Blood Testing in ManchesterMagnesium (Serum)

The Magnesium (Serum) test is a blood test that measures the level of magnesium in your body. Magnesium is an essential mineral that plays a crucial role in many bodily functions. It helps maintain normal nerve and muscle function, keeps your heart rhythm steady, supports a healthy immune system, and helps build strong bones.

This test is usually ordered if you are experiencing symptoms like muscle weakness, fatigue, irregular heartbeat, or numbness and tingling in your hands and feet. It can also be used to monitor the effectiveness of magnesium supplements or to check for any imbalances in your body’s electrolytes.

Biomarker(s) Measured: Magnesium

Blood Testing in ManchesterLuteinising Hormone

The Luteinising Hormone (LH) test is a blood test that measures the level of a hormone called LH in your body. LH is produced by the pituitary gland in your brain and plays an important role in both men and women.

In women, LH helps regulate the menstrual cycle and is responsible for the release of an egg from the ovaries during ovulation. This test can help determine if a woman is ovulating or if there are any issues with her reproductive system.

In men, LH stimulates the production of testosterone, which is important for the development of male characteristics and the production of sperm. This test can help diagnose conditions such as low testosterone levels or problems with the testicles.

Overall, the LH test is used to assess the functioning of the reproductive system in both men and women. It can help identify hormonal imbalances, fertility issues, and certain medical conditions related to the reproductive system.

Biomarker(s) measured: Luteinizing Hormone

Blood Testing in ManchesterLiver Function Tests
Liver Function Tests are a group of blood tests that are used to check how well your liver is working. The liver is an important organ that helps with digestion, filters toxins from the blood, and stores energy.

These tests can help to diagnose liver diseases, monitor the progression of liver conditions, and check for any potential side effects of certain medications.

The tests measure levels of different enzymes, proteins, and other substances in the blood that can indicate how well the liver is functioning. Abnormal results from these tests can indicate liver damage, inflammation, or other problems.

Biomarker(s) Measured: Albumin, Total Bilirubin, Globulin, Aspartate Aminotransferase, Total Protein, Gamma Glutamyl Transferase, Alkaline Phosphatase, Alanine Transaminase

Blood Testing in ManchesterKidney Function Tests
The test measures various parameters such as creatinine, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). These parameters help in evaluating the filtration rate and waste removal, in the kidneys.

You may have this test for several reasons, including:

Monitoring kidney health: Individuals with pre-existing kidney conditions or those at risk of developing kidney disease may undergo this test regularly to monitor the functioning of their kidneys.

Diagnosing kidney disease: The test can help in diagnosing various kidney disorders such as chronic kidney disease, acute kidney injury, or kidney infections.

Evaluating medication effects: Certain medications can have adverse effects on kidney function. Regular kidney function tests can help monitor the impact of these medications on the kidneys.

Assessing overall health: Kidney function tests are often included as a part of routine health check-ups to assess overall kidney health and detect any potential issues early on.

Preparing for surgery: Before undergoing certain surgical procedures, especially those involving anesthesia or medications that can affect kidney function, a kidney function test may be performed to ensure the kidneys are functioning properly.

This test is is suitable for overnight and next day delivery of the sample to the laboratory.

Biomarker(s) Measured: Creatinine, Urea, estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR)

Blood Testing in ManchesterHIV 1&2/p4 Antigen

This test is used to detect the presence of antibodies against HIV types 1 and 2, as well as the p24 antigen, which is a protein produced by the HIV virus during the early stages of infection.

Someone would have this test done if they suspect they may have been exposed to HIV or if they are at a higher risk of contracting the virus. It is commonly used as a screening test for HIV infection, as it can detect the presence of antibodies and the p24 antigen within a few weeks to a few months after exposure. Early detection of HIV is crucial for timely medical intervention and to prevent the transmission of the virus to others.

Biomarker(s) Measured: HIV 1 & 2 Antibodies + p24 Antigen

Blood Testing in ManchesterHepatitis C Antibodies

he Hepatitis C Antibodies test is a blood test that checks for the presence of antibodies in your blood that are produced in response to the Hepatitis C virus. This test is used to determine if you have been infected with the Hepatitis C virus at some point in the past.

Hepatitis C is a liver infection caused by the Hepatitis C virus, and it can lead to serious liver damage if left untreated. The antibodies test is important because many people with Hepatitis C do not have any symptoms, so they may not know they are infected. By detecting the presence of antibodies, the test can help identify if someone has been exposed to the virus and may need further testing or treatment.

It’s important to note that a positive result on the antibodies test does not necessarily mean you currently have Hepatitis C, but it does indicate past exposure to the virus. If the antibodies test is positive, further testing may be needed to determine if the virus is still present in your body.

Biomarker(s) Measured: Hepatitis C Antibody

Blood Testing in ManchesterHepatitis B Surface Antigen

The Hepatitis B Surface Antigen test measures the presence of a specific protein on the surface of the Hepatitis B virus. This test is used to diagnose Hepatitis B infection.

Biomarker(s) Measured: Hepatitis B Surface antigen

Blood Testing in ManchesterHepatitis B Immunity

This test measures the level of immunity to Hepatitis B virus by detecting the presence of surface antibodies. It can contribute to the diagnosis of Hepatitis B infection, immunity status, and the need for vaccination.

Biomarker(s) Measured: Hepatitis B Immunity (anti-HBs or Surface Antibody)

Blood Testing in ManchesterFull Blood Count

The Full Blood Count (with 5 part White Cell Differential) test measures the levels of different components in the blood, including red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. It provides information about the overall health of the blood and can help diagnose various health conditions.

This test can contribute to the diagnosis of anemia, which is a condition characterized by low levels of red blood cells or hemoglobin. It can also help identify infections, as the white blood cell count and differential can indicate the presence of an infection and the type of white blood cells involved.

Biomarker(s) Measured: Mean Cell Volume (MCV), Platelet Count, Haematocrit, Lymphocytes, Mean Platelet Volume, Haemoglobin, White Cell Count, Red Cell Count, Mean Cell Haemoglobin Concentration, Red Cell Distribution Width, Monocytes, Neutrophils, Basophils, Eosinophils, Mean Cell Haemoglobin

Blood Testing in ManchesterFollicle Stimulating Hormone

The Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) test measures the levels of FSH in the blood. FSH is a hormone produced by the pituitary gland that plays a crucial role in the reproductive system.

In females, FSH helps regulate the menstrual cycle and stimulates the growth and development of ovarian follicles, which contain the eggs. Therefore, FSH levels are important in assessing fertility and diagnosing conditions related to the female reproductive system, such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), primary ovarian insufficiency (POI), and menopause.

In males, FSH is responsible for the production of sperm. Abnormal FSH levels in males can indicate issues with testicular function, such as testicular failure or infertility.

It is important to consider the timing of the FSH test in females, as FSH levels fluctuate throughout the menstrual cycle. Typically, FSH levels are highest just before ovulation and lowest during the mid-cycle. Therefore, the test may need to be performed on specific days of the menstrual cycle to obtain accurate results.

Additionally, FSH levels naturally increase with age in both males and females. Therefore, age-related reference ranges should be considered when interpreting the results.

Biomarker(s) Measured: Follicular Stimulating Hormone