Understand What 
We Measure – and 
Why It Matters

Alanine transaminase (ALAT, ALT, GPT) is an enzyme that helps to break down amino acids, which in turn supply your body with energy. It is found primarily in your liver.

Aspartate Aminotransferase (ASAT) is an enzyme found primarily in your liver, but also in your heart and muscles. It helps to break down amino acids and convert them into energy for your body.

Albumin is a protein produced in your liver and found in blood plasma that carries fatty acids and hormones. It also helps regulate your blood pressure.

Albumin-corrected calcium adjusts total calcium for low or high albumin levels, providing a more accurate biomarker of true physiologically active calcium status.

Alkaline phosphatase (AP) is an enzyme found in several tissues, including the liver and bones. It plays a key role in breaking down proteins and is important for bone growth and liver function.

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Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA, 18:3) is an omega-3 fatty acid that's found in nuts and seeds. The body can't make its own ALA, so it must come from diet. ALA supports heart health and is anti-inflammatory.

Amylase is a digestive enzyme produced in your pancreas which helps to break down carbohydrates. It's also present in your saliva, where it begins to break down starches before they reach the stomach.

Apolipoprotein B, or ApoB, is a protein that transports fat and cholesterol around the body. It measures the amount of “bad” cholesterol in the blood and is the best blood-based predictor of heart disease risk.

Arachidic acid (20:0) is a saturated fat found mainly in peanuts, with traces in some oils; it also forms from stearic acid. Not to be confused with arachidonic acid (20:4 n-6).

Arachidonic acid (AA, 20:4 n-6) is an omega-6 fatty acid that's important for many bodily functions. AA is converted into eicosanoids, which are molecules that control inflammation, immune function, and blood clotting.

Basophils are white blood cells that play a key role in allergic reactions and release chemicals that cause swelling and inflammation. The basophil percentage describes their amount relative to all white blood cells in the sample.

Basophils are white blood cells that play a key role in allergic reactions and release chemicals that cause swelling and inflammation. The absolute basophil count describes the number of basophils in a blood sample.

Behenic acid (22:0) is a very-long-chain saturated fat naturally found in peanut and Moringa oils; lab tests can assess the body's fat metabolism and screen for rare genetic disorders.

Bilirubin is a yellow substance that is produced as a byproduct of the breakdown of old red blood cells. It is converted by your liver and released into blood, bile, urine, or stool.

Calcium is a mineral that is essential for healthy bones, teeth, muscles, and nerves. It also helps with blood clotting.

Chloride is an essential mineral that helps keep the fluid inside and outside your cells in balance. It also helps maintain healthy blood pressure and the proper acid levels required for your blood to function.

Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance and produced in your liver. It's vital to produce hormones and vitamin D, and helps you digest foods.

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Cholinesterase is an enzyme produced mainly by the liver that helps break down acetylcholine and other substances in the blood. Blood cholinesterase levels are used to assess liver function and possible exposure to certain toxins. This test is indicative only and cannot replace a medical diagnosis.

Cortisol is a steroid hormone produced by the adrenal glands. It plays a key role in the body’s stress response, metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, and regulation of blood pressure and immune function.

Creatinekinase (CK) is an enzyme that facilitates energy storage in muscles. High levels usually signal muscle tissue damage, heart injury, or the results of very intense physical exertion.

Creatinine is a byproduct of protein metabolism, meaning that it's produced in your muscles and then filtered out by the kidneys. It's excreted in your urine.

Cystatin C is a small protein in the blood that the kidneys filter out. Measuring it helps assess kidney health more reliably than creatinine, since it is much less affected by muscle, diet, or ethnicity.

Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is an omega-3 fatty acid found in fish and some algae. DHA supports heart health and enhances athletic performance, including recovery and endurance.

DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone) is a hormone that affects the development of biological features commonly classified as male. DHEAS is a slightly different but more stable form of DHEA, and is easier to measure.

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Derived mean glucose is an estimated average blood glucose level calculated from HbA1c, reflecting overall blood sugar control over the past 2–3 months.

Dihomo-gamma-linolenic acid (DGLA, 20:3 n-6) is an omega-6 fatty acid that the human body produces from gamma-linolenic acid (18:3 n-6). DGLA has anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic effects.

Docosapentaenoic acid (DPA, 22:5 n-3) is an omega-3 in fish/seafood and a metabolic link between EPA and DHA. It may aid heart health and inflammation control, though evidence is smaller than for EPA/DHA.

Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) is an omega-3 fatty acid found in fish and some algae. EPA can support the heart, improve endurance, and enhance recovery.

Eicosadienoic acid (EDA, 20:2) is a minor omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acid elongated from linoleic acid, a common dietary fat. Higher levels can signal shifts in fat metabolism, but research hasn’t linked it to clear health risks.

Elaidic acid (18:1 trans-9) is the main industrial trans fat, often labelled as partially hydrogenated oils. It has negative health effects, raising LDL, lowering HDL, and increasing cardiometabolic risk.

Eosinophils are white blood cells that help protect against infections. They circulate through your body, ingesting bacteria, fungi, and other invaders. The percentage describes their amount relative to all white blood cells.

Eosinophils are white blood cells that help protect against infections. They circulate through your body, ingesting bacteria, fungi, and other invaders. The absolute count is the number of eosinophils per microliter of blood.

Red blood cells, or erythrocytes, are the most common kind of blood cell. They carry oxygen from your lungs throughout your body and are shaped like doughnuts, with a central protein called hemoglobin that binds with oxygen.

Estradiol is a hormone regulating the development of female characteristics and reproductive health. It's produced by both males and females, but in higher amounts by females.

FIB-4 Index (Fibrosis Score) is a calculation based on age, AST, ALT, and platelet count that helps estimate the likelihood of liver fibrosis. It is a screening tool and cannot replace a medical diagnosis.

Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) is produced by the pituitary gland and links the brain and the sex organs. It affects sperm production and the formation of egg-carrying follicles during the menstrual cycle.

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Ferritin is a protein that stores iron, a mineral that's essential for transporting oxygen around the body. Ferritin can also help fight off pathogens.

Only 1-2% of all testosterone is unbound by proteins and circulates freely in the blood. Unbound testosterone is the biologically active form of the hormone.

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The free testosterone index (FTI) estimates how much active testosterone is in your blood for your cells and tissues to use.

Gamma-Glutamyl Transferase (GGT) is an enzyme found in your liver. It helps to break down toxins and eliminate them from your body.

Glucose, or blood sugar, is the primary source of energy for your body. It enters your bloodstream after you eat and travels around your body to supply your brain and muscles with fuel.

High-density lipoprotein (HDL), often called "good" cholesterol, is a big part of your body's lipid transport system. It helps remove excess cholesterol from your body, keeps blood vessels clear and the heart healthy.

HOMA-IR checks for insulin resistance, a condition that can lead to diabetes, heart disease, or high blood pressure. It's calculated using fasting glucose and insulin levels.

Hematocrit is the percentage of red blood cells in your blood. It indicates how dense the blood is.

Hemoglobin is a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen from lungs to muscles, brain, digestive system and all other parts of your body. It's what makes your blood red.

Your HbA1c level shows your average blood sugar level over the last 2 to 3 months. About half of the contribution comes from the last 30 days. It helps indicate your risk for pre-diabetes and diabetes.

Heptadecanoic acid (17:0) is an odd-chain saturated fat found in dairy and some fish. In humans, higher levels are linked to lower risk of type 2 diabetes and heart disease, though research is still limited.

Heptadecenoic acid (17:1) is a rare monounsaturated fatty acid, found in dairy and some fish, and mainly produced by the body via desaturation of margaric acid.

Holo-Transcobalamin is the active form of vitamin B12. It's crucial for DNA synthesis, red blood cell production, and nerve health. It’s the best biomarker for B12 levels, detecting deficiency early and accurately.

Homocysteine is a non-proteinogenic amino acid. B12, folate, and B6 recycle it into methionine for protein building and cysteine for antioxidant defense. This process is vital for heart and brain health.

Immunoglobulin G (IgG) is the most common antibody in your body. It helps your immune system fight bacteria, viruses, and fungi. IgG provides long-term immunity and can last for years after infection with a virus or bacteria.

Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas that regulates blood sugar levels in the body. Measuring fasting insulin can help detect early signs of insulin resistance, a precursor to diabetes.

Iron is a mineral that occurs naturally in foods and is important for making red blood cells. It's a main component of the red blood pigment hemoglobin, which helps your body transport oxygen from your lungs to the rest of the body.

Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) is an enzyme that helps to break down glucose in your muscles. It's present in almost all your body tissues, and released in case of cell damage. This makes it a marker for muscle and heart muscle injury.

Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) carries cholesterol from your liver to the cells and circulates in your blood. It's often referred to as "bad" cholesterol, but some levels are important for your health.

Luteinizing hormone (LH) from the pituitary gland connects the brain to the gonads. In males, it triggers testosterone; in females, it orchestrates menstrual cycles and prompts ovulation and egg implantation.

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White blood cells, or leukocytes, are the defenders of your body. They help your immune system fight off infection and promote healing. Their primary role is to protect the body from foreign invaders such as bacteria or viruses.

Lignoceric acid (24:0) is a very-long-chain saturated fat found in trace amounts in peanuts and rapeseed oil. It is abundant in myelinated nerve tissues and plays a role in brain development and nerve function.

Linoleic acid (18:2 cis-9,12) is an essential omega-6 fatty acid and the most abundant polyunsaturated fat in the diet. Moderate intake supports heart health, but excessive levels may promote inflammation and chronic disease risk.

Lipase is an enzyme or digestive juice that breaks down fat and is primarily found in the cells of your pancreas. It's necessary to help you digest your food.

Lipoprotein (a), or Lp(a), is a protein that transports fats and cholesterol. Your levels are determined by genetics and are an indicator of cardiovascular disease risk.

Lymphocytes are white blood cells that lead a specific immune response – part of a larger group including monocytes, B-cells, and T-cells. The lymphocytes % refers to how many of all your white blood cells are lymphocytes.

Lymphocytes are white blood cells that lead a specific immune response – part of a larger group including monocytes, B-cells, and T-cells. The lymphocytes % refers to how many of all your white blood cells are lymphocytes.

Mean corpuscular hemoglobin, or MCH, is a measurement of the average quantity of hemoglobin in each of your red blood cells. Hemoglobin is necessary for the efficient transport of oxygen through your bloodstream.

MCHC, or mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration, is the average concentration of hemoglobin found in a red blood cell. It's calculated by dividing hemoglobin by hematocrit.

MCV stands for mean corpuscular volume, which is a measurement of the size of your red blood cells. They  carry oxygen through your blood.

Magnesium is an important mineral for a range of processes. It helps regulate blood pressure, blood sugar, and heart rate, supports strong bones, and keeps your muscles and nerves working properly.

Monocytes are white blood cells that fight infection. They clean up old tissue and bacteria and help repair damaged tissue. The percentage of monocytes describes the proportion of total white blood cells that are monocytes.

Monocytes are white blood cells that fight infection. They clean up old tissue and bacteria and help repair damaged tissue. The absolute monocyte count is a measure of the number of these type of white blood cells in your blood.

Myristic acid (14:0) is a saturated fatty acid (~1% of tissue fats). Higher levels can raise total and LDL cholesterol and may also increase HDL.

Nervonic acid (24:1 n-9) is a long-chain monounsaturated fat that helps form myelin, the nerves’ protective sheath. It’s involved in brain development and studied for its role in neurological disorders.

Neutrophils are the most abundant type of white blood cells. They fight bacteria and other foreign invaders. The percentage of neutrophils refers to how many of your white blood cells are neutrophils.

Neutrophils are the most abundant type of white blood cells. They fight bacteria and other foreign invaders. The absolute neutrophil count identifies how many neutrophils are in a sample of your blood.

Non-HDL cholesterol is a way of measuring how much "bad" cholesterol is in your blood. It is calculated by subtracting HDL ("good") cholesterol from the total amount of cholesterol.

Oleic acid (18:1 cis-9) is an omega-9 monounsaturated fat (MUFA) found in olive oil and many foods. Compared with saturated fats, it lowers LDL, and is linked to cardiometabolic benefits.

The omega-3 index measures the levels of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in red blood cell membranes relative to other fatty acids. This provides insight into your dietary omega-3 intake.

Palmitic acid (16:0) is the main saturated fat in humans (~20–30%). Formed from excess carbohydrates or found in palm oil, meat, and cocoa butter, it provides energy and supports cell membranes and signalling.

Palmitoleic acid (16:1 n-7) is a monounsaturated fat mainly made by humans from palmitic acid. Smaller amounts are found in macadamia nuts, sea buckthorn oil, and some fish.

Parathyroid Hormone (PTH) is a hormone that keeps blood calcium levels steady. It manages how bones and kidneys handle minerals to maintain a healthy balance for nerve and muscle function.

Pentadecanoic acid (C15:0) is an odd-chain saturated fatty acid mainly derived from dairy fat. It is commonly used as a biomarker of dairy intake and has been associated with favorable cardiometabolic health markers.

Phosphate is an essential mineral in the body that plays a key role in bone formation, energy metabolism (ATP), and cellular signaling. Blood phosphate levels are used to assess kidney function, bone health, and mineral balance.

Potassium is an electrolyte which helps your body regulate fluid levels. It also keeps your muscles and nerves working properly.

Progesterone is a hormone that plays an important role in the menstrual cycle and the early phases of pregnancy. It also influences mood, sleep, bone health, and sex drive.

The main function of prolactin is stimulating milk production following childbirth in females. In males it influences libido and fertility.

RDW (Red Cell Distribution Width) measures the size variation of your red blood cells. It is key for differentiating types of anemia and detecting nutritional deficiencies like iron or Vitamin B12.

Sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) is mainly produced in the liver and controls the amount of available active sex hormones such as oestrogen and testosterone.

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Selenium is a trace mineral that helps your body produce DNA and protects against cell damage. It’s also key for reproductive health and thyroid function.

Sodium is a mineral that helps to keep the right balance of fluids in your body. The kidneys regulate healthy sodium levels in the blood by removing excess amounts in urine.

Stearic acid (18:0) is a saturated fat found in cocoa butter, beef, and dairy; unlike other saturated fats, it is converted to oleic acid (18:1) and does not raise LDL cholesterol.

Sum of EPA and DHA represents the combined levels of the omega-3 fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). It is a commonly used biomarker of omega-3 status and is associated with cardiovascular, metabolic, and inflammatory health.

Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) is a hormone that helps regulate your thyroid gland, which affects how your body functions. If it's not working properly, it can cause problems like fatigue, hair loss, weight gain or depression.

Testosterone is a sex hormone that's important for muscle and bone strength, sperm production, ovarian function, and sex drive. It's mainly produced in the testes, ovaries, and adrenal glands.

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Thrombocytes, or platelets, are the part of your blood that help with clotting. When you get cut, platelets cluster at your wound to stop the bleeding, acting as a natural bandage.

Total protein (TP) is a measure of the amount of protein in your blood. These proteins are a key component of your cell function, repair, and growth. They also play a role in blood clotting, immune defense, and hormone production.

Transferrin is a protein that binds to iron in the blood. It takes iron molecules to cells so they can carry out several important functions, including energy production.

Transferrin is a protein produced in your liver that regulates the amount of iron absorbed by the blood. Transferrin saturation assesses your iron stores to see how much you have in your system.

Triglycerides are a type of fat in your blood, and the main storage form of fatty acids in your body. They're stored in your liver and muscle tissue as energy for when you need it. They are also known as 'blood fats'.

Urea is a waste product formed in the liver during protein metabolism and excreted by the kidneys. Blood urea levels reflect protein intake, hydration status, and, to some extent, kidney function.

Uric acid is a byproduct of DNA and cell renewal. It's a waste product that also forms in your body when you digest protein. It’s found in many foods, especially meats and fish, but also in some vegetables and grains.

Vitamin B12 is a water-soluble vitamin that you get from foods and supplements. It's involved in many processes, including the production of red blood cells and DNA, metabolism, and brain function.