Digestive health

Age restriction on blood tests

We're unable to offer blood tests for those under the age of 18 unless it is part of a routine GP appointment and the clinician believes it suitable.

What biomarkers are tested in a digestive health blood test?

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Full Blood Count

• White cell count: A count of the total number of white blood cells in the blood, which can indicate infection or inflammation in the body.
• Neutrophils: A white blood cell that fights bacterial infections.
• Lymphocytes: A white blood cell that plays a key role in the body's immune system, fighting viral infections and cancers.
• Monocytes: A white blood cell that plays a role in the immune system by engulfing and digesting foreign particles, such as bacteria and viruses.
• Eosinophils: A white blood cell that plays a role in the body's immune response to allergies and parasitic infections.
• Basophils: A white blood cell that plays a role in the body's immune response to allergies.
• Haemoglobin: The protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen throughout the body.
• Haematocrit: The proportion of red blood cells in the blood can indicate whether a person is anaemic or dehydrated.
• Red cell count: A count of red blood cells in the blood, indicating whether a person is anaemic.
• MCV: The average size of red blood cells, which can help diagnose specific types of anaemia.
• MCH: The average amount of haemoglobin in each red blood cell.
• MCHC: The average concentration of haemoglobin in each red blood cell.
• RDW: The variation in the size of red blood cells can help diagnose specific types of anaemia.
• Platelet count: The total number of platelets in the blood responsible for clotting and preventing bleeding.
• MPV: The average size of platelets in the blood can indicate whether a person is at risk of bleeding or clotting disorders.

Full lipid profile

• High-density lipoprotein (HDL): Known as "good cholesterol" that removes cholesterol and transports it to the liver, where it is processed and removed from the body as bile.
• Low-density lipoprotein (LDL): Or "bad cholesterol," constitutes most of the body's cholesterol. Though essential for health, too much can increase the risk of heart disease.
• Non-HDL cholesterol: Contains all "bad" types of cholesterol but not the "good" HDL cholesterol. High levels put you at risk of heart disease.
• Triglycerides: A type of fat used by the body for energy. High levels of triglycerides can increase the risk of heart disease.
• Total Cholesterol: Measures the total amount of cholesterol in your blood, including HDL (good) and LDL (bad) cholesterol.
• Very Low-Density Lipoprotein (VLDL) Cholesterol: VLDL cholesterol is a type of cholesterol that carries triglycerides in the blood.
• Full iron status profile
• Ferritin: A biomarker reflecting iron levels in the body. The test measures ferritin levels to diagnose iron deficiency or excess, monitor treatment, and evaluate conditions like anaemia and liver disease.
• Haemoglobin: Measures the protein responsible for carrying oxygen in the red blood cells. Low haemoglobin levels can indicate anaemia, which may be related to iron deficiency.
• Total Iron-Binding Capacity (TIBC): Measures the blood's ability to bind iron. The test helps diagnose and monitor conditions related to iron metabolism and anaemia. TIBC reflects the body's iron-carrying capacity, aiding in evaluating iron deficiency or overload.
• Transferrin saturation (TSAT): Measures the amount of iron bound to transferrin in the blood. This test assesses iron metabolism and helps diagnose iron deficiency or overload. TSAT provides insights into iron status and guides treatment decisions.
• Transferrin: A protein that transports iron in the blood. Transferrin test measures its levels to assess iron status and diagnose conditions like anaemia. It helps evaluate iron deficiency and monitor response to treatment.
• Serum Iron: Measures the amount of iron in the blood.

Other biomarkers

• Albumin: A protein the liver produces that helps transport substances in the blood. Low levels can indicate liver damage or disease.
• Calcium: Essential mineral for bone health and bodily functions. Calcium test measures blood levels to assess bone health and nerve/muscle function and detect disorders.
• Magnesium: An essential mineral involved in various physiological processes. Magnesium test measures its levels in the blood, aiding in diagnosing magnesium deficiencies or imbalances.
• Iron: Measures the iron level, which is necessary for producing haemoglobin. Low levels of iron can cause anaemia and contribute to fatigue.
• Vitamin B12: This biomarker measures vitamin B12, essential for red blood cell production and nerve function. Low levels of vitamin B12 can cause anaemia and contribute to fatigue.
• Vitamin D: A vital fat-soluble vitamin that supports bone, muscle, and immune system health. Our bodies can produce most of the Vitamin D they need through exposure to sunlight. Still, we can also obtain it from specific foods and supplements.
• Zinc: Essential mineral involved in various physiological processes. The zinc test measures its levels in the body—a biomarker for nutritional status, immune function, and overall health assessment.
• Glucose: Vital energy source for the body. Raised glucose levels can detect insulin resistance.
• HbA1c: A form of haemoglobin chemically modified by binding glucose molecules. The HbA1c level can be expressed as a percentage of total haemoglobin.
• Insulin: Hormone regulating blood sugar levels. Insulin test measures its concentration in the blood to diagnose diabetes, evaluate treatment, and monitor insulin-producing pancreatic function.
• H. pylori: A bacterium causing stomach ulcers. The test detects H. pylori antibodies or antigens to diagnose infection. Biomarker indicates the presence of H. pylori, aiding in diagnosis and treatment planning.
• Coeliac disease test: Measures antibodies, specifically anti-tissue transglutaminase (anti-tTG), to detect gluten intolerance. This biomarker helps diagnose and monitor Coeliac disease, an autoimmune disorder triggered by gluten consumption.
• Folic Acid: Essential B-vitamin aiding in cell growth and development. The folic acid test measures its levels to assess deficiency or monitor supplementation.
• Total Antioxidant Status (TAS): Measures the overall antioxidant capacity in the body, indicating its ability to combat oxidative stress. It assesses the biomarker levels, helping to evaluate the antioxidant status and potential disease risks.