Extended Health Checkup

HbA1c provides a long-term view of blood sugar control, unlike fasting glucose which reflects a single point in time. It is essential for diabetes diagnosis and management. Consult your healthcare provider.

TSH is often used as a first test to see how the thyroid is functioning. A value within the normal range is generally considered reassuring, while a high-normal or unusual value may be a reason to look further. An underactive thyroid, for example, can go together with a higher TSH. Your GP can place your TSH result in context and decide with you whether further testing is needed. In some cases the GP refers to an internist-endocrinologist. Sometimes it is enough to check less often.

A raised triglyceride level may contribute to atherosclerosis and is one part of metabolic syndrome. These fats are often elevated together with insulin resistance, so your GP looks at the wider picture rather than this single value. A raised level may increase the risk of heart and vascular disease, especially alongside an unfavourable total cholesterol. For that reason it is often interpreted together with your <a href="/en/biomarkers/total-cholesterol">total cholesterol</a>, your <a href="/en/biomarkers/hdl-cholesterol">HDL cholesterol</a>, and your <a href="/en/biomarkers/ldl-cholesterol">LDL cholesterol</a>. Together these values give a fuller view of your heart health. The type of fat matters too: saturated fat can affect your values unfavourably, while unsaturated fat from sources such as oily fish may be more favourable. Some medications, such as certain diuretics or beta blockers, can also play a role. Discuss with your GP what your values mean in your situation.

Creatinine is central to checking the health of your kidneys. It is used to calculate your estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). The eGFR is the main measure for staging chronic kidney disease. Spotting a rising creatinine level early can lead to timely action. That can help slow down kidney damage. Monitoring creatinine also matters when adjusting medication doses, because your kidneys clear many medicines. The amount of creatinine in your blood can rise for various reasons. Examples include dehydration, intense exercise, or reduced kidney function. Your GP can help determine what applies in your situation. Every blood test result includes a professional assessment from a BIG-registered doctor. For treatment decisions, discuss your results with your GP.

Chronic kidney damage is largely irreversible, but progression can be slowed or stopped if detected early. eGFR is the cornerstone of that early detection. Diabetes and high blood pressure together account for more than 60% of all cases of chronic kidney damage — periodic eGFR monitoring in these patient groups is therefore essential. At an eGFR below 60 ml/min, medication adjustments are often needed because many drugs are excreted by the kidneys. The dosage of contrast agents for CT scans must also be adjusted.

Free T4 may help your healthcare provider determine whether your thyroid gland is producing adequate hormone levels. Some experts consider it one of the most informative markers for detecting both overactive and underactive thyroid conditions early.

LDL cholesterol is the best-established modifiable risk factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Every 1 mmol/L reduction in LDL reduces the risk of a cardiovascular event by approximately 20–25%. This effect is independent of how the reduction is achieved — through diet, exercise, or medication. In familial hypercholesterolaemia (FH) — a hereditary condition affecting approximately 1 in 250 people — LDL is elevated from a young age, significantly increasing the risk of early cardiovascular disease. Early detection and treatment are crucial.

The liver performs over 500 vital functions, including detoxification, protein synthesis, and bile production. A comprehensive liver function test provides a holistic assessment that individual markers alone cannot offer. Early detection of liver dysfunction through routine testing allows for timely intervention, which is particularly important because liver disease often progresses silently without noticeable symptoms until significant damage has occurred.

Vitamin B12 is believed to be vital for healthy nerve cells, red blood cell formation, and DNA synthesis. A vitamin B12 deficiency can develop slowly and is sometimes associated with anaemia, fatigue, and tingling in your hands and feet. Having a blood test done can help bring a vitamin shortage into view, so you can discuss it with your GP.

Adequate vitamin D levels are essential for strong bones, a well-functioning immune system, and overall well-being. Low levels may be associated with an increased risk of bone disorders, mood changes, and weakened immunity. Consult your healthcare provider for personalised advice.

Free T3 may help your healthcare provider evaluate how well your thyroid is functioning at a cellular level. Some experts suggest it can reveal conversion issues that other thyroid tests might miss, potentially offering a more complete understanding of thyroid health.

Iron is important for oxygen transport, energy and your immune system. A ferritin test can help bring iron deficiency into view before anaemia develops, or iron overload that may strain organs over time. Reference values differ per laboratory and per person; in adults they often lie somewhere between 25 and 250 micrograms per litre, and for some groups between 20 and 100. If values are abnormal, your GP may suggest further investigations. The value is usually not viewed on its own. Your GP often also looks at <a href="/en/biomarkers/iron-serum">iron</a>, <a href="/en/biomarkers/hemoglobin">haemoglobin</a> and <a href="/en/biomarkers/transferrin">transferrin</a> to get a fuller picture. Consult your GP for personalised advice.

HDL has an active protective function: it removes excess cholesterol from vessel walls and transports it to the liver. This process is called reverse cholesterol transport and counteracts atherosclerosis. Low HDL is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease, even when LDL is normal. Low HDL is often seen with metabolic risk factors: overweight, lack of exercise, smoking, insulin resistance, and type 2 diabetes. It is therefore a marker of overall metabolic health.

The CBC is a cornerstone of preventive healthcare and diagnostic medicine. It can help detect a wide range of conditions including anemia, infections, immune disorders, blood cancers, and clotting problems. Regular CBC testing supports early detection and ongoing health monitoring.