Understanding Blood Testing

What we test for, what it shows and how we use the results

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Written by Mark
Updated over a week ago

What will my blood be tested for?

Your sample will be analysed by our trusted partner laboratories to determine your current levels of:

  • Triglycerides  

  • Total cholesterol

  • HDL cholesterol   

  • LDL cholesterol   

This is your 'lipids panel'. Lipids are fats and fat-like substances that are important parts of our cells and sources of energy. A lipid panel test measures the level of these in your blood to assess risk for diseases such as cardiovascular disease. 

It includes triglycerides, the most common form of fat in the body, where elevated levels are associated with risk of atherosclerosis, fatty liver disease, diabetes and kidney disease.  It also reviews your cholesterol levels; we synthesise our own cholesterol in the liver, but our diets also contribute to our levels.

In addition key vitamins and minerals will also be analysed, this includes:

  • Folate (Vitamin B9)

  • (Active) Vitamin B12

  • Vitamin D

  • Ferritin (Iron)

These are key micronutrients for the regulation of energy levels and ones which are more likely to be depleted in, for certain individuals. 

Your gender, ethnicity, diet preference, exercise regime and lifestyle all have an impact on your risk of deficiency for these nutrients.

Each marker will be fully explained within your results tab alongside what your result means in terms of your health and actions you may need to take.


Why does a lipids test matter

Monitoring and maintaining healthy levels of these lipids is important for health and minimising risk of disease. Cholesterol is often seen as the enemy but in the right amounts it's fundamental to us and used to produce hormones and to build to walls of every cell in our bodies. 

Whilst the body produces cholesterol needed to function properly, our diet delivers cholesterol into our body too. Eating too much of the wrong foods, having the wrong lifestyle and/or having a genetic predisposition can result in having a high level of cholesterol in the blood. This extra cholesterol may be deposited as plaques on the walls of our blood vessels. 

The build-up of these plaques narrows and can eventually block blood vessels, leading to hardening of the arteries (known as atherosclerosis) and increasing risk of heart disease and stroke. A high level of triglycerides in the blood is associated with an increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease, but the good news is, by taking action to change diet and lifestyle, it is possible to reduce your lipid levels to prevent any further plaque build-up.  


How will my results be used?

Your blood test results will be delivered to you via the app where you can see your levels of each marker and whether they are in the optimal range or not. We will review your results with your questionnaire, food log and any tracker or blood pressure monitors that have been synced with the OME Health app.

Looking at all these data points, we can identify areas that need improving if some of the results were not in the optimal range. You will be sent personalised weekly goals to help you make the habitual and behaviour changes required for a healthier diet and lifestyle and will also be provided with a personalised meal plan full of tasty recipes which will also help you to lower cholesterol levels, or increase foods which provide you with key nutrients. Look out for specific tags in the meal plan to guide you on the recipes which are especially useful for your goals!


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