Mediki
Blood test biomarkers explained
What 55 common blood markers measure, what high and low results can mean, and how to convert between the units labs use. Every marker listed here can be tracked in Mediki.
Complete blood count
- Red Blood CellsRed blood cell count measures how many red blood cells are in your blood.
- White Blood CellsWhite blood cell count measures immune cells that help defend the body from infection and inflammation.
- HemoglobinHemoglobin measures the oxygen-carrying protein inside red blood cells.
- HematocritHematocrit measures the proportion of blood volume made up of red blood cells.
- PlateletsPlatelet count measures cells involved in blood clotting.
- NeutrophilsNeutrophils are a type of white blood cell that respond quickly to bacterial infection and acute inflammation.
- LymphocytesLymphocytes are white blood cells that support adaptive immunity, including viral defense and antibody responses.
- Mean Corpuscular VolumeMCV measures the average size of red blood cells.
- Mean Corpuscular HemoglobinMCH measures the average amount of hemoglobin in each red blood cell.
- Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin ConcentrationMCHC measures hemoglobin concentration inside red blood cells.
Metabolic panel, electrolytes and cholesterol
- GlucoseGlucose measures blood sugar, the body's main immediate energy source.
- SodiumSodium measures a key electrolyte that regulates fluid balance and nerve signaling.
- PotassiumPotassium measures an electrolyte important for heart rhythm, muscle function, and nerve signaling.
- ChlorideChloride measures an electrolyte that helps maintain acid-base and fluid balance.
- Bicarbonate (HCO₃⁻)Bicarbonate reflects the metabolic part of acid-base balance in blood.
- CalciumCalcium measures a mineral needed for bones, muscle contraction, nerve signaling, and clotting.
- MagnesiumMagnesium measures a mineral involved in enzyme activity, nerve function, and muscle relaxation.
- PhosphatePhosphate measures a mineral important for energy production, bones, and cell signaling.
- Total CholesterolTotal cholesterol measures all cholesterol carried in blood.
- LDL CholesterolLDL cholesterol estimates cholesterol carried by low-density lipoproteins.
- HDL CholesterolHDL cholesterol estimates cholesterol carried by high-density lipoproteins, which help transport cholesterol away from arteries.
- TriglyceridesTriglycerides measure fats used for energy storage.
- Uric AcidUric acid measures a waste product from purine metabolism cleared by the kidneys.
- LDHLDH is an enzyme present in many tissues and rises when cells are stressed or damaged.
- Creatine Kinase (CK)CK measures an enzyme mostly from muscle tissue.
Blood sugar and insulin
- Hemoglobin A1cHbA1c estimates average blood glucose over about 2-3 months by measuring glucose attached to hemoglobin.
- InsulinInsulin measures the hormone that helps move glucose from blood into cells.
- C-PeptideC-peptide reflects the body's own insulin production because it is released with insulin from the pancreas.
Kidney function
Liver function
- ALTALT is a liver enzyme that rises when liver cells are irritated or injured.
- ASTAST is an enzyme found in liver, muscle, and other tissues.
- ALPALP is an enzyme linked to liver and bone activity.
- GGTGGT is a liver and bile duct enzyme.
- Total BilirubinTotal bilirubin measures a pigment formed from red blood cell breakdown and processed by the liver.
- AlbuminAlbumin measures the main blood protein made by the liver.
- Total ProteinTotal protein measures combined levels of major blood proteins, mainly albumin and globulins.
Thyroid
- TSHTSH measures pituitary signaling that controls thyroid hormone production.
- T3T3 measures triiodothyronine, an active thyroid hormone that affects metabolism, heart rate, and energy use.
- T4T4 measures thyroxine, the main thyroid hormone precursor in circulation.
- Free T3Free T3 measures the unbound active fraction of T3 available to tissues.
- Free T4Free T4 measures the unbound fraction of T4 that can enter tissues and convert to T3.
- Thyroglobulin AntibodiesThyroglobulin antibodies measure immune activity against thyroid proteins.
- TPO AntibodiesTPO antibodies measure immune activity against thyroid peroxidase.
Iron status
Vitamins
- Vitamin D (25-OH)25-OH vitamin D measures the main circulating form of vitamin D and reflects overall vitamin D status.
- Vitamin B12Vitamin B12 measures a vitamin needed for red blood cell formation and nervous system function.
- Folate (Vitamin B9)Folate measures vitamin B9 status, which is important for DNA synthesis and red blood cell production.
Inflammation
- ESRESR measures how quickly red blood cells settle in a test tube.
- CRPCRP measures a protein made by the liver that rises during inflammation.
- hs-CRPhs-CRP is a high-sensitivity CRP test that detects smaller changes in inflammation.
- HomocysteineHomocysteine measures an amino acid linked to methylation pathways and vascular health.
Medical disclaimer: This page is general information, not medical advice. Reference ranges differ between laboratories, and only a doctor can interpret your results in the context of your health.