Plus Profile Blood Test

This combination of tests includes:

• Full blood count
• B12 and folate levels
• Liver function test
• Thyroid function test
• Vitamin D

Full blood count

This test is frequently used to diagnose a variety of conditions and establish the general health of an individual.  Any decreases in the red blood count can indicate anaemia resulting in tiredness and feeling of weakness. Any increases in the white blood count can indicate an infection or inflammation, which may then require further evaluation to establish the cause. If an individual is experiencing any excessive bleeding or problems with clotting they may have an abnormal platelet count.

When testing the Full Blood Count, we are checking a variety of different elements. This includes the white blood cell count (where both increases and decreases can be significant), the white blood cell differential (looking at the different types of white blood cells present), the red blood cell count and cell size (again both increases and decreases can highlight issues), the platelet count (which can influence the body’s ability to clot the blood) and the haemoglobin level (to measure the amount of oxygen carrying protein in the blood and hence detect the presence of anaemia).

Vitamin B12 and Folate test

Vitamin B12 and Folate are complex vitamins which are necessary for the formation of normal red blood cells, tissue and cell repair. Too little Vitamin B12 and Folate can result in tiredness, a sense of weakness, loss of appetite, shortness of breath dizziness and in some cases confusion and depression.  When tested together, they help to diagnose the signs of pernicious anaemia, the most common cause of Vitamin B12 deficiency in the UK.  If you are found to be suffering from pernicious anaemia it can easily be treated by regular injections of Vitamin B12, usually once every three months.

Your blood sample is tested for levels of Vitamin B12 and Folic Acid to establish whether your body is producing and storing sufficient levels of these essential complex vitamins. The human body is able to store several years’ worth of Vitamin B12 in the liver and a dietary deficiency of this vitamin is rare.  It is generally as a result of malabsorption for some reason such as Coeliac disease or pernicious anaemia  which causes deficiency.

Liver function test

Liver disorders are becoming more common in the UK and certain liver conditions such as Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease are linked with an increased risk of heart disease and stroke as well as cirrhosis and in some cases more serious liver disease. The condition is reversible if detected, monitored and lifestyle changes are introduced.

The blood test includes several tests including; Albumin, the main protein made by the liver which helps keep fluid pressures in the body stable; Total Protein, measures Albumin and all other proteins in blood including antibodies made to help fight off infections; Bilirubin, the main pigment in bile (an increase of bilirubin causes jaundice); Gamma GT, a liver enzyme which can indicate liver disease and is associated with excessive alcohol consumption.

Thyroid test

Hyperthyroidism (over active thyroid) affects up to one in 50 people and can occur at any age. Hypothyroidsim (under active thyroid) is ten times more common in women than in mind and usually occurs over the age of 40. It can lead ot high cholesterol levels and increase the risk of developing heart disease.  Whilst it is difficult to prevent thyroid illness both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism can be treated with medication. In some cases treating hypothyroidism may involved removing part of the thyroid gland.

The blood is tested for levels of TSH (Thyroid Stimulating ormon or Thryotropin) and T4 (Thyroxine). TSH is produced by the pituitary gland and aims to maintain stable amounts of the thyroid hormones in the blood.  If levels decrease, the pituitary gland release more TSH which in turn stimulates the production and release of T4 and T3 (Tri-iodothyronine) by the thyroid gland.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D helps the body to absorb calcium and it some studies have shown that approximately 50% of mature adults being treated for osteoporosis may be deficient in Vitamin D.  As we get older our skins ability to convert Vitamin D decreases which can lead to reduced levels.  A recent UK survey showed that more than half the adult population in the UK has insufficient levels of Vitamin D and in the winter and spring about 1 in 6 people has a severe deficiency.  Many people may have no symptoms at all of this deficiency whilst others will be vague including tiredness or general aches.  Vitamin D has also been shown to help those suffering from depression and studies are currently underway regarding the use of Vitamin D and Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).
Your blood sample will be checked to establish whether your Vitamin D levels are within the ‘normal’ ranges.  Vitamin D can be obtained through certain food groups but our levels are also mainly supported by exposure to sunlight – something many of us lack during the winter months.