Premier Health Profile

The measurement of cholesterol, including low-density and high–density lipoprotein cholesterol, is total cholesterol. Total cholesterol is used to produce hormones, this test is used to estimate the risk of developing heart disease.

High Density Lipoprotein (HDL) tests are used to estimate the risk of developing heart disease. HDL is ‘good’ cholesterol as its main function is to aid in the removal of cholesterol from the heart's arteries.

Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL) tests are used to estimate the risk of developing heart disease. LDL is ‘bad’ cholesterol as it causes blockages and cholesterol build-ups in the arteries.

The Total Cholesterol: HDL Ratio test is used to estimate your risk of developing heart disease. The Total Cholesterol: HDL Ratio is a calculation used to highlight the amount of ‘good’ cholesterol present in the body. HDL aids in the removal of cholesterol from the heart's arteries.

Non-HDL Cholesterol is the number of total cholesterols that lack the ‘good’ high-density lipoprotein (HDL).NON-HDL cholesterol tests are used to investigate the lipid profile during the estimation the risk of developing heart disease.

Triglyceride is a fat stored in the body’s tissues and can be derived from butter and oils. Triglyceride tests are used to investigate the lipid profile during the estimation the risk of developing heart disease.

A full blood count can be used to check your overall health and can detect a wide range of issues such as infection, anemia and leukemia. A full blood count will look at your red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets. Please note that full blood counts can only be done through an in-store appointment and cannot be run on finger prick samples.

Full Blood Count (FBC) provides information about the different cells in the blood, these include the red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets. Red blood cells contain haemoglobin which carries oxygen to the different tissues in the body whereas white blood cells control the immune system and protects the body from foreign invaders such as bacteria and viruses. FBC testing are used as a screening test for various disorders like anaemia and infections.

In order to confirm if you currently have or are at risk of developing diabetes your levels of HbA1c is checked. If left undiagnosed or unmanaged diabetes can lead to death. For those who already have a diabetes diagnosis regular HbA1c checks are essential.

This test is used to measure the average blood sugar level over the past two to three months and is a common diabetes diagnostic test. The sugar investigated is called glucose, glucose builds uo in the blood and binds to the red blood cells hemoglobin. HbA1c test will then measure how much glucose is bound and is used during the diagnoses of diabetes.

Gout is a common and complex form of arthritis that can affect anyone and is caused by high levels of uric acid. Once diagnosed there are ways to manage symptoms and prevent recurrence.

Urate (Uric Acid) is a product of the breakdown of purines from substances such as DNA or from digesting certain food and drinks like alcoholic beverages. It is removed by the kidneys and excreted in the urine or in the stools. Urate tests are used to detect gout and diagnose the cause of recurring kidney stones formation.

Iron studies are a set of blood tests used to measure the amount of iron carried in the blood and stored in the bodies tissues. Iron deficiency can be the cause of a wide range of symptoms such as fatigue, chest pains and a shortness of breath.

Iron is a mineral which is needed for making red blood cells, which transports oxygen in the blood, and important for healthy muscles, bone marrow and organ function. Iron is measured to show the amount of iron in the blood. Low levels of iron can indicate anaemia whereas high levels can indicate liver disease.

Total Iron Binding Concentration (TIBC) is the maximum amount of iron that can be transported in the blood. Iron is used for the transportation of oxygen in the blood. TIBC tests are used to determine iron status and its absorption. This can be used to help diagnose Anaemia and iron overload conditions such as Haemochromatosis. Your TIBC will be impaired if you also have existing liver disease.

Unsaturated Iron Binding Concentration (UIBC) is the amount of transferrin that is reserved for the iron transportation. Iron is used for the transportation of oxygen in the blood. UIBC tests are used to monitor treatment for iron toxicity.

Ferritin is a blood protein that is used to store iron. Iron is used for the transportation of oxygen in the blood. It is measured to understand how much iron the body stores. Ferritin test are used to diagnose anaemia and liver disease.

Transferrin is an iron-binding glycoprotein that is produced by the liver. It is used to transport iron which transports oxygen in the blood. Transferrin tests are used to determine iron status and can be used to diagnose anaemia.

Your kidneys play a vital role in keeping your body functioning including the removal of waste products, releasing hormones to regulate blood pressure and controlling the production of red blood cells. A healthy kidney function is vital to your overall health and wellbeing.

Urea is a waste product of the amino acids found in proteins. It is released into the bloodstream and the kidney filters urea out of the blood where it is excreted in the urine. Urea tests are used to show how well the kidneys are working as well as an indicator for diseases affecting the kidneys and liver.

Creatinine is a waste product produced by the muscles during contraction. It can be found in the blood and urine as it is excreted by the kidneys. Creatinine tests are used as an indicator to whether the kidneys are working normally.

Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) is a measurement of the glomeruli. Glomeruli are the filters in the kidney used to filter waste products from the blood. GFR tests are used to detect and monitor changes in the kidney status.

The liver is responsible for many of the bodies essential functions such as regulating blood sugar levels, fighting infections and detoxifying your blood. Good liver function is vital to your overall health and wellbeing.

Albumin is a protein specifically produced in the liver. Its function consists of keeping fluids in the bloodstream as well as transporting substances like hormones and vitamins throughout the body. Albumin tests can be used to help diagnose and monitor diseases of the liver and kidney.

Globulin is a protein produced in the liver by the immune system. It is important in liver function, blood clotting and fighting infections. Globulin test can be used to diagnose conditions including liver damage or disease, kidney disease and autoimmune disorders.

Total Protein is the total amount of two proteins found in the serum of the blood, these are albumin and globulin. Albumin is needed to keep fluid in the bloodstream whereas globulin is an essential part of the immune system. Total protein tests are used as an indicator to there being a problem with albumin or globulin levels.

Alkaline Phosphate (ALP) is an enzyme found mostly in the liver and bone. ALP tests can be used to diagnose liver or bone disease.

Alanine Transaminase (ALT) is an enzyme which can be found mostly in the liver and small amount in the heart, kidneys and the skeletal muscle. It is released into the bloodstream during an injury of the heart, liver, kidney and skeletal muscle. ALT tests can be used to diagnose liver disease.

Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST) is an enzyme produced by the liver. It is released into the bloodstream during an injury of the heart, liver and skeletal muscle. AST tests can be used to detect liver disease.

Gamma Glutamyl Transferase (GGT) is an enzyme mostly found in the liver and is also present in the gallbladder, spleen, pancreas and kidney. It is a significant enzyme used in the liver metabolism of drugs and other toxins. GGT tests can be used to detect liver disease and bile duct injury.

Total Bilirubin is a test which measures the amount of bilirubin in the blood. Bilirubin can be found in bile to help digest food. It is also produced from broken down haem, which is old red blood cells that used to carry oxygen around the body. Total bilirubin test can be used to diagnose and monitor liver diseases and certain types of anaemia.

Muscle & Bone

Creatine Kinase is an enzyme which is found in the skeletal and heart muscle as well as a small amount in the brain tissue. Creatine kinase test can be used to diagnose and monitor muscular injuries and diseases such as muscular dystrophy. Calcium

Calcium is an important mineral which is found in the bones as well as circulating in the blood. It has a range of functions and is essential in bone formation and blood clotting. In the blood, calcium can either be free and active or they can be bound to proteins like albumin. Calcium tests are used to diagnose and monitor different conditions correlating to the bone, heart and kidneys.

Adjusted Calcium is also known as the corrected calcium, calcium is an important mineral needed for body function. This is a calculation which uses the measurement of the protein albumin to calculate how much calcium are free in the blood. Calcium tests are used to diagnose and monitor different conditions correlating to the bone, heart and kidneys.