Biomarkers
Explore all blood values we test. For each marker we explain what it measures, what preparation is needed and which panel includes it.
182 markers · 15 categoriesEarly Detection
Discover abnormalities before symptoms appear. Blood values often change months before you feel anything.
Monitor Progress
Track the effect of your training, nutrition or supplements. Objectively measure whether your approach is working.
Personalise
Tailor your supplements, nutrition and lifestyle to your unique values. No more guesswork.
Blood Count
Haemoglobin
Protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen throughout your body. Low levels may indicate anaemia, high levels may indicate dehydration.
Haematocrit
The percentage of your blood made up of red blood cells. Indicates how thick or thin your blood is.
Red blood cells
Red blood cells that transport oxygen from your lungs to your tissues and carry CO₂ back.
White blood cells
White blood cells — your immune system. A high count may indicate infection or inflammation.
Platelets
Blood platelets that ensure clotting when you have a wound. Too few causes bleeding tendency, too many increases clot risk.
MCV
The average volume of a red blood cell. Helps distinguish between different types of anaemia.
MCH
The average amount of haemoglobin per red blood cell. Indicates the oxygen-carrying capacity of each cell.
MCHC
The concentration of haemoglobin in red blood cells. Helps determine the type of anaemia.
White blood cell differential
Breakdown of different white blood cell types (neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, etc.). Provides a more detailed picture of your immune system.
Reticulocytes
Young, newly produced red blood cells. Shows how actively your bone marrow is making new red cells, for example in anemia or after treatment.
ESR (sedimentation rate)
The speed at which red blood cells settle. A classic, broad marker of inflammation.
Hemoglobin electrophoresis
Examines abnormal forms of hemoglobin, such as sickle cell trait or thalassemia.
Methemoglobin
A form of hemoglobin that cannot carry oxygen. Elevated with certain medications or chemical exposure.
Blood group + rhesus factor
Determines your ABO blood group and rhesus factor (positive or negative).
Factor V Leiden (DNA test)
Genetic test for the most common inherited predisposition to thrombosis. Testing once is sufficient.
Heart & Cholesterol
Total cholesterol
The total amount of cholesterol in your blood — a sum of HDL, LDL and other lipid particles.
HDL cholesterol
The "good" cholesterol. HDL removes excess cholesterol from your blood vessels and protects against cardiovascular disease.
LDL cholesterol
The "bad" cholesterol. Too much LDL can build up in your artery walls and cause atherosclerosis.
Triglycerides
Fats in your blood that serve as an energy source. High levels increase the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Non-HDL cholesterol
Everything except the good cholesterol — a better predictor of heart risk than LDL alone.
VLDL cholesterol
Very Low Density Lipoprotein — transports triglycerides and contributes to plaque formation in blood vessels.
ApoB
Apolipoprotein B — present on every "bad" lipid particle. Counts the actual number of harmful particles in your blood; the best predictor of heart risk.
Lp(a)
Lipoprotein(a) — a genetically determined lipid particle that increases cardiovascular risk. Usually only needs to be measured once.
Fibrinogen
Clotting protein that also serves as an inflammation marker. High levels increase the risk of blood clots.
Homocysteine
Amino acid in your blood. Elevated levels damage blood vessels and increase cardiovascular disease risk.
hs-CRP
High-sensitivity C-Reactive Protein — measures low-grade inflammation. Elevated in chronic inflammation and increased cardiovascular risk.
Omega-3 Index (DHA+EPA)
Measures the percentage of omega-3 fatty acids in your red blood cells. A good index (>8%) protects the heart and reduces inflammation.
Apolipoprotein A1
The main protein of HDL, the good cholesterol. Together with ApoB it gives a refined picture of your lipid metabolism.
NT-proBNP
Hormone released by the heart under increased strain. Used to detect heart failure.
Troponin T
Protein released when heart muscle is damaged. The standard marker when heart damage is suspected.
CK-MB
The heart-specific form of creatine kinase. Helps distinguish heart muscle damage from skeletal muscle damage.
HBDH
Enzyme released when heart muscle and red blood cells are damaged. A complementary marker to LDH.
Lipoprotein electrophoresis
Separates your blood lipids into individual lipoprotein fractions for a detailed lipid profile.
Blood Sugar & Metabolism
Glucose (fasting)
Your blood sugar level after fasting. Essential for detecting (pre)diabetes and insulin resistance.
HbA1c
Your average blood sugar over the past 2-3 months. More reliable than a single glucose reading.
Insulin (fasting)
Hormone that transports glucose from your blood into cells. High fasting levels indicate insulin resistance.
HOMA-IR
Calculated score based on glucose and insulin that indicates how well your cells respond to insulin.
Fructosamine
Your average blood sugar over the past 2-3 weeks. A useful addition to HbA1c when things change quickly.
C-peptide
Produced in equal amounts with insulin; shows how much insulin your pancreas makes itself.
Liver, Gallbladder & Pancreas
ALT
Liver enzyme released when the liver is damaged. The most specific marker for liver damage.
AST
Enzyme released when the liver or muscles are damaged. Combined with ALT it helps determine the cause.
GGT
Liver enzyme sensitive to alcohol and bile duct problems. Often the first marker to rise with excessive alcohol use.
Bilirubin
Breakdown product of haemoglobin, processed by the liver. Elevated levels may indicate liver or bile problems.
Alkaline phosphatase
Enzyme from the liver and bones. Elevated in bile obstruction, liver disease or bone disorders.
LDH
Lactate dehydrogenase — enzyme released during cell damage in various tissues. Not liver-specific but useful as a broad marker.
Bilirubin direct & indirect
Breakdown of total bilirubin. Helps identify the cause of jaundice or liver problems.
GLDH
Liver enzyme released specifically when liver cells are damaged.
Alkaline phosphatase isoenzymes
Separates alkaline phosphatase by origin (liver, bone or intestine) to find the source of an elevation.
Amylase
Enzyme from the pancreas and salivary glands. Elevated in pancreatitis.
Lipase
Digestive enzyme from the pancreas. The most specific blood marker for pancreatitis.
Pancreatic elastase (serum)
Pancreatic enzyme; supports assessment of pancreatic function.
Cholinesterase
Enzyme produced by the liver. Reflects the protein production capacity of the liver.
CDT
Carbohydrate-deficient transferrin, a specific marker of sustained heavy alcohol use in the preceding weeks.
Kidneys & Electrolytes
Creatinine (eGFR)
Waste product from muscle activity, filtered by the kidneys. The eGFR calculation shows how well your kidneys are functioning.
Cystatin C
More precise kidney function marker than creatinine, especially for athletes with greater muscle mass.
Urea
Breakdown product of proteins, excreted by the kidneys. Elevated with reduced kidney function or high protein intake.
Uric acid
Breakdown product of purines. Elevated levels can cause gout and indicate increased cardiovascular risk.
Potassium
Electrolyte essential for heart rhythm, muscle contractions and nerve function.
Sodium
Electrolyte that regulates your fluid balance and blood pressure. Abnormalities may indicate dehydration or kidney problems.
Total protein
The total amount of proteins in your blood (albumin + globulins). Provides a broad picture of nutritional status and organ function.
Albumin
The most abundant protein in your blood. Important for fluid balance and transport of hormones and medication.
Chloride
Electrolyte that together with sodium regulates your fluid and acid-base balance.
Phosphate (inorganic)
Mineral for bones and energy metabolism. Abnormal values occur with kidney, bone or hormone problems.
Beta-2 microglobulin
Small protein cleared by the kidneys. Marker of kidney function and immune system activity.
Thyroid
TSH
Thyroid-stimulating hormone — controls your thyroid gland. The most important screening test for thyroid problems.
Free T4
The active thyroid hormone that regulates your metabolism, energy levels and body temperature.
Free T3
The most active form of thyroid hormone. T3 directly controls your metabolism at the cellular level.
Total T3
The total amount of the thyroid hormone T3, bound and free.
Total T4
The total amount of the thyroid hormone T4, bound and free.
TSH receptor antibodies (TRAb)
Antibodies against the TSH receptor, characteristic of Graves disease.
Anti-TPO
Antibodies against thyroid peroxidase, elevated in autoimmune thyroid disease such as Hashimoto.
Thyroglobulin
Storage protein of the thyroid; used to monitor thyroid conditions.
Thyroglobulin antibodies
Antibodies against thyroglobulin, consistent with autoimmune thyroid disease.
Hormones
Total testosterone
The primary male sex hormone, also present in women. Affects muscle mass, energy, libido and mood.
Free testosterone
The portion of testosterone not bound to proteins and directly available for your body to use.
Oestradiol (E2)
The primary oestrogen. In men relevant for bone density and TRT monitoring; in women for cycle and fertility.
Progesterone
Hormone involved in the menstrual cycle and pregnancy. Present in small amounts in men.
FSH
Follicle-stimulating hormone — stimulates egg maturation in women and sperm production in men.
LH
Luteinising hormone — triggers ovulation in women and stimulates testosterone production in men.
SHBG
Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin — protein that binds testosterone and oestradiol. Determines how much hormone is freely available.
Prolactin
Pituitary hormone. Elevated by stress, medication or pituitary disorders. Can affect libido and fertility.
DHEA-S
Precursor to testosterone and oestrogen, produced by the adrenal glands. Declines with age.
Cortisol
The stress hormone. Regulates your circadian rhythm, immune system and blood sugar. Chronically elevated cortisol breaks down muscle.
IGF-1
Insulin-like Growth Factor 1 — reflects your growth hormone activity. Important for muscle growth, recovery and ageing.
PSA
Prostate-Specific Antigen — screening marker for prostate problems. Important for men over 40 and during TRT.
hCG
Human chorionic gonadotropin — pregnancy hormone. Also used in certain TRT protocols.
Aldosterone
Adrenal hormone that regulates your salt and fluid balance and blood pressure.
Androstenedione
Precursor hormone of testosterone and estrogen from the adrenal glands and gonads.
Growth hormone (hGH)
Stimulates growth, muscle building and fat metabolism. Fluctuates strongly during the day; often assessed together with IGF-1.
IGF-BP3
The main transport protein of IGF-1. Together with IGF-1 it gives a more stable picture of your growth hormone status.
Vitamins & Minerals
Vitamin D
Essential for bones, immune system and mood. Many people in the Netherlands are deficient, especially in winter.
Vitamin B12
Essential for nerve function, energy production and red blood cell formation. Deficiency is common in vegetarians.
Folate
B vitamin (B9) essential for cell division and DNA synthesis. Extra important when planning pregnancy.
Ferritin
Protein that stores iron in your body. The best marker for your iron reserves. Too low = iron deficiency, too high = iron overload.
Serum iron
The amount of iron currently circulating in your blood. Fluctuates throughout the day.
Transferrin
Transport protein that carries iron through your blood. Rises in iron deficiency as your body tries to absorb more iron.
Transferrin saturation
The percentage of transferrin occupied by iron. Provides a more complete picture of your iron status than ferritin alone.
Magnesium
Mineral involved in 300+ enzyme reactions. Essential for muscles, nerves, sleep and heart rhythm.
Zinc
Trace element important for immune system, testosterone production, wound healing and taste.
Calcium
Mineral essential for bones, teeth, muscle contraction and blood clotting. Tightly regulated by the thyroid.
Vitamin A
Important for your eyes, skin and immune system.
Vitamin B1 (thiamine)
Essential for your energy metabolism and nervous system.
Vitamin B2 (riboflavin)
Needed for energy production and the processing of other B vitamins.
Vitamin B6
Involved in producing neurotransmitters and red blood cells.
Vitamin C
Antioxidant, important for your immune system, skin and iron absorption.
Vitamin D 1,25-dihydroxy (active)
The active form of vitamin D. Only useful in specific situations, alongside the standard 25-OH measurement.
Vitamin E
Fat-soluble antioxidant that protects your cell membranes.
Vitamin K
Needed for blood clotting and bone metabolism.
Sports & Growth
Creatine Kinase (CK)
Enzyme released during muscle damage. Elevated after heavy training. Helps identify overtraining or rhabdomyolysis.
CK isoenzymes
Breakdown of creatine kinase by origin (muscle, heart, brain) when CK values are strongly elevated.
Immune System & Inflammation
CRP
C-reactive protein, the standard marker for acute inflammation or infection.
Immunoglobulins IgA, IgG and IgM
The three main classes of antibodies. Give a picture of the structure of your immune defense.
Immune status (lymphocyte typing)
Extensive count of immune cells, including T, B and NK cells.
ANA screening
Antinuclear antibodies, used as a first screening when autoimmune disease is suspected.
ENA screening
Follow-up testing for specific antibodies after a positive ANA test.
Anti-CCP
Highly specific antibodies for rheumatoid arthritis, often detectable early.
Rheumatoid factor (IgM)
Antibody that can be elevated in rheumatoid arthritis and some other conditions.
Protein electrophoresis
Separates blood proteins into fractions to detect abnormal proteins (such as M protein).
Immunoelectrophoresis
Characterizes an abnormal protein (M protein) found on protein electrophoresis.
Alpha-1 antitrypsin
Protective protein for the lungs. A deficiency is hereditary and can cause lung and liver problems.
Haptoglobin
Binds released hemoglobin. Decreased when red blood cells break down at an increased rate (hemolysis).
Gliadin antibodies (IgA/IgG)
Antibodies against gluten protein, used to investigate celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.
Infectious Disease Serology
Hepatitis A antibodies (IgG/IgM)
Shows past or recent hepatitis A infection and protective immunity.
Hepatitis A virus (PCR)
Direct detection of hepatitis A virus in the blood.
HBsAg
Hepatitis B surface antigen; positive during an active infection.
Anti-HBs (titer)
Measures protective antibodies against hepatitis B, for example after vaccination.
Anti-HBc (total/IgM)
Antibodies that indicate a past or current hepatitis B infection.
HBeAg & anti-HBe
Markers of the activity and infectivity of a hepatitis B infection.
Hepatitis B virus (PCR)
Measures the amount of hepatitis B virus in the blood (viral load).
Hepatitis C antibodies
Screening for contact with the hepatitis C virus.
Hepatitis C virus (PCR)
Confirms an active hepatitis C infection and measures the viral load.
Borrelia IgG/IgM (Lyme disease)
Antibodies against the bacterium that causes Lyme disease, for example after a tick bite.
Borrelia immunoblot (IgG/IgM)
Confirmation test that breaks down borrelia antibodies in detail.
Epstein-Barr virus serology
Antibodies against EBV (mononucleosis); distinguishes recent from past infection.
Epstein-Barr virus (PCR)
Direct detection of Epstein-Barr virus in the blood.
Cytomegalovirus IgG/IgM
Antibodies against CMV; relevant when pregnant or planning pregnancy and with reduced immunity.
Q fever serology
Antibodies against Coxiella burnetii, the cause of Q fever.
Candida serology
Antigen and antibodies against Candida when an invasive fungal infection is suspected.
Bartonella henselae IgG/IgM
Antibodies against the cause of cat scratch disease.
Anaplasma IgG/IgM
Antibodies against Anaplasma, a tick-borne bacterium.
Babesia microti IgG
Antibodies against Babesia, a tick-borne parasite.
Ehrlichia IgG
Antibodies against Ehrlichia, a tick-borne bacterium.
Rubella IgG/IgM
Checks immunity against rubella; important when planning pregnancy.
Toxoplasmosis screening
Antibodies against Toxoplasma gondii; relevant when pregnant or planning pregnancy.
Rabies antibody titer
Measures whether you have sufficient antibodies against rabies after vaccination.
Helicobacter pylori IgA/IgG
Antibodies against the stomach bacterium that can cause stomach complaints and ulcers.
Tumor Markers
AFP
Alpha-fetoprotein, tumor marker for the liver among others. Not intended as stand-alone cancer screening.
CA 125
Tumor marker mainly used to monitor ovarian cancer. Not intended as stand-alone cancer screening.
CA 15-3
Tumor marker mainly used to monitor breast cancer. Not intended as stand-alone cancer screening.
CA 19-9
Tumor marker mainly used in pancreatic and bile duct cancer. Not intended as stand-alone cancer screening.
CA 72-4
Tumor marker mainly used in stomach and ovarian cancer. Not intended as stand-alone cancer screening.
CEA
Carcinoembryonic antigen, broad tumor marker, mainly in colorectal cancer. Not intended as stand-alone cancer screening.
Cyfra 21-1
Tumor marker mainly used in lung cancer. Not intended as stand-alone cancer screening.
M2-PK
Marker of tumor cell metabolism (pyruvate kinase M2). Not intended as stand-alone cancer screening.
Free PSA
The unbound fraction of PSA. The free/total PSA ratio helps interpret an elevated PSA.
SCC antigen
Tumor marker in squamous cell carcinomas. Not intended as stand-alone cancer screening.
TPA
Tissue polypeptide antigen, general marker of cell division activity. Not intended as stand-alone cancer screening.
Allergy
Total IgE
The total amount of IgE antibodies; often elevated in allergies.
Allergy test - individual allergens
Specific IgE against a single allergen of your choice, for example peanut, house dust mite or pollen.
Allergy test - mixes
Specific IgE against a mix of related allergens, for example an inhalation or food mix.
Allergoscreen Veggie
Extensive allergy screening focused on plant-based foods.
Metals & Trace Elements
Arsenic
Measures exposure to arsenic.
Cadmium
Measures exposure to cadmium, for example through smoking or work.
Chromium
Measures exposure to chromium, for example with metal implants or at work.
Cobalt
Measures exposure to cobalt, for example with metal implants or at work.
Copper
Copper measurement in blood; both deficiency and excess can cause complaints.
Mercury
Measures exposure to mercury, for example through fish or amalgam.
Lead
Measures exposure to lead.
Manganese
Manganese measurement; both deficiency and excessive exposure can cause complaints.
Molybdenum
Trace element; measured for questions about intake or exposure.
Nickel
Measures exposure to nickel.
Platinum
Measures exposure to platinum.
Selenium
Trace element and antioxidant; both deficiency and excess are undesirable.
Tin
Measures exposure to tin.
Vanadium
Measures exposure to vanadium.
Zinc protoporphyrin (ZPP)
Marker of long-term lead exposure and iron deficiency in red blood cell production.
Other Markers
Amino acid analysis
Extensive profile of amino acids in the blood; gives insight into your protein metabolism.
Ethanol
Measures the current alcohol concentration in the blood.
Cotinine
Breakdown product of nicotine; objective measure of smoking or secondhand smoke.
Ostase (bone-specific ALP)
Bone-specific alkaline phosphatase; marker of bone formation.
Osteocalcin
Protein from bone-forming cells; marker of bone metabolism.
LDH isoenzymes
Breakdown of LDH by tissue of origin when the LDH value is elevated.
How often should you test?
The ideal testing frequency depends on your goals, lifestyle and any treatments. Here are our guidelines.
TRT & hormone therapy
Regular monitoring is essential during hormonal treatments. Test every 3 months to optimise dosing and monitor side effects.
Active athletes
Test at the start and midway through your season or training block. See how your body responds to your workload and nutrition.
Prevention & wellness
An annual check-up provides insight into your overall health. Ideal as a baseline or for anyone proactively managing their health.
Ready to get your blood tested?
Choose a panel or get in touch for personal advice. We come to your home.