Optimize
Biomarker library

Every marker, explained.

The Optimize biomarker library is a plain-language reference for the blood markers in our panel. Each entry covers what the marker measures, why it matters, and how to read it in the context of the rest of your blood work.

Browse by domain · 18

Anemia5

Hematocrit
Percentage of total blood volume made up of red blood cells.
MCH
Average amount of hemoglobin per red blood cell.
MCHC
Average concentration of hemoglobin within red blood cells.
MCV
Average size of red blood cells, used to classify types of anemia.
RDW
Measure of the variation in size between individual red blood cells.

B-Vitamins4

Folate (vitamin B9)
B vitamin involved in DNA synthesis, cell division, and blood production.
Homocysteine
Amino acid that tracks with folate and B12 status and cardiovascular risk.
Methylmalonic Acid (MMA)
Functional marker that points to a possible cellular-level vitamin B12 deficiency.
Vitamin B12
B vitamin essential for nerve function, DNA synthesis, and blood production.

Clotting1

Platelets
Blood cells critical for clotting and wound healing.

Electrolytes2

Potassium
Electrolyte essential for heart rhythm, muscle function, and nerve signaling.
Sodium
Electrolyte that regulates fluid balance and nerve function.

Heart & Vascular8

Apolipoprotein B (ApoB)
Protein that approximates the number of atherogenic lipoprotein particles in the blood.
HDL Cholesterol
Lipoprotein assessed within the context of the broader lipid profile.
LDL / HDL Ratio
Summary ratio within the lipid profile used as a cardiovascular indicator.
LDL Cholesterol
Lipid marker central to cardiovascular risk assessment.
Lipoprotein(a)
Lipid marker that raises cardiovascular risk independent of standard cholesterol values.
Total Cholesterol
Sum of all cholesterol fractions within the lipid profile.
Total Cholesterol / HDL Ratio
Summary ratio reflecting the balance between total cholesterol and HDL.
Triglycerides / HDL Ratio
Ratio that correlates with metabolic health and insulin sensitivity.

Immune System6

Basophils
White blood cell subtype involved in allergic reactions and inflammatory processes.
Eosinophils
White blood cell subtype involved in allergic reactions and immune responses.
Leukocytes (WBC Count)
Total white blood cell count as a broad measure of immunity and inflammatory activity.
Lymphocytes
White blood cells central to the adaptive immune response.
Monocytes
White blood cells that are part of the innate immune system.
Neutrophils
White blood cells that respond first to infection or tissue damage.

Inflammation1

C-Reactive Protein (CRP)
Inflammation marker that rises with infection or systemic inflammatory activity.

Iron4

Ferritin
Storage marker for iron and the primary indicator of iron status.
Serum Iron
Snapshot of the circulating iron in the blood.
Transferrin
Transport protein that carries iron through the body to the cells.
Transferrin Saturation
Percentage of transferrin that is actually loaded with iron.

Kidneys2

Creatinine
Breakdown product of muscle metabolism used to estimate kidney function.
eGFR
Calculated estimate of the kidneys' filtration rate.

Liver3

ALT
Liver enzyme that rises in response to damage or stress to liver cells.
AST
Enzyme present in liver, heart, and muscle tissue that rises with tissue damage.
AST / ALT Ratio
Ratio that adds diagnostic context when liver enzymes are abnormal.

Liver & Bile Ducts3

Alkaline phosphatase (ALP)
Enzyme that provides information about bile-duct function and bone turnover.
Bilirubin
Breakdown product of hemoglobin excreted via the liver and bile.
Gamma-GT
Liver and bile-duct enzyme that responds sensitively to stress and impaired bile flow.

Metabolism3

Glucose (Fasting)
Fasting blood sugar value as a snapshot of glucose regulation.
Hemoglobin A1c
Reflection of average blood sugar over the past two to three months.
Triglycerides
Blood fat value sensitive to diet, alcohol use, and metabolic status.

Minerals3

Calcium
Mineral essential for bone formation, muscle function, and nerve signaling.
Corrected Calcium
Calcium value mathematically corrected for blood albumin levels.
Magnesium
Mineral involved in energy production, muscle function, and nerve signaling.

Oxygen Transport2

Erythrocytes (RBC Count)
Red blood cell count as part of the assessment of oxygen transport.
Hemoglobin
Oxygen-carrying protein in red blood cells that defines transport capacity.

Prostate1

PSA
Protein produced by the prostate used as a screening marker.

Proteins1

Albumin
Key blood protein involved in transport, fluid balance, and recovery.

Thyroid2

Free T4 (only if TSH is abnormal)
Free circulating thyroid hormone measured as a follow-up when TSH is abnormal.
TSH
Regulatory hormone that drives thyroid activity and serves as the primary screening marker.

Vitamins1

Vitamin D
Vitamin essential for bone health, muscle function, and immune regulation.
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