Test Descriptions
Male Hormone Profile
Testosterone
Testosterone is an anabolic hormone responsible for bone and muscle strength, as well as mood, energy and sexual function.
Free Testosterone
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
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.
FSH
Levels of FSH in men rise with age, but can also indicate testicular damage and reduced sperm production. Low levels of FSH are detected when men are not producing sperm.
LH
LH triggers testosterone and sperm production. Elevated LH may indicate low testosterone and is important for assessing hypogonadism.
Oestradiol
In men, oestradiol also known as oestrogen, is essential for maintaining bone health, regulating cholesterol levels, and supporting healthy brain function.
Full Blood Count with Differential
Red Blood Cell Count
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.
Haemoglobin
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.
Haematocrit
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
MCV gauges average red blood cell size. High MCV suggests B12 or folate-deficiency anemia; low MCV indicates possible iron deficiency anemia.
MCH
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
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
RDW measures red blood cell size variation. High RDW could signify conditions like anemia, liver disease, or B12 or folate deficiency.
WHITE BLOOD CELL COUNT
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.
EOSINOPHILS
A white blood cell type that rises due to allergies, skin inflammation, parasitic infections, or certain infections and bone marrow cancers.
Monocytes
A white blood cell that rises with infection, inflammation, or some leukemias, and drops in bone marrow issues or certain leukemias.
Lymphocytes
A white blood cell that rises due to infections, cancer, radiation, or acute illness, and lowers with aging, steroids, stress, lupus, or HIV.
Neutrophils
A white blood cell that rises with bacterial infections, inflammation, steroids, or rarely, leukemia, and drops in severe infections or other conditions.
Platelets Count
Responsible for blood clotting and healing. A high count can indicate a risk of thrombosis, whilst a low count can lead to easy bruising.
LIPID PROFILE
Total Cholesterol
Total cholesterol combines HDL and LDL levels. It's essential for cell membranes, hormone production, and vitamin D metabolism.
LDL
LDL, known as "bad" cholesterol, can lead to plaque buildup in arteries, raising heart disease risk.
HDL
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
Triglycerides store fatty acids and provide energy. High levels are linked to heart disease, obesity, type 2 diabetes, and metabolic syndrome.
Non-HDL Cholesterol
Non-HDL cholesterol is considered an effective lipid measurement for assessing cardiovascular disease risk as it is believed to reflect levels of 'bad' cholesterol.
METABOLIC
Fasting Glucose
A glucose test is used to diagnose and manage diabetes, as well as to detect low or high blood sugar levels.
BONE HEALTH
Vitamin D
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
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.
Calcium (Corrected)
Corrected calcium adjusts for albumin levels, giving a more accurate picture of the body's active calcium status.
Phosphate
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
Magnesium and calcium work together closely to maintain strong bones, and magnesium deficiency has been associated with an increased risk of osteoporosis.
LIVER FUNCTION
Bilirubin
Bilirubin tests are use to screen for or to detect and monitor liver disorders or haemolytic anaemia.
ALP
Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) is an enzyme located mainly in the liver and the bones. High levels can indicate liver disease.
AST
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.
ALT
Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) is an enzyme mainly produced by the liver. A good indicator of liver damage caused by alcohol, drugs or hepatitis.
GGT
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
Albumin is a protein that maintains fluid balance and carries nutrients. Low levels may signal malnutrition or health issues.
Total Protein
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.
KIDNEY FUNCTION
Sodium
Sodium is important for maintaining fluid balance in the body and for proper nerve and muscle function.
Potassium
Potassium is important for nerve and muscle function, including regulating heart rhythm, and is also involved in fluid balance.
Chloride
Chloride is important for maintaining fluid balance and for the proper functioning of the digestive system.
Bicarbonate
High levels indicate pH imbalance due to carbon dioxide or electrolyte issues, seen in severe vomiting or lung problems. Low levels occur in chronic diarrhea, diabetic ketoacidosis, and kidney failure.
Urea
A high concentration of this waste product can indicate dehydration or that your kidneys aren’t working properly.
Creatinine
A waste molecule generated from muscle metabolism, and an accurate marker of kidney function.
eGFR
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.
INFLAMMATION
Creatine Kinase
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.
High Sensitivity CRP
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.
IRON STORES
Ferritin
Ferritin measures iron stores. Low levels suggest iron deficiency, leading to anemia and fatigue.