A Full Blood Count (FBC) is a routine test that assesses your overall health by evaluating the cells in your blood, including red blood cells (RBC), white blood cells (WBC), and platelets. RBCs transport oxygen, WBCs fight infections, and platelets assist in blood clotting. The FBC is instrumental in detecting conditions like anaemia, infections, clotting issues, blood cancers, and immune disorders. It is frequently used to diagnose or monitor these conditions and evaluate the body’s response to treatments.

Liver function tests (LFTs) measure the levels of enzymes, proteins, and substances that the liver produces or excretes. These tests diagnose liver diseases such as hepatitis and cirrhosis, monitor disease progression, and evaluate treatment effectiveness. Commonly measured enzymes include ALT and AST, which indicate liver cell damage when elevated. LFTs also check bilirubin levels for bile flow issues and albumin levels to reflect the liver’s synthetic function.

Kidney function tests, often called Electrolytes, Urea, and Creatinine (EUC), assess how well the kidneys are working. These tests measure urea, creatinine, and various electrolytes (like sodium, potassium, and chloride) in the blood. Elevated levels of urea and creatinine may indicate impaired kidney function. These tests help diagnose kidney diseases, monitor chronic kidney conditions, and assess treatment effectiveness.

Blood glucose tests measure the amount of glucose (sugar) in your blood. Glucose is a vital energy source for the body’s cells, and its levels are regulated by insulin. This test is crucial for diagnosing and managing diabetes, a condition where blood glucose levels are abnormally high due to insufficient insulin production or action. Regular monitoring of blood glucose levels helps manage diabetes and prevent complications.

Lipid studies, or lipid profiles, measure the levels of fats and cholesterol in your blood, including total cholesterol, LDL (low-density lipoprotein), HDL (high-density lipoprotein), and triglycerides. These tests assess your risk of developing cardiovascular diseases such as heart attack and stroke. High levels of LDL and triglycerides and low levels of HDL are associated with an increased risk of these conditions. Lipid studies aid in early detection and management of heart disease risk.

Calcium tests measure the level of calcium in your blood. Calcium is essential for bone health, muscle function, nerve signalling, and blood clotting. Abnormal calcium levels can indicate various conditions, such as bone diseases, thyroid problems, kidney disease, and certain cancers. Monitoring calcium levels helps diagnose these conditions and assess the effectiveness of treatments.

Magnesium tests measure the level of magnesium in your blood, an essential mineral for many bodily functions, including muscle and nerve function, blood glucose control, and bone health. Abnormal magnesium levels can result from kidney disease, gastrointestinal disorders, or the use of certain medications. This test helps diagnose and monitor these conditions.

Phosphate tests measure the level of phosphate in your blood, a mineral important for bone health, energy production, and cell function. Abnormal phosphate levels can result from kidney disease, hormonal imbalances, or issues with calcium metabolism. This test is often used to diagnose and monitor these conditions.

Vitamin D tests measure the level of vitamin D in your blood, essential for calcium absorption and bone health. Low levels of vitamin D can lead to bone diseases such as rickets in children and osteomalacia or osteoporosis in adults. This test helps diagnose vitamin D deficiency and monitor supplementation effectiveness.

Iron studies measure various aspects of iron in the blood, including serum iron, ferritin, transferrin, and total iron-binding capacity (TIBC). These tests help diagnose and monitor conditions like iron deficiency anaemia and iron overload disorders such as haemochromatosis. They provide a comprehensive picture of the body’s iron status.

TSH tests measure the level of thyroid-stimulating hormone in your blood, which regulates the production of thyroid hormones. Abnormal TSH levels can indicate thyroid disorders such as hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) or hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid). Monitoring TSH levels helps diagnose these conditions and adjust treatment plans.