What we test
Full blood count with differential
The full blood count is used as a broad screening test to check for such disorders as anaemia (decrease in red blood cells or haemoglobin), infection, and many other diseases. It is actually a group of tests that examine different parts of the blood. Results from the following tests provide the broadest picture of your health.
Responsible for carrying oxygen around the body. A high count can increase the risk of heart attack or stroke, whilst a low count can mean your body isn’t getting the oxygen it needs.
A good measure of your blood's ability to carry oxygen throughout your body. Elevated haemoglobin can be an indicator of lung disease, whilst a low result indicates anaemia.
A measure of the percentage of red blood cells in the total blood volume. Elevated haematocrit can increase the risk of heart attack or stroke.
MCV is a measure of the average size of the red blood cells. The MCV may be elevated in anaemia caused by vitamin B12 or folate deficiency. Whereas decreased MCV may be seen in iron deficiency anaemia for example.
MCH is a calculation of the average amount of oxygen-carrying haemoglobin inside a red blood cell. Large red blood cells tend to have a higher MCH, while small red cells would have a lower value.
MCHC is a calculation of the average concentration of haemoglobin inside a red cell. Decreased MCHC is seen in iron deficiency anaemia and conditions such as thalassaemia.
RDW is a calculation of the variation in the size of your red blood cells. A high RDW value may indicate the presence of certain medical conditions, such as anaemia, liver disease, or vitamin B12 or folate deficiency.
Responsible for fighting infection. A high count can indicate recent infection and even stress, whilst a low count can result from vitamin deficiencies, liver disease and immune diseases.
A type of white blood cell. Can increase in response to allergic disorders, inflammation of the skin and parasitic infections. They can also occur in response to some infections or to various bone marrow malignancies.
A type of white blood cell. Can increase in response to infection as well as inflammatory disorders, and occasionally with some types of leukaemias. Decreased monocyte levels can indicate bone marrow injury or failure and some forms of leukaemia.
A type of white blood cell. Can increase with bacterial or viral infection, leukaemia, lymphoma, radiation therapy or acute illness. Decreased lymphocyte levels are common in later life but can also indicate steroid medication, stress, lupus and HIV infection.
A type of white blood cell. Can increase in response to bacterial infection, inflammatory disease, steroid medication, or more rarely leukaemia. Decreased neutrophil levels may be the result of severe infection or other conditions.
Basophils are a type of white blood cell. Basophils can increase in cases of leukaemia, long-standing inflammation and hypersensitivity to food.
Responsible for blood clotting and healing. A high count can indicate a risk of thrombosis, whilst a low count can lead to easy bruising.
Cholesterol
Lipids and cholesterol are fat-like substances in your blood. Some are necessary for good health, but when you have a high level of cholesterol in your blood, a lot of it ends up being deposited in the walls of your arteries and other vital organs. Lifestyle choices including diet, exercise and alcohol intake can all influence cholesterol levels and your risk of developing heart disease.
Total cholesterol includes both HDL cholesterol and LDL cholesterol. Cholesterol is essential for many processes in the body, including the formation of cell membranes, the production of hormones, and the metabolism of vitamin D.
LDL cholesterol is often referred to as "bad" cholesterol, as it can contribute to the development of atherosclerosis, a condition where plaque builds up in the arteries and can increase the risk of heart disease.
HDL cholesterol is often referred to as "good" cholesterol, as it helps remove excess cholesterol from the bloodstream and can protect against the development of heart disease.
Triglycerides are the main storage form of fatty acids in the body and a source of energy. High levels of triglycerides are associated with cardiovascular disease, obesity, type 2 diabetes, and metabolic syndrome.
Non-HDL cholesterol is considered an effective lipid measurement for assessing cardiovascular disease risk as it is believed to reflect levels of 'bad' cholesterol.
Lipoproteins
High levels of Lp(a) increase your risk of atherosclerosis and is an inherited genetic condition. The apo B/apo A-I ratio indicates the cholesterol balance between potentially atherogenic (bad) and anti-atherogenic (good) particles.
Apo A is a protein carried in HDL ("good") cholesterol. It helps start the process for HDL to remove bad types of cholesterol from your body. In this way, apolipoprotein A can help to lower your risk for cardiovascular disease.
Apo B containing lipoproteins are the ones most likely to enter the wall of the arteries. They are capable of trafficking cholesterol into the artery wall, and if present in increased numbers may be the main initiating factor in atherosclerosis.
The apo B/apo A-I ratio indicates the cholesterol balance between potentially atherogenic (bad) and antiatherogenic (good) particles. The ratio is strongly related to risk of cardiovascular disease.
High levels of Lp(a) increase your risk of atherosclerosis and is an inherited genetic condition. As levels are genetically determined they are usually not lowered by lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise. Your level of Lp(a) remains virtually constant throughout your life.
Liver Function (LFTs)
Your liver processes drugs and alcohol, filters toxic chemicals, stores vitamins and minerals, and makes bile, proteins and enzymes. This liver function test examines enzymes and other markers for evidence of damage to your liver cells or a blockage near your liver which can impair its function.
Bilirubin tests are use to screen for or to detect and monitor liver disorders or haemolytic anaemia.
Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) is an enzyme located mainly in the liver and the bones. High levels can indicate liver disease.
Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) is an enzyme created mainly by the liver and the heart. High levels can indicate damage to your liver caused by alcohol, drugs or hepatitis.
Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) is an enzyme mainly produced by the liver. A good indicator of liver damage caused by alcohol, drugs or hepatitis.
Gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) is a liver enzyme which can be used to diagnose alcohol abuse as it is typically raised in long term drinkers.
Albumin is a protein which keeps fluid from leaking out of blood vessels, nourishes tissues, and carries hormones, vitamins, drugs, and ions like calcium throughout the body. Low levels can indicate malnutrition or other health problems.
A measure of all of the proteins in the plasma portion of your blood. Proteins are important building blocks of all cells and tissues - they are important for body growth and health.
Any of a group of simple proteins found in the blood.
Kidney Function
Your kidneys filter waste from your body and regulate salts in your blood. They also produce hormones and vitamins that direct cell activities in many organs and help to control blood pressure. When the kidneys aren't working properly, waste products and fluid can build up to dangerous levels creating a life-threatening situation.
Sodium is important for maintaining fluid balance in the body and for proper nerve and muscle function.
Potassium is important for nerve and muscle function, including regulating heart rhythm, and is also involved in fluid balance.
Chloride is important for maintaining fluid balance and for the proper functioning of the digestive system.
Higher than normal levels suggests trouble maintaining pH balance either by failing to remove carbon dioxide or because of an electrolyte imbalance. Elevations may be seen with severe vomiting, chronic lung problems and some hormonal disorders. Low levels may be seen with chronic diarrhoea, diabetic ketoacidosis and kidney failure.
A high concentration of this waste product can indicate dehydration or that your kidneys aren’t working properly.
A waste molecule generated from muscle metabolism, and an accurate marker of kidney function.
The estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) measures how well your kidneys filter the wastes from your blood and is the best overall measure of kidney function.
Cystatin C
Cystatin C may be used as an alternative to creatinine and creatinine clearance to screen for and monitor kidney dysfunction in those with known or suspected kidney diseases.
Cystatin C may be used as an alternative to creatinine and creatinine clearance to screen for and monitor kidney dysfunction in those with known or suspected kidney diseases.
Metabolic
The HbA1c diabetes test measures the average amount of sugar attached to your red blood cells for the past several months. Unlike a regular blood sugar test, the HbA1c blood test is not affected by short-term changes.
If you have diabetes your body doesn't process glucose effectively.
HbA1c measures the average blood sugar level over the past 2-3 months. The higher the percentage, the higher the average blood sugar level has been over the past 2-3 months.
HbA1c can be expressed as a percentage (DCCT unit) or as a value in mmol/mol (IFCC unit).
Inflammation
Inadequate recovery from exercise or overtraining can result in inflammation and muscle damage.
When muscle cells are injured creatine kinase enzymes leak out of the cells and enter the bloodstream. Prolonged elevated creatine kinase after periods of rest can be a sign of overtraining.
A high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) test measures low levels of CRP and may be used to help evaluate an individual for risk of cardiovascular disease
Homocysteine
Elevated homocysteine blood test levels are a risk factor for cardiovascular disease, and may also be elevated in cases of malnutrition or vitamin B12 or folate deficiency.
An amino acid normally present in very small amounts in all cells of the body. Homocysteine is a product of methionine metabolism - one of the 11 ‘essential’ amino acids that must be derived from the diet.
Hormones
Testosterone is an anabolic hormone which is responsible for bone and muscle strength, as well as mood, energy and sexual function. A testosterone test is useful to track periodically as the range of what is considered normal for testosterone can be broad.
Testosterone is an anabolic hormone responsible for bone and muscle strength, as well as mood, energy and sexual function.
Most testosterone is strongly bound to sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG). This test measures the proportion of unbound testosterone which is available to the body's tissues.
SHBG is a protein that binds tightly to testosterone and oestradiol. Changes in SHBG can affect the amount of hormone available for use by the body's tissues.
In men, oestradiol also known as oestrogen, is essential for maintaining bone health, regulating cholesterol levels, and supporting healthy brain function.
Thyroid Function
Your thyroid gland produces hormones that regulate growth and energy expenditure. Thyroid disorders are quite common, and many people don’t have any symptoms at all. This thyroid test screens for the thyroid hormones that play a key role in regulating the body’s metabolism.
Communicates with the thyroid gland to produce T3 and T4 which regulate metabolic functions. High TSH thyroid test levels indicates an underactive thyroid, and low levels an overactive thyroid.
Measures the thyroxine that is freely circulating and able to regulate metabolism. High FT4 thyroid test levels indicate an overactive thyroid, and low levels an underactive thyroid.
Measures the triiodothyronine that is freely circulating. High FT3 thyroid test levels indicate an overactive thyroid, and low levels an underactive thyroid.
IgE
Elevated IgE levels can indicate a tendency to be hyperallergic - this is often characterised by conditions such as eczema, hay fever, or allergic asthma.
Immunoglobulin E (IgE) is a protein associated with allergic reactions that is normally found in very small amounts in the blood. IgE functions as part of the body's immune system (its defence against 'intruders').
Trace Minerals
Trace minerals, also known as microminerals, are essential minerals that the human body requires in small amounts (less than 100 milligrams per day) to maintain good health. Although they are required in smaller amounts compared to macrominerals, they are still important for many biological functions in the body.
Ferritin is a marker of iron stores in the body, and is used to assess iron status. Low levels can indicate iron deficiency, which is a common nutritional deficiency that can lead to anaemia, fatigue, and impaired immune function.
Found in organ meats, shellfish, chocolate, mushrooms, nuts, beans, and whole-grain cereals. Helps protect cells from damage, and is needed for forming bone and red blood cells.
Found in liver, eggs, seafood, red meats, oysters, certain seafood, milk products, eggs, beans, peas, lentils, nuts and whole grains. Needed for healthy skin, wound healing, and helps fight illnesses and infections.
A commonly cited range for the copper to zinc ratio is 0.7 and 1.0. Studies have noted that ratios above 1.0 may be associated with higher levels of inflammation and oxidative stress.
Bone Health
Calcium and vitamin D play a critical role in maintaining bone health. When you don’t get enough calcium, you increase your risk of developing osteoporosis and stress fractures. This blood test measures both your total calcium and corrected calcium levels, as well your 25-OHD vitamin D levels.
Although called a vitamin, vitamin D (25-OHD) is actually a steroid hormone which is activated by sunshine on the skin. It is essential for bone strength as it helps the intestines absorb calcium.
Calcium is important in building strong bones and teeth, but it also plays a key role in other functions including muscle contraction, nerve function, blood clotting, and enzyme function.
Corrected calcium adjusts for changes in serum albumin levels, providing a more accurate measure of the biologically active form of calcium, and is therefore a better reflection of the body's calcium status.
Phosphate is a mineral which is essential for the formation of bones and teeth. It is also essential for many other cellular processes including energy metabolism and the formation of DNA and RNA.
Magnesium and calcium work together closely to maintain strong bones, and magnesium deficiency has been associated with an increased risk of osteoporosis.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is crucial for growth and repair of tissues, healing wounds, healthy bones and teeth and assisting the body with collagen production and iron absorption.
Found in many fruits and vegetables including oranges, peppers, strawberries, blackcurrants, tomatoes, potatoes, broccoli and brussels sprouts. Crucial for growth and repair of tissues, healing wounds, healthy bones and teeth and assisting the body with collagen production and iron absorption.
Total B12 & Folate
Found almost entirely in meat and animal food products. Cobalamin helps maintain healthy nerve cells and red blood cells and is also needed to make DNA.
Found naturally in food, such as green leafy vegetables. Folate (vitamin B9) plays a role in DNA creation and is important for the production of red blood cells.
Pancreatic Function
Proteins, fats, and carbohydrates are broken down by stomach acids, enzymes produced by the pancreas, and bile from the liver. This process also releases micronutrients. This blood test measures the levels of enzymes produced by the pancreas.
An enzyme produced by the pancreas which is released into the digestive tract to help digest fatty foods.
An enzyme made mainly by the pancreas which is released from the pancreas into the digestive tract to help digest starch in our food.
Vitamin A & E
The fat soluble vitamins are soluble in lipids. These vitamins are usually absorbed in fat globules that travel through the lymphatic system of the small intestines and into the general blood circulation within the body. These fat soluble vitamins are then stored in body tissues.
Vitamin A (retinol) is a fat-soluble vitamin found in animal products such as eggs, dairy, liver and kidneys. Deficiency can lead to dry eyes (xerophthalmia), night blindness, skin problems, infections, diarrhoea and lung disorders.
Found in vegetable oils, nuts, seeds, whole grains and green leafy vegetables. It is important for keeping the immune system strong, for red blood cell formation and keeping the blood from clotting. Deficiency includes muscle weakness and loss of muscle mass, vision problems, anaemia and neurological problems.
Red Blood Cell Magnesium
Red blood cell testing provides a measurement equivocal to intracellular levels, and is therefore more insightful than a regular serum blood test.
C-peptide
C-peptide is a substance made in the pancreas, along with insulin.
C-peptide is a substance made in the pancreas, along with insulin.
Methylmalonic acid (MMA)
Methylmalonic acid is a substance that accumulates in the blood when the body doesn't have enough vitamin B12 to process it. The MMA test measures the level of methylmalonic acid in the blood, which can help diagnose a vitamin B12 deficiency.
Methylmalonic acid accumulates in the blood when the body doesn't have enough vitamin B12 to process it. Elevated levels of MMA can indicate a vitamin B12 deficiency.
Mercury
Test instructions
Fast from all food and drink (other than water) for at least 8 hours, and no more than 12 hours prior to your test.
Take your form to one of our affiliated collection centres to have your sample taken.
Visit the collection centre within one hour of waking for the most accurate hormone test measurements.
The best time to do this test is first thing in the morning.
