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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Inadequate recovery from exercise or overtraining can result in inflammation and muscle damage.

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.

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.

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.

Elevated IgE levels can indicate a tendency to be hyperallergic - this is often characterised by conditions such as eczema, hay fever, or allergic asthma.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

C-peptide is a substance made in the pancreas, along with insulin.

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.