Premier Health Profile
You Complete Health MOT
We have partnered with London Medical Laboratory to provide this Premier Health Profile blood test. The price of this in-pharmacy test will be provided on request during the booking process.
Introduction
The Premier Health Profile is a comprehensive health MOT. In addition to a full blood count (FBC), this test will look at your iron levels, cholesterol profile, bone health, liver and kidney function, and blood sugars (HbA1c).
The Premier Health Profile is designed to help you take a proactive approach to the management of your health and can identify underlying health conditions or monitor any pre-existing conditions.
How The Premier Health Profile Test Works
A blood test is a simple way to check whether you are experiencing any underlying health issues and monitor existing health conditions. Whether you have some concerns about your health, are working to manage a pre-existing condition, or you’re just curious about what your results may show, a blood test is an easy, affordable and fast way to take control of your health.
To guarantee the process is as stress-free, simple and convenient as possible, we provide in-pharmacy testing with one of our qualified health professionals.
Your results will be delivered the day after your blood sample is received and tested by the laboratory, which operates 24/7. Fast testing allows our in-house GPs to efficiently review and share your results with you in a short timeframe.
Please note that the Premier Health Profile should not be viewed as a substitute for visiting your doctor, especially if you are experiencing symptoms you are concerned about. When you receive your results, you should not self-diagnose or begin a treatment plan without consulting first with your doctor or another trained healthcare professional.
What Biomarkers Does The Premier Health Profile Test?
CHOLESTEROL (6 BIOMARKERS)
If your cholesterol levels are high, you are at an increased risk of experiencing blocked arteries, which can lead to the development of coronary heart disease, stroke, or heart attack. Understanding your cholesterol profile can enable you to make the right dietary and lifestyle changes, which could help you lead a longer, healthier life.
1. Total Cholesterol
Total cholesterol measures the total levels of cholesterol in your blood, including high-density and low-density lipoproteins. Cholesterol is used by the body in several ways, particularly for reproduction, growth and development.
2. High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL)
HDL is what is often referred to as ‘good’ cholesterol as it works to remove the ‘bad’ cholesterol from the arteries of the heart.
3. Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL)
Conversely, LDL is often referred to as ‘bad’ cholesterol because this is the type of cholesterol that can build up in the arteries and cause blockages.
4. Total Cholesterol: HDL Ratio
This biomarker illustrates how much of the cholesterol in your body is ‘good’. Understanding this ratio can help you to understand how likely it is that you will develop heart disease or other heart related issues.
5. Non-HDL Cholesterol
This biomarker looks at the total level of cholesterol without HDL. This test is often used to look at your overall lipid profile when estimating your personal risk of experiencing heart disease.
6. Triglyceride
Triglyceride is a form of fat that can be derived from a number of foods including oil and butter. The body stores triglyceride in tissues and this test is also used when analysing your chances of developing heart disease.
DIABETES (1 BIOMARKER)
Undiagnosed or unmanaged diabetes is a leading cause of mortality globally, but a simple blood test can help you to monitor your blood sugar levels and make key lifestyle changes.
1. Haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c)
The HbA1c test is able to measure your average blood sugar levels over the previous 8 to 12 weeks and can help to both diagnose and monitor diabetes. Glucose binds to haemoglobin in red blood cells and this test measures how much glucose is present. If you have a diagnosis of diabetes, regularly testing your HbA1c will allow you to keep your condition in check.
GOUT (1 BIOMARKER)
Gout is a complex but very common form of arthritis and can affect anyone who has high uric acid levels. Gout is an extremely manageable condition and with the right treatment, it is possible to prevent its recurrence.
1. Urate (Uric Acid)
Uric acid is produced when purines, which come from substances like DNA and from the process of digesting certain foods and alcoholic drinks, start to break down. Uric acid is removed from the body by the kidneys and is excreted in stools and urine. Uric acid tests can be used to diagnose gout and identify the cause of recurrent kidney stones.
IRON STUDIES (5 BIOMARKERS)
Iron deficiency is a common health issue, which can cause a range of different symptoms including shortness of breath, chest pains and fatigue. Iron studies are used to reveal the amount of iron that is present in the blood and tissues.
1. Iron
Iron is an important ingredient in the formation of healthy red blood cells, which are responsible for transporting oxygen around the body and contributing to healthy bone marrow, muscles and organ function. This test shows the total amount of iron present in your blood. High levels of iron can indicate problems with the liver, whereas low levels can be indicative of anaemia.
2. Total Iron Binding Concentration (TIBC)
TIBC measures the maximum levels of iron that the blood can transport around the body, which can help to determine your iron status and absorption capabilities. This biomarker can also be used to diagnose conditions resulting from both high and low levels of iron. Please note that your TIBC levels will be impaired by any existing liver disease.
3. Transferrin
Transferrin is a glycoprotein produced in the liver that is used in the transportation of iron in the blood. This biomarker also helps in determining your iron status and can be used to support a diagnosis of conditions like anaemia.
4. Unsaturated Iron Binding Concentration (UIBC)
This biomarker looks at the amount of transferrin reserved for the transportation of iron around the body. The UIBC test is particularly useful when monitoring treatments being administered for conditions relating to iron toxicity.
5. Creatine Kinase
This enzyme can be found in the heart, skeletal muscles and brain tissue. This test is valuable when diagnosing and monitoring injuries to the muscles, as well as muscle-related diseases including muscular dystrophy.
KIDNEY FUNCTION (5 BIOMARKERS)
The kidneys play a central role in ensuring your body is functioning properly, particularly with regard to removing waste products, regulating blood pressure, controlling the healthy production of red blood cells, and releasing hormones. Healthy kidney function is essential to your overall health and wellbeing.
1. Urea
Urea is a waste product that comes from amino acids in the body’s proteins. Healthy kidneys adeptly filter urea from the bloodstream, for it to be excreted in urine. This test can be used to determine how well your kidneys are functioning to determine whether you may be experiencing liver or kidney disease.
2. Creatinine
When your muscles contract, they produce a waste product called creatinine. The kidneys are also responsible for filtering this out of your bloodstream to be excreted via urine. This test can also help to determine whether your kidneys are functioning normally.
3. Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR)
The GFR test measures glomeruli, which are the filters your kidneys use to remove waste products from your blood. Again, this biomarker can be used to determine the overall health of your kidneys.
4. Calcium
In addition to being found in bones, this important mineral also circulates in the blood where it performs a number of roles including supporting normal blood clotting. In the blood, calcium can be either active and free, or it can be bound to certain proteins such as albumin. This biomarker can be used to monitor and diagnose a number of conditions of the kidneys, heart and bones.
5. Adjusted Calcium
Also sometimes referred to as corrected calcium, this biomarker measures the amount of albumin in order to understand how much free calcium is in your blood. Free calcium is used by the body in a number of different ways, including supporting healthy heart function, muscle contraction, building strong teeth and bones, and supporting normal nerve signalling.
LIVER FUNCTION (8 BIOMARKERS)
The liver performs a number of key functions, including fighting infection, regulating your blood sugar, and detoxifying the blood.
1. Albumin
The protein albumin is produced by the liver and it is responsible for retaining fluids within the bloodstream and helping to transport vital vitamins and hormones around the body. This test can be used to diagnose and monitor a range of diseases affecting the kidneys and liver.
2. Globulin
Another protein produced by the liver is globulin, which plays a vital role in fighting infection, healthy blood clotting, and maintaining healthy liver function. This biomarker can be used to diagnose a variety of conditions including kidney disease, liver disease and autoimmune conditions.
3. Total Protein
This test looks at the total amount of globulin and albumin in your blood serum, which can help to support the diagnosis of health issues affecting your kidneys, liver and immune system.
4. Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP)
This enzyme is predominantly found in the bones and liver. Measuring ALP, alongside several other biomarkers, can be used to identify bone and liver disease.
5. Alanine Transaminase (ALT)
Another enzyme found mainly in the liver, ALT is released following an injury to skeletal muscles, the kidneys, the liver or the heart. This test is often specifically used to support the diagnosis of liver disease.
6. Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST)
AST is another liver-produced enzyme, which is also released into the bloodstream following an injury to the heart, liver, kidneys or skeletal muscles. Much like ALP and ALT, the AST test can also be used to support a range of diagnoses affecting the liver.
7. Gamma Glutamyl Transferase (GGT)
Present in the spleen, kidneys, gallbladder, pancreas and liver, GGT is an enzyme that is used by the liver to metabolise toxins and drugs. As well as being used to identify liver disease, the GGT test can also indicate bile duct injury.
8. Total Bilirubin
Bilirubin is present in bile, where it is used to support the digestion of food. Bilirubin is also produced when old red blood cells break down and can therefore be used to diagnose or monitor conditions including anaemia and liver disease.
FAQs
1. How will my Premier Health Profile results be explained to me?
Our experienced team of doctors will analyse your results and provide you with a general assessment of your overall health. Any abnormal biomarker results will be looked at in more depth and our doctors will provide you with recommendations on things you may need to discuss with your GP.
2. What illnesses will not be revealed with the Premier Health Profile?
There are a number of health issues, illnesses and diseases that cannot be diagnosed solely via blood testing. These include neurological diseases, including dementia, stroke, motor neurone disease, and multiple sclerosis. With blood cancer as the exception, blood tests are also unable to detect the presence of cancer directly. However, blood tests can identify abnormal biomarkers, which could encourage additional investigations into potential cancer risks.
3. How often should I have a Premier Health Profile blood test?
The frequency with which you have a Premier Health Profile test depends on a number of different factors. Generally, this test is most suitable for people who are feeling generally unwell with vague or non-specific symptoms, but please note that you should always visit your doctor with any health concerns. The Premier Health Profile is also well-suited to people who are feeling generally well, but would like to check their overall health for peace of mind.
