The Folate (Serum) test measures the level of folate in the blood. Folate is a B-vitamin that is essential for the production and maintenance of new cells, including red blood cells. This test is used to evaluate folate deficiency or excess in the body.

Folate deficiency can contribute to the diagnosis of certain health conditions, such as:

1. Megaloblastic anemia: Folate deficiency can lead to the production of abnormally large red blood cells, causing megaloblastic anemia.
2. Malabsorption disorders: Conditions that affect the absorption of nutrients in the gastrointestinal tract, such as celiac disease or inflammatory bowel disease, can lead to folate deficiency.
3. Alcoholism: Chronic alcohol consumption can interfere with folate absorption and utilization, leading to deficiency.
4. Pregnancy complications: Folate deficiency during pregnancy can increase the risk of neural tube defects in the developing fetus.

Biomarker(s) Measured: Folate

This test measures the level of ferritin in the blood, which is a protein that stores iron in the body.

It can help diagnose conditions related to iron deficiency or iron overload, such as anemia, hemochromatosis, or other iron metabolism disorders.

In females, low ferritin levels may be indicative of iron-deficiency anemia, especially during menstruation or pregnancy.

In males, high ferritin levels may be associated with conditions such as hemochromatosis or liver disease.

Biomarker(s) Measured: Ferritin

The C-Reactive Protein (High Sensitivity) test measures the level of C-reactive protein in the blood. This test is used to assess the presence and severity of inflammation in the body.

Elevated levels of C-reactive protein may contribute to the diagnosis of various health conditions, including infections from bacteria or viruses, autoimmune disorders, cardiovascular diseases, and certain types of cancer. It can also be used to monitor the effectiveness of treatment for these conditions.

Biomarker(s) Measured: High Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein

Calcium is an essential mineral that plays a crucial role in maintaining strong bones and teeth, as well as helping your muscles and nerves function properly.

High calcium levels may suggest conditions like hyperparathyroidism, certain types of cancer, or kidney problems. On the other hand, low calcium levels can be a sign of hypoparathyroidism, vitamin D deficiency, or malabsorption issues.

Biomarkers Measured: Albumin, Calcium, Adjusted Calcium

This test is a very comprehensive profile analysing 7 parameters including total cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL “good”, LDL “bad” levels, and the ratios and percentages between them.

Over 40% of adults have high cholesterol levels and it is a very signficant risk factor for heart attacks and strokes.

The only way to find out if you have high cholesterol is through a blood test.

Most high cholesterol is due to a diet high in saturated fats which are in particularly high levels in animal fats. Some cholesterol is essential but we tend to get far to much.

Your genes contribute a lot to your cholesterol levels too but you will never know without taking a blood test.

About 1 in 250 people have very high cholesterol levels caused by a genetic condition called familial hypercholesterolaemia. This sadly often results in many family members dying far too early of heart attacks. It can be treated and will take more than dietary changes alone, but knowing if you have it is of course essential.

Knowing allows you to take control and make the changes you need to make to ensure you have the best chance of a long and health life.

Biomarker(s) Measured: Low Density Lipoprotein, Triglyceride, Cholesterol – Total, Non-HDL-Cholesterol, Total Cholesterol : HDL Ratio, High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL) Cholesterol, HDL percentage

The Testosterone Plus Profile measures Total Testosterone,

This test is commonly done to evaluate and diagnose conditions related to testosterone imbalance, such as:

Hypogonadism: It helps determine if a person has low testosterone levels, which can lead to symptoms like decreased libido, fatigue, muscle weakness, and infertility.

Erectile dysfunction: Testosterone levels are checked to assess if low testosterone is contributing to the condition.

Infertility: It helps identify if low testosterone is a potential cause of male infertility.

Delayed or early puberty: The test can be used to evaluate the timing of puberty in children and adolescents.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS): In females, testosterone levels may be measured to diagnose or monitor PCOS, a hormonal disorder that affects the ovaries.

Monitoring hormone replacement therapy: For individuals undergoing testosterone replacement therapy, regular testing is done to ensure appropriate hormone levels are maintained.

Testosterone levels must be checked regularly by anyone using testosterone supplements for any reason.

You can have too much or too little testosterone.

The only way to find out is with a blood test.

Biomarker(s) Measured: Testosterone

Undiagnosed, untreated diabetes mellitus will shorten your life by years and cause a lot of misery in the meantime.

Diabetes results in excess glucose (sugar) in the blood which damages small blood vessels. This in turn damages virtually every other organ and system in the body.

Insulin, which is produced by the pancreas, takes sugar out of the blood and deposits it inside our cells where it is supposed to be.

Type 2 diabetes accounts for 90% of diabetes and is caused by the body not responding to insulin in the way it should. This type is caused by a combination of lifestyle and genetic factors and is notoriously difficult to diagnose from symptoms, and very often is present for several years before treatment starts.

Type 1 diabetes is 10% of diabetes cases. This is caused by the body attacking its own pancreas due to an autoimmune process and stopping it from producing any insulin.

Diabetes can be treated but you need to know whether you have it of not. By far the best way to check whether you have diabetes or not is with a blood test. It can take on average up to 2 years before people find they have Type 2 diabetes from symptoms and a lot of damage is being quietly done to the body in that time that could be avoided if they knew.

There are over a million people in the UK who do not know they already have Type 2 diabetes and are steadily damaging their bodies without knowing about it.

Over 3.9 million people do know they have diabetes and need their HbA1c levels checked every few months to monitor how they are managing their condition.

This is a potentially life-saving test.

Not knowing you have diabetes, or not managing the diabetes you do know about will shorten your life but on the other hand, knowing, treating and monitoring will go along to improving your wellness and longevity.

Biomarker(s) Measured: HbA1c (Glycosylated Haemoglobin)

The Testosterone Plus Profile measures Total Testosterone, Albumin and Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG) which together provide a very accurate level of Free (available) Testosterone in the blood.

This provides a much more precise picture of whether you have problems with Testosterone levels.

This test is commonly done to evaluate and diagnose conditions related to testosterone imbalance, such as:

Hypogonadism: It helps determine if a person has low testosterone levels, which can lead to symptoms like decreased libido, fatigue, muscle weakness, and infertility.

Erectile dysfunction: Testosterone levels are checked to assess if low testosterone is contributing to the condition.

Infertility: It helps identify if low testosterone is a potential cause of male infertility.

Delayed or early puberty: The test can be used to evaluate the timing of puberty in children and adolescents.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS): In females, testosterone levels may be measured to diagnose or monitor PCOS, a hormonal disorder that affects the ovaries.

Monitoring hormone replacement therapy: For individuals undergoing testosterone replacement therapy, regular testing is done to ensure appropriate hormone levels are maintained.

Testosterone levels must be checked regularly by anyone using testosterone supplements for any reason.

You can have too much or too little testosterone.

The only way to find out is with a blood test.

Please note: Optimal time to take your sample is between 7am – 10am.

Biomarkers(s) Measured: Albumin, Sex Hormone Binding Globulin, Free Testosterone Calculation, Testosterone

The Prostate Specific Antigen (Total) test measures the level of a protein called prostate-specific antigen (PSA) in the blood. This test is primarily used to screen for prostate cancer and monitor its progression in males.

In males, elevated levels of PSA may indicate the presence of prostate cancer, but it can also be caused by non-cancerous conditions such as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) or prostatitis. Therefore, further diagnostic tests are usually required to confirm the diagnosis of prostate cancer.

It is important to note that the Prostate Specific Antigen (Total) test is not specific to prostate cancer and can yield false-positive or false-negative results. Age, race, family history, and certain medications can also affect PSA levels. Therefore, the test should be interpreted in conjunction with other clinical findings and individual risk factors.

Biomarker(s) Measured: Prostate Specific Antigen

The Iron Status Profile measures all the essential parameters related to iron levels in the body.

Anaemia is very commonly caused by low iron as red blood cells are entirely dependent on iron to transport essential oxygen around the body.

This test will give you a clear indication of whether you are at risk of developing iron-deficiency anaemia, or if you already know you are anaemic, whether it is low iron that is causing it.

Iron deficiency anaemia can cause

• tiredness and lack of energy
• shortness of breath
• noticeable heartbeats (heart palpitations)
• paler than usual skin
• headaches

Serum iron shows how much iron you have in your blood right now, total iron-binding capacity (TIBC) analyses the ability of your blood cells to attach itself to the iron in your blood. Transferrin saturation is another way of showing how well your blood is using the iron in your body. Ferritin is a protein that stores iron. If it is low then your iron stores are low. Ferritin is also functions as a very important measure of inflammation so if there is inflammation for any other reason (such as autoimmune conditions, infections or excessive alcohol) it may be very high.

If you are low in iron you can treat it is with supplements and diet changes.

If you find you are high in iron it may be a condition called haemochromatosis which needs medical follow-up.

Biomarker(s) Measured: Total Iron-Binding Capacity, Transferrin Saturation, Ferritin, Unsaturated Iron-Binding Capacity, Iron