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Advance Well Women

 

Full Blood Count (FBC):

A Full Blood Count (FBC) blood test evaluates various blood components, helping to detect a wide range of health conditions. Each biomarker in the FBC has a specific role in assessing overall health:

Red Blood Cells (RBC): These cells are responsible for transporting oxygen throughout the body. Abnormal RBC levels can indicate anaemia (low RBC) or other blood disorders.

White Blood Cells (WBC): WBCs are crucial for immune defence, fighting infections, and responding to inflammation. An elevated WBC count could signal an infection or inflammatory condition, while low levels may suggest a weakened immune system.

Haemoglobin (Hb): Haemoglobin, found in RBCs, carries oxygen to tissues. Low haemoglobin levels can indicate anaemia, which can lead to fatigue and weakness.

Haematocrit (Hct): This is the percentage of blood made up of RBCs. It helps assess the blood's ability to carry oxygen. Low haematocrit levels may suggest anaemia, while high levels can indicate dehydration or other issues.

Platelets: Platelets are essential for blood clotting. Low platelet counts can lead to excessive bleeding, while high counts might increase the risk of blood clots.

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Iron Profile:

Ferritin: Ferritin is a protein that stores iron in the body. Low levels may indicate iron deficiency, while high levels can suggest inflammation, liver disease or iron overload.

Iron: This test measures the amount of circulating iron in the blood. It helps determine if your body has enough iron to make haemoglobin and support healthy blood cell function. Low iron can lead to anaemia.

Total Iron-Binding Capacity (TIBC): TIBC measures the total amount of iron that can be carried by transferrin, the protein that transports iron in the blood. High TIBC levels may indicate iron deficiency.

Transferrin Saturation: This is the percentage of transferrin that is bound to iron. It’s calculated using the iron and TIBC levels. Low transferrin saturation typically indicates iron deficiency, while high levels may point to iron overload.

Unsaturated Iron-Binding Capacity (UIBC): UIBC measures the reserve capacity of transferrin to bind with iron. High UIBC values are often associated with iron deficiency, while low UIBC can suggest iron overload.

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Liver Function Tests:

Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT): ALT is an enzyme found mainly in the liver. It helps convert amino acids and plays a role in liver metabolism. Elevated ALT levels often indicate liver damage or disease, such as hepatitis or fatty liver disease.

Albumin: Albumin is a protein made by the liver that helps maintain blood volume and pressure by preventing fluid from leaking into tissues. Low levels can suggest liver disease, kidney disease or malnutrition.

Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP): ALP is an enzyme found in the liver, bones, and other tissues. Elevated ALP levels can indicate liver disease, bile duct obstruction or bone disorders.

Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST): AST is an enzyme found in the liver, heart, muscles, and kidneys. High AST levels can signal liver damage, heart disease, or muscle injury, but it’s not as specific to liver function as ALT.

Bilirubin: Bilirubin is a waste product produced from the breakdown of red blood cells. It is processed by the liver and excreted in bile. High bilirubin levels can cause jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes) and may indicate liver dysfunction or bile duct blockage.

Gamma-Glutamyl Transferase (GGT): GGT is an enzyme found in the liver and bile ducts. Elevated GGT levels may indicate liver disease, alcohol use, or bile duct obstruction. It is particularly useful in diagnosing liver disease related to alcohol consumption.

Globulin: Globulins are a group of proteins in the blood that help with immune function, blood clotting, and transport of substances. Low or high levels can indicate liver disease, kidney disease or immune disorders.

Total Protein: Total protein measures the combined amount of albumin and globulin in the blood. It provides an overall view of protein levels in the body. Abnormal levels can indicate liver or kidney disease, malnutrition or immune system disorders.

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Kidney Function Test:

Urea: A waste product from protein breakdown, elevated levels may indicate kidney issues or dehydration, while low levels can signal liver problems.

Creatinine: A waste product from muscle metabolism, high levels in the blood can indicate kidney problems.

eGFR: A calculation based on creatinine, age, and gender that estimates kidney function; lower values suggest reduced kidney function.

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Bone and Heart Health: 

Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH): LDH is an enzyme found in many body tissues, including the heart, liver, kidney, and muscles. Elevated LDH levels can indicate tissue damage, heart attack, liver disease, or muscle injury. It is often used as a marker for cell damage or disease.

Creatine Kinase (CK): CK is an enzyme found in the muscles, heart, and brain. It plays a role in energy production. Elevated CK levels often indicate muscle damage, heart attacks, or muscle diseases like muscular dystrophy. CK is particularly useful in detecting muscle injury or heart conditions.

Calcium: Calcium is an essential mineral involved in bone health, muscle function, nerve signalling, and blood clotting. Abnormal calcium levels can indicate various conditions, including kidney disease, bone disorders, or parathyroid issues. High levels may suggest hypercalcemia, while low levels may indicate hypocalcaemia.

Sodium: Sodium is a key electrolyte that helps regulate fluid balance, blood pressure, and nerve function. Abnormal sodium levels can indicate dehydration, kidney disease, heart failure, or hormonal imbalances. High sodium levels (hypernatremia) are often associated with dehydration, while low levels (hyponatremia) can indicate fluid retention or kidney problems.

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Test for Gout: Uric Acid:

Uric acid is a waste product formed from the breakdown of purines, which are found in certain foods and beverages. High levels of uric acid can lead to gout, a type of arthritis, or kidney stones.

 

Lipid Profile: 

Total Cholesterol: This test measures the total amount of cholesterol in the blood, which includes both HDL (good) and LDL (bad) cholesterol. High total cholesterol levels can increase the risk of heart disease and stroke.

High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL): Often referred to as "good" cholesterol, HDL helps remove excess cholesterol from the bloodstream and transports it to the liver for removal. Higher levels of HDL are protective against heart disease.

Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL): Known as "bad" cholesterol, LDL carries cholesterol to the cells. High levels of LDL cholesterol can lead to plaque build-up in the arteries, increasing the risk of heart disease and stroke.

HDL % of Total Cholesterol: This is the percentage of total cholesterol that is HDL. A higher percentage suggests better heart health, as it indicates a higher proportion of "good" cholesterol relative to "bad" cholesterol.

Non-HDL Cholesterol: This value is calculated by subtracting HDL cholesterol from total cholesterol. It includes all cholesterol types that are considered harmful, such as LDL and VLDL and is an important marker for cardiovascular risk.

Triglycerides: Elevated triglyceride levels, often associated with high calorie intake, obesity, or uncontrolled diabetes, increase the risk of heart disease and stroke.

 

Thyroid Function Test:

Thyroid Stimulating Hormone(TSH): TSH is produced by the pituitary gland and regulates the production of thyroid hormones (T4 and T3). High TSH levels typically indicate an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism), as the body tries to stimulate more hormone production. Low TSH levels are often seen in hyperthyroidism, where the thyroid is overactive.

Free Thyroxine(FT4): FT4 is the unbound, active form of thyroxine, a hormone produced by the thyroid gland. It plays a critical role in regulating metabolism, energy production, and growth. Low FT4 levels may indicate hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid), while high levels may suggest hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid).

Free Triiodothyronine (FT3): FT3 is the active form of thyroid hormone that directly influences metabolism. It is produced from FT4. Abnormal FT3 levels can indicate thyroid dysfunction, with low levels associated with hypothyroidism and high levels with hyperthyroidism.

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Hormones: 

Follicle-Stimulating Hormone: Regulates the growth of ovarian follicles and menstrual cycle. Elevated levels may suggest menopause or ovarian dysfunction, while low levels can indicate pituitary issues.

Luteinizing Hormone: Triggers ovulation and plays a role in the menstrual cycle. Imbalances may indicate fertility issues or conditions like PCOS.

Oestradiol: A form of oestrogen that plays a critical role in the menstrual cycle and reproductive health. Low levels can indicate ovarian dysfunction, menopause or infertility.​​

 

Inflammation: 

hs-CRP: high-sensitivity C-Reactive Protein is a marker of inflammation in the body. Elevated levels can indicate an increased risk of heart disease, infections or chronic inflammatory conditions.

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CA 125

Ca 125 is a protein that may be elevated in women with ovarian cancer. It is also used to monitor treatment and detect recurrence of ovarian cancer, though levels can be increased in other conditions like endometriosis, Pelvic inflammatory disease, Uterine fibroids, pregnancy, menstruation and others.

 

Advance Diabetes Screen: 

HbA1c: Measures average blood sugar over the last 2-3 months. Levels of 48 mmol/mol or higher indicate diabetes.

Random Glucose: Measures blood sugar at any time.

 

Vitamins:

Vitamin D: Essential for bone health, immune function, and overall well-being. Low levels can lead to bone disorders, fatigue and weakened immunity.

Vitamin B12: Important for nerve function, red blood cell production and DNA synthesis. Deficiency can cause fatigue, weakness and neurological issues.

Vitamin B9 (Folate): Crucial for cell growth, tissue repair and red blood cell formation. Low levels can lead to anaemia and birth defects in pregnant women.

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Magnesium: Important for muscle and nerve function, energy production and bone health. Deficiency can lead to muscle cramps, fatigue and heart irregularities.