Overview

The use of a biochemical test is a great way to obtain objective results when testing for a possible nutrient deficiency, toxicity or a nutrient-disease related medical conditions. This unit’s reading may be helpful to address these topics; specifically: Deen, D., & Hark, L. (2007). The Complete Guide to Nutrition in Primary Care. Malden, Mass: Wiley-Blackwell. [Chapters 8, 10 -12]

Choose ONE of the below biochemical tests OR conditions that a biochemical test is used for

Suspected pre-diabetes or Type 2 diabetes
Serum ferritin

Considering your chosen biochemical test or condition, answer the following questions:

A. suspected pre-diabetes or type 2 diabetes

What is an ideal lab test to use in this situation?

What is it a measure of?

Why is it considered ideal in this case?

Is there an alternative lab test? What are the limitations of using only the alternative test?

What is the normal/healthy lab value range for this lab test?

B. serum ferritin

What is the normal/healthy lab range for ferritin?

What is this lab test commonly used to detect or rule out? (What condition does ferritin test for?)

Why is it considered to be such a specified lab test to identify this condition?

What are some “typical” causes that may contribute to a low or high range?

What are alternative lab tests that can be used?

Review the Discussion Board grading rubric under Course Resources in the Table of Contents.

Discussion responses should be on topic, original, and contribute to the quality of the Discussion by making frequent informed references to lesson material. Initial Discussion responses should be a minimum of 200 words. Make two or more responses to classmates that are thoughtful and advance the Discussion and are a minimum of 75 words.