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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... Read more
Barcode: 8720256100379
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.
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.
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 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 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 (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 (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 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.
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 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 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.
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 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.
