Welzo Well-Human: General Blood Test

Globulin is a group of proteins produced by the liver and the immune system of the body. Globulin helps to keep the body healthy and fight infections as well as germs. Globulin is also very important to create blood clots and avoid excessive external bleeding caused by injury.

Total Protein measures the amount of two classes of proteins present in the blood: Albumin and Globulin. Albumin is mainly responsible for preventing the fluid in the bloodstream from leaking out. Whereas Globulin is produced by the liver as well as the immune system. The function of globulin is to strengthen the immune system by fighting germs as well as infections.

The gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT) test is undertaken to measure the amount of the GGT enzyme in the blood. GGT's function in the body is to transport molecules and aid the metabolization of toxins and drugs within the liver. A high GGT reading can be due to liver damage or disease, these may include hepatitis or cirrhosis. Testing Gamma GT is also important for bile duct infection and monitoring alcohol abuse.

Alkaline Phosphate (ALP) is an enzyme that is found in the liver, kidney, bones and digestive system. If ALP levels are detected in the bloodstream and are above the reference range, it indicates liver disease or bone disorder.

Triglycerides are a blood fat playing an essential part in the healthy function of your body. Triglycerides are the body's primary storage method for fat and can be used as an energy source. Triglycerides are created in the liver, and while they are essential for energy and fat storage, having elevated levels of triglycerides can lead to cardiovascular issues. Therefore it is crucial to monitor your triglycerides when checking overall cholesterol levels.

HDL (high-density lipoprotein) percentage of total calculates the amount of HDL you have compared to your total cholesterol level. This specific test biomarker assesses your cardiovascular risk by calculating the total amount of 'good' vs 'bad' and total cholesterol you have in your blood. Doctors and heart disease assessment calculators use this % of the total to evaluate your overall cardiovascular health.

While we are individually measuring your HDL and LDL levels in this test, we will also carry out a non-HDL cholesterol check. This essentially includes all harmful cholesterol in your blood sample and is considered a primary indicator and risk assessment tool for cardiovascular health. Non-HDL levels should generally be below 4mmol/L. HDL and LDL levels can then be monitored to evaluate how any implementation of diet and lifestyle changes impacts your individual cholesterol levels, helping you to optimise your lifestyle based on your biomarkers.

Creatine is a component of the muscles in the body, the breakdown of this component releases creatinine. Creatinine is a waste that is excreted by the kidneys. A high level of creatinine indicates that the kidney is unable to filter and excrete the waste product out of the body.

Iron is a mineral found within the blood, and is needed to help create haemoglobin which is a protein in the blood responsible for the transport of oxygen within the body's blood cells. If the body does not have enough haemoglobin, the muscles do not get enough oxygen and cannot work properly. It is important for people to have the correct amount of iron otherwise they will feel more tired and become Anaemic. The body's iron stores are sourced from one's diet and from the breakdown and turnover of red blood cells. When a test reveals low iron levels, a change in diet or added supplements can be used for treatment.

Unsaturated Iron Binding Capacity indicates the amount of iron that has not yet been saturated by the transferrin. Iron needs to be bound to the protein transferrin so it can be transported to the bone marrow to produce haemoglobin and red blood cells.

Ferritin is the protein that stores iron in the body. Iron is needed to provide muscles with oxygen so that they receive the energy they need to function properly. Ferritin will release the iron when needed and is kept within the body's cells, most commonly found in the liver. We check ferritin levels to ensure that there is proper storage of iron in the body's cells otherwise the iron will be depleted quickly.