Comprehensive Blood Tests
Get detailed insights into your health with our comprehensive blood tests.
What does it all mean?
This is a list of some of the blood tests you might have and a few different explanations of why you might be having them. It’s not exhaustive but gives a big of information.
Liver function tests
Albumin is a liver-produced protein essential for fluid balance and transporting hormones, medications, and nutrients. Alkaline phosphatase
(ALP) is made in the liver and bones; high levels suggest issues with these organs or the gall bladder. Alanine aminotransferase
(ALT) indicates liver damage when elevated, due to conditions like hepatitis or excessive alcohol use. Gamma-glutamyl transferase
(GGT) rises with liver damage from alcohol, viruses, or blocked bile ducts.
Globulins are blood proteins aiding immunity, clotting, and hormone transport; abnormal levels can indicate infections, liver, or kidney issues.
Bilirubin, a byproduct of hemoglobin breakdown, when high, can lead to jaundice and indicate conditions like gallstones or liver disease.
Lipids
Total cholesterol is the combined amount of all cholesterol types in your blood, including
LDL (low-density lipoprotein) and HDL (high-density lipoprotein) cholesterol. LDL, often called "bad" cholesterol, can lead to arterial plaque buildup and increase heart disease and stroke risks. In contrast, HDL, known as "good" cholesterol, helps remove excess cholesterol from the bloodstream, lowering these risks. Triglycerides, another blood fat, provide energy storage but can elevate heart disease risk if levels are high.
Thyroid function test
Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) is a hormone produced by the pituitary gland that regulates thyroid gland function and secretion of thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3) by the thyroid gland. TSH is measured to assess thyroid function and diagnose thyroid disorders such as hypothyroidism (under achieve) and hyperthyroidism (over active).
Full Blood Count (FBC)
Red blood cells (RBCs) are responsible for carrying oxygen throughout the body. The FBC measures the number and size of the RBCs. Low RBC counts may indicate anaemia, while high RBC counts may indicate polycythaemia, a condition in which there are too many red blood cells.
Platelets (PLTs)
Responsible for blood clotting. Low platelet counts may indicate a bleeding disorder, while high platelet counts may indicate a blood clotting disorder.
Eosinophils
Responsible for fighting off parasitic infections and are involved in the body's response to certain allergic reactions. When eosinophil levels are elevated, it may indicate that the body is mounting an immune response to a parasitic infection or an allergic reaction. Eosinophilia be a sign of certain autoimmune or inflammatory disorders.
Lymphocytes
A type of white blood cell that play a critical role in the body's immune system. They recognise and respond to viruses, bacteria, and other pathogens (disease causing organisms). Lymphocytes are measured as part of a full blood count to assess the body's immune system function.
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Kidney function tests
Creatinine - A waste product produced by the muscles and excreted by the kidneys. Its measured to assess kidney function. When the kidneys are functioning appropriately, they filter creatinine from the blood and excrete it in the urine. If kidney function is impaired, creatinine levels may increase.
Sodium - An electrolyte, crucial in the body's fluid balance, nerve and muscle function. Its measured to assesss electrolyte balance and kidney function. Sodium levels are tightly regulated, and abnormal levels can indicate underlying health issues.
Urea - A waste product produced by the liver and excreted by the kidneys. It is measured to assess kidney function. Elevated levels can indicate impaired kidney function.
Stands for "estimated glomerular filtration rate," and can be used as an assessment of kidney function. The eGFR is calculated based on the level of creatinine in the blood, age, gender, and other factors including weight and race
Stands for "hemoglobin A1c," which measures the average level of blood sugar (glucose) over the past two to three months. It’s also used to assess and diagnose diabetes. HbA1c is formed when glucose attaches to haemoglobinThe level of HbA1c is a reflection of the average blood glucose levels over the past two to three months, as red blood cells have a lifespan of approximately 120 days.
An essential a fat-soluble hormone produced by when the skin is exposed to UV sunlight. It can also found in foods and supplements.Vitamin D is important in bone health and helping the body absorb calcium. It also supports immune function. Low levels of vitamin D have also been associated with low testosterone levels in men.
Most people experience minimal discomfort during a blood test. The needle prick may cause a brief stinging sensation, but it is generally well-tolerated. If you have a fear of needles or experience significant anxiety, let your healthcare provider know so they can help make the process more comfortable for you.
A mineral involved in many physiological processes, including immune function, wound healing, and the metabolism of protein and carbohydrates.
A B vitamin and acts as a coenzyme responsible for the metabolism of amino acids as well as purines and pyrimidines, responsible for DNA synthesis and cell growth.
A protein that stores iron in the body and is found in almost all living organisms. It is found primarily in the liver.Ferritin is used as a marker of iron stores in the body, because it reflects the amount of iron that is stored in the liver and other tissues.
Sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) is a protein thats made in the liver. It’s involved in regulating the levels of available sex hormones in the blood, particularly testosterone and oestrogen. SHBG binds to these hormones and transports them throughout the body, controlling their bioavailability and subsequent biological activity. The levels of SHBG in the bloodstream are influenced by various factors, such as age, sex, body fat and certain medical conditions, including obesity and liver disease.
When SHBG binds to testosterone, it forms a complex that cannot freely diffuse into cells, reducing the amount of biologically active testosterone available. Approximately 68% of testosterone is bound to SHBG with high affinity and about 20–30% is weakly bound to albumin. Only the remaining 1-2% is free or unbound.
Free testosterone refers to the bioavailable or active portion of testosterone that is not bound to sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) or albumin in the bloodstream. It can freely diffuse into cells and bind to androgen receptors.
Luetenising hormone is released from the pituitary in the brain to stimulate the testes to produce testosterone.
Follicle stimulating hormone is a hormone produced by the pituitary gland that plays an important role in the development and maturation of sperm in men. In men, FSH stimulates the Sertoli cells in the testes to support the growth and development of sperm.
In men, oestradiol plays an important role in the regulation of bone density, mood, and sexual function. Men produce oestrogen in the Leydig cells and germ cells in the testes. It’s also created from the breakdown of testosterone by the enzyme, aromatase.
Cortisol is a hormone produced by the adrenal glands in response to stress. It plays a vital role in the body's stress response and helps regulate a variety of physiological functions, including blood sugar levels, blood pressure, and immune function.
FAQs
Find answers to commonly asked questions about blood tests and their procedures.
Blood tests are laboratory tests that analyze a sample of blood to provide information about a person's health. They can help diagnose medical conditions, monitor treatment effectiveness, and screen for certain diseases.
Blood tests are important because they can detect and diagnose various health conditions, such as infections, anemia, diabetes, liver disease, kidney disease, and hormonal imbalances. They also help healthcare professionals monitor the effectiveness of treatments and medications.
During a blood test, a healthcare professional will typically clean the area where the blood will be drawn, usually the arm. They will then insert a needle into a vein and collect a small sample of blood. The sample is then sent to a laboratory for analysis.
Most people experience minimal discomfort during a blood test. The needle prick may cause a brief stinging sensation, but it is generally well-tolerated. If you have a fear of needles or experience significant anxiety, let your healthcare provider know so they can help make the process more comfortable for you.
The time it takes to receive blood test results can vary depending on the specific tests being performed and the laboratory's workload. In general, most routine blood test results are available within a few days. Your healthcare provider will inform you of the expected turnaround time.
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