The Sodium to Potassium ratio (Na/K) is a crucial indicator of stress on the adrenal glands, and its proper regulation is essential for maintaining overall health. Aldosterone and cortisol play key roles in controlling sodium and potassium levels in the body, influencing blood pressure and stress response. Proper management of this ratio is vital for maintaining physiological balance and well-being.

The Na+/K+ (sodium-to-potassium) ratio is a critical marker of mineral balance and is closely linked to kidney and adrenal function. Sodium and potassium are essential electrolytes involved in blood pressure regulation, muscle contraction, and cell-to-cell communication, and their balance significantly impacts overall health.

The Na/Mg ratio in a Profile 1, Trace Elements (Hair) panel is crucial for assessing health and nutrition. This ratio, comparing Sodium (Na) and Magnesium (Mg), helps identify imbalances that may indicate conditions like hypertension or adrenal insufficiency. Sodium is essential for fluid balance and nerve function, while Magnesium is key for enzymatic reactions and muscle function. A balanced Na/Mg ratio is vital for cellular health and metabolic efficiency. Deviations can guide dietary and lifestyle adjustments, with significant implications in nutritional therapy and holistic health care. This analysis provides non-invasive, long-term metabolic insights, aiding in tailored health strategies.

Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) is a vital coenzyme present in every cell of the body. It plays a central role in energy production, redox balance, DNA repair, and cellular signaling. On the Neurotransmitter XL panel, NAD+ serves as a critical marker linking tryptophan metabolism, mitochondrial efficiency, and the body’s stress–energy balance.

Derived from both dietary niacin (vitamin B3) and tryptophan metabolism via the kynurenine pathway, NAD+ acts as an electron carrier in oxidative reactions. It cycles between its oxidized (NAD+) and reduced (NADH) forms to drive ATP generation in mitochondria. Because it is also essential for enzymes involved in gene expression (sirtuins), detoxification, and neurotransmitter balance, its availability profoundly influences mental clarity, resilience, and metabolic vitality.

Low NAD+ levels, as detected on this panel, can indicate mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, inflammation, or nutrient deficiency, while elevated NAD+ may reflect enhanced redox turnover or increased cellular demand under stress or repair processes.

The NASEM Recommended Summation is a key component in interpreting the results of the PFAS (Forever Chemicals) 9 Panel by Quest Diagnostics. It represents a cumulative measure of the levels of the 9 PFAS chemicals tested in the blood. This summation provides an overall indication of a person’s exposure to PFAS, which are known for their persistence in the environment and human body due to their strong carbon-fluorine bonds.

If the result of the NASEM Recommended Summation is categorized as "intermediate," it indicates that the levels of PFAS in your blood are neither low nor high, but fall somewhere in between. This means that your overall exposure to PFAS, as measured by the test, is moderate.

What Does an "Intermediate" Result Mean?

An "intermediate" result suggests that while you may not have a very high level of PFAS in your body, there is still a noteworthy presence of these chemicals. It could indicate that you have been exposed to PFAS at a level that is higher than typical background exposure, but not to the extent that would trigger concerns for significant health risks, as seen with higher levels.

Next Steps for Intermediate Results

If your NASEM Recommended Summation result is "intermediate," it’s important to discuss the result with your healthcare provider. They can provide guidance on whether further monitoring or steps to reduce PFAS exposure are necessary. While this result does not indicate an urgent risk, it could be a signal to evaluate lifestyle factors, such as reducing exposure to PFAS-containing products (e.g., nonstick cookware, water-repellent clothing, or certain foods) or reviewing water quality if you live near potential contamination sources.

Your doctor may recommend periodic testing or other actions to minimize future exposure to PFAS.

Conclusion

An "intermediate" result on the NASEM Recommended Summation scale indicates moderate PFAS exposure. While this is not typically cause for immediate concern, it is an opportunity to monitor and assess your exposure levels and take preventive steps if necessary. Always consult with your healthcare provider to better understand your results and any appropriate next steps.

The Natural Killer Cells CD3-CD16+CD56+ (ABS) test is an advanced diagnostic tool with significant implications in the fields of immunology, oncology, and reproductive medicine. Natural Killer (NK) cells, a critical component of the innate immune system, play a vital role in the body’s first line of defense against tumors and virally infected cells. This test quantifies the absolute number of NK cells in the blood, specifically identifying the subset characterized by the absence of CD3 and the presence of CD16 and CD56 markers. High or abnormal levels of these cells can be indicative of various health conditions.

Hookworms are soil-transmitted nematode parasites that can reside for many years in the small intestine of their human hosts; Necator americanus is the predominant infecting species.

Necroinflammatory Activity Grade reflects the level of active inflammation and liver cell injury occurring at the time of testing. It complements the Fibrosis Stage by showing how active the disease process is, rather than how much scarring has already formed. This grade is based on blood markers (such as ALT, AST, GGT, bilirubin, and others) and corresponds to the METAVIR scale: A0 (no activity), A1 (mild), A2 (moderate), and A3 (severe). A low grade (A0–A1) indicates stable or inactive liver disease with little current inflammation, while higher grades (A2–A3) mean that the liver is actively inflamed and at risk of progressive fibrosis if not addressed. Elevated grades are commonly linked to conditions such as fatty liver disease (MASLD/NASH), hepatitis B or C, alcohol-related liver injury, or autoimmune hepatitis. Managing the underlying cause—through treatment, alcohol avoidance, weight control, and metabolic care—can reduce inflammation and help protect against long-term liver damage.

Necroinflammatory Activity Score measures the level of active inflammation and liver cell injury, helping assess how “active” liver disease is at the time of testing. Unlike the Fibrosis Score, which reflects long-term scarring, this score indicates current inflammatory activity caused by conditions such as fatty liver disease (MASLD/NASH), viral hepatitis (B or C), or alcohol-related liver injury. Results range from A0 (no inflammation) to A3 (severe activity), with higher scores suggesting more intense inflammation and greater risk for future fibrosis progression. A low score (A0–A1) is reassuring and indicates stable liver health, while moderate to high scores (A2–A3) mean active inflammation that requires medical attention and lifestyle or treatment changes. Managing underlying causes, limiting alcohol, maintaining a healthy weight, and controlling blood sugar and cholesterol can help reduce inflammation and improve liver function over time.