Targeted tests, backed by science

Blood copper level is a biomarker that measures the amount of copper in the blood, reflecting its availability for various bodily functions, including iron metabolism, energy production, and antioxidant defenses. Copper is essential for making enzymes and proteins that support these processes

Erythrocyte membrane fatty acids, specifically omega-3s like EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), are components of red blood cell membranes. They play a crucial role in cell membrane structure and function, influencing health outcomes such as cardiovascular health and inflammation

Erythrocyte membrane fatty acids, specifically omega-6, are essential polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) found in red blood cell membranes. They play a crucial role in maintaining membrane fluidity and are influenced by dietary intake, reflecting overall health and disease risk

The erythrocyte membrane omega-6/omega-3 ratio is a biomarker that measures the balance between omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids in red blood cell membranes. Omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids are essential for health but have different effects on inflammation and metabolism

Vitamin B9, or folate, is crucial for nucleic acid biosynthesis, DNA repair, and methylation. It acts as a cofactor in various biological processes, including the synthesis of purines and pyrimidines, and is essential for cell division and growth, particularly during pregnancy

Vitamin B12 (cobalamin) is a crucial biomarker that measures the status of this essential micronutrient in the body. It is vital for DNA synthesis, nerve function, and red blood cell formation. Vitamin B12 deficiency can lead to conditions like anemia and neurological disorders

Plasma zinc is a biomarker that measures the concentration of zinc in the blood plasma. Zinc is an essential trace element crucial for various metabolic processes, including immune function and growth. Plasma zinc levels reflect recent dietary intake and are used to assess zinc status

Saturated fatty acids (SFAs) in erythrocyte membranes are a type of fat found in red blood cell membranes. They are important for cell structure and function, but high levels can be associated with health risks.

Monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) in erythrocyte membranes are components of cell membranes, influencing their fluidity and function. They are derived from dietary sources and play a role in metabolic health

Trans fatty acids in erythrocyte membranes are biomarkers reflecting dietary intake of trans fats, which are unsaturated fats with a specific molecular structure. They cannot be synthesized by humans and are linked to various health conditions

The Total Cholesterol / HDL Ratio is a biomarker that assesses cardiovascular risk by comparing total cholesterol levels to high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels. HDL is often referred to as 'good' cholesterol because it helps remove other forms of cholesterol from the bloodstream, reducing the risk of heart disease.

Lipoprotein(a) is a type of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) that includes apolipoprotein(a), which is linked to increased cardiovascular risk. It is similar to LDL but has unique properties due to its apolipoprotein(a) component, which influences its pathogenic potential

The LDL/HDL ratio measures the balance between low-density lipoprotein (LDL, often called 'bad' cholesterol because it can deposit cholesterol in arteries) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL, known as 'good' cholesterol because it helps remove cholesterol from arteries). This ratio reflects cardiovascular health by indicating how much harmful cholesterol is present relative to protective cholesterol.

The ApoB/ApoA1 ratio is a biomarker that compares the levels of apolipoprotein B (ApoB) and apolipoprotein A1 (ApoA1) in the blood. ApoB is associated with 'bad' cholesterol, while ApoA1 is linked to 'good' cholesterol. This ratio helps assess cardiovascular risk by measuring the balance between atherogenic (harmful) and protective lipoproteins

Non-HDL cholesterol is a measure of all 'bad' cholesterol types, including LDL (low-density lipoprotein), VLDL (very-low-density lipoprotein), and IDL (intermediate-density lipoprotein), calculated by subtracting HDL (high-density lipoprotein) from total cholesterol. It is a key indicator of cardiovascular risk

Apolipoprotein B (ApoB) is a protein found in atherogenic lipoproteins (like LDL and VLDL), which are linked to atherosclerosis (the buildup of plaque in arteries). Each particle of these lipoproteins contains one ApoB molecule, making it a direct measure of the number of these particles in the blood

Total cholesterol is a lipid (fat) molecule found in the blood, essential for building cell membranes and producing hormones. It exists in various forms, including low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL), which play different roles in cardiovascular health.

LDL-Cholesterol (LDL-C) is a type of cholesterol found in the blood, often referred to as 'bad' cholesterol. It plays a crucial role in the development of atherosclerosis (the buildup of plaque in arteries), which can lead to cardiovascular diseases

HDL-Cholesterol, often referred to as 'good cholesterol,' is a component of high-density lipoproteins (HDL), which are protein-lipid nanoparticles. HDL plays a crucial role in removing excess cholesterol from cells and transporting it to the liver for excretion, thereby helping to prevent atherosclerosis (the buildup of plaque in arteries).

Apolipoprotein A1 (ApoA-1) is the main protein component of high-density lipoprotein (HDL), which helps remove excess cholesterol from the bloodstream. It plays a crucial role in cardiovascular health and has anti-inflammatory properties

Mean Cell Volume (MCV) is a measure of the average size of red blood cells (RBCs), which are crucial for delivering oxygen throughout the body. It helps diagnose various types of anemia and other health conditions by indicating whether RBCs are smaller (microcytic), normal (normocytic), or larger (macrocytic) than usual

Platelets are small, anucleate blood cells crucial for hemostasis (stopping bleeding) and involved in thrombosis (clot formation). They also play roles in inflammation and immune responses. Platelet biomarkers can indicate various health conditions

Hemoglobin is a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen throughout the body. It is crucial for maintaining oxygen supply to tissues and organs. Abnormal levels can indicate conditions like anemia (low hemoglobin) or polycythemia (high hemoglobin)

Red Cell Distribution Width (RDW) is a hematological parameter that quantifies the variation in size of red blood cells (RBCs). It reflects anisocytosis, which is the presence of RBCs of unequal sizes. RDW is calculated from the standard deviation of RBC volume divided by the mean corpuscular volume (MCV), expressed as a percentage.

Red blood cells (RBCs), or erythrocytes, are cells produced in the bone marrow that contain hemoglobin, an iron-rich protein responsible for transporting oxygen from the lungs to tissues and carrying carbon dioxide back for exhalation. RBC count measures the number of these cells in blood, reflecting oxygen delivery capacity essential for cellular energy and function.

Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin (MCH) measures the average amount of hemoglobin, the oxygen-carrying protein, contained in a single red blood cell. It helps assess how well red blood cells can transport oxygen throughout the body and is used to evaluate different types of anemia and other blood disorders.

Hematocrit (Hct) is the percentage of red blood cells (erythrocytes) in the total volume of blood. Red blood cells are responsible for carrying oxygen throughout the body. Hematocrit reflects how much of your blood is made up of these oxygen-carrying cells, providing insight into overall blood health and oxygen delivery capacity.

Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin Concentration (MCHC) is a measure of the average concentration of hemoglobin (the oxygen-carrying protein) within a given volume of red blood cells (RBCs). It reflects how much hemoglobin is packed inside RBCs, providing insight into their oxygen-carrying capacity and overall red cell health.

Mean Platelet Volume (MPV) is a measure of the average size of platelets in the blood. It reflects platelet activity and is used as a biomarker for various health conditions, including cardiovascular diseases and inflammatory processes

Albumin is a crucial protein in the blood, primarily synthesized by the liver, responsible for maintaining blood volume and pressure, transporting various substances like hormones and drugs, and acting as an antioxidant. It is a key indicator of nutritional status and liver function.

Aspartate Transaminase (AST) is an enzyme found in various tissues, including the liver, heart, and muscles. It plays a crucial role in the metabolism of amino acids and is used as a biomarker to assess liver health and detect tissue damage.

Alanine Transaminase (ALT) is an enzyme found primarily in the liver, involved in the metabolism of amino acids. It is used as a biomarker for liver health, indicating liver damage when elevated in the blood.

Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP) is an enzyme that catalyzes the hydrolysis of phosphate esters at alkaline pH, found in tissues like bone, liver, and intestine. It plays a role in bone calcification and phosphate transport

Gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) is an enzyme involved in the transfer of gamma-glutamyl groups, playing a key role in antioxidant defense mechanisms, particularly in glutathione recycling. It is a marker for liver health and oxidative stress

Total bilirubin is a biomarker that measures the sum of conjugated (direct) and unconjugated (indirect) bilirubin in the blood. It is a product of hemoglobin breakdown and is primarily processed by the liver. Elevated levels can indicate liver dysfunction or other health issues.

Conjugated bilirubin is a water-soluble form of bilirubin, produced when unconjugated bilirubin is processed by the liver. It plays a role in detoxification and acts as an antioxidant, helping protect against oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation

Lipases are enzymes that break down fats (triglycerides) into glycerol and fatty acids. They are crucial for digestion and metabolism. In the context of health, lipases, particularly pancreatic lipase, serve as biomarkers for conditions like acute pancreatitis

Total protein is a biomarker that measures the combined concentration of albumin and globulin proteins in the blood. Albumin helps maintain fluid balance by preventing leakage from blood vessels, while globulins include antibodies and transport proteins essential for immune function and nutrient transport.

Chloride is a vital electrolyte (an electrically charged mineral) that helps maintain fluid balance, acid-base balance (pH), and proper function of cells in the body. It is primarily obtained from dietary salt and circulates in blood and other bodily fluids, playing a key role in cellular homeostasis and electrical neutrality.

Potassium is an essential mineral and electrolyte that plays a critical role in various bodily functions, including muscle contraction, nerve transmission, and maintaining fluid balance. It helps regulate blood pressure and supports cardiovascular health by counteracting sodium's effects.

Sodium is a crucial extracellular cation essential for maintaining fluid balance, nerve function, and muscle contraction. It is often measured through urine biomarkers to assess intake levels.

Creatinine is a waste product from the normal breakdown of muscle tissue (creatine), which is filtered out by the kidneys. It serves as a key indicator of kidney function, particularly in assessing the glomerular filtration rate (GFR), which measures how well the kidneys are filtering waste from the blood

Urea is a biomarker produced during the metabolism of proteins and amino acids. It is primarily excreted through urine and serves as an indicator of kidney function. Elevated levels can signal kidney issues, while low levels might indicate liver dysfunction or other metabolic problems. It is commonly referred to as BUN.

Uric acid is a biomarker produced during the breakdown of purines, which are compounds found in many foods and naturally in the body. It acts as an antioxidant (a substance that prevents damage from free radicals) at moderate levels but can cause health issues like gout (a type of arthritis) and kidney problems when elevated

Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR) is a biomarker that measures kidney function by estimating the rate at which the kidneys filter waste from the blood. It is crucial for assessing the health of the kidneys and diagnosing conditions like chronic kidney disease (CKD).

Bicarbonate is an electrolyte that helps maintain the body's acid-base balance (pH). It is crucial for the physiological pH buffering system, ensuring that the body's fluids remain stable and that cells can function properly

SHBG is a protein produced by the liver that binds to sex hormones like testosterone and estrogen, transporting them in the blood in an inactive form. It regulates the amount of these hormones available to tissues

The total testosterone to estradiol ratio is a biomarker that reflects the balance between testosterone (a key hormone in sexual health and muscle mass) and estradiol (the primary form of estrogen, crucial for menstrual cycles and bone density). This ratio is important for assessing hormonal balance and health outcomes.

Total testosterone is a hormone that plays a crucial role in male reproductive and non-reproductive functions, including muscle mass, bone density, and sexual health. It is measured in the blood to assess hormonal balance and potential deficiencies

Luteinizing hormone (LH) is a glycoprotein hormone produced by the anterior pituitary gland. It plays a crucial role in the reproductive system by stimulating the production of testosterone in males and estrogen and progesterone in females. LH is also present in the human eye and has roles outside the reproductive system

Progesterone is a steroid hormone that binds to progesterone receptors (PR), regulating diverse physiological processes such as cell growth, immune modulation, and neuroprotection.

Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) is a hormone produced by the pituitary gland that plays a crucial role in reproductive health by stimulating the growth of ovarian follicles in women and spermatogenesis in men. It is a key biomarker for assessing ovarian reserve and fertility potential

Estradiol is a major female sex hormone, primarily produced by the ovaries, which plays a crucial role in reproductive and sexual health. It influences various bodily functions, including bone density, cognitive function, and inflammation regulation.

Monocytes are a type of white blood cell (leukocyte) produced in the bone marrow that circulate in the bloodstream and play a key role in immune defense. They detect, engulf, and destroy pathogens (such as bacteria and viruses) and can differentiate into macrophages or dendritic cells to further coordinate immune responses and tissue repair.

Lymphocytes are a type of white blood cell crucial for the immune response, playing key roles in recognizing and responding to pathogens. They include T cells (which help regulate immune responses), B cells (which produce antibodies), and natural killer cells (which attack infected or cancerous cells).

White Blood Cell (WBC) count is a measure of the number of white blood cells in the blood, which are crucial for fighting infections and inflammation. It includes various types of cells like neutrophils, lymphocytes, and monocytes, each playing a distinct role in immune defense

Lymphocytes percentage is a biomarker that reflects the proportion of lymphocytes in the blood, which are crucial for the immune system's adaptive response. It helps assess immune function and predict outcomes in various diseases, including cancer and infections.

Neutrophils are the most abundant type of white blood cell, crucial for fighting infections by engulfing and destroying pathogens through a process called phagocytosis. They also release granules and form neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) to combat infections

Eosinophils are a type of white blood cell characterized by granules that stain red with acidic dyes. They play key roles in immune defense against parasites, modulating allergic reactions, and contributing to inflammation and tissue repair. Eosinophils also regulate immune responses by interacting with other immune cells such as B cells and T cells.

Basophils are a rare type of white blood cell (leukocyte) involved in the immune system. They contain granules filled with histamine and heparin, which they release to mediate allergic reactions and inflammation. Basophils help defend against parasites and contribute to tissue repair by promoting blood flow and immune cell recruitment.

Creatine phosphokinase (CPK), also known as creatine kinase (CK), is an enzyme found in tissues with high energy demands, such as skeletal muscles, the heart, and brain. It plays a crucial role in energy production by converting creatine and ATP into phosphocreatine and ADP, which can be rapidly converted back into ATP when needed

Phosphorus is a biomarker that reflects the body's mineral balance, particularly in bone health and energy production. It is crucial for maintaining strong bones and supporting various bodily functions, including nerve and muscle function.

Vitamin D, comprising D2 and D3 forms, is a fat-soluble vitamin crucial for calcium and phosphate metabolism. It is synthesized in the skin upon sunlight exposure and can also be obtained from diet and supplements. Vitamin D status is assessed by measuring 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) levels in the blood

Phosphate levels in the body reflect how well the kidneys are functioning and can indicate issues with bone health and mineral balance. Elevated phosphate levels can signal problems with kidney function or excessive intake of phosphorus from food.

Parathyroid hormone (PTH) is a key regulator of calcium and phosphorus levels in the body. It affects bone health by influencing osteoblast and osteoclast activity, and it plays a role in kidney function by regulating calcium reabsorption and vitamin D activation

Calcium is a crucial biomarker involved in numerous physiological processes, including bone health, muscle contraction, and nerve function. It is essential for maintaining strong bones and teeth, and its ionized form plays a vital role in various bodily functions.

The Quantitative Insulin Sensitivity Check Index (QUICKI) is a biomarker used to assess insulin sensitivity (how well the body uses insulin) by analyzing fasting glucose and insulin levels. It helps identify insulin resistance, a precursor to diabetes and metabolic syndrome

Triglycerides are a type of fat found in the blood, often used as a biomarker for cardiovascular health. They are a key component of lipids (fats) and are crucial for energy storage and metabolism. Elevated levels can indicate increased risk of heart disease and other metabolic issues.

The HOMA index, specifically HOMA-IR (Homeostasis Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance), is a biomarker used to assess insulin resistance (IR), a condition where the body's cells do not respond effectively to insulin, leading to high blood sugar levels. It is calculated using fasting insulin and glucose levels

HbA1c, or glycated hemoglobin, is a biomarker that measures the average blood glucose levels over the past two to three months by assessing the amount of glucose attached to hemoglobin in red blood cells. It is a crucial indicator of long-term glycemic control

Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas that regulates blood sugar levels by facilitating glucose uptake in cells. It plays a crucial role in maintaining energy balance and preventing hyperglycemia (high blood sugar).

Fasting Blood Sugar (FBS) is a biomarker that measures the concentration of glucose in the blood after an overnight fast. It is a key indicator of glucose homeostasis (the body's ability to regulate blood sugar levels) and is crucial for diagnosing and managing diabetes

Homocysteine is an amino acid (a building block of proteins) that, when elevated, can indicate health risks. It is linked to cardiovascular diseases and neurodegenerative conditions, and its levels are influenced by B vitamins (folate, B12, B6)

High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), is a biomarker of inflammation (a response to injury or infection) produced by the liver. It is used to detect low levels of inflammation in the body, which can indicate risk of cardiovascular diseases

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is a biomarker that reflects the body's antioxidant status. It is crucial for energy production in cells and helps protect against oxidative stress (damage caused by free radicals). CoQ10 levels can indicate mitochondrial function and overall health

Globulin is a group of blood proteins produced mainly by the liver and immune system. These proteins include alpha, beta, and gamma globulins that function as enzymes (which speed up chemical reactions), transporters (carrying substances in the blood), and immunoglobulins (antibodies that fight infections). Globulins play key roles in immune defense, nutrient transport, blood clotting, and maintaining liver and kidney health.

Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone (TSH) is a hormone produced by the pituitary gland that regulates the production of thyroid hormones (thyroxine [T4] and triiodothyronine [T3]) by the thyroid gland. It acts as a feedback mechanism to ensure proper thyroid function

Free triiodothyronine (T3) is the active form of thyroid hormone, crucial for metabolism and energy production. It plays a significant role in various bodily functions, including heart rate and metabolism regulation

Iodine in urine is a biomarker that reflects recent iodine intake, essential for thyroid hormone production. It is measured to assess iodine status, which is crucial for thyroid function and overall health

Free thyroxine (fT4) is a hormone produced by the thyroid gland, crucial for metabolism and energy regulation. It is the biologically active form of thyroxine, not bound to proteins in the blood, making it available for use by the body's tissues

Total Iron-Binding Capacity (TIBC) is a blood test that measures the ability of transferrin, a protein in the blood, to bind and transport iron throughout the body. It reflects how much iron can be carried by transferrin, which is essential for producing hemoglobin, the molecule responsible for oxygen transport in red blood cells.

Ferritin is a protein that stores iron in the body. It is used as a biomarker to assess iron levels and inflammation. Elevated ferritin can indicate iron overload or inflammation, while low levels suggest iron deficiency

Transferrin is a glycoprotein that transports iron in the blood, preventing free iron from causing oxidative damage. It is crucial for delivering iron to tissues and maintaining iron homeostasis

DHEA-S (dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate) is a steroid hormone produced mainly by the adrenal glands. It is a precursor (a substance that can be converted into other hormones) for sex hormones like estrogen and testosterone, and circulates in much higher amounts than its unsulfated form, DHEA.

Pregnenolone sulfate is a neurosteroid derived from pregnenolone, a steroid hormone. It plays roles in cognitive functions, memory enhancement, and has effects on neurotransmitter receptors like GABA and NMDA. It is hydrophilic, requiring transporters to cross cell membranes

Salivary cortisol is a biomarker that reflects the body's stress levels and hormone balance. It indicates how well the body's stress response system, known as the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, is functioning.

Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) is a protein produced by prostate gland cells. It serves as a biomarker for prostate cancer detection and monitoring, aiding in the assessment of prostate health and potential malignancies.

Biological age is a measure that reflects the physiological deterioration of an individual, often better than chronological age. It uses biomarkers like DNA methylation, blood chemistry, and organ function tests to assess aging-related changes