Description

Swelling—also known as edema—is caused by excess fluid trapped in the body’s tissues. It may result from a variety of conditions, ranging from mild inflammation to serious cardiovascular, renal, or endocrine disorders. This Swelling / Fluid Retention Blood Panel is designed to help identify the underlying causes of fluid retention by assessing multiple organ systems and inflammation markers.

Why This Panel Matters:

This test panel provides valuable insights into potential reasons for swelling, including:

  • Heart dysfunction
  • Kidney impairment
  • Liver abnormalities
  • Thyroid issues
  • Inflammatory conditions

Common Symptoms Related to Fluid Retention:

  • Swollen feet, ankles, hands, or face
  • Puffiness around the eyes
  • Sudden weight gain
  • Stiff joints
  • Shortness of breath (if due to heart or lung issues)

Biomarkers Included and Their Clinical Relevance:

  1. BNP (B-type Natriuretic Peptide)
  • What it measures: A hormone released by the heart in response to stretching from fluid overload.
  • Why it matters: Elevated BNP levels can indicate heart failure, a common cause of fluid retention.
  1. C-Reactive Protein (CRP)
  • What it measures: A protein made by the liver in response to inflammation.
  • Why it matters: High CRP can suggest inflammation or infection contributing to swelling.
  1. Complete Blood Count (CBC)
  • What it measures: Red and white blood cells, hemoglobin, hematocrit, and platelets.
  • Why it matters: Detects anemia, infection, or blood abnormalities that may be linked to systemic illness.
  1. Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP)
  • What it measures: Electrolytes, glucose, liver and kidney function.
  • Why it matters: Assesses for organ dysfunction that could lead to or result from edema.
  1. Kidney Function – Creatinine and Cystatin C
  • What it measures: Kidney filtration markers.
  • Why it matters: Poor kidney function is a major cause of fluid buildup and swelling.
  1. Plasma Viscosity
  • What it measures: The thickness of blood.
  • Why it matters: Elevated plasma viscosity can be seen in inflammatory and vascular disorders, which may be associated with swelling.
  1. TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone)
  • What it measures: Thyroid function control hormone.
  • Why it matters: Hypothyroidism is a common cause of puffiness and fluid retention.
  1. Urine Protein (Random)
  • What it measures: Protein levels in urine.
  • Why it matters: Proteinuria can indicate kidney damage or nephrotic syndrome, both of which can cause significant swelling.

Fasting Requirements:

  • Fasting is not required for this test panel.

Who Should Consider This Panel:

  • Individuals with unexplained swelling
  • Those with known kidney, heart, or thyroid conditions
  • People experiencing sudden weight gain or puffiness
  • Patients under evaluation for fluid retention or edema

Conclusion:

The Swelling / Fluid Retention Blood Panel offers a comprehensive set of biomarkers that help healthcare providers evaluate possible causes of edema. By looking at heart, kidney, liver, and thyroid function—along with inflammation markers—this test supports accurate diagnosis and informed treatment decisions.