Globulin
Globulins are a group of essential proteins produced by the liver and immune system. They play a crucial role in maintaining overall health by helping the body fight infections and combat harmful pathogens. Additionally, globulins are vital for blood clotting, preventing excessive bleeding in response to injuries.
Albumin
Albumin is a key protein found in blood plasma, with a role similar to sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) in binding various substances. Produced by the liver, albumin plays a crucial role in maintaining fluid balance within blood vessels by preventing leakage of fluid into surrounding tissues. It is also an important marker for detecting potential issues with kidney or liver function, as abnormal levels can indicate underlying health concerns.
Alanine transferase (ALT)
Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) is an enzyme primarily produced in the liver and heart cells. ALT testing measures the concentration of this enzyme in the bloodstream, but it does not provide information about the extent of liver damage. This test is crucial for assessing liver health, particularly in cases involving factors such as medication use, heavy alcohol consumption, or viral infections like hepatitis. While lower ALT levels generally suggest a healthy liver, normal ALT ranges can vary based on several factors, including age, sex, and individual health conditions.
Bilirubin
When red blood cells break down, they produce a brownish-yellow pigment known as bilirubin. An excess of bilirubin in the bloodstream can lead to conditions such as jaundice or indicate liver disease.
Total Cholesterol
Total cholesterol measures the overall amount of cholesterol in your blood, including both HDL (high-density lipoprotein) and LDL (low-density lipoprotein). Cholesterol is produced by the liver and serves several crucial functions in the body. It helps produce vitamin D and bile, and it is a key component of cell membranes throughout the body. Cholesterol also plays a vital role in transporting fatty acids in the bloodstream. Additionally, total cholesterol levels are an important indicator of heart health, helping to assess the risk of cardiovascular issues such as heart disease and heart attacks.
HDL Cholesterol
HDL, or high-density lipoprotein, is often called the “good cholesterol” due to its vital role in clearing excess cholesterol from the body. It helps protect your heart and blood vessels by reducing inflammation, acting as an antioxidant, and transporting excess fat to the liver for processing. Maintaining optimal HDL levels is crucial for overall health. Our Welzo HDL test accurately measures your HDL levels and provides valuable insights into the necessary steps to boost them for better heart health.
LDL Cholesterol
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) plays a crucial role in transporting fats, such as triglycerides, throughout the body. However, LDL is often labeled as ‘bad’ cholesterol because elevated levels can significantly increase the risk of cardiovascular problems, including heart disease and heart attacks. High LDL levels contribute to the buildup of fatty deposits in the walls of arteries, leading to a condition called atherosclerosis, which can restrict blood flow and damage the heart.
Urea
Urea is a waste product generated by the body during the breakdown of proteins, and it is primarily excreted in urine. Normal urea serum levels typically range from 2.5 to 7.0 mmol/L. Elevated levels of urea can be harmful, potentially leading to kidney damage and, in severe cases, kidney failure. High urea levels can also contribute to dehydration and cardiovascular problems. Measuring urea levels is an important diagnostic tool for assessing kidney function and overall renal health.
estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR)
The estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR) is a test used to assess kidney function by measuring how effectively the kidneys filter waste from the blood. An eGFR value below 60 may indicate impaired kidney function, while a value of 60 or higher is generally considered within the normal range.
Iron
Iron is a vital mineral found in the blood, playing a crucial role in the production of hemoglobin, a protein that helps transport oxygen throughout the body. Without sufficient hemoglobin, muscles receive less oxygen, impairing their ability to function properly. Maintaining adequate iron levels is essential, as low iron can lead to fatigue and anemia. The body obtains iron from dietary sources and from the breakdown of red blood cells. When iron levels are found to be low, dietary adjustments or iron supplements may be recommended to restore balance.
Unsaturated Iron Binding Capacity (UIBC)
Unsaturated Iron Binding Capacity (UIBC) measures the amount of iron that is not yet bound to transferrin, a protein responsible for transporting iron. Transferrin binds with iron to carry it to the bone marrow, where it is used in the production of hemoglobin and red blood cells.
Ferritin
Ferritin is a protein responsible for storing iron in the body. Iron is essential for supplying oxygen to muscles, allowing them to function effectively. Ferritin releases iron when the body requires it and is primarily stored within the body’s cells, especially in the liver. Monitoring ferritin levels is crucial to ensure adequate iron storage. Without proper storage, iron can be depleted too quickly, leading to potential deficiencies.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D plays a crucial role in supporting various functions in your body, especially for maintaining healthy bones and muscles. You can obtain vitamin D from foods, supplements, and fortified products. A deficiency in vitamin D may lead to conditions like osteoporosis and muscle weakness. Typically, a healthy vitamin D level ranges from 20 to 50 ng/mL. If your vitamin D levels are low, we may recommend supplementation or incorporating more vitamin D-fortified foods into your diet to help restore balance and support overall health.
Folate
A folate, folic acid, or vitamin B test measures the level of folate in your blood. Folate is crucial for the healthy production and regulation of red blood cells in your body. A typical folate level ranges from 2.7 to 17 nanograms per milliliter (ng/mL). If your result is below 2.7 ng/mL, it may indicate a folate deficiency.
Creatine Kinase
“Creatine Kinase (CK) is an enzyme found in the muscles of your body. Elevated levels of CK often indicate muscle injury or strain, signaling that the muscles require repair. In addition to its role in muscle function, Creatine Kinase also supports heart health. High CK levels can indicate heart damage, such as that seen during a mild or severe heart attack.
Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH)
Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH), also known as thyrotropin, is produced by the pituitary gland in the brain. TSH plays a crucial role in regulating thyroid function and can help diagnose both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism. Imbalances in TSH levels—either excessive or insufficient secretion—can lead to symptoms such as weight changes, anxiety, palpitations, sleep disturbances, and irregular menstrual cycles. Hypothyroidism, in particular, shares several overlapping symptoms with menopause, which can complicate diagnosis.
Total Protein
Total Protein measures the levels of two key types of proteins in the blood: Albumin and Globulin. Albumin plays a crucial role in preventing fluid from leaking out of the bloodstream, maintaining proper fluid balance. Globulin, produced by both the liver and the immune system, strengthens the body’s defense against infections and harmful germs, supporting immune function.
Gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT)
The gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT) test measures the level of the GGT enzyme in the blood. GGT plays a key role in transporting molecules and assisting in the breakdown of toxins and drugs in the liver. Elevated GGT levels can indicate liver damage or disease, such as hepatitis or cirrhosis. This test is also important for detecting bile duct infections and monitoring alcohol abuse.
Alkaline Phosphate (ALP)
Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP) is an enzyme present in several tissues, including the liver, kidneys, bones, and digestive system. Elevated levels of ALP in the bloodstream, beyond the normal reference range, can indicate the presence of liver disease, bone disorders, or other medical conditions related to these organs.
Triglycerides
Triglycerides are a type of blood fat that plays a crucial role in your body’s overall health. As the primary form of fat storage, triglycerides serve as a key energy source. They are produced by the liver and stored in fat cells. While triglycerides are essential for energy and fat storage, elevated levels can contribute to cardiovascular problems. For this reason, it is important to monitor triglyceride levels alongside overall cholesterol to maintain heart health.
HDL % of total
The HDL (high-density lipoprotein) percentage of total cholesterol measures the proportion of HDL cholesterol in relation to your overall cholesterol level. This test is a key biomarker in assessing cardiovascular risk, as it helps determine the balance between ‘good’ HDL cholesterol and ‘bad’ LDL cholesterol, along with total cholesterol. Healthcare professionals and heart disease risk calculators use this percentage to evaluate your overall cardiovascular health and potential risk for heart-related conditions.
Non HDL Cholesterol
In addition to measuring your HDL and LDL cholesterol levels, we will also perform a non-HDL cholesterol test. This test provides a comprehensive measure of all harmful cholesterol in your blood and serves as a key indicator of cardiovascular health. A non-HDL level below 4 mmol/L is generally considered optimal. By tracking both your HDL and LDL levels, we can assess the impact of any lifestyle or dietary changes, allowing you to tailor your approach to health based on your unique biomarkers.
Creatinine
Creatine is a substance found in muscles, and its breakdown produces creatinine. Creatinine is a waste product that is typically filtered and excreted by the kidneys. Elevated creatinine levels may indicate that the kidneys are not effectively filtering and removing this waste from the body.
Hba1c
Glycated haemoglobin, commonly known as HbA1c, is a key indicator of long-term blood glucose (sugar) levels. Haemoglobin is a protein found in red blood cells, responsible for carrying oxygen throughout your body. When glucose attaches to haemoglobin, it remains in the blood cells for their average lifespan of about 14 weeks. This makes HbA1c an excellent marker for monitoring long-term glucose levels, providing valuable insight into diabetes management or pre-diabetic conditions over a three-month period before testing.
Total Iron Binding Capacity (TIBC)
Both too much and too little iron in the body can lead to health problems. The Total Iron Binding Capacity (TIBC) Test measures the amount of iron in the bloodstream and evaluates how effectively it is transported by transferrin. Iron deficiency can lead to anemia, a condition characterized by insufficient iron in the blood. On the other hand, excess iron, though rarely caused by vitamin or supplement overdose, can cause symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, and irregular heart rhythms.
Transferrin Saturation
Transferrin Saturation is a test used to assess the level of iron binding to transferrin, a protein responsible for transporting iron throughout the body. Transferrin binds to iron and facilitates its delivery to the bone marrow, where it’s used to produce hemoglobin. This hemoglobin then carries oxygen to muscles, where the iron plays a critical role in energy production for movement.
Uric Acid
Uric acid is a waste product created from purines, chemical compounds that are naturally produced in the body. Purines are also found in certain foods, such as anchovies, dried beans, beer, and wine. Normally, the kidneys filter uric acid from the blood and excrete it in the urine. However, when the body produces too much uric acid or fails to eliminate it properly, it can form crystals that accumulate in the tissues, leading to a condition called gout. Gout is a form of arthritis that causes intense joint pain, often affecting the fingers, toes, wrists, and ankles. In addition, uric acid levels can rise due to certain cancer treatments. On the other hand, abnormally low uric acid levels in the blood may indicate liver or kidney disease.
Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 is a crucial nutrient that supports several vital functions in the body, including red blood cell production and nerve health. It is naturally found in animal-based foods, available in supplements, and added to certain fortified foods. A deficiency in vitamin B12 can lead to anemia, nerve damage, and other health issues. Healthy vitamin B12 levels typically range from 200 to 900 ng/mL. If your levels are low, your healthcare provider may recommend vitamin B12 supplements or advise you to consume more fortified foods to restore balance.
hs-CRP
To assess inflammation levels, we conducted a comprehensive CRP evaluation. C-Reactive Protein (CRP) is a protein in the blood that increases in response to inflammation. Produced by the liver, CRP is a key biomarker for inflammation and is strongly linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular conditions, including heart attacks and strokes. Elevated CRP levels are commonly found in individuals with chronic inflammatory diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, and those who have recently experienced a heart attack or stroke. While CRP is not specific to any single disease, it serves as a valuable indicator of overall inflammation.
Testosterone
Testosterone is a steroid hormone present in both males and females, though its effects are more pronounced in males. It plays a key role in regulating libido, muscle and bone mass, mood, and fertility. In males, testosterone levels peak during puberty and typically decline with age. Elevated testosterone levels, however, may be linked to testicular issues in men.