Glutathione level test
Doctors can measure glutathione levels in the body to determine treatment for conditions that cause low levels.
Why check glutathione levels?
Low levels of glutathione are associated with a number of diseases because it is closely related to immune response, regeneration, stability and cellular metabolism. It is known that glutathione levels decrease by 1% each year from the age of 35-40, thus reducing the amount of glutathione in the body, making older people more susceptible to diseases.
At this time, the use of glutathione testing is not yet common, but due to its association with diseases, more will be taken into account every day to determine a person's health, and measures will be taken to increase glutathione levels. Glutathione testing may be the first step in developing an effective treatment for diseases associated with low levels of glutathione.
Examination process
Glutathione testing begins with a simple blood sample (red blood cell test), although high red blood cell levels can make the test inaccurate. In one test method, the blood sample is sent to a lab, treated with a reagent, placed in a centrifuge, and the optical density of the supernatant (the liquid that comes to the top after centrifugation) is measured along with the pH. A lab technician collects glutathione levels from the optical density measurements.
Glutathione can also be measured by looking at the amino acids in a sample or by performing an oxidative stress test. An indirect way to measure glutathione is to measure the acids in a urine sample. It is rare to find even commercial laboratories that perform these tests, and they are generally only performed in specialized scientific research laboratories.
Examination cost
The cost of a glutathione test is usually in the hundreds of dollars range and can vary depending on the lab that performs the test. As methods advance and new technologies develop, this test may be available to anyone in the near future.