Total Protein describes the total sum of globulin and albumin combined. Levels outside of the normal range can be indicative of kidney or liver disorders. Other causes of abnormal levels include malnutrition.

Albumin is primarily produced by the liver and is an important protein in preventing blood from leaking out of blood vessels. Other functions of albumin range from transporting substances such as medications through the blood to playing a role in the growth and repair of tissues. Elevated levels of albumin are typically caused by dehydration. In contrast, low levels may be indicative of liver disease, inflammation or malnutrition. Levels may also be raised in conditions such as diabetes.

Globulin may be produced by the immune system or the liver and consist of several different proteins with varying roles. For instance, some globulins are capable of binding to haemoglobin while others may be involved in the transport of substances like iron and in fighting infection.

Bilirubin is a yellow compound that is produced during the break down of haemoglobin. This is a necessary process in the body's clearance of waste products that arise from the destruction of aged or abnormal red blood cells. Bilirubin is removed from the body via the liver and excreted in bile and urine. The accumulation of bilirubin can result in jaundice which involves the yellowing discoloration of the whites of the eyes in addition to the skin. Elevated levels may indicate the livers inability to remove it from the blood and therefore can be a sign of liver damage. Certain diseases such as Gilberts syndrome or a blocked bile duct can also result in elevated levels of bilirubin.

The level of alkaline phosphatase in the blood is checked through the ALP test, which is often part of routine blood tests. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) is an enzyme found mainly in the liver and bones. The levels of this enzyme in the blood is dependent on several factors such as age, sex and blood type. Elevated levels of ALP in the blood could indicate issues relating to the liver, gall bladder or bones. As ALP is non specific, ALP is normally checked in addition to other liver function tests to determine whether the damage has occurred to the liver or the bones. Blood levels of ALP also increase two to four times during pregnancy and in growing teenagers.

Alanine transferase (ALT) is an enzyme that is produced by the liver. Elevated ALT can be indicative of inflammation of the liver characteristic of liver damage which may be caused by drugs, alcohol or viruses (hepatitis). High intensity exercise can also result in elevated levels of ALT.

Gamma GT is an enzyme found within the liver and is typically raised following diseases affecting this tissue or the bile ducts. Elevated ALP on its own cannot distinguish between liver or bone damage, however, when this value is combined with an elevated levels of gamma GT it is indicative of liver disease. Gamma GT can also be used to diagnose alcohol abuse as it is typically raised in the majority of long term drinkers.

AST is an enzyme your liver makes. Other organs, like your heart, kidneys, brain, and muscles, also make smaller amounts. AST is also called SGOT (serum glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase).

Normally, AST levels in your blood are low. When your liver is damaged, it puts more AST into your blood, and your levels rise.

A high AST level is a sign of liver damage, but it can also mean you have damage to another organ that makes it, like your heart or kidneys.

Triglycerides are a type of fat (lipid) that is found within the blood. After a meal, the body converts any calories it doesn't need to use right away into triglycerides. These are then transported to cells where they are stored as fat. Later, the production of hormones can stimulate the release of triglycerides which can be used for energy between meals. The regular overconsumption of greater than those burned may result in hypertriglyceridemia, a condition in which the level of triglycerides are elevated. This can be a risk factor for microvascular disease which affects the tiny blood vessels around the heart. 

Cholesterol is an essential body fat (lipid) that is predominantly derived from the foods we consume, though, is also produced by the liver. Cholesterol is an important component of cell membranes and is also a precursor molecule to a variety of essential hormones. Individuals with high levels of cholesterol in the body are at a significantly increased risk for developing heart disease. However, total cholesterol is a sum of both good (HDL) and bad (LDL) cholesterol therefore, it is necessary to investigate whether the rise in total cholesterol is caused by a high proportion of HDL or LDL as HDL can in fact exhibit protective effects against heart disease.

HDL (high density lipoprotein) cholesterol is often referred to as the "good" cholesterol due to its ability to pick up other forms of excess cholesterol present in the blood and transport this back to the liver where it is broken down and removed from the body. Individuals with increased levels of HDL cholesterol have been found to be associated with a lower risk of developing heart disease.

LDL cholesterol (low density lipoprotein) also known as the "bad" cholesterol is responsible for transporting triglycerides, other fats and other cholesterol to a variety of tissues located throughout the body. Excessive amounts of LDL in the body as a result of the overconsumption of certain foods, can result in fatty deposits accumulating on the walls of the artery. This can subsequently result in the development of atherosclerosis and is associated with an increased risk of heart disease. 

Measurements of Non-HDL cholesterol are important in establishing the total amount of cholesterol present in the blood that serve a non-protective role for the body and are potentially harmful. The value is calculated by subtracting an individuals HDL cholesterol result from the value of total cholesterol. As the value includes a total of all the forms of potentially damaging cholesterol and not just LDL alone, it is considered to be a greater biomarker for cardiovascular risk.

HDL (high density lipoprotein) cholesterol is often referred to as the "good" cholesterol due to its ability to pick up other forms of excess cholesterol present in the blood and transport this back to the liver where it is broken down and removed from the body. Individuals with increased levels of HDL cholesterol have been found to be associated with a lower risk of developing heart disease.

Urea is produced as a waste product of protein metabolism and is readily found within the blood. The kidneys are responsible for filtering this urea out of the blood into the urine. Consequently, a urea test is commonly performed to determine how well the kidneys are functioning, with elevated levels of urea in the blood suggesting impaired kidney function. However, consuming large amounts of protein or the presence of dehydration may also result in elevated levels of urea. In comparison, low amounts of urea may indicate liver failure, malnutrition, excessive hydration or the consumption of a low protein diet.

Creatinine is a breakdown product of creatine phosphate that is found in muscle. Serum creatinine is an important indicator of renal health because it is an easily measured by-product of muscle metabolism that is excreted unchanged by the kidneys. Causes of elevated serum creatinine can be attributed to by a variety of lifestyle factors including, consuming creatine supplements, high amounts of animal protein, or performing high intensity exercise. Whilst other causes include impaired kidney function. On the other hand, low serum creatinine can be an indication of the kidneys functioning efficiently. In addition, a low protein diet or reduced muscle mass may also result in a low reading.

The estimated glomerular filtration rate is one of the best tests used to assess how well your kidneys are functioning. The kidneys are composed of thousands of glomeruli which act as tiny filters that are capable of filtering waste from the blood. The eGFR is an estimation of how much blood passes through these glomeruli with each passing minute and can be calculated based on blood creatinine levels, gender, age and weight. A high eGFR indicates optimal functioning of the kidneys. In contrast, a low value for eGFR means your kidneys may not be working to their full potential and can be a sign of kidney disease. eGFR can also be a useful tool in determining the stage of kidney disease which is important in identifying the best treatment for you. Early detection of kidney disease means there could be a better chance of slowing or stopping the progression of the disease. A low eGFR may also be observed in individuals from certain ethnic backgrounds or those with increased muscle mass, in which case impaired kidney function may not be the case.

When glucose attaches itself to the haemoglobin present in your red blood cells it produces glycosylated haemoglobin also known as HbA1c. HbA1c can be used to give an indication of the levels of glucose present in the blood over a three month period as red blood cells only live for around 12 weeks. Measuring HbA1c is one of the most important steps in the diagnosis of type 2 diabetes. In addition, it also provides a good indication of how well blood sugar levels are being controlled during this period in individuals that may have already been diagnosed with diabetes.

C-Reactive Protein (CRP) is a protein that increases in response to inflammation detected within the body - though it cannot be used to identify the exact location of where this inflammation is occurring. On the other hand, high Sensitivity CRP (hs-CRP) is used to detect low-level inflammation and can give more of an indication of the location of the inflammation as this type has been found to be associated with damaged blood vessels. Damage to blood vessels can increase an individuals likelihood of suffering a stroke or heart attack. Therefore, an elevated hs-CRP may be considered a risk factor for cardio-vascular disease.

Measuring the amount of iron present in the blood is important in the diagnosis of conditions such as iron deficiency anaemia caused by a lack of iron to haemochromatosis which is caused by an overload of iron. Common symptoms of both elevated and reduced levels of iron include; muscle weakness, difficulty concentrating and fatigue. Other causes of reduced iron besides anaemia can be due to general blood loss. In contrast, a raised result can be indicative of an iron overload syndrome which may be the result of an inherited condition that results in the body storing too much iron, or the excessive consumption of iron supplements.

A total iron-binding capacity (TIBC) test measures the blood's ability to attach itself to iron and transport it around the body. Individuals with iron deficiency will have low levels of iron but a raised TIBC. In comparison, those that have possess too much iron, for instance, in patients with iron overload syndrome, iron will be elevated but TIBC will be reduced or normal.

Transferrin is produced by the liver and is a major protein that regulates the absorption and transportation of iron into and throughout the blood and body respectively. High levels of transferrin saturation are indicative of iron overload whilst low levels may coincide with iron deficiency.

Ferritin is a protein that stores iron and releases it in a controlled fashion. In humans, it acts as a buffer against iron deficiency and iron overload. Plasma ferritin is also an indirect marker of the total amount of iron stored in the body, hence serum ferritin is used as a diagnostic test for iron-deficiency anaemia. Low levels are indicative of anaemia and may be caused by events such as excessive bleeding or lack of iron within the diet. In contrast, elevated ferritin levels could indicate iron overload syndrome or liver damage.

Creatine kinase (CK) is an enzyme that exists in various cell types and tissues but found in especially high amounts in the muscle. High levels of CK in the blood can indicate damage to the muscles as CK leaks out of the tissue. Following damage and trauma to the muscles, CK levels will drastically rise, with levels subsiding to normal once the damage is repaired. Individuals with greater muscle mass typically have higher levels of CK.

A calcium blood test can find out whether you have too much or too little of this key mineral in your bloodstream.
Calcium is the most plentiful mineral in your body. Your body uses it to:
- Strengthen your bones and teeth
- Contract your muscles
- Narrow and widen blood vessels
- Send and receive nerve messages
- Release hormones
- Clot your blood

Uric acid is a waste product that is produced from the metabolism and breakdown of protein. Increased protein digestion may result in significant amounts of uric acid being deposited as crystals in the tissues of the body. When this process occurs in the joints, it can result in a condition known as gout which can lead to severe pain.

Magnesium is the fourth most abundant essential element found within the body and is a vital component in supporting several key processes including; energy production, DNA creation and repair, muscle contraction and nerve functioning. Significantly raised magnesium in the body (hypermagnesemia) is an event that rarely occurs due to the body's effective strategy in removing excessive amounts from the blood stream via the kidneys. However, when kidney function is impaired patients are at a greater risk of developing hypermagnesemia. In contrast, reduced levels of magnesium may be the result of increased alcohol consumption or decreased consumption of magnesium rich foods such as leafy green vegetables and nuts.

Folate is a type of B vitamin that is involved in several processes from the production of red blood cells to the production and repair of DNA. Individuals mainly receive folate from their diet therefore, a lack of folate within the diet can result in folate deficiency. Low levels may also be indicative of anaemia.

Vitamin B-12 is an important vitamin that is involved in several processes ranging from the production of red blood cells to aiding in the correct functioning of the nervous system. Consequently, prolonged vitamin B12 deficiency can result in anaemia or nerve damage respectively. In contrast, elevated levels of vitamin B12 can be an indication of a liver or blood disorder. The most common cause of raised vitamin B12 is due to over supplementation.

Interestingly enough, vitamin D is in fact a hormone that is produced by the body and requires exposure to sunlight for activation. In addition. it can be found in certain foods such as egg yolks, fish and fortified dairy and grain products. Vitamin D is an essential component required for maintaining bone strength due to its role in aiding the intestines ability to absorb calcium. Low levels of vitamin D may be associated with secondary low bone mineral density and hyperparathyroidism. Consequently, these patients have a greater risk of suffering fractures and osteoporosis. Other conditions such as rickets and osteocalcin may also develop as a result of continued vitamin D deficiency over a long period of time.

Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) is produced by the pituitary gland and acts to increase the functioning of the thyroid gland, This stimulation in turn encourages the production of triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) by the thyroid. Elevated TSH may be indicative of an underactive thyroid, In comparison, reduced TSH may be associated with an overactive thyroid.

The purpose of this test is to measure the amounts of free thyroxine (T4) that is present within the blood. T4 is a one of two hormones that is secreted by the thyroid gland. Therefore, a high result may be associated with an individual with an overactive thyroid as more T4 is produced then normal. In contrast, a lower than normal result may arise if an individual has an underactive thyroid.

Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) is produced by pituitary gland and plays a key role in the reproductive system of both men and women. In women, FSH regulates the growth of ovarian follicles which secrete progesterone and Estrogen that are required for key events during the menstrual cycle. In men, FSH plays a key role in the development of the testes as well as the production of sperm.

Luteinizing hormone (LH) is produced in the anterior pituitary gland and plays an important role in regulating the function of the reproductive tissues which include the ovaries in females and testes in males.

In women, during the first half of a typical menstrual cycle (roughly weeks one to two), LH is required to stimulate the ovarian follicles that are located in the ovaries to produce the female sex hormone oestradiol. LH naturally rises at around day 14 of a women's cycle and this surge is vital in stimulating the ovaries to release an egg during ovulation. Given fertilization occurs, LH also stimulates the corpus luteum, which secretes progesterone that is essential for sustaining pregnancy.

For men, LH plays a key role in stimulating the production of the main male sex hormone (testosterone) from Leydig cells present in the testes. Further to this, testosterone is then able to stimulate the production of sperm as well as contribute to the development of a set of characteristic traits which range from increased muscle and bone mass to the degree of bodily hair present.

LH also stimulates the production of testosterone in females. Consistently raised LH in women is often associated with polycystic ovary syndrome in which excessive amounts of testosterone are produced as a result of elevated LH. In contrast, low levels of LH may result in the halt of ovulation.

Low levels of LH may be a cause of infertility in both men and women due to levels being insufficient in stimulating sperm production or the ovulation process.

Oestradiol is an important steroid hormone that can be found in both men and women. In women, oestradiol is mainly produced by the ovaries and plays a key role in the maturation and maintenance of the female reproductive system.

In comparison, men produce considerably lower amounts of oestradiol. This is mainly produced by the testes where some testosterone is converted into oestradiol which is a vital component for the production of sperm. Oestradiol may also be produced to lesser extent by fat tissue in both men and women. Elevated levels of oestradiol may lead to a host of conditions ranging from depression to acne. A raised result has also been found to be associated with an increased risk of breast and uterine cancer. In contrast, low levels may affect the menstrual cycle, fertility, mental health or even lead to osteoporosis. In men, increased oestradiol can lead to infertility, loss of libido or the development of breast tissue. Levels may rise due to the accumulation of excessive fat tissue that secretes oestradiol.