OmegaCheck(R)

The OmegaCheck(R) test contains 1 test with 10 biomarkers.

Brief Description: The OmegaCheck® test is a diagnostic tool designed to assess the levels of essential omega-3 fatty acids in the blood, particularly eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). These fatty acids are crucial for a range of physiological processes and are primarily sourced from dietary intake, especially from fatty fish.

Collection Method: Blood Draw

Specimen Type: Whole Blood

Test Preparation: No preparation required

When and Why the OmegaCheck® Test May Be Ordered

Doctors might order the OmegaCheck® test:

1. Cardiovascular Health Monitoring: To assess a patient's risk for heart disease, since optimal levels of omega-3 fatty acids have been associated with reduced cardiovascular risks.
2. Dietary Evaluation: To gauge the effectiveness of a diet rich in omega-3s or supplementation with fish oil capsules.
3. Mental Health Assessment: Given that omega-3 fatty acids play a role in brain health, the test might be ordered when evaluating certain mental health conditions.

What the OmegaCheck® Test Checks For

The OmegaCheck® test measures the percentage of EPA and DHA in red blood cell membranes. These measurements can provide insights into long-term intake and the body's storage of these essential fatty acids. A higher percentage indicates optimal levels that are associated with reduced risks of chronic diseases, while lower percentages might suggest a need for increased dietary intake or supplementation.

Other Lab Tests Ordered Alongside OmegaCheck®

When an OmegaCheck® test is ordered, it's often part of a broader evaluation of cardiovascular risk and nutritional status. Here are some tests commonly ordered alongside it:

1. Lipid Profile:

   • Purpose: To measure levels of total cholesterol, HDL (high-density lipoprotein), LDL (low-density lipoprotein), and triglycerides.
   • Why Is It Ordered: To assess cardiovascular risk and to understand how omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acid levels might correlate with cholesterol and triglyceride levels.

2. High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein (hs-CRP):

   • Purpose: To measure the level of CRP, a marker of inflammation in the body.
   • Why Is It Ordered: To evaluate systemic inflammation, which is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Omega-3 fatty acids can have anti-inflammatory effects.

3. Complete Blood Count (CBC):

   • Purpose: To evaluate overall blood health.
   • Why Is It Ordered: To identify any underlying conditions that might affect cardiovascular health or be influenced by fatty acid status.

4. Glucose and Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c):

   • Purpose: To measure blood sugar levels and identify diabetes or prediabetes.
   • Why Is It Ordered: To assess for diabetes, as there is a strong link between blood sugar control and cardiovascular health.

5. Vitamin D Level:

   • Purpose: To measure the level of vitamin D in the blood.
   • Why Is It Ordered: Vitamin D deficiency has been associated with various health issues, including heart disease.

6. Liver Function Test:

   • Purpose: To assess liver health.
   • Why Is It Ordered: The liver plays a crucial role in metabolizing fats and maintaining healthy cholesterol levels.

7. Thyroid Function Tests:

   • Purpose: To assess thyroid gland function.
   • Why Is It Ordered: Thyroid hormones can influence lipid metabolism, heart rate, and overall cardiovascular health.

These tests, when ordered alongside an OmegaCheck® test, provide a comprehensive evaluation of cardiovascular risk factors, inflammation status, and nutritional health. They are crucial for developing a holistic understanding of an individual's heart health and for guiding dietary and lifestyle interventions. The specific combination of tests will depend on the individual’s medical history, risk factors, and current health status.

Conditions or Diseases that Require the OmegaCheck® Test

While the OmegaCheck® test isn't specifically required for any one condition, it can be useful for:

• Cardiovascular Disease Risk Assessment: Evaluating the risk of heart diseases and stroke.
• Mental Health Conditions: Such as depression or anxiety, where omega-3 fatty acids might play a role in symptom severity.
• Chronic Inflammatory Conditions: Like rheumatoid arthritis or inflammatory bowel disease, where omega-3s can potentially reduce inflammation.

Usage of Results by Health Care Providers

Upon receiving the OmegaCheck® test results, healthcare providers can:

• Dietary Recommendations: Advise on increasing omega-3-rich foods like fatty fish or consider omega-3 supplements.
• Cardiovascular Risk Assessment: Use the results alongside other tests to gauge heart disease risks and develop preventive strategies.
• Treatment Monitoring: If a patient is already on omega-3 supplements, the test can monitor the effectiveness of the treatment.

In conclusion, the OmegaCheck® test serves as a valuable tool in gauging a person's omega-3 fatty acid status, with implications for cardiovascular, mental, and overall health.

Most Common Questions About the OmegaCheck® test:

Purpose and Clinical Indications

Why is the OmegaCheck® test ordered?

The OmegaCheck® test is primarily ordered to determine the levels of Omega-3 fatty acids in the blood. These fatty acids, especially EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), play critical roles in heart health, brain function, and inflammation regulation. By measuring these levels, healthcare providers can gauge an individual's risk for heart diseases and other related conditions, as well as guide dietary and supplement recommendations.

How can the results from the OmegaCheck® test influence dietary choices?

Results from the OmegaCheck® test provide insights into an individual's Omega-3 status. If levels are low, it might suggest a need to increase the intake of Omega-3 rich foods like fatty fish (salmon, mackerel, sardines) or to consider Omega-3 supplements. On the other hand, if levels are optimal, it might indicate that the current dietary intake of Omega-3s is sufficient.

Interpretation of Results

What do the results of the OmegaCheck® test mean?

The OmegaCheck® test measures the percentage of EPA and DHA in red blood cell membranes. A higher percentage indicates a higher Omega-3 content in the blood, which is generally associated with a reduced risk of chronic diseases like heart disease. Typically, a result of 8% or higher is considered optimal for cardiovascular protection, though exact recommended levels might vary based on specific health considerations and population studies.

How do OmegaCheck® test results compare to other markers of heart health?

While the OmegaCheck® test focuses specifically on Omega-3 levels, other tests might assess cholesterol, triglycerides, or inflammatory markers, all of which provide different insights into heart health. While Omega-3 levels can reflect dietary habits and potential anti-inflammatory benefits, cholesterol and triglycerides offer information on lipid metabolism and cardiovascular risk. Ideally, a comprehensive assessment of heart health would consider results from multiple tests.

Post-Test Management

If Omega-3 levels are found to be low in the OmegaCheck® test, what interventions might be recommended?

If the OmegaCheck® test reveals low Omega-3 levels, a healthcare provider might recommend increasing the intake of Omega-3 rich foods, considering Omega-3 supplements, or both. In addition, regular monitoring of Omega-3 levels might be suggested to assess the impact of dietary changes and ensure that levels move into the optimal range.

How frequently should the OmegaCheck® test be repeated?

The frequency with which the OmegaCheck® test should be repeated varies based on individual circumstances. If initial results indicate low Omega-3 levels, retesting after implementing dietary changes or starting supplements might be recommended in a few months. For those with optimal levels, or once levels have been optimized, annual testing or testing every couple of years might be sufficient.

Clinical Insights

Besides heart health, are there other health implications associated with Omega-3 levels assessed by the OmegaCheck® test?

Yes, while Omega-3 levels are closely linked to heart health, they also have implications for other areas of health. Higher Omega-3 levels have been associated with better brain function, reduced inflammation, improved eye health, and lower risk of certain chronic diseases. The OmegaCheck® test, therefore, can offer insights into overall health and wellness beyond just cardiovascular considerations.

Are there any specific populations or conditions where the OmegaCheck® test might be especially relevant?

The OmegaCheck® test can be relevant for anyone interested in assessing their Omega-3 status and associated health risks. However, it might be particularly valuable for individuals with a family history of heart disease, those with known cardiovascular conditions, or those with dietary patterns that might limit Omega-3 intake, such as strict vegetarians or vegans.

We advise having your results reviewed by a licensed medical healthcare professional for proper interpretation of your results.