Metabolic Health Blood Test – Cholesterol, HbA1c & Blood Count

Biomarkers

1. Cholesterol:HDL Ratio

   The Cholesterol to HDL Ratio is calculated by dividing your total cholesterol by your HDL ("good") cholesterol level. It gives a more complete picture of cardiovascular risk than looking at total cholesterol alone, since it accounts for the balance between harmful and protective cholesterol types. A lower ratio generally indicates better heart health, while a higher ratio may suggest an increased risk of heart disease.

2. Non-HDL Cholesterol

   This refers to all the "bad" types of cholesterol combined, total cholesterol minus HDL ("good") cholesterol. It includes LDL and other harmful lipoproteins like VLDL, giving a broader measure of cardiovascular risk than LDL alone.

3. White Blood Cell Count (WBC)

   These cells are the frontline soldiers of your immune system. Doctors check this number to look for hidden infections, autoimmune responses, or inflammation. If your WBC count is elevated, it usually means your immune system is working exactly as it should by actively fighting off an illness, reacting to an allergen, or helping your body recover from stress.

4. Red Blood Cell Count (RBC)

   Think of red blood cells as the body's delivery trucks for oxygen. Measuring the total number of these cells provides a great baseline for your general blood health and energy levels. An abnormal count, whether too high or too low, can help doctors pinpoint the cause of persistent tiredness or point toward potential dietary deficiencies, such as a lack of iron or B vitamins.

5. Haemoglobin (Hb)

   This is the crucial iron-rich protein inside your red blood cells that physically grabs onto oxygen from your lungs and carries it to the rest of your body. Checking these levels helps identify anaemia. If your haemoglobin is low, your organs and muscles aren't getting the oxygen they need to function properly, which is often the culprit behind feeling constantly exhausted, weak, or short of breath.

6. Platelets (PLT)

   These are tiny cell fragments whose main job is to rush to the site of an injury, stick together, and form scabs. They are entirely responsible for your blood's ability to clot. Evaluating your platelets ensures your body can safely stop itself from bleeding; a low count might explain why you bruise very easily, while an abnormally high count could increase the risk of unwanted internal clots.

7. HbA1c

   The HbA1c test is commonly used to monitor diabetes. The test can provide information about how well a person's blood sugar has been controlled over time and can help identify high blood sugar levels that may lead to complications.

8. Total Cholesterol

   A measure of all the cholesterol in your blood, including both good and bad types. It gives an overall indication of cardiovascular risk but is most meaningful when broken down into its components.

9. LDL (Low-Density Lipoprotein)

   Often called bad cholesterol, LDL carries cholesterol to the arteries where it can build up as plaque. High levels increase the risk of heart disease and stroke.

10. HDL (High-Density Lipoprotein)

    Known as good cholesterol, HDL carries excess cholesterol away from the arteries and back to the liver for removal. Higher levels are generally protective against heart disease.

11. Triglycerides

    A type of fat found in the blood, triglycerides are stored as energy but elevated levels, particularly after eating, are linked to increased cardiovascular risk. Levels rise significantly after fatty or high-carbohydrate meals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Turnaround Time

Test Preparation

• Lipid Profile

  We recommend fasting for 10 to 12 hours before your test, taking water only, as this reflects your baseline triglyceride level rather than a temporary post-meal spike. Some GPs do not require fasting; however, avoid fatty meals for at least 6 hours before collection. High-fat foods can cause lipaemia, a condition where excess fat particles enter the bloodstream, making the sample appear cloudy or milky. This cloudiness can interfere with the laboratory's optical analysis equipment, producing unreliable results or causing the sample to be rejected entirely, requiring you to repeat the test.
  
  If you have previously been told you have high triglycerides, or your doctor has specifically requested a fasting lipid profile, you should fast for 10–12 hours before collection, taking only water during this period.

Symptom Check

• Fatigue

  Low ferritin and abnormalities in the blood count may be associated with iron deficiency and anaemia. Symptoms can include persistent tiredness, weakness, reduced exercise tolerance, shortness of breath, dizziness, headaches, pale skin, cold hands and feet, poor concentration, brittle nails, and increased hair shedding.

• Diabetes Symptom Check

  Diabetes symptoms can be mild, gradual, or absent, particularly in the early stages. Common symptoms of diabetes include:
  • Increased thirst and a persistent dry mouth
  • Passing urine more often, especially at night
  • Ongoing tiredness or lack of energy
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Blurred or changing vision
  • Slow-healing cuts, wounds, or infections
  • Recurrent infections, such as thrush or urinary tract infections
  • Increased hunger, even after eating
  • Tingling, numbness, or burning sensations in the hands or feet
  Some people with diabetes experience no noticeable symptoms, which is why blood testing is important for early detection.
  If you have one or more of these symptoms, or risk factors such as a family history of diabetes, excess weight, or low physical activity, an HbA1c blood test can help assess your average blood sugar levels and identify diabetes or pre-diabetes early.
  Early testing supports timely lifestyle changes or medical treatment and helps reduce the risk of long-term complications.
  

• Possible Symptoms of Abnormal Blood Count Results

  Abnormalities in haemoglobin (Hb), red blood cells (RBC), white blood cells (WBC), and platelets (PLT) may be associated with a range of symptoms. These can include fatigue, weakness, shortness of breath, dizziness, frequent infections, slow wound healing, easy bruising, prolonged bleeding, nosebleeds, bleeding gums, or the appearance of small red or purple spots on the skin (petechiae). However, many people with mild abnormalities have no symptoms, and results should always be interpreted alongside your medical history and clinical presentation.

• High Cholesterol Symptoms

  Most people have no symptoms, so routine blood testing is essential. Rare warning signs include chest pain, fatigue (heart disease), severe abdominal pain (pancreatitis), or yellowish skin deposits (xanthomas). Lifestyle changes and medication can reduce long-term risks even if you feel well.