Ultimate

White blood cells protect the body against infections. The main types of white blood cells are neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils and basophils. Each has a distinct role to play in protecting the body.

White blood cells protect the body against infections. The main types of white blood cells are neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils and basophils. Each has a distinct role to play in protecting the body.

Haematocrit (HCT) measures the volume of space in blood which is made up of red blood cells. Haematocrit is routinely measured as part of a full blood count and is often used to check for anaemia.

The primary function of haemoglobin is to carry oxygen to cells throughout the body and return carbon dioxide back to the lungs. Improving your haemoglobin can help to improve your organ and tissue functions and increase your overall energy levels.

Iron is essential for the production of haemoglobin within red blood cells. Low iron levels can lead to iron deficiency anaemia and feelings of fatigue.

White blood cells protect the body against infections. The main types of white blood cells are neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils and basophils. Each has a distinct role to play in protecting the body.

Mean cell haemoglobin (MCH) measures the amount of haemoglobin inside the red blood cells.

Mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC) measures the concentration of haemoglobin inside the red blood cells. MCHC, MCV and MCH all help to identify different forms of anaemia which can cause fatigue.

Mean corpuscular volume (MCV) is a measurement of the average size of red blood cells. It can be used to identify the cause of anaemia.

Mean platelet volume (MPV) is a measurement of the average size of blood platelets which play an important role in the blood clotting process. 

White blood cells protect the body against infections. The main types of white blood cells are neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils and basophils. Each has a distinct role to play in protecting the body.

White blood cells protect the body against infections. The main types of white blood cells are neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils and basophils. Each has a distinct role to play in protecting the body.

Platelets defend the body against bleeding by helping to form blood clots at the site of wounds. The platelet count is the number of platelets in a given volume of blood.

RBC distribution width (RDW) measures the variation in the size of red blood cells. Normal red blood cells are usually of a similar size. Some forms of anaemia can cause a variation in red blood cell size leading to an increase in RDW.

The red blood cell (RBC) test is a measure of the number of red cells in the blood. Red blood cells transport oxygen from the lungs to cells throughout the body. If your RBC is low your body is unlikely to be getting the oxygen it needs and which could be caused by nutritional deficiencies. 

Total iron binding capacity (TIBC) or transferrin test is typically used alongside iron and ferritin tests to measure the amount of iron in the body. It is important to maintain normal levels to prevent fatigue.

Transferrin saturation is a calculation derived from the measurement of iron and TIBC. It is used to provide a more useful evaluation of iron status than is possible using iron or TIBC alone.

White blood cells are an important part of the body's immune system and help fight infection. WBC is a count of the actual number of white blood cells per volume of blood. Low levels can indicate a weakness in your immune system. 

HDL (high-density lipoprotein) is known as 'good cholesterol' as it picks up excess cholesterol in your blood and transports it to your liver for removal. The higher your levels of HDL the lower the risk of developing heart disease.

This is a measurement of the % of HDL a a proportion of total cholesterol.

High sensitivity c-reactive protein (hs-CRP) is a measure of the general level of inflammation within the body. CRP is a known risk factor for heart disease.  High levels can also indicate that you body is fighting a bacterial infection.

LDL (low-density lipoprotein) carries cholesterol from your liver to tissues and organs around your body. If you body has more cholesterol than it needs, it can build up on the artery walls. LDL is therefore known as 'bad cholesterol'.

Total cholesterol can be used to assess the risk of cardiovascular disease. Measurement is calculated using different cholesterol components known as HDL, LDL and triglycerides.

Triglyceride is the body's main form of fat. It is important for maintaining energy and provides the fuel for muscles to work. High levels can increase your risk of heart disease.

Creatinine is a waste product which is produced by the muscle during the breakdown of creatine. As it is removed from the body by the kidney's, a creatinine test is a good indication of how well the kidneys are functioning.

eGFR is a calculation based on your creatinine levels and is used to evaluate how well your kidneys are working.

Urea is a waste product which is produced by the liver when protein is metabolised, and is removed by the kidneys. Together with creatinine, a urea test is used to evaluate kidney function.

Uric acid also known as urate is produced when the body breaks down certain foods and during the natural breakdown of cells. High levels of uric acid can cause gout kidney stones.

Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) is an enzyme found mainly in the liver although it is also present in small amounts in the kidneys, heart, muscles and pancreas.

ALB (Albumin) is a protein which is made in the liver. It has many roles including the transporting of key molecules such as testosterone and calcium throughout the blood. The amount of albumin in the blood is directly associated with liver function and nutritional health.  It is also used as a marker in the assessment of bone health.

Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) is an enzyme found in high levels in the bone and liver. It is a routine test performed as part of series of liver function tests to see how well your liver is functioning or to check the health of your bones. 

Bilirubin is made in the body when old red blood cells are broken down. High levels are associated with jaundice.

Gamma GT (GGT) is an enzyme, which is predominantly found in the liver. GGT helps to transfer amino acids across the cell membrane, and plays an important role in helping the liver metabolise toxins.

Globulin is a group of proteins that is made by the liver and the immune system. Certain globulins bind with haemoglobin while others transport metals, such as iron, in the blood and help fight infection.

Total protein is essentially a measurement of the two types of proteins within the blood plasma; albumin and globulin. Protein is important to the growth and development of cells and tissues.

Cortisol is a steroid hormone which is produced by the adrenal gland. It helps the body to use sugar and fat which can be converted for energy. It also has an important role to play in stress management as well as reducing inflammation. The level of cortisol in the bloodstream changes throughout the day being highest in the morning and lowest last thing at night. The timing of the test sample is therefore very important.

HbA1c provides an average reading of your blood sugar levels over a period of 2-3 months.  It is therefore a better indicator of pre-diabetes than a fasting glucose test which measures the level of glucose in your blood at a single point in time. High levels puts you more at risk of gaining weight, high blood pressure, heart disease and diabetes.

Sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) is a protein produced by the liver and is present in both men and women. SHBG attaches itself to testosterone and controls how much of it is available to your body tissue. A SHGB test is useful in assessing how much testosterone is in the blood.

Testosterone plays an important role throughout the body, affecting the brain, bone and muscle mass, fat distribution, the vascular system, energy levels, sexual functioning and fertility. Testosterone in men is particularly beneficial in sports which require strength or power and can also help to support bone health and energy levels. Testosterone levels in men will naturally decline with age. High levels in women is associated with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. 

The role of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) is to regulate the production of hormones (thyroxine and triiodothyronine) by the thyroid gland. Thyroid hormones help to control the rate at which your body converts food into energy.  Thyroid imbalance can lead to problems with weight, energy and mood. 

Thyroxine (T4) is one of the main thyroid hormones (the other being triiodothyronine) which is released into the bloodstream by the thyroid gland. Thyroid hormones have a role to play in a wide range of the body's functions including the maintenance of healthy bones, muscle control as well as brain development, heart and digestive functions. A thyroxine test is used to check that the thyroid is functioning properly. Problems with thyroid function are more common in women. 

Triiodothyronine (T3) is the active form of Thyroxine (T4). Thyroid hormones play an important role in many of the body's functions including helping to regulate the body's metabolism and muscle control.

Creatine Kinase (CK) is an enzyme found mainly in the brain, skeletal muscles and heart. It has an important role to play in energy production and muscle contraction. A creatine kinase test is useful in detecting muscle inflammation.

Vitamin B12 together with folate are both part of the B group of complex vitamins. They are not produced by the body so have to be absorbed through diet. B12 is required for the formation of red blood cells and also has a role to play in nerve health.  

Bicarbonate is an electrolyte which helps to keep the acid-base (pH) status of the body in balance. Bicarbonate is tested alongside other electrolytes to provide information on the acid base status of the body.

Calcium is the most abundant mineral in the body and is mainly stored in the bones and teeth, keeping them strong and healthy.

Chloride, along with sodium, potassium and calcium helps to regulate body fluid. It also helps to control blood pressure and prevents the build up of excessive fats.

Calcium is the most abundant mineral in the body and is mainly stored in the bones and teeth, keeping them strong and healthy.

Ferritin is a protein in the body which contains iron and is the main form by which iron is stored in the body. The amount of ferritin which is found in the blood reflects the amount of total iron stored within your body.

Folate is supplied to the body through diet. It is required for the production of healthy red blood cells and the repair of tissues.

Iron is essential for the production of haemoglobin within red blood cells. Low iron levels can lead to iron deficiency anaemia and feelings of fatigue.

Magnesium is critical for many processes in the body and plays a key role in the maintenance of strong bones, blood pressure regulation, muscle contraction and energy production.

Omega 6 and omega 3 are essential fatty acids and are important components of cell membranes. They can't be made by the body so must be taken in through diet. A ratio of 3:1 is recommended, however Western diets can lead to ratios of 20:1 and beyond. High levels can lead to chronic health conditions such as cardiovascular disease and inflammatory diseases.

Sodium is an electrolyte and has an important role to play in regulating body fluid. It is also vital to nerve function as it stimulates muscle contraction.

Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin which is stored in the body. It is required for healthy vision, skin growth and bone formation. It also helps the immune system fight infections.

Vitamin D helps to regulate calcium and phosphate in the body which is essential for the development of healthy bones. It therefore plays an essential role in preserving bone health but has also been linked to many other aspects of health including our immune system, muscle function, energy levels and the reduction of inflammation. Unfortunately, due to the UK weather, many people have low levels particularly during the winter months. 

Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin. It is an important vitamin required for the proper functioning of many organs in the body. It also acts as an antioxidant which means it helps to slow down processes that can damage cells.