Markers Included In The Test
Bone markers: Calcium, Phosphate, Uric Acid: Calcium, phosphate, and uric acid are essential markers for bone health and metabolism. They also play crucial roles in muscle contraction, nerve transmission, enzymatic activities, and energy metabolism. Abnormal calcium levels may indicate bone disorders, kidney disease, or problems with calcium absorption or use in the body. Abnormal phosphate levels can be seen in conditions affecting the kidneys or parathyroid gland, or malnutrition. High uric acid levels may lead to gout, a painful condition where uric acid crystals accumulate in the joints, or can be a sign of kidney disease
Cardiac/Muscle Enzymes: LDH, CK, HDL Cholesterol, LDL Cholesterol, Non-HDL Cholesterol: Cardiac/Muscle Enzymes include Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH) and Creatine Kinase (CK), which can increase in the blood due to muscle or heart damage. HDL, LDL, and Non-HDL Cholesterol levels provide insight into lipid metabolism and cardiovascular risk. Elevated LDH and CK can indicate tissue damage, while imbalances in cholesterol types may point to increased risk of heart disease.
FBC: A Full Blood Count (FBC) is a common blood test that gives an overview of your health. It measures the levels of red cells (which carry oxygen), white cells (which fight infection), and platelets (which help blood to clot). Abnormal levels of these cells can indicate a range of conditions, including anemia, infections, and other diseases.
Ferritin: Ferritin is a blood protein that contains iron, and a ferritin test measures the amount of ferritin in your blood. This test is commonly used to assess the body's iron stores and is a useful tool in diagnosing and monitoring iron-related disorders. For example, High levels can indicate that you have a condition causing your body to store too much iron, while low levels can suggest iron deficiency anemia. Iron is vital for many bodily functions, including the production of red blood cells, essential for oxygen supply to your tissues.
FT4 and TSH: The FT4 and TSH test measures the levels of free thyroxine and thyroid-stimulating hormone in the blood. These two markers together provide a comprehensive overview of thyroid function, with abnormal levels indicating potential thyroid disorders that can impact metabolism, energy levels, mood, growth and development.
Glucose: Glucose is the primary source of energy for your body's cells. Glucose levels in the blood are tightly regulated to maintain stable and appropriate levels. High blood glucose levels can indicate diabetes or pre-diabetes, while low levels can point to hypoglycemia, both of which can have significant health implications if not controlled.
HbA1c: Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) is a form of hemoglobin that is chemically linked to sugar (blood glucose). The HbA1c test provides an average of your blood sugar levels over the past two to three months. High levels can be a sign of long-term elevated blood sugar, indicating potential diabetes or poor diabetes management.
HE4: Human Epididymis Protein 4 (HE4) is a biomarker primarily used to evaluate ovarian cancer, especially in postmenopausal women. Elevated HE4 levels can indicate ovarian cancer, but can also be raised in other conditions such as benign gynaecological diseases, necessitating use alongside other diagnostic tools. Regular HE4 monitoring aids early detection and intervention, improving ovarian cancer outcomes.
Iron: Iron is a vital mineral that is required for the production of hemoglobin, a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen from the lungs to the body's tissues. Low iron levels can lead to iron deficiency anemia, causing fatigue and weakness.
Liver function: Bilirubin, Alk Phos, AST, ALT, Gamma GT, Total Protein, Albumin, Globulin: Liver Function Tests (LFTs) assess liver health by measuring specific proteins and enzymes in your blood. They include markers like Bilirubin (related to red blood cell breakdown), enzymes like Alk Phos, AST, ALT, and Gamma GT (released when liver cells are damaged or in biliary disease), and proteins such as Albumin and Globulin (which reflect your body's nutrition and the liver's ability to make proteins). Unusual levels could suggest liver disease or damage, potentially causing symptoms like fatigue, jaundice, and unexplained weight loss.
Lp-PLA2 (PLAC): Lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2 or PLAC) is an enzyme linked to inflammation in the arteries. Elevated levels may indicate an increased risk of atherosclerosis, a condition involving plaque buildup in the arteries that can lead to heart disease and stroke, providing a more specific insight into cardiovascular disease risk compared to traditional cholesterol tests.
MSU (Midstream Specimen of Urine): A Midstream Specimen of Urine (MSU) test analyses a urine sample collected midway through urination. It is commonly used to identify urinary tract infections by detecting bacteria, but can also provide valuable insights into various health conditions. The presence of glucose could indicate diabetes, protein may suggest kidney issues, and red and white blood cells could signify urinary tract infections, kidney disease, bladder issues or blood disorders.
Total Iron Binding Capacity: Total Iron Binding Capacity (TIBC) measures the maximum amount of iron that can be bound by proteins in the blood, mainly by transferrin. High TIBC can indicate iron deficiency anemia, as the body tries to compensate for low iron levels by increasing its capacity to transport iron.
Triglycerides: Triglycerides are a type of fat found in your blood that your body uses for energy. High levels can be caused by various factors, including obesity and diabetes. High levels are associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases, especially when accompanied by high cholesterol levels.
Urea and electrolytes: Sodium, Potassium, Chloride, Bicarbonate, Urea, Creatinine, eGFR: The Urea and Electrolytes test measures the levels of urea, sodium, potassium, chloride, bicarbonate, creatinine, and estimates glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) in the blood. These markers are vital for understanding kidney function, fluid and electrolyte balance, and metabolic status. Abnormal levels can indicate conditions such as kidney disease, dehydration, metabolic disorders, and heart failure.
Vitamin D (25-OH): Vitamin D, specifically 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-OH), is crucial for maintaining bone health by promoting calcium absorption. Deficiency in vitamin D, which can occur in individuals with limited sun exposure or inadequate dietary intake, can result in symptoms such as fatigue, bone pain, and muscle weakness. Ongoing research is exploring the potential role of vitamin D in other areas of health, including immune function and chronic disease prevention.
ESR: The Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR) test measures the rate at which red blood cells sediment in a period of one hour. It is a non-specific marker that can be used to monitor inflammatory or autoimmune conditions. A high ESR can indicate inflammation in the body.
C-reactive Protein (CRP): C-reactive Protein (CRP) is a protein produced by the liver in response to inflammation or infection in the body. Elevated CRP levels can be an early indicator of inflammation or infection, even before symptoms are noticeable. Chronic inflammation, suggested by persistently elevated CRP levels, is linked to various health conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and autoimmune diseases.