Minimum Volume:
1.0 mL
Transport Container:
Serum Separator Tube (SST) or Red Top Tube and Lavender Top Tube
Transport Temperature:
Room Temperature
Collection Instructions:
Allow blood to clot completely prior to centrifugation. Separate serum from cells within 45 minutes of collection.
Rejection Criteria:
Citrate, Fluoride,Sodium Heparin specimen; gross hemolysis; lipemia; improper labeling
Stability Criteria
Room Temperature:
8 hours
Refrigerated:
2 days
Frozen:
n/a
Clinical Significance
General Health Panel holds specific clinical significance and diagnostic use in assessing the overall health status of a patient. It is a comprehensive panel of blood tests that includes various parameters to evaluate different aspects of health and identify potential medical conditions.
The specific clinical significance and diagnostic use of General Health Panel include:
1. Routine Health Assessment: The General Health Panel serves as a routine health check-up, allowing healthcare providers to evaluate the patient's overall health status. The panel includes tests that assess key health indicators such as blood count, liver and kidney function, cholesterol levels, blood glucose, and electrolyte balance. Results from these tests help identify potential health concerns and guide appropriate interventions.
2. Disease Screening and Prevention: General Health Panel includess that screen for common medical conditions such as diabetes, liver disease, kidney dysfunction, and high cholesterol. Early detection of these conditions is crucial for timely intervention and prevention of complications. By identifying abnormalities or risk factors, the panel helps initiate further diagnostic investigations or preventive measures.
3. Evaluation of Organ Function: The panel includes tests that assess the function of vital organs such as the liver, kidneys, and thyroid gland. Abnormalities in liver enzymes, kidney function markers, or thyroid hormone levels can indicate underlying organ dysfunction or disease. Evaluating organ function aids in diagnosing and managing conditions affecting these organs.
4. Metabolic and Nutritional Assessment: General Health Panel includess that evaluate metabolic parameters such as blood glucose, lipid profile, and markers of nutritional status such as vitamin D and iron levels. These tests help identify metabolic disorders like diabetes, dyslipidemia, and nutritional deficiencies, allowing for appropriate interventions and management.
5. Monitoring Treatment: The General Health Panel is often used to monitor the response to treatment for various medical conditions. Serial measurements of certain markers, such as liver enzymes or kidney function tests, help healthcare providers assess the effectiveness of treatment and make adjustments as needed.
6. Overall Health Risk Assessment: The General Health Panel provides a comprehensive assessment of various health parameters, enabling healthcare providers to evaluate the patient's overall health risk profile. By considering multiple factors, such as cholesterol levels, blood glucose, and organ function markers, healthcare providers can estimate the patient's risk for developing certain conditions and develop personalized preventive strategies.
It is important to note that the specific tests included in the General Health Panel may vary depending on the healthcare provider or laboratory. The panel can be tailored to the patient's age, gender, medical history, and specific risk factors.
In summary, General Health Panel has specific clinical significance in routine health assessment, disease screening and prevention, evaluation of organ function, metabolic and nutritional assessment, monitoring treatment, and overall health risk assessment. By combining various blood tests, this comprehensive panel provides valuable information for clinical decision-making, preventive care, and optimizing patient health outcomes.