Blood 360º

Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH blood test)

TSH is a hormone that is produced by the pituitary gland, located at the base of your brain. Its primary function is to help control the production of thyroid hormones which regulate your metabolism, heart, muscles, brain development, and bone maintenance.

Free triiodothronine (FT3 blood test) (FT3)

Triiodothyronine (T3) is a thyroid hormone that is produced by the thyroid gland which helps maintain muscle control, brain function and development, heart, and digestive functions. It also plays an important role in the body’s metabolic rate as well as the maintenance of bone health. The T3 that doesn't bind to protein is called free T3 and circulates freely in your blood. Knowing your T3 levels will inform you of your overall thyroid health.

Free thyroxine (FT4 blood test)

Thyroxine (T4) is the main hormone produced by the thyroid gland. This hormone plays a role in different body functions, including growth and metabolism. Some of your T4 exists as FT4, which means that it is not bonded to protein in your blood, whilst T4 attaches to proteins. Knowing your T4 levels will help you understand your thyroid levels.

Ferritin

Ferritin is a protein that stores iron, releasing it when your body needs it. Ferritin usually is found in your body’s cells, with very little circulating in your blood. The greatest concentration of ferritin is found in the liver cells and the immune system. Ferritin is stored in the body’s cells until it is needed by the body to produce more red blood cells.

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Transferrin

Transferrin is a protein produced by the liver. It is considered as the major vehicle for iron delivery to cells and is present in the circulating plasma and extravascular fluid. Transferrin transports iron through the blood to various tissues such as liver, spleen, and bone marrow. It also regulates the absorption of iron into the blood. ‍

Total Iron-binding capacity (TIBC)‍

A TIBC is a blood test that measures the quantity of iron present in your bloodstream. Iron is a mineral found in all the body’s cells and it is also present in numerous foods.

Unsaturated Iron-binding capacity (UIBC)

An UIBC is a blood test that is often done to check either iron deficiency or iron overload. Briefly, this test helps determine the ability of transferrin to transport iron in the blood. It does so by measuring the amount of transferrin that does not already have iron attached to it.

Albumin

Albu min is a protein made by your liver which helps keep fluid in your bloodstream rather than leaking into body tissues and causing swelling. It also helps transport vitamins, hormones, and enzymes to different parts of the body.

Globulins

Globulins are a group of proteins in your blood that are produced in the liver by your immune system. Globulins are important for a healthy liver, blood clotting and fighting infections. Low globulins can be a sign of immunodeficiency.

Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP)

ALP is an enzyme mainly found in the liver and to a lesser extent in bone, intestines, kidneys, and white blood cells. Its main function in the body is the breakdown of proteins. It can get raised with liver dysfunction, fractures and other conditions.

Alanine Transaminase (ALT)

ALT is an enzyme made by liver cells. It helps the liver to break down proteins and make them easier to absorb in the body. ALT also plays a key role in metabolism, the process by which food is turned into energy. Raised ALT can happen in hepatitis.

Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST)

AST is an enzyme found in different parts of your body, such as the liver, muscle, heart, kidney, brain, and red blood cells. Like other enzymes, AST helps trigger chemical reactions that your body needs to function properly. Raised AST can be a sign of liver problems.

Gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT)

GGT is an enzyme mainly found in the liver. It helps transport and move molecules around the body and supports the liver to metabolise drugs and other toxins. Raised GGT can be an indication of liver problems including excess alcohol intake.

Total Bilirubin

Bilirubin is an orange-yellow pigment that is generated as a waste product of the regular destruction of red blood cells which occurs in the liver. This molecule is typically released as bile. When total bilirubin rises, it causes jaundice.

Potassium

Potassium is a mineral found naturally in different foods e.g., bananas. It acts as an electrolyte which is important for your nerves, it also helps transport nutrients in the body and maintaining proper fluid balance. Imbalanced potassium can cause a lot of problems for your health.

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Sodium

Sodium is an electrolyte found naturally in different foods. It plays a vital role in nerve and muscle function and helps your body maintain normal fluid balance, so you don’t end up dehydrated or with swellings. ‍

Chloride‍

Chloride is another important electrolyte. When it combines with sodium it makes table salt (sodium chloride). It is needed to keep a correct balance of body fluids, and it is an essential part of the digestive fluid formed within the stomach lining which ensures effective digestion.

Bicarbonate‍

Bicarbonate is the major form of carbon dioxide in the blood. The kidneys are tight regulators of bicarbonate in the body, excreting it or reabsorbing it in response to acid-base imbalances.

Urea‍

Urea is a waste by-product of protein metabolism. Urea is filtered through the kidneys and excreted in urine. It plays a significant role in the kidney, promoting the reabsorption of water and important molecules from urine. Raised urea can be a sign of kidney dysfunction.

Creatinine‍

Creatinine is a waste product from the metabolism of creatine, an amino acid. It is produced in the muscle when creatine is broken down to generate energy, and it is then filtered through the kidneys. Therefore, its rate of excretion from the bloodstream is directly related to how well your kidneys function i.e. raised creatinine can indicate kidney problems. But raised creatinine can indicate increased muscle size.

Uric acid‍

Uric acid is a waste by-product. It is produced when your body breaks down purines, which are chemical compounds in foods known to cause gout. Purine rich foods include red meats, liver and fish. High uric acid levels can indicate gout. When in smaller amount, uric acid functions as an antioxidant.

HDL aka ‘good’ cholesterol as it removes other types of cholesterol from the blood vessels and transports them back to the liver. High levels of HDL are associated with a lower risk of developing cardiovascular complications i.e., lower risk of heart attack or stroke.
Biomarkers Tested: Total cholesterol, High-density lipoprotein (HDL), Total cholesterol:HDL ratio, HDL percentage

LDL aka the 'bad' cholesterol. High levels of LDL cholesterol can build up in your arteries, causing heart disease.
Biomarkers Tested: Total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), non-HDL cholesterol

Triglycerides are a type of fat found in the blood. These are the most common type of fat in the body. Triglycerides are needed for metabolic health but in excess amounts, they may be harmful and may increase the risk of heart disease.

This molecule is produced when glucose binds to haemoglobin found in blood cells. It is used to see long-term glucose (sugar) balance in your body. It can diagnose prediabetes and diabetes. If you have diabetes, it HbA1c can show how well your diabetes is controlled. Biomarker tested: HbA1c (Glycated Haemaglobin)

Glucose is the main type of sugar in the blood. When your glucose levels are optimal, it often goes unnoticed. High levels in the blood can indicate diabetes.

Red blood cells are the main component of your blood. Red blood cells contain a protein called haemoglobin, which carries oxygen from the lungs to all parts of the body.

MCV is the average size of red blood cells. A smaller size may be a sign of iron deficiency, while larger sizes indicate vitamin B12 or folate deficiencies.

MCH is the average amount of haemoglobin i n a single red blood cell. A low number may be a sign of iron deficiency, while a high number indicates vitamin B12 or folate deficiency.

MCHC refers to the average concentration of haemoglobin in red blood cells. A low number may be a sign of iron deficiency, while a high number often indicates sickle cell disease or hereditary spherocytosis.

RDW is a measurement of the variation of red blood cell sizes. A low number typically is not a cause of concern. A high number often indicates iron deficiency, vitamin B12 or folate deficiency, or a recent blood loss.

MPV is the average size of platelets. Newer platelets tend to be larger than older ones. A low number may indicate aplastic anemia or thrombocytopenia. A high number is often an indication of certain inherited disorders.

Platelets help stop bleeding by promoting blood clotting. A low platelet count may indicate conditions such as bone marrow failure, viral infections, lupus, pernicious anemia (due to vitamin B12 deficiency), or affects of certain medications. A high platelet count may indicate leukaemia, inflammatory conditions, or myeloproliferative disorders (a disease that causes an abnormal growth of blood cells in the bone marrow).

White blood cells (WBCs) help the body fight off infections from bacteria, viruses, and fungi. There are different types of WBCs, each with its own function. These include: ‍

Neutrophils - act as your body's first line of defence to fight off infections. ‍

Lymphocytes - help produce antibodies, which recognise and fight foreign invaders. They include B-cells, T-cells, and natural killer cells. ‍

Monocytes - move out of the circulating blood into tissues where they mature into macrophages (cells that destroy bacteria and other harmful organisms). ‍

Eosinophils - help fight against parasites, cancer cells, and allergens. A low number is not a concern, while a high number may be a sign of parasitic infections. ‍

Basophils - stimulate the release of chemicals to aid in the body’s immune response. A low number is not a concern, while a high number may be a sign of an active allergic reaction.

C-reactive protein (CRP) is a protein produced by the liver in response to inflammation. A high level of CRP in the blood is a marker of inflammation that can be caused by a wide variety of conditions, from infections to chronic conditions. For women taking birth control pills, CRP may be elevated. A hs-CRP test is more sensitive than a standard test and can also be used to evaluate your risk of developing coronary artery disease (narrowing of your arteries).