What we test
B Vitamins Panel
Active vitamin B12 is the biologically active form of vitamin B12 that is essential for many physiological processes in the body, including the production of red blood cells, DNA synthesis, and nerve function.
Found naturally in food, such as green leafy vegetables. Folate (vitamin B9) plays a role in DNA creation and is important for the production of red blood cells.
Pyridoxal-5-phosphate - found in meat, poultry, fish, seafood dairy, lentils, beans, carrots, spinach, bananas, brown rice and whole-grains. Helps the body make neurotransmitters to carry signals between cells. Also important for controlling homocysteine levels, brain function, hormone and red cell production and the immune system.
Homocysteine
Elevated homocysteine blood test levels are a risk factor for cardiovascular disease, and may also be elevated in cases of malnutrition or vitamin B12 or folate deficiency.
An amino acid normally present in very small amounts in all cells of the body. Homocysteine is a product of methionine metabolism - one of the 11 ‘essential’ amino acids that must be derived from the diet.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D is essential for bone strength as it helps the intestines absorb calcium. Calcium and vitamin D play a critical role in developing and maintaining your overall bone health, and when you don’t get enough you increase your risk of developing osteoporosis and the incidence of stress fractures.
Although called a vitamin, vitamin D (25-OHD) is actually a steroid hormone which is activated by sunshine on the skin. It is essential for bone strength as it helps the intestines absorb calcium.
Iron Studies
This simple iron test measures how much iron you have in your blood, as well as the amount of iron you have stored in your body. This iron test can be used to diagnose anaemia or monitor an existing iron deficiency. This iron test can also be used to investigate iron overload syndrome (haemochromatosis) which is an inherited condition where your body cannot remove excess iron.
An essential trace element is necessary for forming healthy red blood cells and for some enzymes.
A protein that binds iron and transports it around the body (also known as TIBC). High levels indicate iron deficiency.
Low levels typically indicate iron deficiency, and high levels can indicate iron overload.
Ferritin is a marker of iron stores in the body, and is used to assess iron status. Low levels can indicate iron deficiency, which is a common nutritional deficiency that can lead to anaemia, fatigue, and impaired immune function.
Macrominerals
Macrominerals, also known as major minerals, are essential minerals that the human body requires in relatively large amounts to maintain good health.
Calcium is important in building strong bones and teeth, but it also plays a key role in other functions including muscle contraction, nerve function, blood clotting, and enzyme function.
Corrected calcium adjusts for changes in serum albumin levels, providing a more accurate measure of the biologically active form of calcium, and is therefore a better reflection of the body's calcium status.
Magnesium and calcium work together closely to maintain strong bones, and magnesium deficiency has been associated with an increased risk of osteoporosis.
Phosphate is a mineral which is essential for the formation of bones and teeth. It is also essential for many other cellular processes including energy metabolism and the formation of DNA and RNA.
Sodium is important for maintaining fluid balance in the body and for proper nerve and muscle function.
Potassium is important for nerve and muscle function, including regulating heart rhythm, and is also involved in fluid balance.
Chloride is important for maintaining fluid balance and for the proper functioning of the digestive system.
Metabolic
The HbA1c diabetes test measures the average amount of sugar attached to your red blood cells for the past several months. Unlike a regular blood sugar test, the HbA1c blood test is not affected by short-term changes.
If you have diabetes your body doesn't process glucose effectively.
HbA1c measures the average blood sugar level over the past 2-3 months. The higher the percentage, the higher the average blood sugar level has been over the past 2-3 months.
HbA1c can be expressed as a percentage (DCCT unit) or as a value in mmol/mol (IFCC unit).
Cholesterol
Lipids and cholesterol are fat-like substances in your blood. Some are necessary for good health, but when you have a high level of cholesterol in your blood, a lot of it ends up being deposited in the walls of your arteries and other vital organs. Lifestyle choices including diet, exercise and alcohol intake can all influence cholesterol levels and your risk of developing heart disease.
Total cholesterol includes both HDL cholesterol and LDL cholesterol. Cholesterol is essential for many processes in the body, including the formation of cell membranes, the production of hormones, and the metabolism of vitamin D.
LDL cholesterol is often referred to as "bad" cholesterol, as it can contribute to the development of atherosclerosis, a condition where plaque builds up in the arteries and can increase the risk of heart disease.
HDL cholesterol is often referred to as "good" cholesterol, as it helps remove excess cholesterol from the bloodstream and can protect against the development of heart disease.
Triglycerides are the main storage form of fatty acids in the body and a source of energy. High levels of triglycerides are associated with cardiovascular disease, obesity, type 2 diabetes, and metabolic syndrome.
Non-HDL cholesterol is considered an effective lipid measurement for assessing cardiovascular disease risk as it is believed to reflect levels of 'bad' cholesterol.
Test instructions
Fast from all food and drink (other than water) for at least 8 hours, and no more than 12 hours prior to your blood test.
Consider ceasing nutritional supplements for 3 days before the test.
Download and print your pathology form from your i-screen dashboard.
Take your form to one of our affiliated collection centres to have your sample taken.
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