Sports
The "Sport Performance" test package is a comprehensive set of blood tests aimed at athletes and individuals who engage in regular physical activity. This package is designed to evaluate various health markers that can influence performance, recovery, and overall athletic capacity. The tests can identify any underlying issues that may affect physical performance or be affected by intense physical activity.
Blood Health
MPV (Mean Platelet Volume) and Platelet Count: Provide information about platelet size and count, which are vital for blood clotting and could impact recovery from injuries.
Complete Blood Count (CBC): Including WBC (White Blood Cell) count and differentials (Lymphocyte, Monocyte, Neutrophil, Eosinophil, Basophil), RBC (Red Blood Cell) count, Haemoglobin, and Haematocrit (HCT). These markers are crucial for assessing immune function, oxygen-carrying capacity, and overall blood health.
Indices (MCV, MCH, MCHC, RDW): Offer insights into the size and haemoglobin content of red blood cells, which can affect oxygen delivery to tissues – a critical factor in endurance and performance.
Liver Health
Liver Enzymes (ALT, AST, ALP, GGT): Elevated levels may suggest liver stress or damage, which could be related to intense physical activity or supplementation.
Proteins (Albumin, Globulin, Total Protein): These reflect nutritional status, liver function, and overall health. Albumin is also important for fluid balance and nutrient transport.
Bilirubin: Helps to assess liver function and red blood cell turnover.
Cardiovascular and Lipid Profile
HDL, LDL, Total Cholesterol, Triglycerides, non-HDL Cholesterol: Understanding the lipid profile is important for cardiovascular health, which can be impacted by diet and exercise routines.
Kidney Health
Urea, Creatinine: Can indicate kidney function and muscle turnover. High levels may be seen after intense exercise or with muscle damage.
Electrolytes (Sodium, Potassium): Essential for nerve function and muscle contractions, electrolyte balance can be disrupted by dehydration and sweating.
Iron Studies
Iron, Ferritin, TIBC: Iron is essential for oxygen transport in the blood. Athletes need to monitor these levels closely, as low iron can significantly impact endurance and performance.
Vitamins
Vitamin D3: Important for bone health and muscle function.
Vitamins B12 and B9 (Folate): Critical for energy production and the formation of red blood cells.
Thyroid Function
TSH, FT4, FT3: Thyroid hormones regulate metabolism, energy levels, and protein synthesis, all of which can affect physical performance.
Inflammation Marker
CRP (C-Reactive Protein): An elevated CRP level can indicate inflammation in the body, which might be due to overtraining, injury, or infection.
Hormonal Health
Testosterone: A key hormone for muscle growth and recovery.
Oestradiol: Although known as a female hormone, oestradiol in men also plays roles in bone health, brain function, and cholesterol metabolism.
Athletes can use the data from these tests to optimize their training, nutrition, and recovery strategies. It's important to interpret the results in the context of recent physical activity, dietary patterns, and overall health. Deviations from normal ranges might necessitate adjustments to training regimens, nutritional intake, or further medical evaluation. A healthcare provider or a sports medicine specialist should review the results to provide personalized recommendations and ensure that any interventions are safe and effective. Regular testing can be beneficial to monitor the effects of training and to make timely adjustments to the regimen.