Biomarker library
Every marker, explained.
The Optimize biomarker library is a plain-language reference for the blood markers in our test. 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.
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Anemia4
MCH
MCH is the average amount of hemoglobin contained in each red blood cell.
MCHC
MCHC shows how concentrated the hemoglobin inside your red blood cells is.
MCV
MCV is the average size of your red blood cells and helps distinguish the type of anemia.
RDW
RDW shows how much your red blood cells vary in size from one another.
B-Vitamins4
Folate (vitamin B9)
Folate is a B vitamin your body needs for DNA synthesis, cell division and blood production.
Homocysteine
Homocysteine is an amino acid your body clears with B-vitamins, rising when folate or B12 runs short.
Methylmalonic Acid (MMA)
Methylmalonic acid (MMA) is a metabolite that builds up when your cells run short on vitamin B12.
Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 is a B vitamin your body needs for your nerves, DNA production, and blood formation.
Electrolytes2
Heart & Vascular8
Apolipoprotein B (ApoB)
ApoB is a protein on every harmful cholesterol particle, so it counts how many of those particles circulate in your blood.
HDL Cholesterol
HDL is the 'good' cholesterol that carries excess cholesterol back to your liver.
LDL / HDL Ratio
The LDL/HDL ratio divides your 'bad' LDL cholesterol by your 'good' HDL to summarise the balance in your lipid profile.
LDL Cholesterol
LDL cholesterol is the cholesterol in your blood that can lodge in artery walls and build up as plaque.
Lipoprotein(a)
Lipoprotein(a) is an inherited cholesterol particle that raises your cardiovascular risk, apart from cholesterol.
Total Cholesterol
Total cholesterol is the sum of all the cholesterol in your blood and the starting point of the lipid profile.
Total Cholesterol / HDL Ratio
The total cholesterol/HDL ratio divides total cholesterol by HDL, summarising your cholesterol balance in a single number.
Triglycerides / HDL Ratio
The triglyceride/HDL ratio divides your triglycerides by your HDL and gives a quick read on your insulin sensitivity.
Immune System6
Basophils
Basophils are the rarest subtype of white blood cell, with a role in allergic reactions and inflammatory processes.
Eosinophils
Eosinophils are white blood cells that regulate allergic reactions and help defend against parasites.
Leukocytes (WBC Count)
Leukocytes are your white blood cells, and the total count gives a broad picture of your immunity and inflammatory activity.
Lymphocytes
Lymphocytes are the white blood cells of your adaptive immune system that recognise and target specific pathogens.
Monocytes
Monocytes are the largest white blood cells of your innate immune system and clear away pathogens and cell debris.
Neutrophils
Neutrophils are the most numerous white blood cells and the first line of your defence against infection or tissue damage.
Iron4
Ferritin
Ferritin is the protein that stores iron in your cells, making it the most reliable blood test for your iron stores.
Serum Iron
Serum iron is a snapshot of the amount of iron circulating in your blood right now, bound to its transport protein.
Transferrin
Transferrin is the transport protein that carries iron through your blood to your cells.
Transferrin Saturation
Transferrin saturation is the percentage of your transferrin loaded with iron and shows how much iron is available.
Kidneys2
Liver7
Albumin
Albumin is the most common protein in your blood that retains fluid and transports substances through your body.
Alkaline phosphatase (ALP)
ALP is an enzyme released mainly by your bile ducts and bones that reflects your liver and bone metabolism.
ALT
ALT is a liver enzyme that leaks into the blood when liver cells are damaged and serves as the standard marker for your liver.
AST
AST is an enzyme in liver, heart and muscle that leaks into your blood when those cells are damaged.
AST / ALT Ratio
The AST/ALT ratio compares two liver enzymes and helps tell whether raised values come from your liver or your muscles.
Bilirubin
Bilirubin is the yellow breakdown product of red blood cells that your liver clears through bile.
Gamma-GT
Gamma-GT is a liver and bile-duct enzyme that reacts sensitively to alcohol, fatty liver, and medication.
Metabolism3
Glucose (Fasting)
Fasting glucose is your blood sugar after a night without eating and shows how well your body processes glucose.
Hemoglobin A1c
HbA1c shows what your average blood sugar has been over the past two to three months.
Triglycerides
Triglycerides are a blood fat that responds strongly to diet and alcohol and reflects your metabolic health.
Minerals3
Calcium
Mineral essential for bone formation, muscle function, and nerve signaling.
Corrected Calcium (only if albumin < 40 g/L)
Corrected calcium is your total calcium adjusted for your albumin, for a truer picture of your free calcium.
Magnesium
Magnesium is a mineral involved in energy production, muscle function, and nerve signalling.
Oxygen Transport3
Erythrocytes (RBC Count)
Erythrocytes are your red blood cells, and the RBC count measures them per volume of blood to gauge oxygen transport.
Hematocrit
Hematocrit is the percentage of your blood made up of red blood cells, your measure of oxygen-carrying capacity.
Hemoglobin
Hemoglobin is the oxygen-carrying protein in your red blood cells and the marker that defines anemia.