TRT Profile Advanced Blood Test

Total Biomarkers: 42

Red Blood Cells
Haemoglobin: The iron-rich protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen to the body's tissues; low levels indicate anaemia.
Haematocrit: Measures the percentage of red blood cells in the total blood volume.
Red Cell Count: The total number of red blood cells circulating in the blood, essential for delivering oxygen.
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 density of haemoglobin within red blood cells.
RDW: Red Cell Distribution Width measures the variation in the size and volume of your red blood cells.

White Blood Cells
White Cell Count: The total count of white blood cells, used to detect infection, inflammation, or immune disorders.
Neutrophils: The most abundant white blood cell, acting as the first responder to bacterial infections.
Lymphocytes: White blood cells that produce antibodies and fight viral infections.
Monocytes: Large white blood cells that help clear dead tissue and defend against bacteria.
Eosinophils: White blood cells involved in fighting parasitic infections and allergic responses.
Basophils: The rarest white blood cells, which release histamine during allergic reactions.

Clotting Status
Platelet Count: Measures the number of platelets, the cells responsible for blood clotting and wound repair.
MPV: Mean Platelet Volume measures the average size of your platelets, indicating how actively the body is producing them.

Kidney Health
Creatinine: A waste product from muscle breakdown, filtered by the kidneys; high levels suggest reduced kidney function.
eGFR: Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate is a calculation based on creatinine, age, and sex to assess kidney efficiency.

Liver Health
ALP: Alkaline Phosphatase is an enzyme found in the liver and bones; elevated levels can indicate bile duct obstruction or bone issues.
ALT: Alanine Aminotransferase is a liver enzyme; high levels are a specific indicator of liver inflammation or damage.
GGT: Gamma-Glutamyl Transferase is a liver enzyme often elevated by alcohol consumption, bile duct issues, or liver damage.

Proteins
Total Protein: Measures the sum of albumin and globulin in the blood to assess nutritional status and organ function.
Albumin: The primary protein produced by the liver, essential for maintaining blood volume and transporting hormones.
Globulin: A group of proteins including antibodies and enzymes that support the immune system.
SHBG: Sex Hormone Binding Globulin binds to testosterone and oestradiol, regulating their bioavailability in the body.

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

Cholesterol Status
Total Cholesterol: The total amount of cholesterol in the blood, including LDL, HDL, and other lipids.
LDL Cholesterol: Low-Density Lipoprotein, or "bad" cholesterol, which can deposit plaque in artery walls.
Non HDL Cholesterol: A calculation (Total minus HDL) representing all cholesterol types that can cause arterial blockages.
HDL Cholesterol: High-Density Lipoprotein, or "good" cholesterol, which removes excess cholesterol from the bloodstream.
Total Cholesterol : HDL: A ratio used to predict heart disease risk; a lower number is generally better.
Triglycerides: A type of fat (lipid) in the blood used for energy; high levels increase the risk of heart disease.

Iron Status
Ferritin: The primary protein that stores iron in the body; it is the most sensitive marker for iron deficiency or overload.

Thyroid Hormones
TSH: Thyroid Stimulating Hormone, produced by the pituitary gland to control the thyroid's hormone production.
Free T3: Triiodothyronine, the active thyroid hormone responsible for regulating metabolism.
Free Thyroxine: Also known as Free T4, the main hormone released by the thyroid, which is converted into active T3.

Hormones
FSH: Follicle Stimulating Hormone stimulates the production of sperm in men and egg maturation in women.
LH: Luteinising Hormone triggers the release of testosterone in men and ovulation in women.
Oestradiol: The primary form of oestrogen, critical for bone health, reproductive function, and hormonal balance in both sexes.
Testosterone: The primary male sex hormone, essential for muscle mass, bone density, libido, and mood.
Free Testosterone - Calc.: An estimate of the unbound testosterone available for the body to use, calculated from total testosterone, SHBG, and albumin.
Prolactin: A hormone produced by the pituitary gland; high levels can suppress testosterone production and affect sexual function.

Prostate
PSA - Total: Prostate Specific Antigen is a protein produced by the prostate; levels are monitored to screen for prostate enlargement or cancer.

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 vigorous exercise, ejaculation, or direct prostate stimulation (e.g. a rectal examination or receptive anal sex) for 48 hours beforehand – all of these can raise your PSA level.
Wait at least six weeks before taking this test if you've had a urine infection, prostatitis (prostate infection), or urological intervention (e.g. prostate biopsy or cystoscopy).
Avoid nipple stimulation or heavy meals before taking the test, as these can increase prolactin levels.

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
Please let us know in the supporting information if you take testosterone replacement therapy (TRT), finasteride, dutasteride, or saw palmetto, as these can also affect your results.
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.
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.