What should I expect from the Tiredness/Fatigue Profile?

This test aims to identify potential causes of your abnormal tiredness or fatigue by analyzing markers in your blood. It provides information on several common factors that doctors consider when conducting blood tests to determine physical reasons for tiredness. The profile includes a comprehensive blood count, tests for vitamin D levels, inflammation, iron levels (including ferritin), and thyroid function.

Conditions identified by this test

Blood Cells (1 Biomarker)

A full blood count is a comprehensive test that offers insights into overall health and helps detect a wide range of issues, including infections, anaemia, and leukaemia. By examining different blood cell types, this test provides crucial information about your hematological status.

• Full Blood Count

A full blood count (FBC) provides detailed information about various components of the blood, including red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. Red blood cells play a vital role in oxygen transport throughout the body, while white blood cells are essential for immune function and defense against foreign invaders such as bacteria and viruses. Platelets are crucial for blood clotting. By evaluating these blood cell types, an FBC serves as a screening tool for identifying disorders such as anaemia and infections.

Iron Studies (5 Biomarkers)

Iron studies comprise a set of blood tests that measure the amount of iron present in the blood and stored in the body’s tissues. Iron deficiency can give rise to a wide range of symptoms, including fatigue, chest pains, and shortness of breath. By assessing iron levels and related markers, iron studies provide valuable insights into your iron status and help identify potential causes of anaemia or other related conditions.

• Iron

Iron is a mineral essential for the production of red blood cells, which are responsible for carrying oxygen in the blood. Adequate iron levels are crucial for maintaining healthy muscles, bone marrow function, and organ health. Measuring iron levels provides valuable information about the iron content in your blood. Low iron levels may indicate anaemia, while high levels could be indicative of liver disease or other underlying health issues.

• Total Iron Binding Capacity

Total Iron Binding Capacity (TIBC) refers to the maximum amount of iron that can be transported in the blood. Iron is crucial for the transport of oxygen. TIBC tests are used to evaluate iron status and absorption, aiding in the diagnosis of conditions such as anaemia and iron overload disorders like Haemochromatosis. Impairments in TIBC may be observed in individuals with existing liver disease.

• Unsaturated Iron Binding Capacity

Unsaturated Iron Binding Capacity (UIBC) measures the amount of transferrin available for iron transport. Transferrin plays a key role in the transportation of iron, facilitating oxygen transport in the blood. UIBC tests help monitor iron toxicity treatment and assess iron-related conditions.

• Ferritin

Ferritin is a blood protein responsible for storing iron. Iron is vital for oxygen transport in the blood. Ferritin levels indicate the body’s iron storage capacity and can assist in the diagnosis of anaemia and liver disease.

• Transferrin Saturation

Transferrin is an iron-binding glycoprotein produced by the liver. It facilitates the transport of iron, which is essential for oxygen delivery in the blood. Transferrin tests assess iron status and can be helpful in diagnosing anaemia. Transferrin saturation represents the value obtained by dividing serum iron by the total iron-binding capacity of transferrin, providing insights into iron transport and availability.

Thyroid (2 Biomarkers)

Thyroid disorders are common but often go undiagnosed. When the thyroid gland malfunctions, it can lead to tiredness, mood issues, and weight problems.

• Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH)

TSH is produced by the pituitary gland in the brain to stimulate the thyroid gland located in the throat. TSH regulates weight, body temperature, and muscle strength. Measuring TSH levels helps identify thyroid diseases and is commonly tested alongside Free T4 and Free T3.

• Free T4 (thyroxine)

Free T4 is a hormone produced by the thyroid gland and plays a role in metabolism and growth. It aids in the diagnosis of thyroid disorders like hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism and assists in diagnosing female infertility issues. Free T4 is typically measured alongside Free T3 and TSH.

Vitamin (1 Biomarker)

Vitamins are essential for normal cell function, growth, and development. Deficiencies in vitamins can contribute to various common symptoms and conditions.

• Vitamin D

Vitamin D regulates the absorption of calcium and magnesium from the gut, promoting bone growth and health. It can be obtained through dietary sources, supplements, or synthesized in the skin when exposed to sunlight. Vitamin D tests identify deficiencies and monitor diseases that interfere with fat absorption, such as Crohn’s disease.