Insulin-like growth factor binding protein 3 (IGFBP-3) is the main carrier of somatomedin C (also called insulin-like growth factor-1, or IGF-1) in the body. Blood levels of both these proteins are controlled by human growth hormone (hGH), a hormone that’s produced by the pituitary gland, a pea-sized gland in the brain that works with the endocrine system. The pituitary gland regulates growth and the function of other glands.
But IGFBP-3 is more than just a transporter. It also helps extend the life of somatomedin C in the blood and helps control its effects on body tissues.
Levels of IGFBP-3 are highest during childhood and puberty, then they decrease during adulthood. Levels also may be affected by sexual maturation and nutritional status
A ketones in urine test measures ketone levels in your urine. Normally, the cells in your body use glucose (sugar) from your blood for energy. If your cells can’t get enough glucose, your body breaks down fat for energy instead. This produces an acid called ketones, which can build up in your blood and urine.
Having some ketones in your urine is normal. But high ketone levels in urine may be a sign that your body is too acidic. This condition is called ketoacidosis. The most common type of ketoacidosis is a complication of diabetes called diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). Diabetic ketoacidosis is a medical emergency that often develops quickly and can even be life-threatening.
If you have diabetes, a ketones in urine test can help find high ketone levels early so you can get treatment right away. Home tests are available if your health care provider recommends frequent testing.
Lung function tests, also known as pulmonary function tests, or PFTs, are a group of tests that check to see if your lungs are working right. The tests look for:
How much air your lungs can hold
How well you move air in and out of your lungs
How well the lungs move oxygen into your bloodstream. Your blood cells need oxygen to grow and stay healthy.
There are several types of lung function tests. They include:
Spirometry. the most common type of lung function test. It measures how much and how quickly you can move air in and out of your lungs.
Lung volume test. also known as body plethysmography. This test measures the amount of air you can hold in your lungs and the amount of air that remains after you exhale (breathe out) as much as you can.
Gas diffusion test. This test measures how oxygen and other gases move from the lungs to the bloodstream.
Exercise stress test. This test looks at how exercise affects lung function.