What is being tested?

Blood cells (one biomarker)

A full blood count (FBC) allows for the most comprehensive assessment of your overall health by evaluating both red and white blood cells as well as platelets. Specific disorders that could be identified by a full blood count include leukaemia, anaemia and various infections, among many others. This kind of blood test cannot be performed through a finger prick, and does require you to make an appointment in-store.

Full blood count

To identify specific issues through a full blood count, the test looks at different types of blood cell. There are red blood cells that transport oxygen throughout the body with the help of haemoglobin, white blood cells that help the immune system defend against potential threats, including viruses and bacteria, and platelets that help the blood clot when you are bleeding after an injury. Testing all different cells allows the FBC to identify a wider range of conditions, such as anaemia.

Cholesterol (six biomarkers)

When your cholesterol levels become too high, it can cause an increased risk of heart attacks, coronary heart disease, or strokes. This is because of how it impedes the flow of blood through the arteries. If you know you have an unhealthy level of cholesterol, you can adapt your lifestyle to try and lower it again. Improving your diet and exercising more may reduce your cholesterol and therefore the risk of cardiovascular issues.

Total cholesterol

Cholesterol does have important biological purposes, such as ensuring your hormones allow you to grow, develop and reproduce. There are different types of cholesterol, including high density lipoprotein and low density lipoprotein. Total cholesterol measures the combined amount in your blood to estimate your cardiovascular risk, to give an indication of whether you have an increased likelihood of developing heart disease.

High density lipoprotein

Sometimes described as “good cholesterol”, high density lipoprotein (HDL) can help clear cholesterol from the blood vessels. Knowing your specific HDL levels can help estimate your cardiac risk for conditions such as heart disease.

Low density lipoprotein

This is what is known as “bad cholesterol”. Low density lipoprotein (LDL) is what accumulates in the arteries and may block blood flow. Your risk of heart disease is also impacted by your LDL levels.

Total cholesterol: HDL ratio

We use your total cholesterol: HDL ratio to calculate what share of your total cholesterol is the good HDL kind, that can help clear the arteries. As with other types of cholesterol testing, this can then be used to assess whether heart disease is a particular risk for you.

Non-HDL cholesterol

This measures all types of cholesterol in your blood other than HDL. This allows a calculation of your risk of developing heart disease based on lipid profiles.

Triglycerides

Triglycerides are another way to use lipid profiles to assess heart disease risk. Found in fatty foods such as oil and butter, triglycerides are stored in various tissues of the body as fat.

Diabetes (one biomarker)

Diabetes that is undiagnosed or poorly managed is a significant contributor to mortality rates. To identify a potential risk of developing diabetes, to diagnose existing diabetes or to monitor ongoing diabetes and its impact on your health, we measure your haemoglobin A1C (HbA1c) levels.

Haemoglobin A1C

We diagnose and monitor diabetes through calculating your average blood glucose level over a two or three month period. Glucose, a type of sugar, attaches to the haemoglobin found in your red blood cells. The haemoglobin ALC (HbA1c) test measures the amount of this glucose and how much of it is used.

Gout (one biomarker)

Anyone can develop gout, which is a relatively common type of arthritis. It is a complex condition despite its frequency. To ensure effective treatment and avoid the recurrence of symptoms, it needs to be diagnosed promptly. The cause of gout is excess levels of uric acid.

Urate

Uric acid, which in some forms is known as urate, is produced through the breakdown of compounds called purines. Purines are found in some foods, as well as alcohol and other drinks. They are also part of DNA. Urate should be filtered by the kidneys before being expelled from the body in urine or faeces. Testing your urate levels can help diagnose gout, as well as identifying the source of recurrent kidney stones.

Iron studies (five biomarkers)

Excess or deficient amounts of iron in your blood can cause significant health problems Tiredness, shortness of breath and pain in the chest can all be signs of iron deficiency. Iron studies can measure the iron both in your blood and stored elsewhere in the body.

Iron

Red blood cells cannot be produced without sufficient amounts of iron. Without red blood cells, oxygen cannot be carried through the blood and to the muscles and organs that need it. Your bone marrow is also reliant on iron and healthy red blood cells. If testing reveals an iron deficiency, it could signify anaemia, whilst an excess of iron can be indicative of liver disease.

Total iron binding concentration

The maximum level of iron that the blood can transport in one go is known as the total iron binding concentration (TIBC). The amount of iron in your blood will affect how well oxygen can be carried through the body. Liver disease can cause issues with your TIBC. By measuring TIBC and your body’s absorption of blood, conditions such as anaemia and haemochromatosis can be diagnosed. Haemochromatosis is an iron overload disorder.

Unsaturated iron binding concentration

Oxygen transportation is dependent on iron transportation, and iron transportation is dependent on transferrin. The quantity of transferrin available for iron transportation is referred to as unsaturated iron binding concentration (UIBC). If you are suffering from iron toxicity, a UIBC test can monitor the effectiveness of treatment.

Transferrin

Transferrin is what is known as an iron-binding glycoprotein. Without it, iron cannot be transported in the blood, which means oxygen cannot be carried in the blood either. Transferrin is created in the liver. A transferrin test may be used as part of the diagnostic process for anaemia, or when more generally assessing iron levels.

Creatine kinase

Testing for creatine kinase is appropriate when diagnosing injuries and disorders that impact the muscles, including muscular dystrophy. It can also be used to monitor the progress of these conditions. The creatine kinase enzyme is primarily located in skeletal muscle and the heart muscle, but can also be found in other parts of the body, including, in lesser amounts, in the brain.

Kidney function (five biomarkers)

Essential functions of the kidneys include waste removal, red blood cell production and blood pressure regulation (through hormone release). Your body will not work properly if the kidneys are not performing healthily and effectively, and your overall wellbeing will suffer.

Urea

Urea is one of the waste products filtered from the bloodstream by the kidneys. It originates in proteins, specifically in amino acids, before entering your blood. It is expelled from the body during urination. Urea tests help assess the functioning of the kidneys and may identify potential problems with both kidneys and liver.

Creatine

This is another waste product removed by the kidneys. It is transported through the blood, then leaves the body in your urine. Testing your creatine levels is another way to assess kidney function. The source of the waste creatine is your muscles after they contract.

Glomerular filtration rate

The kidneys remove waste products from your bloodstream with the aid of filters called glomeruli. The effectiveness of the glomeruli is assessed through the glomerular filtration rate (GMR). Measuring GMR allows you to evaluate the current functioning of the kidney and monitor how it changes over time.

Calcium

Calcium is a mineral that performs a range of vital functions for the body. It is found in the blood, where it helps with clotting, and in the bones, which it helps formulate and strengthen. Some calcium moves freely through the blood, the rest is bound to albumin or other proteins. Measuring calcium levels is important when assessing the health of your bones, kidneys and heart to identify and monitor various conditions.

Adjusted calcium

Adjusted or corrected calcium assesses the level of free calcium in the blood by measuring the calcium bound to proteins such as albumin. This adjusted calcium measurement can then be used as part of analysing the health of your kidneys and heart, as well as bone, including diagnosing specific conditions or monitoring ongoing problems.

Liver function (eight biomarkers)

Liver function has an impact on many areas of your health. It can detoxify your blood, it has a role to play in combating infection, and it helps regulate your blood sugar. Your overall wellbeing is dependent on your body being able to carry out all of these tasks successfully.

Albumin

Albumin is found in the bloodstream, where it controls other fluids as well as helping carry nutrients and hormones to where they are required, but its origin is in the liver. Measuring this protein can provide indications of liver or kidney issues, and is essential to monitor the progress of liver disease and similar conditions.

Globulin

This is another protein that is created in the liver. This time, it is part of the immune system and can help combat infection. It is also important for ensuring your blood can clot, and for ensuring the overall functioning of the liver. Anomalies in a globulin test may suggest damage or disease to the liver or kidneys, or could indicate an autoimmune disorder.

Total protein

Total protein is a combined measure of two proteins, albumin and globulin. These are both found in your blood serum. Albumin is what allows fluids to remain in the bloodstream, whilst globulin serves the immune system. A problem with your total protein level may indicate issues with either of these proteins.

Alkaline phosphate

Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) is primarily spread between your liver and your bones. It is a vital enzyme, and testing its current level may help you diagnose liver problems or bone disease.

Alanine transaminase

The enzyme alanine transaminase (ALT) is primarily located in the liver, but can also be detected in the heart, skeletal muscle and kidneys. An injury to any of these areas will cause the release of ALT into your bloodstream. Testing ALT levels is one way to diagnose liver disease.

Aspartate aminotransferase

Another enzyme with its origins in the liver, aspartate aminotransferase also enters the bloodstream after liver, heart or skeletal muscle injuries. This means it can also be used to help detect liver disease.

Gamma glutamyl transferase

As well as the liver, the gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT) enzyme can be found in the kidneys, pancreas, spleen and gallbladder. It plays a significant role in how the liver metabolises toxins such as drugs. Problems detected by a GGT test include liver disease, but also bile duct injuries.

Total bilirubin

Bilirubin, which is found in bile, is used to aid digestion. When red blood cells can no longer transport blood around the body, they turn into haem, which can then break down to create more bilirubin. Liver disease and various kinds of anaemia can all be indicated and monitored through a total bilirubin test, which measures the bilirubin currently in the blood.

Thyroid (two biomarkers)

Symptoms of thyroid disorders may include fatigue, weight problems and mood issues. These kinds of conditions are often undiagnosed, despite occurring relatively frequently.

Thyroid stimulating hormone

When thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) is produced by the pituitary gland, which is based in the brain, it encourages the production of more hormones in the thyroid gland, which is found in the throat. These hormones play a role in everything from muscle strength to weight to body temperature. Issues with your TSH levels may indicate thyroid problems. Testing for TSH is often carried out alongside measurements of free T4 and free T3 hormones.

Free T4 (thyroxine)

Free thyroxine, often shortened to free T4, is one of the hormones that originates in the thyroid gland. It contributes to growth and the functioning of your metabolism, amd has other roles. A free T4 test is often included alongside the testing of TSH and free T3. Your free T4 levels may indicate female fertility problems, as well as assisting in the diagnosis of hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism.