Customised Health Test

The gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT) test measures the amount of the GGT enzyme in the blood. GGT plays a key role in transporting molecules and aiding the metabolism of toxins and drugs within the liver. A high GGT level can indicate liver damage or disease, including conditions like hepatitis or cirrhosis. The test is also important for detecting bile duct infections and monitoring alcohol abuse, as elevated GGT levels can be a sign of liver stress or damage associated with these factors.

Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP) is an enzyme found in the liver, kidneys, bones, and digestive system. Elevated levels of ALP in the bloodstream can indicate liver disease, such as hepatitis or cirrhosis, or bone disorders, such as osteoporosis or bone cancer. High ALP levels may also be associated with conditions affecting the bile ducts. If ALP levels are outside the normal reference range, further investigation is typically needed to identify the underlying cause.

Triglycerides are a type of blood fat that play a crucial role in the healthy functioning of the body. They are the body’s primary method of storing fat and can be used as an energy source. Triglycerides are produced in the liver and are essential for energy storage and fat regulation. However, elevated triglyceride levels can increase the risk of cardiovascular problems, including heart disease and stroke. Therefore, it is important to monitor triglyceride levels as part of overall cholesterol assessments to maintain heart health and reduce potential risks.

HDL (high-density lipoprotein) percentage of total cholesterol calculates the proportion of HDL, often referred to as “good” cholesterol, relative to your total cholesterol level. This test helps assess your cardiovascular risk by comparing the amount of “good” cholesterol to “bad” cholesterol (LDL) and total cholesterol in your blood. A higher percentage of HDL is generally associated with a lower risk of heart disease, as HDL helps remove excess cholesterol from the bloodstream. Doctors and heart disease risk calculators often use this percentage to evaluate your overall cardiovascular health.

In addition to measuring your HDL and LDL levels, this test also includes a non-HDL cholesterol check. Non-HDL cholesterol encompasses all harmful types of cholesterol in your blood, such as LDL (low-density lipoprotein) and VLDL (very-low-density lipoprotein), making it a key indicator and risk assessment tool for cardiovascular health. Ideally, non-HDL cholesterol levels should be below 4 mmol/L. Monitoring HDL and LDL levels, alongside non-HDL cholesterol, allows you to track the impact of any diet and lifestyle changes on your cholesterol levels, helping you optimize your health based on these important biomarkers.

Creatine is a substance found in muscles, and its breakdown results in the production of creatinine, a waste product. Creatinine is normally excreted by the kidneys through urine. Elevated creatinine levels can indicate that the kidneys are not effectively filtering and excreting this waste, which may signal kidney dysfunction or damage. Monitoring creatinine levels is crucial for assessing kidney health and detecting potential kidney-related issues.

Glycated hemoglobin, also known as HbA1c, is a more accurate long-term measure of glucose (blood sugar) levels in your blood. Hemoglobin is a protein in red blood cells responsible for carrying oxygen throughout the body. When glucose enters the bloodstream, it attaches to hemoglobin molecules, and since red blood cells live for about 14 weeks, testing HbA1c provides an overview of average blood sugar levels over the past three months. This makes HbA1c an ideal marker for monitoring diabetes and assessing the risk of developing diabetes, as it reflects long-term glucose control.

The Total Iron Binding Capacity (TIBC) test measures the amount of iron in the bloodstream and assesses how well iron is transported around the body via a protein called transferrin. Iron is essential for producing hemoglobin in red blood cells, which carry oxygen throughout the body. Anemia, a condition characterized by insufficient iron in the blood, can result from low iron levels. On the other hand, having too much iron in the blood, which can occur in conditions like hemochromatosis, is rare but can be dangerous. Symptoms of excess iron may include fatigue, weakness, and irregular heart rhythms, among others. It’s important to balance iron levels to avoid health complications.

Transferrin Saturation is a test that measures the percentage of transferrin, a protein responsible for iron transport, that is saturated with iron. Transferrin binds to iron and carries it through the bloodstream to various tissues, including muscles, where it helps deliver oxygen and plays a key role in energy production. By assessing transferrin saturation, doctors can determine how efficiently the body is using iron and whether there is an imbalance, which could be linked to conditions like iron deficiency or iron overload. Proper iron transport is essential for maintaining energy levels and overall muscle function.

Uric acid is a waste product formed from purines, found in foods like anchovies, dried beans, and alcohol. The kidneys filter uric acid, but excess amounts can form crystals in tissues, causing gout, a type of arthritis that leads to joint pain. High uric acid levels can also result from cancer treatments. Low uric acid levels may indicate liver or kidney disease. Monitoring uric acid helps in managing gout and assessing kidney and liver health.

C-Reactive Protein (CRP) is a protein produced by the liver in response to inflammation. Elevated CRP levels indicate inflammation in the body and are associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases like heart attack and stroke. High CRP levels are also found in conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and after recent heart events. While CRP is not specific to one disease, it serves as an important marker for inflammation, helping to identify potential health issues or assess disease risk.

Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) is made in the pituitary glands and plays an essential role in sexual functioning. FSH is one of the gonadotropic hormones, the other being LH. FSH helps regulate the women’s ovaries and stimulates the growth of ovarian follicles. FSH is also involved in oestradiol products. For this reason, FSH is part of Welzo’s cutting edge female fertility home test due to its vital role in healthy female sexual function.

FT3 (Free Tri-iodothyronine) is one of the key hormones produced by the thyroid gland and plays a crucial role in regulating metabolism. Although it makes up a smaller fraction of thyroid hormones compared to FT4, FT3 has a stronger impact on the body. A deficiency or excess of FT3 can lead to thyroid-related health issues. The menopause blood test can measure the amount of FT3 that is not bound to a protein, helping to assess thyroid function and identify potential imbalances that may affect overall health.

Alanine transferase (ALT) is an enzyme primarily produced in the liver and heart cells. The ALT blood test measures the level of this enzyme in the bloodstream, which can help assess liver health. Elevated ALT levels often indicate liver damage or inflammation, which can be caused by factors such as heavy alcohol use, viral infections (like hepatitis), or the use of certain medications. However, the test alone does not determine the extent of liver damage. Typically, lower ALT levels are associated with a healthy liver, but normal ALT ranges can vary depending on factors such as age, sex, and individual health conditions.

Bilirubin is a yellow pigment produced when red blood cells break down. If it builds up in the bloodstream, it can cause jaundice, a yellowing of the skin and eyes, often indicating liver disease or other health issues.

Total cholesterol measures the overall cholesterol in your blood, including HDL (good cholesterol) and LDL (bad cholesterol). Cholesterol is produced by the liver and is essential for creating vitamin D, bile, and the membranes of cells. It also helps transport fatty acids through the bloodstream. Monitoring cholesterol levels is important for assessing heart health and identifying risks for cardiovascular issues like heart disease and heart attacks.

HDL, or high-density lipoprotein, is known as the “good cholesterol” because it helps remove excess cholesterol from the bloodstream. It plays a crucial role in protecting the heart and blood vessels by reducing inflammation, offering antioxidant benefits, and transporting excess fat to the liver for processing. Maintaining optimal HDL levels is essential for heart health. The Welzo HDL test measures your HDL levels and provides insights into necessary lifestyle changes or improvements to help boost them.

LDL, or low-density lipoprotein, is a type of cholesterol that helps transport fats like triglycerides through the bloodstream. However, it is often referred to as “bad cholesterol” because elevated LDL levels can increase the risk of cardiovascular problems, such as heart attacks and heart disease. High LDL can lead to fatty deposits in the walls of arteries, contributing to a condition called atherosclerosis, which narrows and hardens the arteries, potentially blocking blood flow.

Urea is a waste product produced by the body during the breakdown of proteins. It is filtered by the kidneys and excreted through urine. Normal urea serum levels should fall within the range of 2.5 – 7.0 mmol/L. Elevated urea levels can be harmful, potentially leading to kidney damage or failure in severe cases. It can also be indicative of dehydration or cardiovascular issues. Measuring urea levels is an important test to assess kidney function and overall renal health.

The estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR) is a test used to assess kidney function by estimating how well the kidneys are filtering waste from the blood. It is calculated based on factors such as age, gender, and serum creatinine levels. A normal eGFR is typically 60 or higher, indicating healthy kidney function. If the eGFR is below 60, it may suggest impaired kidney function or the presence of kidney disease. If eGFR drops significantly, it could indicate a need for further medical evaluation and treatment.

Iron is essential for producing hemoglobin, which carries oxygen in the blood. Low iron levels can lead to anemia, causing fatigue and weakness. The body gets iron from food and recycling red blood cells. Low levels can be treated with diet changes or supplements.

Unsaturated Iron Binding Capacity (UIBC) measures the amount of iron in the blood that is not yet bound to the transferrin protein. Transferrin carries iron to the bone marrow, where it is used to produce hemoglobin and red blood cells. UIBC helps assess the body’s ability to transport and store iron.

Ferritin is a protein that stores iron in the body, primarily in the liver, spleen, and bone marrow. It helps maintain a reserve of iron, which is essential for oxygen transport to muscles and overall energy production. When the body needs iron, ferritin releases it to support functions like hemoglobin production in red blood cells. Monitoring ferritin levels ensures that iron is adequately stored and available, preventing rapid depletion that could lead to iron deficiency or anemia.

Vitamin D is crucial for various bodily functions, particularly for maintaining healthy bones and muscles. It helps the body absorb calcium and supports immune function. Vitamin D can be obtained from sunlight, certain foods, and supplements. A normal vitamin D level typically ranges from 20 to 50 ng/mL. If levels are too low, it can lead to conditions like osteoporosis, muscle weakness, and an increased risk of fractures. In such cases, doctors may recommend vitamin D supplements or foods fortified with vitamin D to restore adequate levels.

Luteinising Hormone (LH) is produced by the pituitary gland and plays a crucial role in sexual health. In women, LH helps regulate the menstrual cycle and triggers ovulation by stimulating the release of eggs from the ovaries. LH levels spike just before ovulation, making it an important marker for assessing fertility. Imbalanced LH levels can lead to fertility problems, so monitoring LH is key in evaluating female reproductive health.

TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) is secreted by the pituitary gland and plays a key role in regulating the thyroid gland, which is located in the throat. TSH helps to control the production of thyroid hormones, which are crucial for metabolism. Abnormal levels of TSH can indicate thyroid dysfunction: high TSH levels are typically associated with hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid), while low TSH levels may suggest hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid). Both conditions can cause symptoms like weight changes, anxiety, palpitations, sleep disturbances, and irregular menstrual cycles. Hypothyroidism, in particular, often shares symptoms with menopause, making it important to monitor thyroid function.