Health Glossary
Understand your biomarkers and lab values
ALP (Alkaline Phosphatase)
A liver and bone enzyme. Elevated levels indicate liver disease or bone disorders.
ALT (Alanine Aminotransferase)
A liver-specific enzyme that indicates liver cell damage. The most sensitive marker for liver injury.
ApoB (Apolipoprotein B)
A protein found on atherogenic lipoproteins. Many experts consider it a better predictor of cardiovascular risk than LDL cholesterol.
AST (Aspartate Aminotransferase)
A liver enzyme that can indicate liver damage or disease. Also found in heart and muscle tissue.
Bilirubin
A yellow pigment from red blood cell breakdown. Elevated levels indicate liver disease or red blood cell disorders.
BUN (Blood Urea Nitrogen)
A measure of nitrogen waste in your blood. Used to assess kidney function and hydration status.
Calcium
An essential mineral for bones, muscles, and nerves. Blood calcium levels are tightly regulated by parathyroid hormone and vitamin D.
Creatinine
A waste product from muscle metabolism that your kidneys filter out. Used to assess kidney function.
CRP (C-Reactive Protein)
A marker of inflammation in the body. Used to assess infection, autoimmune conditions, and cardiovascular risk.
eGFR (Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate)
A blood test that estimates how well your kidneys filter waste from your blood. The key marker for kidney function.
ESR (Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate)
A marker of inflammation that measures how quickly red blood cells settle. Elevated in infections, autoimmune diseases, and cancer.
Fasting Glucose
Blood sugar measured after 8–12 hours without food. The standard test for diagnosing diabetes and prediabetes.
Ferritin
A protein that stores iron in your body. The best marker for assessing your iron reserves.
Folate (Vitamin B9)
A B vitamin essential for DNA synthesis and cell division. Critical during pregnancy to prevent neural tube defects.
Free T3 (Free Triiodothyronine)
The active thyroid hormone that directly affects metabolism. More potent than T4 and useful for diagnosing hyperthyroidism.
Free T4 (Free Thyroxine)
The active form of thyroid hormone available to your cells. Essential for diagnosing and managing thyroid conditions.
GGT (Gamma-Glutamyl Transferase)
A liver enzyme sensitive to alcohol use and bile duct problems. Often elevated before other liver enzymes.
Glucose (Blood Sugar)
A blood test measuring the amount of sugar in your blood. Essential for detecting diabetes and monitoring metabolic health.
HbA1c (Glycated Hemoglobin)
A blood test that measures your average blood sugar levels over the past 2-3 months. Essential for diabetes management and prevention.
HDL Cholesterol (High-Density Lipoprotein)
The 'good' cholesterol that removes excess cholesterol from arteries. Higher levels are protective against heart disease.
Hematocrit
The percentage of your blood volume made up of red blood cells. Used to diagnose anemia and polycythemia.
Hemoglobin
The oxygen-carrying protein in red blood cells. Low levels indicate anemia; high levels may signal dehydration or other conditions.
HOMA-IR (Insulin Resistance Index)
A calculated score measuring insulin resistance using fasting glucose and insulin. Higher values indicate greater insulin resistance.
Homocysteine
An amino acid linked to cardiovascular and neurological risk when elevated. Levels are influenced by B vitamins, especially B12 and folate.
Insulin
The hormone that regulates blood sugar by helping cells absorb glucose. High fasting insulin indicates insulin resistance.
Iron (Serum Iron)
A mineral essential for oxygen transport and energy production. Measured to assess iron status alongside ferritin and TIBC.
LDL Cholesterol (Low-Density Lipoprotein)
The 'bad' cholesterol that can build up in artery walls. Lower levels reduce cardiovascular disease risk.
MCV (Mean Corpuscular Volume)
The average size of your red blood cells. Helps classify anemia as microcytic, normocytic, or macrocytic.
Phosphorus
A mineral essential for bones, energy production, and cell function. Levels are regulated alongside calcium by PTH and vitamin D.
PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen)
A protein produced by the prostate gland. Used to screen for prostate cancer and monitor prostate health in men.
PTH (Parathyroid Hormone)
A hormone that regulates calcium and phosphorus levels. Essential for diagnosing parathyroid disorders and bone metabolism issues.
Red Blood Cells (RBC / Erythrocytes)
Cells that carry oxygen throughout your body. Low counts indicate anemia; high counts may suggest dehydration or other conditions.
Thyroid Antibodies
Immune proteins that attack the thyroid gland. Used to diagnose autoimmune thyroid conditions like Hashimoto's and Graves' disease.
TIBC (Total Iron-Binding Capacity)
Measures how much iron your blood could carry. High TIBC indicates iron deficiency; low TIBC suggests iron overload or chronic disease.
Total Cholesterol
A measure of all cholesterol types in your blood. An important but incomplete marker for cardiovascular health.
TPO Antibodies (Anti-Thyroid Peroxidase)
Antibodies that attack the thyroid gland. Elevated levels indicate autoimmune thyroid disease like Hashimoto's or Graves' disease.
Triglycerides
A type of fat in your blood that provides energy. High levels increase cardiovascular risk.
TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone)
The primary screening test for thyroid function. Elevated TSH indicates hypothyroidism, while low TSH suggests hyperthyroidism.
Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin)
An essential vitamin for nerve function, DNA synthesis, and red blood cell formation. Deficiency is common and often missed.
Vitamin D (25-hydroxyvitamin D)
A fat-soluble vitamin essential for bone health, immune function, and mood. Commonly deficient in populations with limited sun exposure.
White Blood Cells (WBC / Leukocytes)
The immune system's frontline defense. White blood cells fight infections and respond to inflammation.