Blood Tests

You can get any of the following tests done by going into a Pathology Lab and paying for them. In Australia it may be better to request them through your GP as you can usually get them for free on Medicare. Sometimes these tests can go by different names but if you use the names below the Lab and your GP will know what you are talking about - they will also tell you how to prepare for the tests, for example some of them will need to be done on an empty stomach. Most of these tests will come with reference ranges so that you will be able to see yourself whether your test result is 'normal'. However, it is also a good idea to get your tests results analysed by a registered health professional.

1. Lipid Profile (or Cumulative Lipid Risk Report)

This will give you the following - Total Cholesterol, Triglycerides, HDL, LDL, Total/HDL Ratio. This test is to assess your risk of developing heart disease. It measures your 'good' and 'bad' fats, and the ratio between them - if your results are not in the correct range dietary changes or drugs (statins) are usually suggested by your Doctor. However, recent research has cast doubt on the importance of some of these factors and there is controversy over the recent tightening of the upper range limits for these tests. This is important because if the tests and ranges aren't accurate predictors of the risk of heart disease then you may needlessly be put on 'statin drugs' and these drugs do have significant side effects. So it's a topic that needs further clarification which we do in several posts, here's the first, cholesterol basics - part 1, However, let me stress that it does not mean that these lipid tests are unimportant - we just need to be careful in interpreting them. These test are of great use and can be used for base lining your health and for objectively testing the result of dietary changes that you may make. So it's on the top of the list of tests to have done.

2. E/LFT (Master)

This is a set of tests to evaluate kidneys and liver function (E is for Electrolytes, LFT for Liver function tests). I won't list out here the whole test markers as there over 25 of them, they include things like sodium and potassium levels and specific liver markers such as AST and ALT. It's a good baseline test to ensure that your liver, kidney and gall bladder are functioning well.

3. Full Blood count

Will give you a full break down of what your blood is doing, this will include terms you may have heard of such as Red cell Count, White Cell Count and Platelets. A Full blood count is probably the most common blood test that's performed and isa great standard test to get done. It will give an indication of health in many different ways and can help in diagnosing a wide range of illnessses, infections and diseases. It will also tell you if you have anaemia. Anaemia is when you don't have enough red blood cells, one common cause is low Iron, another cause is B12 deficiency. Also its a great test because you can rule out a lot of things if it comes back normal.

4. Glucose

A "Random" Glucose test will screen for diabetes, if the tests results are above a certain range a further test a "Fasting' Glucose test can be performed. A "random" glucose test is a good idea if you suspect diabetes, or are overweight or have a family history of diabetes. A non blood test method of screening for this is to buy 'dipsticks' from the chemist & pee on one, this will tell you if you have too much sugar in your urine, the dipstick will change colour and the dipstick packet will have a guide telling you what that colour means.

5. Master Iron

This will test total levels of iron in your body (Ferritin) and in your blood (Serum Iron) and your ability to transport this iron around in your blood (Transferrin). It's an essential test if anaemia is suspected, but is also useful if you have fatigue with no obvious reason, it can also be a way to detect internal bleeding so would help identify problem such as stomach ulcers or colon polyps.

6. Vitamin B12 Folate

As the name suggest this tests for B12 and for Folate, both can be causes of anaemia, but also this test is important if their is any kind of malnutrition or if there is heavy alcohol usage. It is also important if you are on certain drugs (eg anti-convulsants), or there is nerve pain or changes in the body (peripheral neuropathy). It is also an important test if you wish to get pregnant or are having difficulty getting pregnant.

7. Thyroid Function

The Thyroid is in the front of your neck and it produces hormones that help the body use energy and that help in regulating lots of important functions and organs within the body. To have a thyroid problem is common and you can be hypo (under active) or hyper (over active) you can also be borderline hypo or hyper which can present with less obvious symptoms, sometime you may hear the term 'sluggish thyroid, this is borderline under active thyroid. If you want a screen for Thyroid function you can have your TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) levels tested, as in most cases normal TSH means that the thyroid is functioning normally. If Thyroid problems are suspected or TSH shows up something them T4, T3,and free T4 can be tested for - additionally Thyroid antibody tests can be performed. So unless you have a history of Thyroid problems or are advised otherwise by a GP - just start with a TSH test. It's a good screen of the Thyroid ans is important especially if you have fatigue or low energy.

8. Homocysteine

Homocysteine is a risk factor for CHD (coronary heart disease) and even moderate levels of homocysteine have been linked with an increased risk of CHD. The test will give you a range between 0 and 15 and tell you the following in terms of risk of CHD.

Below 9 - No increase in risk

9 - 15 - Double the risk

15 - 20 - Triple the risk

Above 20 - 4.5 x the risk

This is an important test especially now as there has been discussion around your lipid profile and your homocysteine being very important. (this will be explored more in a separate article).

9. Adrenal Master (or Serum Cortisol)

The adrenals produce Cortisol and Cortisol is a hormone involved in the 'fight or flight' stress response. So high levels of Cortisol can indicate 'adrenal fatigue'. However, low Cortisol levels may indicate 'adrenal burn out' that is the stage beyond fatigue when the system can no longer cope. However, physical or emotional stress are not the only factors that can effect cortisol levels they can also rise in pregnancy and with the use of certain drugs. Testing Cortisol is important as it is a key indicator of how well your body is functioning, the best test is the 24 hour urine sample test. However as a screen the serum cortisol blood test is fine.

10. C Reactive Protein

This measures the level of general inflammation in your body and is a good screening test of general health. Another great test is the High Sensitivity CRP test (but you will have to pay for yourself as its not available on Medicare) this is an indicator of risk of cardiovascular disease. So just start with a CRP test

11. Fertility Hormone Master

For males ask for your testosterone levels to be tested, the main reasons to test for this are fatigue, low sex drive, and to check for good fertility as it can influence sperm count. For Females - a hormone test will test for the female hormones (FSH, LH, Oestradiol, Progesterone). It will also test your Androgens (Testosterone & SHBG) - its a vital test as these hormones basically influence all aspects of your health.

12. Vitamin D

Vitamin D3 is actually a hormone and most Australian's are deficient in it, so it very important to be tested for it to know more about this hormone and what it does read this post on Vitamin D

13. Zinc Serum

Good general screen of zinc levels, important as zinc essential to health and most Australians are deficient in it.

A Large Proportion of the Population are Zinc Deficient.

14. Prostate Test

Testing for PSA should be a standard test you have every few years from age 40. It's for men only as it tests for an enlarged prostate, prostate inflammation, and prostate cancer. You should also have this test if you have noticed any changes in urination. The test isn't 100% reliable so you should also get a regular manual examination of the prostate by a Doctor.

15. Epstein Barr Virus

Worth testing to see either if you currently have this or have had it in the past, the test will tell you both. (Epstein Barr Virus in adolescence or early adulthood is often called Glandular Fever)

16. Barmah Forest Virus

Worth testing to see either if you currently have this or have had it in the past, the test will tell you both.

17. Ross River Virus