Basic Thyroid Profile

A basic thyroid profile checks the hormones that control metabolism and energy use, helping to identify underactive or overactive thyroid function.

Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH)
TSH is produced by the pituitary gland to regulate how much thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3) the thyroid releases. When thyroid hormone levels are low, the pituitary increases TSH to stimulate the thyroid; when levels are high, it reduces TSH to slow activity. Very high or very low TSH usually indicates an underactive or overactive thyroid, though pituitary problems can also affect TSH.

Free Triiodothyronine (Free T3)
T3 is the more active of the two main thyroid hormones. Most circulating T3 is bound to protein, but this test measures the small unbound (free) portion that is available to regulate metabolism. Abnormal free T3 helps confirm whether the thyroid is working too quickly or too slowly.

Free Thyroxine (Free T4)
T4 is a key thyroid hormone that helps control metabolic rate and energy use. Most T4 in the blood is protein-bound; only the free, unbound T4 is active. Free T4 is less active than T3 but converts to T3 when needed, so measuring it gives an important indication of thyroid function.

High Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein (hs-CRP)

C-reactive protein (CRP) is made by the liver when there is inflammation anywhere in the body. Levels rise with infection, injury, or chronic disease, but the test does not pinpoint where the inflammation is.

The high-sensitivity test (hs-CRP) detects very small increases that may reflect low-grade, persistent inflammation affecting blood vessels over time. Sustained low-level inflammation of this kind is associated with a higher risk of heart disease and stroke.

CRP can also rise temporarily with acute problems (for example after an injury or during an infection) and usually falls again as healing occurs.

What is it?

Creatine is a naturally occurring compound found mainly in your muscles and brain. Your body produces it from amino acids, and it is also obtained from dietary sources such as red meat and fish. It plays a central role in supplying rapid energy to your muscles during short bursts of activity. It is distinct from creatinine, which is a waste product of muscle metabolism.

Why is it measured?

Blood creatine levels may be measured as part of a broader metabolic or muscle health assessment. It can help evaluate muscle energy metabolism and may provide context when interpreting creatine kinase (CK) results, particularly in individuals who exercise intensively or take creatine supplements.

What can high results mean?

A high creatine level can reflect recent creatine supplementation, a diet rich in red meat, or increased muscle turnover. In some cases it may be seen alongside kidney conditions that affect how creatine is filtered. Your clinician will consider it in the context of your lifestyle and other results.

What can low results mean?

A low creatine level is not commonly clinically significant. It may be seen in people with very low muscle mass, those on plant-based diets, or in rare inherited metabolic conditions. It is usually interpreted alongside other markers.

What can affect the result?

• Creatine supplements
• Dietary intake of red meat and fish
• Intense physical exercise close to the time of testing
• Kidney function

Creatine Kinase (CK)

Creatine kinase is an enzyme found mainly in muscles, the heart, and the brain, where it supports energy production. When muscle cells are damaged or under stress, CK leaks into the bloodstream and levels rise.

A raised CK can follow muscle strain, vigorous exercise, or muscle inflammation (myositis). Persistently high results may point to underlying metabolic or muscular disorders and can warrant further assessment.

CK testing can help uncover causes of fatigue, muscle pain, or weakness, and is useful for monitoring recovery after exercise, injury, or surgery.

Mild elevations are common after exercise and usually return to normal within a few days.

What is it?

Folate is a B vitamin that helps your body make healthy red blood cells and DNA. It is found naturally in leafy vegetables, beans, and fortified foods. When taken as a supplement, it is known as folic acid.

Why is it measured?

It is measured to help investigate tiredness, anaemia, and low energy. It is particularly important during pregnancy and for people with diets that may lack fresh vegetables or fortified foods.

What can high results mean?

A high folate level is usually due to supplements or a diet rich in fortified foods. It is not typically harmful, but it can sometimes mask a vitamin B12 deficiency, so B12 is usually checked alongside it.

What can low results mean?

A low folate level can lead to a type of anaemia that causes tiredness, weakness, and difficulty concentrating. Common causes include poor diet, alcohol use, and conditions that reduce vitamin absorption. It usually improves with dietary changes and folic acid supplements.

What can affect the result?

• Folic acid supplements

• Diet low in fresh vegetables

• Alcohol intake

• Medications such as methotrexate

• Pregnancy or breastfeeding

What is it?

A full blood count measures your red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. It is one of the most commonly requested blood tests and gives a broad overview of your general health.

Why is it measured?

It is measured to help detect anaemia, infection, inflammation, and clotting problems. It can also highlight conditions affecting the bone marrow or immune system. For clarity, your results are grouped into red blood cells, white blood cells, and clotting status.

What can high results mean?

High red blood cell counts can indicate dehydration or, less commonly, conditions affecting bone marrow. High white blood cell counts usually suggest infection or inflammation. A high platelet count can be a response to infection, inflammation, or iron deficiency.

What can low results mean?

Low red blood cells or haemoglobin suggest anaemia, which can cause tiredness and breathlessness. Low white blood cells may increase your risk of infection. A low platelet count can affect how well your blood clots.

What can affect the result?

• Recent illness or infection

• Iron, B12, or folate deficiency

• Medications including chemotherapy

• Chronic conditions affecting bone marrow

• Dehydration

HbA1c

HbA1c (haemoglobin A1c, or glycated haemoglobin) reflects your average blood glucose over roughly three months. Glucose attaches to haemoglobin in red blood cells, and because these cells live for around 12–16 weeks, HbA1c provides a longer-term picture than a single glucose reading.

A raised HbA1c suggests diabetes or a higher risk of developing it. Persistently high glucose can affect lifespan and quality of life, contributing to heart disease, kidney disease, eye problems, nerve and circulation issues. It can also influence mental health, and men with diabetes are more likely to experience erectile dysfunction.

Keeping your HbA1c within a healthy range lowers the risk of these complications and supports long-term wellbeing.

Iron Profile

An iron profile assesses how your body transports, stores, and uses iron. These markers are best interpreted together to understand iron deficiency, overload, or changes linked to illness.

Iron
Iron forms part of haemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen. Low iron can reduce oxygen delivery and cause fatigue, dizziness, and shortness of breath. Because serum iron fluctuates with diet, it's most useful alongside the other tests below.

Total Iron-Binding Capacity (TIBC)
TIBC reflects how much iron your blood can carry via transport proteins (mainly transferrin). High TIBC can suggest iron deficiency; lower values may occur with chronic illness or malnutrition.

Transferrin Saturation
This shows the percentage of transferrin that is loaded with iron. Low saturation may indicate iron deficiency; high saturation can suggest iron overload.

Ferritin
Ferritin indicates your stored iron. Low ferritin is an early sign of iron deficiency. Raised ferritin may occur with inflammation or iron overload.

Kidney Function Profile

A kidney function profile checks how well your kidneys filter waste and balance fluids. These markers are best interpreted together to understand current kidney health and whether further investigation is needed.

Urea
Urea is a waste product formed when the liver breaks down protein. It travels in the blood to the kidneys, which filter it into urine. Measuring urea helps assess kidney function (and can be influenced by liver function and hydration).

Creatinine
Creatinine is a waste product from normal muscle activity. Because the kidneys remove it from the blood, its level is a reliable indicator of kidney function. High creatinine can suggest reduced kidney performance or dehydration.

Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR)
eGFR estimates how effectively your kidneys filter blood, based on age, sex, and creatinine. Lower eGFR suggests reduced kidney function; normal values indicate healthy filtration.

A Lipid Profile contains the following components: 

Total Cholesterol
Cholesterol is an essential fat (lipid) in the body. Although it often gets a bad reputation, it plays several important roles:

• Builds and maintains cell membranes.
• Helps produce essential hormones such as testosterone and oestradiol.
• Supports vitamin D and bile-acid production.

Cholesterol is made in the liver and also comes from the food we eat. The two main components of total cholesterol are:

• HDL (high-density lipoprotein) – the “good” cholesterol that protects against heart disease.
• LDL (low-density lipoprotein) – the “bad” cholesterol that, in high levels, can contribute to cardiovascular disease.

Your total cholesterol result on its own is of limited value in assessing heart-disease risk. For example, a high HDL level can raise total cholesterol but actually be protective. Equally, you can have a normal total cholesterol with too little HDL. The balance between HDL and LDL is what matters most.

LDL Cholesterol
LDL cholesterol (low-density lipoprotein) is a molecule made of lipids and proteins that transports cholesterol, triglycerides, and other fats to tissues throughout the body. Excess LDL cholesterol—often called “bad cholesterol”—can lead to fatty deposits building up inside artery walls, increasing the risk of atherosclerosis, heart attack, and stroke.

Non-HDL Cholesterol
Your total cholesterol is divided into HDL (good) and non-HDL (harmful) cholesterol. Non-HDL cholesterol includes LDL as well as VLDL (very low-density lipoproteins) and other particles that also carry fats and can contribute to plaque build-up in arteries. It is calculated by subtracting your HDL value from your total cholesterol and is considered a stronger marker of cardiovascular risk than total or LDL cholesterol alone. The recommended level of non-HDL cholesterol is below 4 mmol/L.

HDL Cholesterol
HDL cholesterol (high-density lipoprotein) removes cholesterol from the bloodstream and transports it to the liver, where it is broken down and eliminated in bile. This “good cholesterol” helps protect against heart disease by preventing the accumulation of harmful fats in blood vessels.

Cholesterol / HDL Ratio
The cholesterol / HDL ratio is calculated by dividing your total cholesterol by your HDL level. It shows how much of your total cholesterol is protective (HDL) versus harmful (non-HDL). A lower ratio generally indicates a lower risk of heart disease and is one of the measures used in tools such as QRisk.

Triglycerides
Triglycerides are a type of fat that circulate in your blood. After eating, your body converts excess calories—whether from fat or carbohydrates—into triglycerides for storage in fat cells, releasing them later for energy. High triglyceride levels can raise the risk of heart disease, especially when combined with low HDL or high LDL cholesterol. Dietary changes, such as reducing sugar and refined carbohydrates, can often help lower triglyceride levels.

Liver Function Test

A liver function test (LFT) looks at enzymes and proteins made by the liver to assess liver cell health, bile flow, and protein production. Results help identify inflammation, bile duct blockage, alcohol-related injury, and nutritional or immune issues.

Liver Health

Bilirubin
Bilirubin is produced when red blood cells are broken down and their haemoglobin is recycled. The liver processes bilirubin for excretion via bile into the bowel. Raised levels can indicate liver problems or impaired bile flow.

Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP)
ALP is an enzyme found mainly in the liver and bones. High ALP may reflect liver or gallbladder disease, or bone conditions affecting growth or turnover.

Alanine Transferase (ALT)
ALT is an enzyme mostly in liver cells. When the liver is inflamed or injured, ALT leaks into the bloodstream. Raised ALT can occur with fatty liver disease, viral hepatitis, drug-induced injury, or excess alcohol use.

Gamma-Glutamyl Transferase (GGT)
GGT is a liver enzyme that rises in many liver and bile duct disorders. Persistently high GGT is also associated with regular alcohol intake.

Proteins

Total Protein
Total protein is the combined level of albumin and globulins. These proteins help keep fluid within blood vessels, transport substances, and support immunity.

Albumin
Albumin is made in the liver. It maintains fluid balance in the bloodstream and transports hormones, nutrients, and medicines.

Globulin
Globulins are a group of proteins produced by the liver and immune system. Some transport substances such as metals, while immunoglobulins (antibodies) help defend against infection.

What is it?

Magnesium is a mineral involved in over 300 processes in your body, including muscle and nerve function, energy production, and bone health. Most of your magnesium comes from foods like green leafy vegetables, nuts, wholegrains, and fish.

Why is it measured?

It is measured to help investigate symptoms such as fatigue, muscle cramps, palpitations, and low mood. It can also be useful for people taking certain medications or those with digestive conditions that may affect absorption.

What can high results mean?

A high magnesium level is uncommon and usually related to kidney problems or excessive supplementation. Symptoms can include nausea, low blood pressure, and muscle weakness.

What can low results mean?

A low magnesium level can contribute to tiredness, muscle aches, cramps, and irregular heartbeat. It is often linked to poor dietary intake, alcohol use, or certain medications such as proton pump inhibitors.

What can affect the result?

• Magnesium supplements

• Proton pump inhibitors and other medications

• Alcohol intake

• Digestive conditions affecting absorption

Testosterone

Testosterone is a hormone that helps regulate sex drive, maintain bone strength, control fat distribution, support muscle growth, and stimulate the production of red blood cells and sperm.

In men, most testosterone is produced in the testicles. In women, smaller amounts are made in the ovaries and adrenal glands.

Men’s testosterone levels naturally decline after about age 30, but low levels can occur at any age and may cause symptoms such as reduced libido, erectile dysfunction, tiredness, loss of muscle mass, and low energy.

Although women have much lower testosterone levels than men, testosterone still supports libido, muscle tone, and red blood cell production.

Laboratory reference ranges vary. Guidance from the British Society for Sexual Medicine notes that testosterone may be considered low if it falls below the normal range, or around 12 nmol/L in men who have symptoms suggestive of testosterone deficiency.

Uric Acid

Uric acid is a waste product formed when the body breaks down substances called purines. Purines occur naturally in all cells and are also present in many foods, particularly red meat, some fish, and alcohol.

Normally, uric acid dissolves in the blood, is filtered by the kidneys, and is excreted in urine.

High uric acid can occur if the body produces too much or the kidneys do not remove it efficiently. Excess uric acid may form sharp crystals in joints and tissues, leading to gout with sudden joint pain, redness, and swelling. Persistently raised levels are also linked with metabolic syndrome and an increased risk of heart disease and diabetes.

Low uric acid levels are uncommon and usually not a cause for concern, but can occasionally be related to certain medications or rare metabolic disorders.

What is it?

A Vitamin Profile is a panel of tests that measures several key vitamins and nutrients essential for your body's daily functioning. This profile commonly includes Folate, Active Vitamin B12, and Vitamin D (25 OH), giving a comprehensive snapshot of your nutritional status across some of the most commonly deficient vitamins in the UK population.

What's included?

Folate

Folate is a B vitamin involved in amino acid metabolism and the production of DNA and red blood cells. It plays a vital role in cell growth and repair. Adequate folate levels are especially important during the first trimester of pregnancy, helping to prevent neural tube defects in developing babies. Low folate can lead to anaemia, tiredness, and poor concentration.

Active Vitamin B12

Vitamin B12 is essential for the production of red blood cells and the maintenance of the nervous system. It supports normal energy metabolism and cognitive function. A prolonged deficiency can cause anaemia and irreversible nerve damage. Vitamin B12 is found mainly in animal-based foods, although many plant-based alternatives, such as fortified plant milks and cereals, now contain added B12 for those following vegetarian or vegan diets.

Vitamin D (25 OH)

Despite its name, vitamin D acts as a hormone produced by the skin in response to sunlight. The main circulating form, 25-hydroxycholecalciferol (25 OH), reflects the body's overall vitamin D supply and is considered the most accurate indicator of vitamin D status. Vitamin D is essential for healthy bones and teeth, supporting calcium absorption as well as muscle, immune, and mental health. Deficiency can cause fatigue, muscle weakness, and low mood. In the UK, low vitamin D levels are common, particularly in people with darker skin or those who spend limited time outdoors. Dietary sources include oily fish, eggs, and fortified foods, but supplementation is often needed when levels are low.

Why is it measured?

Vitamin deficiencies are remarkably common and can cause a wide range of symptoms including fatigue, low mood, poor concentration, hair loss, and muscle weakness. Checking multiple vitamins together provides a broader picture of your nutritional status and helps identify gaps that may benefit from dietary changes or targeted supplementation.

What can high results mean?

High vitamin levels are most commonly seen with supplementation and are usually not a concern. However, very high levels of certain vitamins — particularly Vitamin D — may occasionally require a dose adjustment. Your clinician will advise if any action is needed.

What can low results mean?

Low results may point to dietary insufficiency, absorption problems, or increased demand (for example, during pregnancy or periods of rapid growth). Most vitamin deficiencies respond well to targeted supplementation or dietary changes when identified early.

What can affect the result?

• Recent supplementation — inform your clinician of any vitamins you take

• Dietary patterns, including plant-based or restrictive diets

• Sun exposure, which directly affects Vitamin D levels

• Digestive conditions that may reduce nutrient absorption

Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA)

PSA is a protein made by the prostate and released into the bloodstream. Higher levels can be associated with prostate cancer, but they also occur with non-cancerous conditions such as prostate enlargement (benign prostatic hyperplasia) or inflammation (prostatitis).

PSA is not a definitive diagnostic test for cancer. Results should be interpreted alongside age, symptoms, examination findings, and, if needed, repeat tests.

A raised PSA may prompt further evaluation such as repeat testing, MRI scanning, or urology review. Occasionally, prostate cancer can be present even when PSA is within the normal range (a false negative). The value of PSA lies in establishing a baseline and monitoring for significant changes over time rather than relying on a single result.