Men's Health Profile Enhanced Blood Test

Total Biomarkers: 44

Red Blood Cells
Haemoglobin: A protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen throughout the body; low levels typically indicate anaemia.
Haematocrit: Measures the proportion of red blood cells to the total volume of blood.
Red Cell Count: The total number of red blood cells in your blood, crucial for oxygen transport.
MCV: Mean Corpuscular Volume measures the average size of your red blood cells.
MCH: Mean Corpuscular Haemoglobin calculates the average amount of haemoglobin inside a single red blood cell.
MCHC: Mean Corpuscular Haemoglobin Concentration measures the concentration of haemoglobin within a given volume of red blood cells.

White Blood Cells
White Cell Count: The total number of white blood cells, used to identify infection, inflammation, or immune system issues.
Neutrophils: The most common type of white blood cell, primarily responsible for fighting bacterial infections.
Lymphocytes: White blood cells that play a key role in the immune response, fighting viruses and producing antibodies.
Monocytes: White blood cells that remove dead cells and bacteria, assisting in the immune response.
Eosinophils: White blood cells often associated with allergic reactions and fighting parasitic infections.
Basophils: The rarest type of white blood cell, involved in allergic responses and releasing histamine.

Clotting Status
Platelet Count: Measures the number of platelets in the blood, which are essential for blood clotting and wound healing.

Kidney Health
Urea: A waste product formed in the liver from protein breakdown, filtered out by the kidneys.
Creatinine: A chemical waste product from muscle metabolism, used as a key indicator of kidney function.
eGFR: Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate estimates how well the kidneys are filtering waste from the blood.

Liver Health
Bilirubin: A yellow pigment produced during the breakdown of red blood cells; high levels can indicate liver or bile duct issues.
ALP: Alkaline Phosphatase is an enzyme related to the liver and bones; elevated levels can signal bile duct obstruction.
ALT: Alanine Aminotransferase is a liver enzyme released into the bloodstream when liver cells are damaged.
Gamma GT: Gamma-Glutamyl Transferase is an enzyme that serves as a marker for liver damage, bile duct problems, or alcohol use.

Proteins
Total Protein: Measures the total amount of albumin and globulin in the blood, reflecting nutritional status and organ health.
Albumin: The most abundant protein in the blood, essential for keeping fluid from leaking out of blood vessels.
Globulin: A group of proteins that include antibodies and enzymes, playing a vital role in immune function.

Diabetes
HbA1c: Glycated haemoglobin, which provides an average of blood sugar levels over the past 2 to 3 months.

Cholesterol Status
Total Cholesterol: The sum of all cholesterol types in the blood.
LDL Cholesterol: Low-Density Lipoprotein, or "bad" cholesterol, which can accumulate in arteries and increase heart disease risk.
Non HDL Cholesterol: Represents all potentially atherogenic (clogging) cholesterol particles (Total Cholesterol minus HDL).
HDL Cholesterol: High-Density Lipoprotein, or "good" cholesterol, helps remove other forms of cholesterol from the bloodstream.
Total Cholesterol : HDL: A risk ratio comparing total cholesterol to HDL; a lower ratio generally indicates lower heart disease risk.
Triglycerides: The most common type of fat in the body, which stores excess energy from your diet.

Inflammation
hs-CRP: High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein is a marker of inflammation in the body, often used to assess cardiovascular risk.

Gout Risk
Uric Acid: A waste product from the breakdown of purines; high levels can lead to crystals forming in joints (gout).

Iron Status
Iron: Measures the amount of iron circulating in the blood.
TIBC: Total Iron Binding Capacity measures the blood's capacity to bind iron with transferrin.
Transferrin Saturation: Indicates how much of the iron-binding sites on transferrin are actually occupied by iron.
Ferritin: The primary protein that stores iron inside cells; the best indicator of total body iron stores.

Minerals
Magnesium - Serum: An electrolyte essential for muscle and nerve function, blood sugar control, and blood pressure regulation.

Vitamins
Folate - Serum: Also known as Vitamin B9, it is crucial for red blood cell formation and healthy cell growth.
Vitamin B12 - Active: Measures the biologically active form of B12 available for the body to use.
Vitamin D: Essential for calcium absorption, bone health, and immune system function.

Thyroid Hormones
TSH: Thyroid Stimulating Hormone, produced by the pituitary gland to regulate the thyroid's hormone production.
Free T3: Triiodothyronine, the active thyroid hormone that exerts the most metabolic effect.
Free Thyroxine: Also known as Free T4, the primary hormone produced by the thyroid gland, converted into T3 by the body.

Hormones
Testosterone: Testosterone is a vital hormone for both sexes that regulates physical traits, reproductive health, and energy levels, with deficiency typically diagnosed when levels fall below 12nmol or the specific laboratory reference range.

Prepare for your test by following these instructions.

Sample collection and timing
Take your sample between 6am and 10am.
Take this test when any symptoms of short-term illness have settled.
Avoid heavy exercise for 48 hours beforehand.

Fasting and hydration
Avoid fatty foods for eight hours before your test, you do not need to fast.
Stay well hydrated before your test.

Medications and supplements
Take your sample at least 24 hours after any vitamin or mineral supplements.
Do not take biotin supplements for two days before this test, discuss this with your doctor if it is prescribed.
Do not take vitamin B12 for two weeks prior to this test.
If your B12 is prescribed ask your doctor whether to stop.
If you take levothyroxine or desiccated thyroid extract (DTE), take your blood test before your dose for the most accurate thyroid function results.
If you have to take your blood test later in the day, aim to leave at least six hours between taking levothyroxine medication and your blood draw (or 12 hours after DTE/T3 medication).
Please also let us know in the supporting information if you take amiodarone or lithium, as these can also affect your results.