Health monitoring

Thyroid problems are common, and with the thyroid self-test, you can easily check if this small gland in your neck is functioning properly. The two most common causes of thyroid problems are either an overactive thyroid or an underactive thyroid. The test is simple. You take a blood sample with a finger prick, after which we test your thyroid function in our lab. Do you suffer from fatigue, feeling cold, dry skin, hair loss, or other slow thyroid symptoms? Then test yourself with Easly and get quick clarity. What is tested? fT4, TSH What is the thyroid and what does it do? The thyroid is a small organ located low in the neck, where the inner ends of the collarbones meet. The thyroid is small but powerful. It is responsible for a number of important processes, including metabolism in a very broad sense. What is thyroid hormone? The thyroid influences metabolism through thyroid hormone. Thyroid hormone is produced by the thyroid itself and consists of two variants: thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). In addition to thyroid hormone, the thyroid also produces calcitonin, which, along with another hormone, is responsible for the amount of calcium in the body. What are the thyroid values that are measured? The production of thyroid hormone by the thyroid is influenced by TSH, or Thyroid Stimulating Hormone. TSH is released by the pituitary gland, a small organ in the brain. In turn, the pituitary gland receives instructions from the hypothalamus, also an area in the brain, which releases Thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH). Sufficient T3 (triiodothyronine) and T4 (thyroxine) in the blood inhibits the release of TSH. In this way, this negative feedback system ensures an optimal balance. The TSH value is therefore the most important value measured by the thyroid test. If it is abnormal, the T4 and T3 values are also measured. What are the main thyroid complaints? Unfortunately, the thyroid does not always function properly. The two most common causes of thyroid problems are either an overactive thyroid (or hyperthyroidism) or an underactive thyroid (or hypothyroidism). The cause of an overactive or underactive thyroid can be located either within the thyroid itself (primary hyper- or hypothyroidism) or outside the thyroid (secondary hyper- or hypothyroidism), for example in the brain. Symptoms of an underactive thyroid? The most common cause of an underactive thyroid is Hashimoto's disease. This is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system produces antibodies that target and destroy thyroid tissue. As a result, the thyroid produces less and less thyroid hormone, leading to a deficiency. In the blood, there will be a low T4 value and a high TSH value. In addition, antibodies (anti-TPO and anti-Tg) can be determined in the blood. In the case of Hashimoto's, these antibodies are almost always present. However, these antibodies can also be present in other thyroid disorders and even in healthy individuals. Hashimoto's is most common in women between 30 and 50 years old.   These are some symptoms of an underactive thyroid: Swelling of the thyroid (goitre) Fatigue Weight gain Feeling cold Dry skin Hair loss Concentration problems Overactive thyroid? Primary hyperthyroidism, an overactive thyroid, is caused in approximately 70 to 80% of cases by Graves' disease. Graves' is an autoimmune disease in which the body's immune system turns against its own cells or cell components. In Graves' disease, antibodies are released that cause the thyroid to produce a lot of thyroid hormone. This leads to an overactive thyroid. In the blood, there will be a high T4 value and a low TSH value. Graves' is most common in women between 20 and 50 years old.   Symptoms that can occur with an overactive thyroid: Swelling of the thyroid (goitre) Restlessness Rapid heartbeat (tachycardia) Feeling warm quickly/sweating Weight loss Extreme swelling of the lower legs (pretibial myxoedema) Protrusion of the eyes (exophthalmos) Thyroid symptoms in women/men Thyroid problems are more common in women than in men. A well-functioning thyroid is even essential for a healthy pregnancy. The thyroid plays a role in stimulating ovulation and producing sex hormones. Good thyroid function is therefore necessary for conception, implantation, and a full-term pregnancy. Sufficient thyroid hormone is also needed for the brain development of the unborn baby. Even after pregnancy, the thyroid remains important. In about 5% of women, inflammation of the thyroid develops after childbirth as a result of a (temporary) autoimmune reaction. This is called postpartum thyroiditis. Postpartum thyroiditis generally occurs within one year after delivery and can involve both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism. If you have thyroid complaints, it is best to test immediately so that you can quickly have peace of mind.

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With an Easly vitamin B12 deficiency test, you can easily and quickly discover the concentration of vitamin B12 in your blood yourself. You can buy the vitamin B12 test online. You take a blood sample with a finger prick. You then send this sample to the lab, which will provide you with the analysis within 48 hours. What is tested? Holotranscobalamin, Vitamin B12 What does vitamin B12 do? Vitamin B12 is a versatile and essential vitamin. B12 is involved in, among other things, the production of substances in the nervous system, the production of red blood cells, and the production of DNA. Sufficient vitamin B12 is also necessary to keep the risk of cardiovascular diseases low, and it plays a role in the immune system. Therefore, detecting a vitamin B12 deficiency is important. Vitamin B12 is a vitamin that must be absorbed from food because the body cannot produce B12 itself. B12 is found in dairy, meat, fish, and eggs. Vegans, due to their diet, are therefore at a higher risk of developing a vitamin B12 deficiency. However, the body stores a supply of B12 in the liver. For most people, it takes years for this supply to be depleted. The absorption of B12 from food, its transport through the blood, and its absorption into the cell is a complex process involving many specific steps. First, the absorption of B12 from food only occurs in the last part of the small intestine, the terminal ileum. For absorption into the intestinal cell, vitamin B12 needs an auxiliary substance called 'intrinsic factor'. This substance is produced in the stomach. People who have undergone stomach or intestinal surgery are therefore at a higher risk of developing a vitamin B12 deficiency. Vitamin B12 deficiency A deficiency can lead to a wide range of symptoms. Sometimes years of unexplained vague complaints can ultimately be attributed to a vitamin B12 deficiency. Because vitamin B12 is involved in many processes, it can cause many different complaints: Tingling feet or hands Numbness in the limbs Concentration problems Muscle cramps Fatigue Shortness of breath during exertion Dizziness Hair loss Gastrointestinal complaints When is a vitamin B12 deficiency test recommended? If you experience symptoms consistent with a vitamin B12 deficiency, a vitamin B12 test may be of interest. A B12 deficiency is more common with a vegan or vegetarian diet or after gastrointestinal surgery.

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With the vitamin D test designed by Easly, you can check your vitamin D level yourself, without having to leave your home. This way, you'll quickly find out if you have a deficiency, a healthy amount, or perhaps even an excess of vitamin D (a toxic amount) in your blood. This test kit is therefore intended for anyone who wants to gain more insight into their health. What is tested? Vitamin D Want to test your vitamin D yourself? Thanks to our vitamin D test kit, you can now test yourself at home for a vitamin D deficiency. You simply do this with a finger prick, using the included lancet. Then you send the test kit back to us, and our lab technicians will test your sample for a vitamin D deficiency.   Please note: avoid squeezing your finger too hard, as this breaks cells (hemolysis) and can distort the values. Where is vitamin D found? The most important source of vitamin D is sunlight. Under the influence of UV B light, the skin can convert cholesterol into vitamin D. However, this form of vitamin D is not active and still needs to be processed by the liver and kidneys before the active variant of vitamin D is available to the body.Light skin produces vitamin D more easily than dark skin. Also, with increasing age, the production of vitamin D through the skin decreases. The main reason for the widespread vitamin D deficiency in the Netherlands is therefore a lack of sunlight, especially in the winter months.In addition, your body gets vitamin D from another source, namely food. Foods containing vitamin D include: fatty fish, cheese, eggs, and meat. What is vitamin D good for? Vitamin D is a vitamin that is important for various processes in the body. The most well-known association is of course with healthy and strong bones. In addition, vitamin D is needed for the healthy functioning of the kidneys and parathyroid gland, a well-functioning immune system, and it plays a role in muscle function. So, it's an important vitamin! Nevertheless, an estimated more than 60% of Dutch people have a vitamin D deficiency. What causes a vitamin D deficiency? A vitamin D deficiency is common in many people. This is because the human body mainly produces vitamin D when exposed to sunlight. Because we cover our skin with clothes or spend little time in the sun, the body often doesn't get enough opportunity to produce and store the vitamin. What can you do to prevent a vitamin D deficiency? The most important source of vitamin D is sunlight. The easiest way for the body to produce enough vitamin D is therefore exposure to sunlight. Eating enough vitamin D-rich food can also contribute. Sometimes, however, the vitamin D concentration remains insufficient. In that case, supplementation is a good solution. Vitamin D can be administered in drops, pills, or injections. Do you have a vitamin D deficiency or an excess? Wondering if you have a vitamin D deficiency or an excess? These are the symptoms in both situations:   Vitamin D deficiency symptoms: Muscle weakness Muscle cramps Frequent bone fractures in the elderly Curvature of the limbs in children (rickets)   Symptoms of too much vitamin D: An excess of vitamin D results in an excess of calcium. This leads to the symptoms below. Cardiac arrhythmias Mental disorders and confusion Pain Conjunctivitis (pink eye) Anorexia (lack of appetite) Fever Chills Thirst Vomiting Weight loss

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An Easly diabetes self-test is both an HbA1c test (blood) and a glucose test (urine). The diabetes test therefore includes a finger prick and a urine sample. This way, blood sugar levels and glucose content in the urine are measured with a convenient home test. What is tested? Glucose (urine), HbA1c What is diabetes? In the Netherlands, over 1 million people live with diabetes (type 1 or type 2). Type 2 diabetes is the most common. This type arises from an unhealthy lifestyle and is therefore also called a disease of affluence. Diabetes is a disease of the pancreas. This gland is located in the upper abdomen, behind the stomach. The pancreas produces substances necessary for digestion, but also a substance called insulin. Insulin is needed to transport sugar, derived from food, into our cells from the blood. In the cells, sugar is used as fuel for various cellular processes. In type 2 diabetes, insulin is still produced, but to a lesser extent, and the body's cells are less sensitive to insulin. As a result, sugar is less effectively transported into the cells, leading to increasingly higher concentrations of sugar remaining in the blood. What is a diabetes self-test? An Easly home diabetes test comes with an HbA1c test (blood) and a glucose measurement test (urine). This comprehensive diabetes test measures the average blood sugar levels over the past two to three months with a finger prick. As an alternative to the HbA1c test, glucose can be measured in the urine. What are normal values in a diabetes screening? A normal HbA1c value is between 20 and 42. If the HbA1c in a diabetes test is greater than 48, it is likely that diabetes is present. Between 42 and 48 indicates pre-diabetes. Normally, there is no glucose present in urine. If it is, it means that there is also an excess of glucose in the blood. The excess is excreted through the kidneys. A urine sample is therefore a good way to measure glucose. What are common diabetes symptoms? Frequent urination to get rid of excess sugar through the urine. Frequent thirst, dry mouth, and dry skin due to frequent urination. Unintended weight loss, due to reduced absorption of sugar into the body's cells. Fatigue Headache Blurred vision Who is the diabetes test for? Diabetes is a major global problem and leads to many seriously ill people and high healthcare costs in the long run. This is because diabetes strongly contributes to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Do you notice diabetes symptoms? Then definitely get tested for this condition. With an Easly home test, you can easily test your sugar levels. What does the test result mean? You will receive a positive result from the lab if your diabetes screening indicates an HbA1c value higher than 48. The presence of glucose in the urine sample is also a clear indicator when testing for diabetes.

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In cardiovascular diseases, the blood vessels in the body narrow due to the plaques that have formed. This is also known as arteriosclerosis or atherosclerosis. If the vessels narrow, less blood and oxygen flow to the tissues and organs. All organs are affected to a greater or lesser extent, leading to a variety of complaints and potentially severe acute conditions, such as a heart attack. At Easly, we believe in preventive examination. Therefore, perform the home test for cardiovascular diseases yourself and stay healthy! What is being tested? hs-CRP What does a cardiovascular disease test involve? This test measures hs-CRP levels through a blood test. Above, you can read what hs-CRP specifically measures. However, assessing the risk of cardiovascular disease is a complex matter and often also requires measuring cholesterol levels, blood sugar levels, and examining many other factors. This test is therefore part of a larger picture. You perform the cardiovascular disease self-test yourself using a finger prick. Easly analyzes the blood sample in our lab and quickly provides you with the results so you can get an idea of your risk of cardiovascular disease. What is the cardiovascular system? The cardiovascular system (the heart and vessels in the body) ensures that oxygen, nutrients, and waste products are transported throughout the body via the blood. This helps waste products leave the body and ensures that organs and tissues receive the necessary substances. What are cardiovascular diseases? In cardiovascular diseases, the blood vessels in the body narrow due to the plaques that have formed. This is also known as arteriosclerosis or atherosclerosis. Various factors can reduce the quality of the vessels and increase the risk of cardiovascular disease.If the vessels narrow, less blood and oxygen flow to the tissues and organs. All organs are affected to a greater or lesser extent, leading to a variety of complaints. These complaints can ultimately result in an 'infarction', which can occur in various parts of the body. How do I know if I have heart problems? Depending on the possible conditions (narrowed coronary arteries or angina pectoris, heart attack, heart failure, etc.), the symptoms differ. It's a good idea to have your risk of cardiovascular disease investigated through a preventive test. If you suspect something is wrong, contact a doctor or call 112 immediately. Symptoms of cardiovascular disease: Extreme fatigue Pain in the upper abdomen, jaw, neck, back, or pain between the shoulder blades Shortness of breath Nausea Dizziness Restlessness, anxiety, and rapid breathing Some symptoms of arteriosclerosis: Poorly healing wounds on the legs or feet Intermittent claudication (leg pain during exertion that subsides at rest) Angina pectoris/stable angina (pressure in the chest and breathlessness during exertion or emotion, which subsides at rest) Heart attack Risk of cardiovascular disease? The doctor can assess the risk of cardiovascular disease. The risk is categorized into three levels: low/moderate risk of death from cardiovascular disease within 10 years. high risk of death from cardiovascular disease within 10 years. very high risk of death from cardiovascular disease within 10 years. The test is very useful when you want to assess your risk of cardiovascular disease. Who is the cardiovascular disease test for? A cardiovascular disease blood test is useful for anyone interested in their cardiovascular health or experiencing mild symptoms. If you know you have an increased risk, you should take further action. Do you already have severe symptoms? Then contact your GP or 112. Furthermore, a cardiovascular disease test is recommended for people who smoke, suffer from high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, kidney damage, rheumatism, a lot of stress, overweight, or for those who exercise little and eat and drink unhealthily. However, men over 40 also have a higher risk of cardiovascular disease. For women, the risk increases above 50 years of age, as well as for women between 40 and 50 years of age who are in menopause. People of Turkish, African (Sub-Saharan), Indian, Asian-Surinamese, or Caribbean descent have an increased chance of cardiovascular disease.

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With this health test, you quickly get an overview of your blood count. This overview displays the values of all important blood cells and related determinations, giving you an immediate clear impression of your general health. What does a general blood test entail? A general blood test at Easly consists of a finger-prick test. With this blood test, you will learn the values of various blood cells, including the values of platelets (thrombocytes), red (erythrocytes) and white (leukocytes) blood cells. This preventive health check provides you with a clear overview of your health. Why should I have my blood tested for everything? A comprehensive blood test provides the most complete picture of your health. Blood consists of different components: fluid or plasma (with all sorts of dissolved substances in it) and blood cells. Therefore, in many cases, it is less useful to measure only the value of a single substance. When something is wrong with your blood, it can lead to various symptoms, depending on where the problem occurs. Below we have listed which blood cells we test and why that is important: Hemoglobin (Hb)Hemoglobin is a protein and part of the red blood cell. Each red blood cell contains over 200 million hemoglobin proteins. It plays a very important role in the oxygen supply to organs and tissues. A normal hemoglobin value differs for men and women, with lower values being accepted for women, and especially pregnant women. A too low hemoglobin value will eventually lead to oxygen deficiency at the tissue level and can have serious consequences. The hemoglobin value can also be too high. This can arise as a result of dehydration, lung diseases, bone marrow disorders, and living at high altitudes. Hematocrit (Ht)Hematocrit measures the proportion of red blood cells in the blood. A high hematocrit value can have two causes: dehydration or an excess of red blood cells. A decreased hematocrit indicates anemia. A normal hematocrit is slightly higher for men than for women. Red blood cells (erythrocytes)Red blood cells are also called erythrocytes. Erythrocytes are produced in the bone marrow and contain hemoglobin. They are essential for oxygen transport to organs and tissues. A shortage of red blood cells is called anemia. White blood cells (leukocytes)White blood cells are also called leukocytes and are part of the immune system. The various types of leukocytes each play their own role in protecting against infections. A normal value is approximately between 4 and 10 and is not dependent on gender. An increase in leukocytes is called leukocytosis and often indicates an infection. In addition, there are other causes for a high white blood cell count, such as leukemia, severe stress, injury, or burns. Of course, a too low value of leukocytes is also possible. This is called leukopenia. Platelets (thrombocytes)Platelets or thrombocytes are produced in the bone marrow, just like erythrocytes. Platelets form an essential part of blood clotting – the process that ensures a wound stops bleeding. A normal value ranges between 150 and 400. A too low value (thrombocytopenia) can lead to bleeding. A value lower than 30 can lead to very dangerous situations and requires immediate attention from a doctor. A too high value (thrombocytosis) can be caused by, for example, infections, iron deficiency, and bone marrow disorders. MCV, MCH, MCHCThe average size of the red blood cell can be measured. This measurement was named MCV, which stands for mean corpuscular volume. Based on this measurement, the cause of anemia can be determined. For example, abnormal values can indicate deficiencies in, for instance, B12 or iron. A normal MCV is approximately between 80 and 100. Symptoms for testing blood values Because the general blood test includes so many different values, the range of symptoms in case of a possible abnormality in one or more blood values can also be very diverse. One of the most common abnormalities in blood tests is an abnormality in hemoglobin (Hb). This usually concerns a deficiency of hemoglobin. This is also called anemia. Symptoms associated with anemia include: Fatigue Shortness of breath on exertion Pale skin Tinnitus Feeling faint Dizziness Palpitations Wounds that do not stop bleeding Gum bleeding Nosebleeds Bruises Small red dots in the skin (petechiae) With this preventive health check of your blood count, you get a clear overview of your general health. If necessary, our doctors provide their Medical Interpretation & Advice. Please note that normal values always differ per laboratory. A normal hemoglobin is different for men and women. For men, a normal Hb is approximately between 8.5 and 11, for women between 7.5 and 10. A normal hematocrit is also different for men and women. For men, the range is approximately 40% to 50%, for women the range is approximately 35% to 45%. An erythrocyte value considered normal depends on gender. For men, a range is approximately between 4.4 and 5.8, and for women, a range is approximately between 4 and 5.3. The leukocyte value is the same for men and women and is approximately in the range of 4 to 10. The thrombocyte value should normally fall within the range of 150 to 400. The MCV value normally falls approximately within the range of 80 to 100.

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Testosterone has several important functions in men. For example, it is responsible for the development of male secondary sexual characteristics during puberty. It also contributes to sperm production. In addition, it helps maintain libido, stimulates the growth of skeletal muscles, and contributes to the production of red blood cells. Both too low and too high testosterone concentrations can cause problems. Therefore, easily test your testosterone level with this self-test. What is the hormone testosterone and what does it do? Testosterone is the male reproductive hormone. Both men and women produce testosterone, although men produce it in much higher concentrations. In men, testosterone is produced in the testes and adrenal glands, under the influence of hormones (LH and FSH) from the brain. In women, testosterone is also produced in the adrenal glands and ovaries. Cholesterol, among other things, is needed for testosterone production. Testosterone contributes to hair and muscle mass development in both men and women. Normal testosterone levelsNormal testosterone levels vary per laboratory. Naturally, the values also differ greatly between men and women, with men typically having much higher normal concentrations. Testosterone levels vary per person, but generally, a testosterone level between 12 and 35 nmol/l is considered normal for men, and between 0.5 and 3 nmol/l for women. What are the symptoms of testosterone deficiency and what are the consequences? In men, changes in body composition, reduced muscle mass, increased body fat, and decreased libido can be symptoms of low testosterone levels. In addition, erectile dysfunction, subfertility, fatigue, mood swings or depression, and breast development can also indicate this. Women can also experience abnormal testosterone levels. High testosterone production in women is associated with polycystic ovary syndrome. For more information about PCOS, please read our page on female sex hormones. Why should I take a testosterone blood test? Both too low and too high testosterone concentrations can lead to health problems. Sometimes they indicate an underlying condition. Therefore, it is wise to periodically measure your testosterone levels using a blood test. A low testosterone concentration is called hypogonadism. The cause can be divided into two categories: A primary cause, where the problem lies in the production of testosterone itself. Inmen, this means a problem in the testes, for example, due to trauma to the testes, ora tumor. A secondary cause, where the problem lies in the brain and there is reducedstimulation of testosterone production, for example, due to brain damage or a tumor in thebrain. Certain syndromes can also be the reason for this. Additionally, both obesity and diabetes can lead to testosterone deficiency. This is because diabetes and obesity stimulate estrogen production, which in turn inhibits the brain's stimulation of testosterone production. Do you suspect you are suffering from a testosterone deficiency? Test it now with Easly's self-test!

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Buying the kidney function self-test is a first step towards better health. You quickly learn how healthy your kidneys are and can immediately get started with the results. The kidneys The kidneys are two organs located at the back, at the level of the lower ribs. The kidneys have a number of very important tasks, including regulating water and salt balance; maintaining healthy blood pressure; stimulating the production of red blood cells; maintaining the correct acidity in the blood and, of course, filtering the blood to rid it of toxins. No less than 25% of the total blood volume flows through the kidneys every minute! To fulfill this important task, the kidneys have an enormous capacity to filter the blood. What is kidney function? The kidney function self-test measures the amount of creatinine in the blood. Creatinine is a breakdown product from the muscles. It is continuously filtered out of the blood by the kidneys and excreted via the urine. It is therefore a good measure of kidney function. If the function of the kidneys is reduced, the kidneys will be less able to filter creatinine from the blood. Creatinine will remain in the blood and the value will increase. Kidney function is estimated using a formula that includes creatinine. This estimate is called eGFR, or estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate. Kidney function is highly dependent on age and gender. Kidney function is in fact the amount of blood that can pass through the kidney filters per unit of time. Precisely measuring kidney function is cumbersome and time-consuming. Therefore, in practice, kidney function is more often estimated using the substance creatinine. Creatinine is a breakdown product from muscles. It is continuously filtered out of the blood by the kidneys and excreted via the urine. It is therefore a good measure of kidney function. If the function of the kidneys is reduced, the kidneys will be less able to filter creatinine from the blood. Creatinine will remain in the blood and the value will increase. What is normal kidney function? Healthy kidneys of young people should be able to filter more than 90 milliliters of blood per minute. Older people may have lower values. It becomes dangerous when kidney function is less than 15 milliliters of blood per minute. Symptoms of reduced kidney function Slightly reduced kidney function causes no symptoms. Patients often only experience symptoms when there is already severe kidney failure. Symptoms may include: High blood pressure and associated complaints, because the kidneys regulate the balance between fluid and salt in the body. Anemia, because the kidneys produce EPO, which is necessary for the production of red blood cells. Fatigue due to the accumulation of waste products. Muscle cramps due to an imbalance in electrolytes such as magnesium, sodium and potassium. Itching and skin problems due to the accumulation of waste products. Foaming urine, because proteins end up in the urine.

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The self-test for athletes specifically targets individuals engaged in intensive sports. With this simple blood test for athletes, a finger prick provides insight into your blood values. This blood test for athletes should be performed in the morning after a period of rest. With a simple self-test, you can measure your blood values. The results will be interpreted by our doctors and you will receive advice. What is tested? This test measures various blood and saliva values that provide important information about oxygen transport, stress level, thyroid function, iron status, and kidney function, among other things. Below is an overview of all markers and their meanings. Hematocrit The hematocrit value indicates what proportion of the blood volume consists of red blood cells. For example, if the hematocrit is 40%, then 100 milliliters of blood contain 40 milliliters of red blood cells. This value reveals much about the blood's capacity to transport oxygen; abnormalities can indicate anemia or, conversely, an excess of red blood cells. Hemoglobin (Hb) Hemoglobin is a protein in red blood cells that binds and transports oxygen. Each hemoglobin molecule contains four iron atoms, each capable of holding one oxygen molecule. A low Hb value can indicate anemia, while a high value can occur in smokers or people living at high altitudes, among other conditions. Cortisol (saliva) Cortisol is known as the stress hormone and is produced by the adrenal glands. It helps the body cope with stress by stimulating processes such as glucose production. Cortisol follows a day-night rhythm: high in the morning, low at night. Therefore, saliva for this test should be collected in the morning. Abnormalities can indicate excessive stress or conditions such as Cushing's disease (too much cortisol) or Addison's disease (too little cortisol). Note: birth control pills can increase cortisol levels. TSH TSH (Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone) is produced by the pituitary gland and signals the thyroid gland to produce T3 and T4. TSH is regulated via a feedback mechanism: High TSH usually indicates an underactive thyroid. Low TSH is consistent with an overactive thyroid. fT4 fT4 (free thyroxine) is the inactive form of thyroid hormone that circulates freely in the blood. Most of it is bound to proteins. In the liver, fT4 is converted to active T3. Together with TSH, fT4 provides a good picture of thyroid function. Creatinine Creatinine is formed during the breakdown of creatine phosphate in the muscles and is excreted by the kidneys. It is an important marker for assessing how well the kidneys are functioning: when kidney function decreases, creatinine levels in the blood rise. eGFR The estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR) estimates how much blood the kidneys filter per minute. Values above 90 ml/min indicate healthy kidney function. An eGFR below 15 ml/min indicates end-stage renal failure, where dialysis is often necessary. Sex and age play a significant role in interpretation. Transferrin Transferrin transports iron through the blood. In case of iron deficiency, transferrin levels rise because the body produces more transport proteins. A low value can indicate iron overload, liver problems, or protein deficiency. Pregnancy and birth control pills can increase the value. Iron (serum iron) Iron is essential for hemoglobin production. An iron deficiency can lead to anemia. Iron status is best assessed in combination with ferritin, transferrin, and transferrin saturation. A low iron value together with a low ferritin value is a strong indication of iron deficiency. Transferrin saturation This value is calculated from the amount of iron and transferrin in the blood. It indicates what percentage of transferrin is saturated with iron. Low transferrin saturation often indicates an iron deficiency. Ferritin Ferritin stores iron in the liver. When the body needs extra iron, this reserve is tapped, and ferritin levels decrease. Low ferritin combined with low serum iron is typical for iron deficiency.

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Are you often tired? Do you have a poor appetite or feel mentally less sharp? Then you might be suffering from a low iron level. Many people have an iron deficiency without even knowing it. You can easily measure your iron deficiency with an Easly test. With an Easly self-test, you measure the iron in your blood at home, using a sample you’ve taken yourself. You perform a finger prick in the morning before your first meal to collect blood. You send the sample to our lab where it is thoroughly analyzed. Approximately 48 hours after receipt at the laboratory, you can view your results. What is iron? Iron is an important mineral. Our body does not produce iron itself but obtains it from our diet. It is necessary for producing hemoglobin. Hemoglobin ensures that oxygen can be transported throughout the body. What is an iron deficiency? An iron deficiency usually manifests as anemia, also known as anémie in medical terminology. A lack of iron in the blood leads to a lack of hemoglobin, which is equivalent to anemia. A low result on an iron test can have several causes: a lack of iron-rich foods. a reduced ability to absorb iron from food. a loss of iron. The last category, 'loss of iron', is the most common cause of iron deficiency. Iron loss usually occurs due to chronic blood loss. This can be harmless, as a result of heavy menstrual periods in women of childbearing age; but also less harmless, for example, due to blood loss from the gastrointestinal tract caused by a tumor. Additionally, there are other causes for iron loss, for example, as a result of chronic inflammation, an autoimmune disease, or a malignancy. What is the link between iron and transferrin, iron and hemoglobin, or iron and ferritin deficiency? Iron in its 'free form' is present in the body only in very low concentrations. In the blood, iron is largely bound to a transport protein called transferrin. Iron that is not immediately used is stored in the liver thanks to the binding protein ferritin. Therefore, a lack of ferritin and an excess of transferrin are also interesting values to measure in an iron deficiency test. A low iron level can lead to a lack of hemoglobin, or anemia. How is an iron deficiency visible in blood values? With an Easly iron test, you can easily measure anyone's iron level (woman/man). Women in the fertile phase of life need higher iron levels than men because they lose more iron through menstruation. Pregnant women also need more iron, which is necessary for the production of extra blood during pregnancy. If the iron level at the beginning of pregnancy significantly deviates from the normal iron value, an iron supplement may be necessary, as iron stores are replenished very slowly through diet. What are the symptoms of iron deficiency? The most common complaints with a low iron level are: Fatigue Muscle weakness Pale skin Cracks at the corners of the mouth (angular cheilitis) Brittle nails with ridges Dry skin Hair loss A burning sensation and redness of the tongue lining. Why and when should you test your iron level? The Easly iron level self-test is done with a finger prick. Blood collection should be done in the morning, as a meal can cause significant fluctuations in free iron. You can easily send the collected sample to the laboratory using the provided return envelope. After our analysis, you can view the results in your personal results dashboard.

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The Contec CMS50D2 saturation monitor quickly and painlessly measures oxygen levels and heart rate using a finger clip. Includes batteries, lanyard, pouch, hard case, and Dutch manual. ✔ Measure oxygen saturation (%SpO₂) and heart rate (BPM) ✔ Bright 2-color OLED screen with automatic rotation ✔ Adjustable alarm for limit values ✔ Includes: 2 AAA batteries, neck strap, storage bag, hard case and Dutch manual ✔ Suitable for home use, sports, medical setting or first aid Specifications: • SpO₂ measuring range: 35 – 99% • Pulse measurement range: 30 – 250 BPM • Accuracy: ±2% (SpO₂), ±2 BPM (heart rate) • Energy efficient: up to 30 hours of use with 2 AAA batteries • Dimensions: 57 × 33 × 32 mm • Display: %SpO₂, BPM, plethysmogram, alarm function • CE 0123 marked (TUV) and FDA approved Package contents: • Contec CMS50D2 saturation meter • 2 x AAA batteries • Neck cord • Plastic storage bag • Hard case • Dutch manual

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