Advanced Sports & Fitness Performance Test

Sex Hormone Binding Globulin is a protein present in the bloodstream. SHBG is produced by the liver. The role of SHBG is to bind testosterone and oestradiol for circulating in the tissues of the body. The concentration of SHBG is directly relative to the level of hormones in males or females. SHBG is checked to detect low levels of testosterone in males and high levels in females.

Iron is a crucial mineral that plays a key role in the formation of red blood cells, which transport oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body. As a central component of hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that binds to oxygen, iron enables the efficient distribution of oxygen throughout the body. Insufficient iron levels can impair red blood cell production, leading to iron deficiency anemia.

Iron levels are commonly evaluated through various blood tests, including serum iron, ferritin, and total iron-binding capacity (TIBC) tests:

Serum Iron: This test measures the amount of iron in your blood, which can fluctuate throughout the day. It is typically assessed alongside other iron tests for a more accurate picture.

Ferritin: Ferritin is a protein that stores iron in cells until the body needs it. A ferritin test reflects the body’s iron reserves and is often the first test performed if an iron deficiency or overload is suspected.

TIBC: The Total Iron-Binding Capacity (TIBC) test measures the maximum amount of iron that your blood can carry, reflecting the availability of transport proteins, mainly transferrin.

Abnormal iron levels can have significant health consequences. Low iron levels may lead to iron deficiency anemia, which can cause fatigue, weakness, and shortness of breath. Conversely, elevated iron levels may indicate conditions like hemochromatosis, where excess iron accumulates in the body and can damage organs such as the liver and heart. Regular iron testing is essential to ensure optimal health and prevent these issues.

A Full Blood Count (FBC) test is a vital diagnostic tool that provides detailed information about the composition and function of blood. It measures key biomarkers, including:

Haemoglobin: Indicates the oxygen-carrying capacity of red blood cells.
Haematocrit: Reflects the proportion of red blood cells in the blood.
Red Cell Count: Determines the total number of red blood cells.
Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV): Measures the average size of red blood cells.
Mean Corpuscular Haemoglobin (MCH) and Mean Corpuscular Haemoglobin Concentration (MCHC): Evaluate the amount and concentration of haemoglobin in each red blood cell.
Red Cell Distribution Width (RDW): Assesses variations in red blood cell size.
White Cell Count: Counts the total number of white blood cells, providing insights into the body’s immune response.
Differential Count: Breaks down white blood cells into neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils, and basophils, reflecting different aspects of immune function.
Platelet Count and Mean Platelet Volume (MPV): Measure the number and average size of platelets, critical for blood clotting.
The FBC test plays a crucial role in evaluating blood health, detecting abnormalities, and diagnosing or managing conditions such as anemia, infections, and bleeding disorders.

There are two types of CRP tests:

Standard CRP Test: This test measures a broader range of CRP levels and is used to detect significant inflammation caused by conditions such as autoimmune diseases or severe infections.
High-Sensitivity CRP Test (hs-CRP): This test is more precise at detecting low levels of CRP and is often used to assess the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Elevated CRP levels can signal various health issues, including inflammatory bowel disease, lupus, and rheumatoid arthritis. However, it’s important to note that CRP tests only indicate the presence of inflammation; they do not pinpoint its location or underlying cause. Additional tests are usually required for further diagnosis.

On the other hand, low CRP levels are generally a positive sign, indicating minimal inflammation in the body. However, extremely low levels could suggest a suppressed immune system.

Cortisol production follows a natural daily rhythm, typically peaking in the morning to help you wake up and gradually declining throughout the day. However, this cycle can be disrupted by factors such as chronic stress, poor sleep, or shift work.

Cortisol levels are often measured through blood, saliva, or urine tests, typically taken in the morning when levels should be at their highest. Abnormal cortisol levels can result from conditions like chronic stress, depression, or adrenal gland disorders.

Prolonged high cortisol levels can lead to Cushing’s syndrome, characterized by symptoms such as rapid weight gain, easy bruising, and muscle weakness. Conversely, abnormally low cortisol levels may indicate Addison’s disease, which can cause fatigue, low blood pressure, and darkening of the skin (hyperpigmentation).

Monitoring cortisol levels is crucial for assessing your overall health and understanding how your body manages stress. It provides valuable insight into the functioning of the adrenal and pituitary glands and can help guide treatment for related conditions.

Testosterone
SHBG (Sex Hormone Binding Globulin)
Proteins
Cortisol
Iron Levels
Globulin
MPV (Mean Platelet Volume)
Oestradiol
Prolactin
Haemoglobin
Free Testosterone
Albumin
Total Protein
Platelet Count
PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen)
Full Blood Count
Haematocrit