The Phenotypic Biological Age Calculator Blood Test, from our experts to you.

What is the Essential Blood Test?

Our Essential Blood Test is a comprehensive, quick, and reassuring way of assessing your current state of health. Ten of the markers included in this test are required for the Levine Phenotypic Biological Age test.

What can I learn from this test?

Our essential profile contains many of the tests your doctor would order. We've carefully selected these markers to give you insights into your health and well-being. We've included standard haematology and biochemistry profiles to cover your bodily systems, including a full blood count (FBC), kidney function, liver health, cholesterol, diabetes, iron status, and inflammation (CRP).

Who is this test for?

With your results, this test allows you to optimise health factors that you can change through diet and lifestyle, meaning that you can be proactive about your health. It's also helpful if you're experiencing general symptoms and would like a routine blood test to investigate them.

What's Included?

Cholesterol status:

Total Cholesterol:

Cholesterol serves as a crucial lipid in the body, playing vital roles such as constructing cell membranes and synthesizing essential hormones like testosterone and estradiol. It originates from both liver production and dietary intake. While total cholesterol encompasses various cholesterol types, its primary constituents are HDL (high-density lipoprotein), known for its heart-protective qualities, and LDL (low-density lipoprotein), associated with cardiovascular risks when elevated. However, total cholesterol alone provides limited insights into heart disease risk. Factors like HDL and LDL levels, and the proportion of protective HDL cholesterol, are more significant. A detailed breakdown of cholesterol components is provided in the following profile.

LDL Cholesterol:

LDL cholesterol, comprising lipids and proteins, facilitates the transportation of cholesterol, triglycerides, and fats throughout the body. Elevated LDL levels, commonly referred to as 'bad cholesterol,' can lead to the accumulation of fatty deposits in artery walls, potentially contributing to atherosclerosis and heart disease.

Non-HDL Cholesterol:

Non-HDL cholesterol encompasses all non-protective and potentially harmful cholesterol types present in the blood, not just LDL. It includes VLDL (very low-density lipoproteins) and other lipoproteins deemed more detrimental than LDL. Calculated by deducting HDL cholesterol from total cholesterol, non-HDL cholesterol serves as a superior marker for cardiovascular risk, with a recommended level below 4 mmol/L.

HDL Cholesterol:

HDL cholesterol, known as 'good cholesterol,' aids in removing cholesterol from the bloodstream and transporting it to the liver for breakdown and elimination via bile.

Total Cholesterol: HDL:

The cholesterol/HDL ratio, obtained by dividing total cholesterol by HDL cholesterol, offers insights into cardiovascular risk, particularly the proportion of beneficial HDL. Risk assessment tools utilize this ratio, such as QRisk, to gauge the likelihood of a heart attack.

Triglycerides:

Triglycerides, circulating fats, are generated from excess calories and stored in cells as fat, later released for energy utilization.

Clotting status:

Platelet Count:

Platelets, the smallest blood cells, are crucial for clot formation, aiding in stopping bleeding when injuries occur.

MPV:

Mean Platelet Volume (MPV) measures the average platelet size, providing insights into bone marrow platelet production.

Diabetes:

HbA1c:

Haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) offers a longer-term glucose level indication than standard blood glucose tests, reflecting average blood sugar levels over a 3-month period. Elevated levels signal diabetes or increased diabetes risk, associated with various complications such as heart disease, kidney disease, and eye problems.

Gout risk:

Uric Acid:

Uric acid, a byproduct of purine breakdown, can accumulate in bodily tissues as crystals, leading to gout when levels are too high to excrete efficiently.

Inflammation:

Hs-CRP:

High Sensitivity CRP (CRP-hs) detects low-level inflammation, potentially damaging blood vessels and increasing heart attack or stroke risks.

Iron status:

Iron:

Iron, vital for life, is integral to haemoglobin production, facilitating oxygen transport. Serum iron, transient and influenced by recent diet, is assessed alongside other iron status markers.

TIBC:

Total iron-binding capacity (TIBC) measures the body's efficiency in iron transport through the blood.

Transferrin Saturation:

This test assesses the extent to which transferrin, the major iron-binding blood protein, is saturated with iron.

Ferritin:

Ferritin stores excess iron in cells and tissues, serving as an indicator of iron reserves.

Kidney health:

Urea:

Urea, a waste product from protein breakdown, reflects liver and kidney function, as both organs filter it from the blood for excretion.

Creatinine:

Creatinine, a waste product of muscle metabolism, serves as an indicator of kidney function and overall waste product levels in the body.

EGFR:

Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR) estimates kidney function by calculating blood filtration through glomeruli, the tiny kidney filters.

Liver health:

Bilirubin:

Bilirubin, a product of red blood cell breakdown, is excreted by the liver and gives rise to urine and fecal coloration. Elevated levels can indicate liver or bile duct issues.

ALP:

Alkaline phosphatase (ALP), predominantly found in the liver and bones, indicates liver, gallbladder, or bone diseases when elevated.

ALT:

Alanine transferase (ALT), primarily in the liver, serves as a marker for liver inflammation or damage, caused by various factors like alcohol, fatty liver, drugs, or viruses.

Gamma GT:

Gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), elevated in liver and bile duct diseases, aids in differentiating between bone and liver disorders. It's also indicative of long-term alcohol abuse in many cases.

Proteins:

Total Protein:

Total protein comprises albumin and globulin, crucial for blood vessel integrity, nutrient transport, and immune function. Deviations may suggest malnutrition or liver/kidney disorders.

Albumin:

Albumin, prImarily synthesized in the liver, regulates blood osmotic pressure, nutrient transport, and tissue healing. It also aids in hormone and medication transportation.

Globulin:

Globulin encompasses various proteins crucial for immune function, iron transport, and antibody production.

Red blood cells:

Haemoglobin:

Haemoglobin, present in red blood cells, facilitates oxygen transport and gives blood its red hue, serving as a measure of oxygen-carrying capacity.

Haematocrit:

Haematocrit measures the volume of blood occupied by red blood cells, indicating oxygen-carrying capacity.

Red Cell Count:

Red Blood Cell (RBC) Count quantifies the number of red blood cells, essential for oxygen transport and carbon dioxide removal.

MCV:

Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV) indicates average red blood cell size, vital for assessing oxygen transport efficiency.

MCH:

Mean Corpuscular Haemoglobin (MCH) measures average haemoglobin content per red blood cell.

MCHC:

Mean Corpuscular Haemoglobin Concentration (MCHC) reflects haemoglobin concentration in red blood cells.

RDW:

Red blood cell distribution width (RDW) assesses red blood cell size uniformity, identifying potential blood disorders.

White blood cells:

White Cell Count:

White Blood Cell (WBC) Count quantifies white blood cells, integral to immune defense against infections.

Neutrophils:

Neutrophils, abundant white blood cells, initiate the body's initial response to infections, aiding in germ eradication.

Lymphocytes:

Lymphocytes, crucial for bacterial and viral infection defense, include various cells like T cells, B cells, and natural killer cells, producing antibodies and memory cells.

Monocytes:

Monocytes engulf and eliminate germs and dead cells, contributing to inflammation resolution.

Eosinophils:

Eosinophils counter parasitic infections and regulate inflammation, with implications in allergy and asthma.

Basophils:

Basophils defend against bacteria and parasites, also playing roles in allergic reactions.

How to prepare for your test

Prepare for your Blood Test by following these instructions. Take this test when any symptoms of short-term illness have settled. Avoid heavy exercise for 48 hours beforehand. Avoid fatty foods for eight hours before your test, you do not need to fast. Do not take biotin supplements for two days before this test, discuss this with your doctor if it is prescribed.