Introduction

A comprehensive profile for anyone wanting information about their fitness for sports – either before starting a programme, or to monitor progress during one.

This profile is for anyone wanting information about their fitness for sports – either before starting a programme, or to monitor progress during one.

It includes all the essential biomarkers that are of interest to a sports person – a Full Blood Count, Liver & Kidney function profile, Iron levels, Ferritin, Heart & Muscle Enzymes, Cholesterol profile, Inflammation, Magnesium, Vitamins D & B12 and Testosterone.

We are able to monitor and track these results over time to see how well your body is functioning in response to your exercise regime and flag up anything that may need to be looked at.

How does this test work?

There is no better way to check for underlying health problems, or monitor existing conditions, than with a blood test.

Whether you are concerned about your health, managing an existing condition or simply curious, a blood test provides a fast, affordable and easy way to start taking charge of your own health.

We offer in-store testing to make the process as simple, stress free and convenient as possible.

You will receive your results on the day after we receive your sample in our laboratory. We run a 24/7 laboratory operation and test all samples as quickly as possible after receiving them which enables our team of in-house GPs to review and communicate your results in the fastest possible timeframe.

*It is important to note that blood tests alone are not a substitute for seeing a doctor, particularly if you have any symptoms. You should not make a diagnosis or start any treatment without a consultation with a doctor or suitably trained healthcare professional.

 

What do you test?

Blood cells (1 Biomarkers)

A full blood count can be used to check your overall health and can detect a wide range of issues such as infection, anemia and leukemia. A full blood count will look at your red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets. Please note that full blood counts can only be done through an in-store appointment and cannot be run on finger prick samples.

Full blood count

Full Blood Count (FBC) provides information about the different cells in the blood, these include the red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets. Red blood cells contain haemoglobin which carries oxygen to the different tissues in the body whereas white blood cells control the immune system and protects the body from foreign invaders such as bacteria and viruses. FBC testing are used as a screening test for various disorders like anaemia and infections.

Cholesterol (5 Biomarkers)

High cholesterol levels can cause your arteries to become blocked – leading to coronary heart disease, heart attack or stroke. Finding out about high levels of cholesterol can help you to make the positive lifestyle and dietary changes needed to improve your chances of a long and healthy life.

Total cholesterol

Total Cholesterol is a measurement of the total amount of cholesterol in the blood, this includes low-density and high-density lipoprotein cholesterols. It is used to produce hormones for development, growth and reproduction. Total cholesterol tests are used to estimate the risk of developing heart disease.

High density lipoprotein

High Density Lipoprotein (HDL) is a form of cholesterol which is classified as the ‘good’ cholesterol. Its main function is to help remove cholesterol from the heart’s arteries. HDL tests are used to estimate the risk of developing heart disease.

Low density lipoprotein

Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL) is classified as the ‘bad’ cholesterol, this is causes cholesterol build-up and blockage in the arteries. LDL tests are used to estimate the risk of developing heart disease.

Total cholesterol: HDL Ratio

Total Cholesterol: HDL Ratio is a calculation which indicates the amount of ‘good’ cholesterol there are in terms of the total cholesterol in the body. HDL helps to remove cholesterol from the heart’s arteries. Total cholesterol: HDL ratio test is used to estimate the risk of developing heart disease.

Triglyceride

Triglyceride is a type of fat stored in the body’s tissues and can derive from foods such as butter and oil. Triglyceride tests are used to investigate the lipid profile during the estimation the risk of developing heart disease.

Gout (1 Biomarkers)

Gout is a common and complex form of arthritis that can affect anyone and is caused by high levels of uric acid. Once diagnosed there are ways to manage symptoms and prevent recurrence.

Urate

Urate (Uric Acid) is a product of the breakdown of purines from substances such as DNA or from digesting certain food and drinks like alcoholic beverages. It is removed by the kidneys and excreted in the urine or in the stools. Urate tests are used to detect gout and diagnose the cause of recurring kidney stones formation.

Hormones (1 Biomarkers)

There are many types of hormones that support different bodily functions and processes including growth, metabolism, appetite and fertility. Hormone imbalances or deficiencies may be to blame for a wide range of symptoms and conditions.

Testosterone

Testosterone is a steroid hormone produced by the male testes and the adrenal glands in both men and women. This hormone production is stimulated and controlled by the luteinizing hormone. Testosterone is seen in large amounts in boys during puberty, causing growth of body hair and muscle development. It also regulates the male sex drive and maintain muscle mass. It is found in small amount in females from the ovary. Testosterone test is used to diagnosed various conditions such as erectile dysfunction and infertility in men.

Inflammation (1 Biomarkers)

Inflammation is a process by which your body’s white blood cells protect you from infection from external bacteria and viruses. Checking for inflammation can help diagnose a wide range of conditions.

High sensitivity C-reactive protein

High Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein (hs-CRP) is a test which measures the lower levels of CRP. CRP is a protein which increases in the blood during inflammation. hs-CRP tests are used predict the risk of heart conditions such as a heart attack.

Iron studies (6 Biomarkers)

Iron studies are a set of blood tests used to measure the amount of iron carried in the blood and stored in the bodies tissues. Iron deficiency can be the cause of a wide range of symptoms such as fatigue, chest pains and a shortness of breath.

Iron

Iron is a mineral which is needed for making red blood cells, which transports oxygen in the blood, and important for healthy muscles, bone marrow and organ function. Iron is measured to show the amount of iron in the blood. Low levels of iron can indicate anaemia whereas high levels can indicate liver disease.

Total iron binding concentration

Total Iron Binding Concentration (TIBC) is the maximum amount of iron that can be transported in the blood. Iron is used for the transportation of oxygen in the blood. TIBC tests are used to determine iron status and its absorption. This can be used to help diagnose Anaemia and iron overload conditions such as Haemochromatosis. Your TIBC will be impaired if you also have existing liver disease.

Unsaturated iron binding concentration

Unsaturated Iron Binding Concentration (UIBC) is the amount of transferrin that is reserved for the iron transportation. Iron is used for the transportation of oxygen in the blood. UIBC tests are used to monitor treatment for iron toxicity.

Ferritin

Ferritin is a blood protein that is used to store iron. Iron is used for the transportation of oxygen in the blood. It is measured to understand how much iron the body stores. Ferritin test are used to diagnose anaemia and liver disease.

Transferrin

Transferrin is an iron-binding glycoprotein that is produced by the liver. It is used to transport iron which transports oxygen in the blood. Transferrin tests are used to determine iron status and can be used to diagnose anaemia.

Creatine kinase

Creatine Kinase is an enzyme which is found in the skeletal and heart muscle as well as a small amount in the brain tissue. Creatine kinase test can be used to diagnose and monitor muscular injuries and diseases such as muscular dystrophy.

Kidney function (5 Biomarkers)

Your kidneys play a vital role in keeping your body functioning including the removal of waste products, releasing hormones to regulate blood pressure and controlling the production of red blood cells. A healthy kidney function is vital to your overall health and wellbeing.

Urea

Urea is a waste product of the amino acids found in proteins. It is released into the bloodstream and the kidney filters urea out of the blood where it is excreted in the urine. Urea tests are used to show how well the kidneys are working as well as an indicator for diseases affecting the kidneys and liver.

Creatinine

Creatinine is a waste product produced by the muscles during contraction. It can be found in the blood and urine as it is excreted by the kidneys. Creatinine tests are used as an indicator to whether the kidneys are working normally.

Glomerular filtration rate

Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) is a measurement of the glomeruli. Glomeruli are the filters in the kidney used to filter waste products from the blood. GFR tests are used to detect and monitor changes in the kidney status.

Calcium

Calcium is an important mineral which is found in the bones as well as circulating in the blood. It has a range of functions and is essential in bone formation and blood clotting. In the blood, calcium can either be free and active or they can be bound to proteins like albumin. Calcium tests are used to diagnose and monitor different conditions correlating to the bone, heart and kidneys.

Adjusted calcium

Adjusted Calcium is also known as the corrected calcium, calcium is an important mineral needed for body function. This is a calculation which uses the measurement of the protein albumin to calculate how much calcium are free in the blood. Calcium tests are used to diagnose and monitor different conditions correlating to the bone, heart and kidneys.

Liver function (8 Biomarkers)

The liver is responsible for many of the bodies essential functions such as regulating blood sugar levels, fighting infections and detoxifying your blood. Good liver function is vital to your overall health and wellbeing.

Albumin

Albumin is a protein specifically produced in the liver. Its function consists of keeping fluids in the bloodstream as well as transporting substances like hormones and vitamins throughout the body. Albumin tests can be used to help diagnose and monitor diseases of the liver and kidney.

Globulin

Globulin is a protein produced in the liver by the immune system. It is important in liver function, blood clotting and fighting infections. Globulin test can be used to diagnose conditions including liver damage or disease, kidney disease and autoimmune disorders.

Total protein

Total Protein is the total amount of two proteins found in the serum of the blood, these are albumin and globulin. Albumin is needed to keep fluid in the bloodstream whereas globulin is an essential part of the immune system. Total protein tests are used as an indicator to there being a problem with albumin or globulin levels.

Alkaline phosphate

Alkaline Phosphate (ALP) is an enzyme found mostly in the liver and bone. ALP tests can be used to diagnose liver or bone disease.

Alanine transaminase

Alanine Transaminase (ALT) is an enzyme which can be found mostly in the liver and small amount in the heart, kidneys and the skeletal muscle. It is released into the bloodstream during an injury of the heart, liver, kidney and skeletal muscle. ALT tests can be used to diagnose liver disease.

Aspartate aminotransferase

Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST) is an enzyme produced by the liver. It is released into the bloodstream during an injury of the heart, liver and skeletal muscle. AST tests can be used to detect liver disease.

Gamma glutamyl transferase

Gamma Glutamyl Transferase (GGT) is an enzyme mostly found in the liver and is also present in the gallbladder, spleen, pancreas and kidney. It is a significant enzyme used in the liver metabolism of drugs and other toxins. GGT tests can be used to detect liver disease and bile duct injury.

Total bilirubin

Total Bilirubin is a test which measures the amount of bilirubin in the blood. Bilirubin can be found in bile to help digest food. It is also produced from broken down haem, which is old red blood cells that used to carry oxygen around the body. Total bilirubin test can be used to diagnose and monitor liver diseases and certain types of anaemia.

Vitamin (2 Biomarkers)

Vitamins are a group of substances that our bodies need for normal cell function, growth and development. Vitamin deficiencies can be the cause of a wide range of common symptoms and conditions.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D is a vitamin which is used in the regulation of calcium and magnesium absorption from the gut, it is also important for the growth and health of bones. Vitamin D comes from two sources; it can be ingested from foods and supplements or be produced in the skin once it is exposed to sunlight. Vitamin D tests are used to identify vitamin D deficiency and to monitor disease that interfere with fat absorption like Crohn’s disease.

Vitamin B12

Vitamin B12 is a vitamin which is necessary for the formation of red blood cells, tissue and cellular repairs and nerve health. It can be found in animal products such as poultry, milk and eggs. Vitamin B12 tests are used to help diagnose the cause of anaemia.

FAQs

Why are vitamins so important for athletes?

Micronutrients in your diet contain essential vitamins which not only help recovery but energy levels during the day optimising your exercise regime.

What can cause inflammation in athletes?

It is important to differentiate between acute and chronic inflammation in an athlete. Acute short-term inflammation can arise from a heavy workout or muscle injury, however long term chronic inflammation is generally due to poor overall health and an inability of the body to cope with long term external factors. It is therefore crucial to test and highlight long term inflammation to manage conditions which may impact an athlete’s ability to perform at their best.

Should my cholesterol be low if I exercise regularly?

Not necessarily, diet plays a huge factor (saturated fats / processed food) and you may have a genetic predisposition to higher than normal levels which we can monitor.

How does my testosterone affect my sporting ability?

Testosterone plays a vital role in muscle health and recovery and can be crucial for muscle development.