Basic Screening

5 PART DIFFERENTIAL COUNT

The blood differential test can detect abnormal or immature cells. It can also diagnose an infection, inflammation, leukaemia, or an immune system disorder.

Why test this: If you have infection, allergy symptoms, or abnormal white cell count — shows which type of white cell is raised or low.

Hemoglobin

Hemoglobin is a protein molecule in red blood cells that carries oxygen from the lungs to the body’s tissues and returns carbon dioxide from the tissues back to the lungs.

Why test this: If you feel tired, weak, pale, short of breath, or have heavy periods — this checks if your blood can carry enough oxygen (anaemia or high red cells).

Mean Cell Haemoglobin

Mean cell hemoglobin (MCH) is the average amount of hemoglobin in each red blood cell. It is a crucial parameter in evaluating the amount of hemoglobin within red blood cells, which affects their oxygen-carrying capacity.

Why test this: Helps classify the type of anaemia if you already have low haemoglobin or fatigue symptoms.

Mean Cell Volume

Mean cell volume (MCV) is the average volume of red blood cells in a blood sample. It is a crucial indicator used to classify different types of anemia based on the size of red blood cells.

Why test this: If anaemia is suspected — tells whether red cells are small, normal or large (clue to iron, B12 or other causes).

Mean Corpuscular Hb Concentration

Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin Concentration refers to the average concentration of hemoglobin in red blood cells.

Why test this: Supports anaemia classification when you have fatigue, pallor or known blood disorders.

Platelet

Platelets, or thrombocytes, are small cell fragments in the blood that are essential for blood clotting and wound healing. They are produced in the bone marrow and play a crucial role in hemostasis.

Why test this: If you bruise easily, bleed longer than usual, or have clotting concerns — checks the cells that help stop bleeding.

Red Blood Cell

Red blood cells, or erythrocytes, are the most common type of blood cells. They contain hemoglobin, which carries oxygen from the lungs to all parts of the body and carbon dioxide back to the lungs to be exhaled.

Why test this: Useful if you have fatigue, dizziness, or suspected anaemia/polycythaemia — measures the number of oxygen-carrying red cells.

Red Cell Distribution Width

Red cell distribution width (RDW) is a measure of the variation in size of red blood cells. It is used to assess the uniformity of red blood cell sizes in a blood sample, which can provide insights into various types of anemia.

Why test this: Part of full blood count indices; useful when investigating anaemia or mixed blood disorders.

White Blood Cell

White blood cells (WBCs), or leukocytes, are cells of the immune system that protect the body against infectious diseases and foreign invaders. They are produced in the bone marrow and circulate in the blood and lymphatic system.

Why test this: If you have fever, recurrent infections, or unexplained inflammation — shows whether your immune white cells are high or low.

Glucose

Fasting blood glucose is the level of glucose in the blood measured after a period of fasting, usually 8-12 hours without eating or drinking anything except water.

Why test this: If you are over 35–45, overweight, have family diabetes, thirst, frequent urination, or fatigue — checks current blood sugar.

Cholesterol, HDL

HDL (high-density lipoproteins), or “good” cholesterol, may protect the body against narrowing blood vessels.

Why test this: The 'good' cholesterol — low HDL raises heart risk; useful in full lipid assessment from age 40 or earlier with risks.

Cholesterol, LDL

Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, commonly referred to as 'bad' cholesterol. Elevated LDL levels are associated with an increased risk of heart disease. Lipoproteins, which are combinations of fats (lipids) and proteins, are the form in which lipids are transported in the blood.

Why test this: The 'bad' cholesterol strongly linked to heart attack and stroke risk — key from age 40 or with diabetes/family history.

Cholesterol, Non-HDL

Non–HDL cholesterol is simply defined as the difference between total and HDL cholesterol and, thus, represents cholesterol carried on all of the potentially proatherogenic apoB-containing particles [primarily VLDL, IDL, and LDL as well as chylomicron remnants and lipoprotein].

Why test this: Non-HDL cholesterol — useful extra heart risk number when triglycerides are high.

Cholesterol, Total

Total cholesterol refers to the overall amount of cholesterol present in the blood. It includes both high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol (often referred to as “good” cholesterol) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol (“bad” cholesterol).

Why test this: If you are 40+, have family heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, or smoke — total cholesterol is a basic heart risk marker.

Cholesterol/HDL Ratio

The Cholesterol/HDL ratio is calculated by dividing your total cholesterol level by your HDL cholesterol level. It is used as a marker of cardiovascular risk, with lower ratios indicating lower risk.

Why test this: Ratio used with other lipids to refine heart risk assessment.

Triglyceride

Triglycerides are a type of fat found in your blood. They are the main form of fat stored in the body and are derived from the food we eat. Elevated levels of triglycerides can increase the risk of heart disease and other health problems.

Why test this: High triglycerides often linked to sugar, alcohol, and metabolic syndrome — relevant if you have diabetes risk or fatty liver.

Alanine Transaminase

Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT), also known as Serum Glutamic-Pyruvic Transaminase (SGPT), is an enzyme primarily found in liver cells. It plays a key role in amino acid metabolism, and its levels in the blood are used to assess liver health and diagnose liver diseases or damage.

Why test this: If you have fatigue, right-upper abdominal discomfort, fatty liver risk, or take medications — ALT is a key liver inflammation marker.

Albumin

Albumin is a protein synthesized by the liver and found in the blood plasma. It helps maintain osmotic pressure, transports substances like hormones and drugs, and regulates pH balance.

Why test this: If you have chronic liver disease, swelling (oedema), or poor nutrition — albumin reflects liver synthetic function.

Albumin-Globulin Ratio

The Albumin-Globulin (A/G) ratio is a measure that compares the levels of albumin to globulins in the blood. It helps assess the overall protein status and can indicate certain health conditions when interpreted alongside other clinical findings.

Why test this: If you have fatigue, abdominal discomfort, fatty liver risk, regular alcohol use, or abnormal screening — checks liver health.

Alkaline Phosphatase

Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) is an enzyme found in the liver, bones, kidneys, and digestive system. It is involved in processes such as bone mineralization and liver function.

Why test this: If you have bone or liver/bile duct symptoms — ALP can rise in both.

Aspartate Transaminase

Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST), also known as Serum Glutamic-Oxaloacetic Transaminase (SGOT), is an enzyme found in various tissues such as the liver, heart, muscles, kidneys, and brain. It plays a crucial role in amino acid metabolism and is often measured in blood tests to assess liver function and diagnose conditions like liver disease or heart attacks.

Why test this: If you have fatigue, abdominal discomfort, fatty liver risk, regular alcohol use, or abnormal screening — checks liver health.

Bilirubin (Total)

Total Bilirubin refers to the combined measurement of both direct (conjugated) and indirect (unconjugated) bilirubin in the blood. It is a waste product produced during the normal breakdown of red blood cells.

Why test this: If you have yellow eyes/skin (jaundice), dark urine, or liver symptoms — bilirubin from red cell breakdown and liver processing.

Gamma-Glutamyl Transferase

Gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT) is an enzyme involved in the metabolism of glutathione and other gamma-glutamyl compounds, often used as a marker for liver function.

Why test this: Sensitive for alcohol effect, bile duct issues, or fatty liver — useful if you drink regularly or have metabolic syndrome.

Globulin

Globulin are a group of proteins found in the blood plasma, synthesized primarily in the liver. They include antibodies (immunoglobulins) and other proteins involved in immune response, as well as transport of substances like hormones and lipids.

Why test this: Part of protein assessment in chronic inflammation or liver conditions.

Total Protein

Total protein refers to the measurement of the total amount of protein present in the blood serum or plasma. It includes albumin and globulins, which are essential for various functions including maintaining osmotic balance and supporting immune function.

Why test this: If you have swelling, liver disease, or malnutrition concerns — overall protein status.

Cast, Urine(Microscopic)

Microscopic casts in urine are cylindrical structures formed in the kidney tubules. They are composed of various substances, such as protein or cells, and can indicate kidney disease or damage. They can be observed under a microscope during urine analysis.

Why test this: If you have fatigue, abdominal discomfort, fatty liver risk, regular alcohol use, or abnormal screening — checks liver health.

Crystal, Urine(Microscopic)

Microscopic crystals in urine are tiny solid particles that form when substances in urine, such as minerals or salts, crystallize. They can be observed under a microscope during urine analysis.

Why test this: Your doctor may recommend this based on your symptoms or risk factors. (Crystals may indicate stone risk, metabolic disorders or drug precipitation.)

Epithelial Cell, Urine(Microscopic)

Microscopic epithelial cells in urine refer to the presence of cells that line the surfaces of structures within the urinary tract, such as the bladder, ureters, and urethra. These cells can be observed under a microscope during urine analysis.

Why test this: Your doctor may recommend this based on your symptoms or risk factors. (Epithelial cells in urine may indicate contamination or, if renal tubular, kidney injury.)

Mucus, Urine(Microscopic)

Microscopic mucus in urine refers to strands or clumps of mucus that are visible under a microscope during urine analysis. Mucus can be produced by various parts of the urinary tract and its presence may indicate inflammation or irritation.

Why test this: Your doctor may recommend this based on your symptoms or risk factors. (Mucus threads are often non-specific; increased amounts may accompany inflammation or irritation.)

Other, Urine(Microscopic)

“Microscopic others” in urine analysis refer to less common microscopic findings that may include yeast cells, parasites, artifacts, or other unusual elements observed under a microscope during urine examination.

Why test this: Your doctor may recommend this based on your symptoms or risk factors. (Other microscopic findings (yeast, parasites, artefacts) noted during urine microscopy.)

Red Blood Cell, Urine(Microscopic)

Microscopic red blood cells in urine refer to the presence of erythrocytes (red blood cells) that are observed under a microscope during urine analysis. Their presence may indicate various conditions such as urinary tract infections, kidney stones, trauma to the urinary tract, or kidney disease.

Why test this: Your doctor may recommend this based on your symptoms or risk factors. (Microscopic haematuria evaluation for UTI, stones, trauma, glomerular disease or malignancy.)

White Blood Cell, Urine(Microscopic)

Microscopic white blood cells in urine refer to the presence of leukocytes (white blood cells) that can be observed under a microscope during urine analysis. Their presence indicates inflammation or infection in the urinary tract, such as a urinary tract infection (UTI).

Why test this: Your doctor may recommend this based on your symptoms or risk factors. (Microscopic pyuria evaluation for UTI or inflammation of the urinary tract.)

Adjusted Calcium

Adjusted calcium is a calculation that corrects serum calcium levels based on the albumin concentration in the blood. It provides a more accurate reflection of the biologically active calcium in the body.

Why test this: Corrected calcium when albumin is abnormal — same reasons as calcium.

Calcium

Calcium is a mineral that is essential for building and maintaining strong bones and teeth. It also plays a crucial role in muscle function, nerve transmission, and hormone secretion. Calcium is primarily obtained from dairy products, leafy greens, and fortified foods.

Why test this: If you have bone pain, kidney stones, muscle spasms, or parathyroid/kidney disease — calcium levels.

Chloride

Chloride is an ion formed from the element chlorine. It is commonly found in the body as part of salt (sodium chloride) and plays a crucial role in maintaining fluid balance, nerve function, and pH balance.

Why test this: Part of electrolyte and acid-base check when dehydrated or in metabolic disorders.

Creatinine

Creatinine is a waste product produced by muscles from the breakdown of a compound called creatine phosphate. It is filtered out of the blood by the kidneys and excreted in urine. Creatinine levels in the blood can indicate how well the kidneys are functioning.

Why test this: If you are over 40, have diabetes, high blood pressure, or family kidney disease — main marker of how well kidneys filter waste.

Estimated-GFR(CKD-EPI)

Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR) using CKD-EPI equation is a calculation that estimates how well the kidneys are filtering blood. It takes into account factors such as serum creatinine level, age, sex, and ethnicity to provide an estimate of kidney function.

Why test this: Same reasons as creatinine — estimates your kidney filtration rate for CKD staging.

Phosphate

Phosphate is a mineral that plays a crucial role in the formation of bones and teeth. It is also essential for energy metabolism, nerve function, and maintaining acid-base balance in the body. Phosphate is found in many foods, especially dairy products, meat, and whole grains.

Why test this: If you have kidney disease, bone problems, or parathyroid issues — phosphate balance matters for bones and vessels.

Potassium

Potassium is a mineral that your body needs to work properly. It’s a type of electrolyte, which means it carries an electric charge when dissolved in body fluids like blood. Potassium helps regulate fluid balance, muscle contractions, and nerve signals.

Why test this: Critical if you have heart rhythm issues, kidney disease, take diuretics, or have muscle weakness — potassium affects the heart.

Sodium

Sodium is an essential mineral and electrolyte that helps regulate fluid balance, nerve function, and muscle contraction in the body.

Why test this: If you have dehydration, confusion, high blood pressure, or are on diuretics — sodium balance affects nerves and fluid.

Urea Nitrogen

Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN): Urea nitrogen is a normal waste product in your blood that comes from the breakdown of protein from the foods you eat and from your body's metabolism. It is normally removed from your blood by your kidneys, but when kidney function slows down, the BUN level rises. BUN can also rise if you eat more protein, and it can fall if you eat less protein. Urine Protein: When your kidneys are damaged, protein leaks into your urine. A simple test can be done to detect protein in your urine. Persistent protein in the urine is an early sign of chronic kidney disease.

Why test this: If you have kidney concerns, high protein diet effects, or GI bleeding suspicion — urea rises when kidneys slow or protein load is high.

Uric Acid

Uric acid is a waste product formed from the breakdown of purines, which are substances found in certain foods and tissues. It is normally excreted through the kidneys in urine. Elevated levels of uric acid in the blood can lead to conditions like gout or kidney stones.

Why test this: If you have joint pain/swelling (possible gout), kidney stones, or are on chemotherapy — checks uric acid.