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Apolipoprotein A & B

Apolipoprotein A and B tests, which measure the levels of these proteins in your blood, can provide a more detailed assessment of your risk for cardiovascular disease than a standard cholesterol test alone, particularly for individuals with a family history of heart disease or high triglycerides. 

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What are Apolipoproteins?

  • Apolipoproteins:

    These are proteins that bind to lipids (fats) and help them move around in the bloodstream. 

  • ApoA1 (Apolipoprotein A-1):

    Often associated with "good" cholesterol (HDL) and helps in removing cholesterol from the arteries. 

  • ApoB (Apolipoprotein B):

    Primarily associated with "bad" cholesterol (LDL) and is a key component of LDL particles that can contribute to plaque build-up in arteries. 
     

Why are Apo A1 and Apo B Tests Useful?

  • Improved Risk Assessment:

    Measuring ApoA1 and ApoB levels can provide a more comprehensive understanding of your cardiovascular risk compared to just looking at LDL cholesterol levels. 

  • Identifying High-Risk Individuals:

    A high ApoB level or a high ApoB/ApoA1 ratio can indicate an increased risk of heart disease, especially in individuals with a family history of heart problems or other risk factors. 

  • Monitoring Treatment Effectiveness:

    ApoB levels can be used to monitor the effectiveness of lipid-lowering treatments. 

  • Measuring Cholesterol Particles:

    ApoB is a key structural protein for cholesterol particles, measuring ApoB can help estimate the concentration of cholesterol particles. 

Folate (Vitamin B9)

A folate test, also known as a Vitamin B9 test, measures the level of folate (or folic acid) in your blood, helping to identify deficiencies that can lead to various health problems, especially during pregnancy.

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What is a Folate Test?

Purpose:

  • The test measures the amount of folate, or vitamin B9, in your blood serum (the liquid part of the blood). 
     

Why it's important:

  • Folate is essential for DNA synthesis, red blood cell production, and overall cell growth and function. 
     

When it's ordered:

  • To diagnose folate deficiency. 

  • To monitor folate levels during pregnancy, as adequate folate is crucial for preventing neural tube defects in the developing fetus. 

  • To assess the effectiveness of folate supplementation or treatment for folate deficiency. 

  • To investigate certain medical conditions that can affect folate levels, such as malabsorption disorders, liver disease, alcoholism, or certain medications. 
     

Symptoms of Folate Deficiency:

  • Fatigue and weakness. 

  • Pale skin. 

  • Difficulty concentrating. 

  • Smooth and tender tongue. 

  • Diarrhea. 

  • Decreased appetite. 

  • Being grouchy (irritable). 

  • Lack of energy or tiring easily. 
     

How the Test is Performed:

  • Blood Sample: A blood sample is drawn from a vein in your arm. 

  • No Special Preparation: Usually, no special preparation is needed before the test, but your doctor may advise you to stop taking any medications or supplements that could affect the results. 

  • Fasting: You may be asked to fast for a certain period before the test, typically 6 hours. Interpreting the Results: A low level of folate in the blood indicates a folate deficiency. 
     

Folate and Folic Acid:

  • Folate: The natural form of vitamin B9 found in foods. 

  • Folic Acid: The synthetic form of folate used in supplements and fortified foods. 

  • Testing: Serum and RBC folate tests measure many folate vitamers, so referring to folate testing as a folic acid test is inaccurate. 

Cholesterol (Full Lipid Profile)

A full lipid profile, or cholesterol test, is a blood test that measures cholesterol and triglyceride levels, helping assess your risk of heart disease and stroke. 

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What it measures:

Total Cholesterol:

  • The overall amount of cholesterol in your blood. 

LDL ("bad") Cholesterol:

  • The type of cholesterol that can build up in arteries, potentially leading to blockages. 

HDL ("good") Cholesterol:

  • Helps remove LDL cholesterol from the arteries, potentially reducing the risk of heart disease. 

Triglycerides:

  • A type of fat found in the blood, high levels of which may increase the risk of heart disease. 
     

Why it's important:

Assessing Cardiovascular Risk:

Elevated cholesterol levels, especially high LDL and triglycerides, can increase your risk of heart disease, stroke, and other cardiovascular problems. 
 

Monitoring Treatment:

If you have high cholesterol, this test can help monitor the effectiveness of lifestyle changes or medications aimed at lowering cholesterol levels.
 

Early Detection:

Regular cholesterol testing can help identify high cholesterol levels early, allowing for timely intervention and potentially preventing serious health problems. 
 

How it's done:

  • Blood Draw: A blood sample is taken from a vein in your arm. 

  • Fasting: You may need to fast (not eat or drink anything except water) for a certain period before the test, typically 8-12 hours, to ensure accurate results. 

  • Results: The test results will show your levels of total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, and triglycerides. 
     

Interpreting the results:

Talk to your doctor:

It's essential to discuss your test results with your doctor, who can interpret them and advise you on any necessary lifestyle changes or treatments. 
 

Normal Ranges:

Ideal cholesterol levels vary, but generally, you want to keep your LDL cholesterol as low as possible, your HDL cholesterol as high as possible, and your triglycerides below 150 mg/dL. 

C-Reactive Protein

A C-reactive protein (CRP) test measures the level of CRP, a protein produced by the liver in response to inflammation, in a blood sample, helping doctors assess the presence and severity of inflammation in the body. 

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What is CRP?

  • CRP is a protein that your liver produces and releases into your bloodstream when inflammation is present. 

  • Normally, CRP levels are low in the blood, but they increase significantly when inflammation occurs. 

  • Inflammation is your body's natural response to injury, infection, or other diseases. 
     

Why is a CRP test done?

  • Detecting inflammation: A CRP test can help determine if there is inflammation in the body and how severe it is. 

  • Assessing infection: Elevated CRP levels can indicate an infection. 

  • Monitoring inflammatory conditions: The test can help monitor the progression of inflammatory conditions, like rheumatoid arthritis or lupus. 

  • Assessing cardiovascular risk: CRP levels can also indicate cardiovascular risk. 

  • Monitoring treatment effectiveness: Doctors can use CRP levels to assess how well a treatment is working for an infection or inflammatory condition. 
     

How is the test performed?

  • A blood sample is drawn from a vein, typically in your arm. 

  • No special preparation is needed, such as fasting, for a CRP test. 
     

Interpreting the results:

  • Normal levels: Low CRP levels (less than 1 mg/L) usually indicate that there is no or minimal inflammation. 

  • Elevated levels: Higher CRP levels can indicate inflammation, infection, or other conditions. 
     

Interpreting results:

A doctor will consider the CRP level along with other clinical information and tests to determine the cause and severity of inflammation. 

Diabetes Risk (HbA1c)

An HbA1c test, or glycated hemoglobin test, measures your average blood sugar levels over the past 2-3 months, helping to diagnose diabetes and assess your risk of developing the condition. 

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What it measures:

  • HbA1c measures the percentage of your red blood cells that have sugar (glucose) attached to them. 
     

How it's used:

  • Diagnosis: An HbA1c of 48 mmol/mol (6.5%) or higher indicates diabetes. 

  • Prediabetes: An HbA1c between 42 and 47 mmol/mol (6.0% to 6.4%) suggests prediabetes, meaning you're at increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes. 

  • Monitoring: It helps healthcare professionals monitor how well your blood sugar levels are controlled, especially if you have diabetes. 
     

How the test is done:

  • A simple blood sample is taken from a vein in your arm, and the test can be performed at any time of the day, without fasting. 
     

Why it's important:

  • Early detection and management of diabetes can help prevent or delay serious health complications, such as heart disease, nerve damage, and kidney disease. 
     

Who should get tested:

  • People over 45 

  • People with symptoms of diabetes (excessive thirst, frequent urination, unexplained weight loss, etc.) 

  • People with a family history of diabetes 

  • People with prediabetes 
     

Normal HbA1c levels:

  • Normal: Below 42 mmol/mol (6.0%) 

  • Prediabetes: 42-47 mmol/mol (6.0% to 6.4%) 

  • Diabetes: 48 mmol/mol (6.5%) or higher 

Ferritin (Iron)

  • A ferritin test measures the amount of ferritin, a protein that stores iron, in your blood, indicating your body's iron stores. Low ferritin levels suggest iron deficiency, while high levels might indicate iron overload or other conditions. 

 

What is a ferritin test?

  • Purpose: The ferritin test is a blood test used to assess how much iron your body has stored. 

  • How it works: Ferritin is a protein that stores iron within cells, and the amount of ferritin in your blood reflects the amount of iron stored. 

  • Why it's important: Iron is essential for various bodily functions, including carrying oxygen in red blood cells.

 

What it can indicate:

  • Low ferritin levels: Can suggest iron deficiency, which can lead to anemia (low red blood cell count) and other health problems. 

  • High ferritin levels: May indicate iron overload (hemochromatosis), inflammation, liver disease, or other medical conditions. 

  • Normal ferritin levels: Indicate that your body's iron stores are adequate. 

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When might you need a ferritin test?

  • If you have symptoms of iron deficiency, such as fatigue, weakness, pale skin, or shortness of breath. 

  • If you have symptoms of iron overload, such as abdominal pain, fatigue, or skin darkening. 

  • If your doctor suspects you have iron deficiency or iron overload. 

  • If you have certain medical conditions, such as liver disease or inflammatory conditions. 

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How is the test performed?

  • A blood sample is taken from a vein, usually in your arm. 

  • The sample is then sent to a laboratory for analysis. 

  • The results are typically available within a few days. 
     

What are normal ferritin levels?

  • Normal ferritin levels vary slightly between laboratories, but generally:

  • Males: 20 to 500 nanograms per milliliter (ng/mL). 

  • Females: 20 to 200 ng/mL. 

Full Blood Count (FBC)

A full blood count (FBC), also known as a complete blood count (CBC), is a common blood test that provides information about the types and numbers of cells in your blood, including red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. 

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What an FBC Measures:

Red Blood Cells (RBCs):

  • Measures the number of red blood cells, hemoglobin (the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen), and hematocrit (the percentage of red blood cells in your blood). 


White Blood Cells (WBCs):

  • Measures the number of white blood cells, which are important for fighting infection, and can include a differential count, which shows the types of white blood cells present.
     

Platelets:

  • Measures the number of platelets, which are essential for blood clotting. 
     

Other Measurements:

  • The FBC may also include measurements of red blood cell indices (size and shape). 

 

Why is an FBC Ordered?

General Health Assessment:

  • An FBC can be used as a general health screening test to check for abnormalities in your blood. 

Investigating Symptoms:

  • It can help investigate symptoms like fatigue, unexplained bruising, or signs of infection. 

Diagnosing Conditions:

  • An FBC can help diagnose a range of conditions, including anemia, infections, and bleeding or clotting disorders. 

Monitoring Treatment:

  • It can be used to monitor the effectiveness of treatments for certain conditions. 
     

How an FBC is Performed:

  • A blood sample is taken from a vein, usually in the arm, and sent to a laboratory for analysis. 

  • The sample is analyzed using automated equipment that counts and measures the different blood cells. 

  • If abnormalities are found, further tests may be ordered to determine the cause. 
     

Abnormal Results and Potential Causes:

  • Low Red Blood Cell Count (Anemia): Can be caused by iron deficiency, vitamin B12 deficiency, or other conditions. 

  • High White Blood Cell Count: Can indicate an infection or inflammation. 

  • Low White Blood Cell Count: Can increase the risk of infection. 

  • Low Platelet Count: Can increase the risk of bleeding. 

  • High Platelet Count: Can increase the risk of blood clots. 

Full Iron Profile

A full iron profile test, also known as an iron panel or iron studies, is a group of blood tests that assess your body's iron status, including levels of iron, ferritin, transferrin, and total iron-binding capacity (TIBC). 

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What it measures:

Serum Iron:

  • Measures the amount of iron circulating in your blood, reflecting the iron available for use by your body. 

Ferritin:

  • Measures the amount of iron stored in your body, with low levels indicating iron deficiency and high levels potentially indicating iron overload or inflammation. 

Transferrin:

  • Measures the protein that transports iron in the blood, with low levels potentially indicating liver disease or malnutrition, and high levels potentially indicating iron deficiency anemia. 

Total Iron-Binding Capacity (TIBC):

  • Measures the blood's capacity to bind iron and transport it, with low levels potentially indicating iron overload and high levels potentially indicating iron deficiency. 

Transferrin Saturation:

  • Calculated by dividing serum iron by TIBC, indicating the percentage of transferrin saturated with iron. 
     

Why it's important:

Diagnosing Iron Deficiency Anemia:

  • Low iron levels can lead to anemia, a condition where the body doesn't have enough healthy red blood cells to carry oxygen. 

Identifying Iron Overload:

  • High iron levels can lead to conditions like hemochromatosis, where the body stores too much iron. 

Monitoring Treatment:

  • Iron profile tests can help monitor the effectiveness of treatments for iron deficiency or iron overload. 

Other health issues:

  • Abnormal iron levels can also be associated with other health problems, such as liver disease or malnutrition. 
     

When it's ordered:

Suspected Iron Deficiency:

If you experience symptoms like fatigue, weakness, or shortness of breath, your doctor may order an iron profile. 

Anemia:

  • If a full blood count (FBC) reveals abnormal results, such as low haemoglobin or low mean cell volume (MCV), an iron profile may be ordered. 

Monitoring Chronic Conditions:

  • People with certain chronic conditions, such as kidney disease or inflammatory bowel disease, may need regular iron profile tests. 

Evaluating Iron Overload:

  • If there's a suspicion of iron overload, an iron profile can help confirm or rule out the condition. 

Kidney Health

To assess kidney health, we perform blood tests to measure creatinine levels and calculate the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), which indicates how well the kidneys are filtering waste. 

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Creatinine Level Test (Serum Creatinine Test):

How it's used:

  • The creatinine level, along with other factors like age, sex, and sometimes weight and height, is used to calculate the eGFR. 

What it measures:

  • This blood test measures the level of creatinine, a waste product of muscle metabolism, in your blood. 

Why it's important:

  • Healthy kidneys efficiently filter creatinine from the blood. If kidney function is impaired, creatinine levels can rise. 
     

Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR):

  • What it is: eGFR is an estimate of how well your kidneys are filtering blood, based on the creatinine level and other factors. 

  • Why it's important: eGFR helps assess kidney function and stage kidney disease. 

  • Normal eGFR: A normal eGFR is generally considered to be above 90 ml/min. 

  • Low eGFR: A lower eGFR (e.g., below 60 ml/min) may indicate kidney disease. 
     

Other Kidney Function Tests:

Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN) test:

  • Measures the amount of urea nitrogen in your blood, another waste product that healthy kidneys remove. 

Cystatin C:

  • A newer test that might be more accurate than creatinine for measuring kidney function, as it's not affected by muscle mass. 

Urine Albumin-Creatinine Ratio (uACR):

  • A urine test that measures the amount of albumin (a protein) in the urine, which can indicate kidney damage. 

Liver Health

Liver health blood tests, also known as liver function tests or LFTs, assess liver health by measuring levels of proteins, enzymes, and other substances produced by the liver in a blood sample, helping to detect liver damage or disease. 

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What are Liver Health Blood Tests?

Purpose:

  • These tests measure various substances in the blood, including proteins, enzymes, and bilirubin, to assess liver function and identify potential problems. 
     

Common Tests:

  • Aspartate Transaminase (AST): Another liver enzyme, elevated levels can suggest liver damage or other conditions. 

  • Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP): An enzyme found in the liver and bones, elevated levels can indicate liver or bone problems. 

  • Gamma-Glutamyl Transferase (GGT): An enzyme primarily found in the liver and bile ducts, elevated levels can suggest liver or bile duct problems. 

  • Bilirubin: A waste product made when red blood cells break down, elevated levels can cause jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes). 

  • Albumin: A protein produced by the liver, low levels can indicate liver damage. 

  • Total Protein: Measures the total amount of protein in the blood, including albumin and globulins, which are mainly produced in the liver. 

  • Prothrombin Time (PT) / International Normalized Ratio (INR): Measures how long it takes blood to clot, which can indicate liver damage. 

  • Alanine Transaminase (ALT): An enzyme primarily found in the liver, elevated levels may indicate liver damage or inflammation. 
     

Why they are important:

  • Liver blood tests can help diagnose and monitor various liver conditions, including hepatitis, cirrhosis, and liver cancer. 
     

Interpreting Results:

  • Elevated levels of certain enzymes (ALT, AST, ALP, GGT) can indicate liver damage or disease. 

  • Low levels of albumin can suggest liver dysfunction. 

  • Elevated bilirubin levels can indicate problems with the liver's ability to process bilirubin. 

  • Abnormal clotting times (PT/INR) can indicate liver damage or disease. 

Omega 6:3 Ratio

An Omega 6:3 Ratio blood test assesses the balance of omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids in your blood, crucial for understanding inflammation and overall health, with an ideal ratio generally considered to be around 2:1, though the typical Western diet often sees a higher ratio. 

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What the Test Measures:

  • Omega-6 and Omega-3 Levels: The test measures the levels of both omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids in your blood, including specific fatty acids like EPA and DHA (omega-3) and ARA (omega-6). 

  • Omega-3 Index: Some tests also include the Omega-3 Index, which describes the proportion of EPA and DHA in your total fatty acid content. 

  • Ratio: The primary focus is on the ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids. 
     

Why it's Important:

Inflammation:

Omega-6 fatty acids are considered pro-inflammatory, while omega-3s are anti-inflammatory. 

Health Implications:

  • A high omega-6 to omega-3 ratio (more omega-6 than omega-3) is linked to chronic inflammation, which can increase the risk of conditions like cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and cancer. 

Dietary Assessment:

  • The test helps assess your current intake of omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids and determine if your diet is balanced or if you need to make changes. 
     

Interpreting the Results:

Ideal Ratio:

  • The ideal ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 is generally considered to be around 2:1, but the typical Western diet often results in a ratio closer to 16:1. 

Recommendations:

  • Based on your results, you may receive recommendations on how to improve your omega-6 to omega-3 ratio, such as increasing your intake of omega-3 fatty acids through diet or supplementation. 

Dietary Changes:

  • The results can help you make informed decisions about your diet, such as choosing foods rich in omega-3s like fatty fish, flaxseeds, and walnuts. 

Supplementation:

  • If your omega-3 levels are low, your doctor may recommend omega-3 supplements, but it's important to discuss this with them first and be aware of potential interactions with medications. 

PSA (males aged 40+)

A PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) blood test measures the amount of PSA, a protein produced by the prostate gland, in your blood, which can help detect prostate conditions, including cancer. 

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How is it done?

  • A PSA test is a simple blood test where a small amount of blood is drawn from a vein in your arm. 

What does the result mean?

  • A high PSA level may suggest a problem with the prostate, but further tests are usually needed to determine the cause. 

Who should get tested?

  • Anyone aged 40 or over with a prostate can ask for a PSA test, and it's available to anyone with a prostate, including trans women and non-binary people. 

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What are the benefits?

  • A PSA test can help detect prostate cancer at an early stage, when treatment is more likely to be effective. 

What are the risks?

  • There are no major risks associated with a PSA test, but it's important to discuss the potential benefits and risks with your doctor. 

What to do after a PSA test?

  • If your PSA level is high, your doctor may recommend further tests, such as a prostate biopsy. 

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Other factors to consider:

  • PSA levels can also be affected by other factors, such as exercise, ejaculation, and certain medications. 

What is PSA?

  • PSA is a protein made by the prostate gland, and a small amount is normally present in the bloodstream. 

Why is it tested?

  • A PSA test can help detect prostate cancer early, but it can also be elevated by other prostate conditions, such as an enlarged prostate or an infection. 

qFIT (males / females aged 45+)

A Faecal Immunochemical Test (FIT) is a screening test for colon cancer that detects hidden blood in a stool sample, which can be an early sign of cancer or precancerous polyps.

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What it does:

  • The FIT test looks for traces of blood in stool that you cannot see, which can be a sign of problems in the colon or rectum. 
     

Why it's important:

  • Early detection of colorectal cancer through FIT can significantly improve treatment outcomes and survival rates. 

FIT vs. other tests:

  • FIT is often preferred over older fecal occult blood tests (FOBTs) because it's more sensitive and doesn't require any dietary restrictions before the test. 

What to do if the test is positive:

  • A positive FIT result means that blood was detected in the stool, and further investigation, such as a colonoscopy, is usually recommended to determine the cause. 

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Other names:

  • FIT is also sometimes called an immunochemical fecal occult blood test (iFOBT) or a hemmocult test. 

UK Bowel Cancer Screening:

  • The UK's national bowel cancer screening program uses a quantitative FIT (qFIT) test to screen for bowel cancer, according to NHS and Bowel Cancer UK. 

How it works:

  • You collect a stool sample at home using a kit provided by your doctor or a screening program, and then send the sample to a lab for testing. 

Thyroid Health

A thyroid blood test, also known as a thyroid function test, measures hormone levels (TSH, T4, and sometimes T3) to assess thyroid function and diagnose conditions like hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) or hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid). 

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What it checks:

  • Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH): A hormone produced by the pituitary gland that stimulates the thyroid gland to produce thyroid hormones. 

  • Thyroxine (T4): One of the main thyroid hormones. 

  • Triiodothyronine (T3): Another of the main thyroid hormones. 

  • Thyroid antibodies: Less commonly, these are checked to help diagnose or rule out autoimmune thyroid conditions. 

 

Why it's important:

  • Diagnosing thyroid problems: It can help determine if your thyroid is functioning properly, if you have an underactive or overactive thyroid, or if you have an autoimmune thyroid condition. 

  • Monitoring thyroid medication: If you're taking medication for a thyroid condition, these tests can help ensure you're taking the correct dosage. 

  • Early detection: TSH levels can serve as an "early warning system" for thyroid problems, often changing before the actual levels of thyroid hormones become too high or too low. 

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When to get tested:

  • If you experience symptoms of a thyroid problem, such as fatigue, unexplained weight changes, mood swings, hair loss, or sensitivity to temperature changes. 

  • If you have a family history of thyroid problems. 

  • If you have other health conditions that can affect the thyroid, such as autoimmune conditions. 

  • If you are taking medication that can affect the thyroid. 
     

Interpreting the results:

  • Low TSH levels: can indicate an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism). 

  • Normal TSH levels: usually indicate that the thyroid is functioning properly. 

  • High TSH levels: can indicate an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism). 

Total Vitamin B12

A total vitamin B12 blood test measures the amount of all forms of vitamin B12 (both active and inactive) in your blood, helping to diagnose deficiencies or monitor treatment effectiveness. 

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What it measures:

The test quantifies the total amount of vitamin B12, including both the biologically active forms (like methylcobalamin and adenosylcobalamin) and inactive forms (like cyanocobalamin). 
 

Why it's important:

  • Vitamin B12 is crucial for various bodily functions, including red blood cell production, nerve function, and DNA synthesis. A deficiency can lead to anemia, neurological problems, and other health issues. 

Who needs it:

  • You might need a vitamin B12 blood test if you have symptoms of deficiency, such as fatigue, weakness, or neurological problems, or if you have certain medical conditions or lifestyle factors that increase your risk of deficiency. 

Normal ranges:

  • Normal vitamin B12 levels typically fall between 200 and 900 picograms per milliliter (pg/mL). However, some labs may use slightly different ranges. 
     

Interpreting results:

  • Low levels: May indicate a vitamin B12 deficiency, which can lead to anemia and other health problems. 

  • High levels: While less common, high levels can sometimes indicate certain medical conditions. 
     

Other tests:

  • Your doctor may also order additional tests, such as a complete blood count, to assess your overall health and rule out other potential causes of your symptoms. 

Active B12 vs. Total B12:

  • While the total B12 test measures all forms, some clinicians also consider measuring active B12 levels, which are the forms readily used by the body. 

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Vitamin D

A vitamin D blood test, specifically measuring 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D), is used to assess your body's vitamin D levels, helping diagnose deficiencies or monitor treatment, and is usually recommended if you have certain conditions or risk factors. 
 

Why is a vitamin D blood test done?
 

Diagnose Vitamin D Deficiency:

  • A low level of vitamin D can lead to various health problems, including bone issues, fatigue, and weakened immune function. 

Investigate Bone Problems:

  • If you have concerns about bone health, such as osteoporosis or osteomalacia, a vitamin D test can help determine if low levels are a contributing factor. 

Assess Overall Health:

  • Vitamin D plays a role in various bodily functions, and a deficiency can impact overall health and well-being. 
     

Check for Vitamin D Toxicity:

  • Less commonly, a test may be used to detect dangerously high levels of vitamin D. 

Monitor Treatment:

  • If you're taking vitamin D supplements, a blood test can help ensure your levels are adequate without becoming dangerously high. 

25(OH)D Measurement:

  • The test measures the level of 25-hydroxyvitamin D, the most common and reliable indicator of vitamin D status. 
     

Who might need a vitamin D test?

  • People with certain medical conditions: Such as kidney disease, liver disease, or malabsorption disorders. 

  • Individuals at risk of deficiency: Including those with dark skin, the elderly, people who spend little time outdoors, or those who are overweight. 

  • People with symptoms of deficiency: Such as fatigue, bone pain, or muscle weakness. 

  • Those taking certain medications: Such as anticonvulsants, which can affect vitamin D levels. 

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CA-125 (females)

A CA-125 test measures the amount of a protein called cancer antigen 125 (CA-125) in the blood, and elevated levels can sometimes indicate ovarian cancer, but are not a definitive diagnostic tool. 

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What is a CA-125 test?

  • The CA-125 test is a blood test that measures the levels of the protein CA-125, also known as cancer antigen 125. 

  • CA-125 is a protein that is found on the surface of many cells, but it is also released into the bloodstream

  • Elevated CA-125 levels can be associated with ovarian cancer, but can also be elevated in other conditions

  • The test is often used to monitor the effectiveness of ovarian cancer treatment or to detect recurrence of the disease. 

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When is a CA-125 test used?
Diagnosis and monitoring of ovarian cancer:

  • A CA-125 test can be used to help diagnose ovarian cancer, monitor the effectiveness of treatment, and detect recurrence. 

Monitoring treatment:

  • Healthcare providers may order a CA-125 test to assess how well treatment is working. 

High-risk individuals:

  • The test may be recommended for women at high risk of ovarian cancer, such as those with a family history of the disease or certain genetic mutations. 

Pelvic masses:

  • The test may be used to help determine the cause of a pelvic mass. 

What are normal CA-125 levels?

  • Generally, a CA-125 level below 35 units per milliliter (U/mL) is considered normal.

  • However, some women naturally have levels above this range without any health concerns. 
     

What are some other conditions that can cause elevated CA-125 levels?

Benign conditions:

  • Elevated CA-125 levels can also be seen in conditions such as endometriosis, fibroids, and pregnancy. 

Other cancers:

  • Elevated CA-125 levels may also be seen in other types of cancer, such as breast, lung, and pancreatic cancer. 
     

Limitations of the CA-125 test:

False positives and negatives:

  • The test can have both false positive and false negative results, meaning that CA-125 levels can be normal even if you have cancer or elevated when you don't have cancer. 

Not a screening tool:

  • The CA-125 test is not recommended as a general screening test for ovarian cancer because of its limitations. 

Other tests are needed:

  • A CA-125 test is often used in conjunction with other tests, such as ultrasound and biopsy, to make a diagnosis. 

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