Women's Cancer Prevention Programme

The most abundant protein in blood, produced by the liver. Albumin maintains blood volume and pressure, and transports hormones, vitamins, and drugs. Low levels indicate liver disease, kidney disease, malnutrition, or chronic inflammation.

The main protein component of HDL cholesterol particles. Higher ApoA1 levels reflect more HDL particles and are associated with lower cardiovascular risk. The ApoB/ApoA1 ratio is a powerful predictor of heart disease.

The primary protein on LDL and VLDL particles. Each atherogenic lipoprotein particle carries exactly one ApoB molecule, making it a direct measure of the number of particles that can enter artery walls. Considered a superior predictor of cardiovascular risk compared to LDL cholesterol.

A key component of the body's acid-base buffering system. Bicarbonate levels reflect the balance between acids and bases in the blood. Abnormal values help diagnose metabolic acidosis or alkalosis.

Bilirubin is a substance produced during the normal breakdown of red blood cells. High levels can lead to jaundice and indicate liver or bile duct problems.

The most abundant mineral in the body, essential for bone health, muscle contraction, nerve function, and blood clotting. Blood calcium is tightly regulated by parathyroid hormone and vitamin D. Abnormal levels can indicate parathyroid disorders.

An electrolyte that works with sodium to maintain fluid balance, blood pressure, and acid-base balance. Chloride abnormalities often accompany sodium abnormalities and can indicate dehydration, kidney disease, or metabolic disorders.

Component of vitamin B12, essential for red blood cell formation and nerve function.

A waste product from normal muscle metabolism, filtered by the kidneys. Blood creatinine levels reflect kidney filtration capacity. Elevated levels may indicate impaired kidney function, dehydration, or excessive muscle breakdown.

A protein produced by all nucleated cells at a constant rate, filtered by the kidneys. Cystatin C is a more accurate marker of kidney function than creatinine because it's less affected by muscle mass, age, and diet.

Elevated levels may indicate a liver or bile duct blockage.

An estimated measure of how well your kidneys filter waste from the blood. It's calculated from creatinine levels, age, sex, and race. eGFR is the primary marker used to stage chronic kidney disease.

The active form of thyroid hormone responsible for regulating metabolism, energy, and body temperature. Free T3 is converted from T4 in tissues and is three to four times more potent than T4.

The unbound, active form of the main thyroid hormone T4. Free T4 directly reflects thyroid gland output and is used alongside TSH to diagnose and monitor thyroid disorders.

Free triiodothyronine; high levels indicate hyperthyroidism, low levels hypothyroidism.

Free thyroxine; high levels indicate hyperthyroidism, low levels hypothyroidism.

A liver enzyme sensitive to alcohol use and bile duct problems. GGT is often the first liver enzyme to rise when bile ducts are blocked. Combined with ALP, it helps determine whether elevated ALP is from liver or bone.

A group of proteins in blood including antibodies (immunoglobulins), transport proteins, and enzymes. Elevated globulin can indicate chronic infection, inflammation, or blood cancers. Calculated by subtracting albumin from total protein.

Blood sugar — the body's primary energy source. Fasting glucose screens for diabetes and prediabetes. Chronically elevated glucose damages blood vessels and organs. Levels fluctuate with meals, stress, and physical activity.

The percentage of your blood volume occupied by red blood cells. It reflects the balance between red blood cell production and loss, helping diagnose anemia, dehydration, and polycythemia.

The iron-rich protein in red blood cells responsible for carrying oxygen throughout your body and returning carbon dioxide to the lungs. Low haemoglobin is the primary marker for anemia and can cause fatigue, weakness, and shortness of breath.

Often called 'good' cholesterol, HDL carries cholesterol away from arteries back to the liver for removal. Higher HDL levels are protective against heart disease. Exercise, healthy fats, and moderate alcohol intake can raise HDL.

Often called 'bad' cholesterol, LDL deposits cholesterol in artery walls, contributing to plaque buildup and atherosclerosis. LDL is the primary target for cardiovascular risk reduction through diet, exercise, and medication.

Lp(a) is a cholesterol-carrying particle linked to genetic risk for heart disease. High levels increase cardiovascular risk.

The average size of your red blood cells. Small cells (microcytic) suggest iron deficiency, while large cells (macrocytic) may indicate vitamin B12 or folate deficiency. Normal-sized cells with low count suggest chronic disease.

The percentage of white blood cells that are monocytes. Monocytes are part of the innate immune system and develop into macrophages and dendritic cells in tissues.

Indicates potential yeast overgrowth.

Imbalances in gut pH influence short-chain fatty acid production and their effects.

Measures the number of platelets, small cell fragments essential for blood clotting. Low platelets increase bleeding risk, while high platelets may increase clot risk. Important for monitoring clotting disorders and medication effects.

A critical electrolyte for heart rhythm, muscle contractions, and nerve function. Both high and low potassium can cause dangerous cardiac arrhythmias. Levels are influenced by kidney function, medications, and diet.

Measures the number of red blood cells in your blood. Red blood cells carry oxygen from your lungs to every cell in your body. Abnormal levels can indicate anemia, dehydration, or bone marrow disorders.

An inactive form of T3 produced when the body converts T4. Elevated reverse T3 can occur during illness, stress, or caloric restriction and may indicate impaired thyroid hormone activation despite normal TSH levels.

The primary electrolyte regulating fluid balance and blood pressure. Sodium is essential for nerve impulses and muscle contractions. Abnormal levels can cause confusion, seizures, and cardiac arrhythmias.

Antibodies against thyroid peroxidase, an enzyme essential for thyroid hormone production. Positive TPO antibodies indicate autoimmune thyroid disease, most commonly Hashimoto's thyroiditis, even before symptoms or TSH changes appear.

A metal found in canned foods, solder, and industrial materials. While small amounts of inorganic tin are relatively non-toxic, high levels can cause gastrointestinal irritation. Organotin compounds are more toxic and affect the immune and nervous systems.

The combined measure of all cholesterol in your blood, including HDL, LDL, and VLDL. While useful as an overview, the breakdown between HDL and LDL is more clinically meaningful for assessing cardiovascular risk.

Measures the combined amount of albumin and globulin proteins in your blood. These proteins are essential for fighting infections, blood clotting, and transporting substances throughout the body.

The most common type of fat in the body, stored for energy. Elevated triglycerides — often from excess sugar, alcohol, or calories — increase cardiovascular risk and can cause pancreatitis at very high levels.

The primary screening test for thyroid function. TSH is produced by the pituitary gland to regulate thyroid hormone production. High TSH indicates an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism), while low TSH suggests an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism).

A waste product from protein breakdown, processed by the liver and excreted by the kidneys. Elevated urea levels can indicate kidney dysfunction, dehydration, high-protein diet, or gastrointestinal bleeding.

A waste product from the breakdown of purines (found in certain foods and body cells). High levels can form crystals in joints (gout) or kidneys (kidney stones). Also associated with cardiovascular disease and metabolic syndrome.

Measures the total number of white blood cells, your body's primary defense against infection. Elevated levels may indicate infection, inflammation, or immune disorders, while low levels can signal bone marrow problems or autoimmune conditions.