Blood test
Lab analysis
Blood markers
11
Results in
48h
Price
65€
Activate blood panel was created together with SYNLAB doctors and health specialists. The panel consists of 11 key biomarkers and provides an initial snapshot of your health. The results allow you to understand potential health risks and development opportunities. We recommend every adult do at least 1 blood panel per year.
How it works
- Order the panel from SYNLAB
- Complete blood analysis at the nearest SYNLAB sample collection point (see here)
- Receive results to synlab.ee and digilugu.ee portal
- Insert the results into the Activate app for keeping track of your progress and sharing results with your coach
Measurements
1. Hemogram with 5-part leukogram, i.e., white blood cell count
A hemogram – an automatic analysis of blood cells – with a leukogram (white blood cell count) is a complex analysis that measures haemoglobin concentration in the blood, and counts and describes the blood cells: erythrocytes, leukocytes and thrombocytes.
A hemogram contains the following parameters:
Erythrocytes and haemoglobin
Erythrocytes, or red blood cells, contain haemoglobin and provide the body with oxygen. Haemoglobin is an iron-containing protein compound that gives the blood its red colour. Its task is to transport oxygen from the lungs to tissues.
High levels of erythrocytes and/or haemoglobin are found in the blood of smokers, those who have been in low oxygen conditions for long periods of time (e.g., in high altitudes), and where one has lung, heart and certain blood disorders.
Low levels erythrocytes and/or haemoglobin occur in anaemias of various causes and require further assessment (possible causes include iron deficiency, blood loss, chronic diseases, poor diet, etc.). Excessive liquid consumption can also cause low haemoglobin levels.
Haematocrit
Haematocrit expresses the ratio of the volume of blood cells to the total volume of blood plasma and characterises the viscosity of the blood. It allows for an indirect assessment of fluid balance in the body. In terms of cells, the haematocrit values are primarily influenced by the number of erythrocytes and haemoglobin levels. However, the haematocrit values also depend on the volume of blood plasma, which in turn is affected by the body’s fluid balance.
High haematocrit levels occur in conditions that cause an increase in erythrocytes and haemoglobin levels, and in case of severe dehydration.
Low haematocrit values occur in the case of anaemias.
Leukocytes
Leukocytes, or white blood cells, are the body’s defence cells. They can be divided into the following subsets: neutrophils, eosinophils, basophils, monocytes and lymphocytes. The leukogram shows how many different leukocytes circulate in the blood, based on these subsets. Each subset has a specific role to play in the body’s defence mechanism.
The number of leukocytes and the leukogram result make it possible to assess whether the body has any ongoing allergies, inflammations or infections (viral, bacterial), and whether it is an acute process or is already in the healing phase. A disruption in the number and relationship of leukocytes and their subsets indicates a possible blood disorder.
Higher leukocyte counts are more common after bacterial inflammations and infectious diseases, as well as after eating, physical exercise and severe stress.
Lower leukocyte counts often occur in the case of viral infections as well as due to some medications and alcohol consumption. Low leukocyte counts can also be caused by Vitamin B12 and folate deficiency, among other factors.
Thrombocytes
Thrombocytes (platelets) are involved in blood clotting.
Elevated platelet (thrombocyte) counts are associated with leukocyte changes in bacterial infections, iron deficiency or posthaemorrhagic anaemia.
Low platelet (thrombocyte) counts can be caused by viral infections, the use of certain medications, alcoholism, vitamin B12 and folate deficiency, and liver and autoimmune diseases.
2. CRP (high-sensitivity)
CRP (C-reactive protein) is a protein that allows to assess the presence and activity of an inflammatory process in the body. CRP is a protein that is produced in the liver in the acute phase of inflammation. Its levels in the blood change very rapidly in response to inflammation.
Along with the assessment of lipids (cholesterols, triglycerides), the risk of cardiovascular diseases and the presence of inflammation in the wall of a calcified blood vessel can be determined.
CRP levels greater than 10 mg/L indicate an inflammatory process in the body.
Cardiovascular disease risk evaluation:
CRP result (mg/L) Risk
<1 Low 1-3 Moderate >3 High
>5 Refers to an inflammatory process. Inflammatory or infectious disease must be ruled out.
3. Alanine aminotransferase (ALAT)
Alanine aminotransferase is an enzyme that is mostly found in liver cells and to a lesser extent in cardiac and skeletal muscle cells, kidney tissue and elsewhere in the body. When liver cells are damaged, the activity of this enzyme in the blood increases.
High ALAT levels in the blood are due to liver disease.
Moderate increases in ALAT levels in the blood may be due to liver cell damage with a variety of causes: e.g., the use of certain medication, obesity, alcoholism as well as strenuous physical exercise (small quantities of the enzyme can be found in skeletal muscles).
4. Glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c)
Glycated haemoglobin is the part of haemoglobin that is associated with glucose in the blood. It shows the average blood glucose level during 6-8 weeks before sampling. The analysis helps to monitor the progression of the disease in individuals with type 1 or type 2 diabetes. In addition, glycated haemoglobin helps to assess the risk of developing diabetes. The result is given as both concentration and percentage.
Elevated glycated haemoglobin values indicate an increased risk of diabetes or already established diabetes.
Low glycated haemoglobin values indicate hypoglycaemia, which is an abnormal (lower than normal) level of blood sugar that leads to the reduction in the lifespan of erythrocytes (haemolytic anaemia, recent or chronic blood loss, pregnancy in women).
5. Cholesterol
High cholesterol level is one of the biggest health risks in Estonia and worldwide. Therefore, every adult should know and monitor their blood cholesterol levels, especially from the age of 30.
Cholesterol is an indispensable and vital component of the body. It is a building block of cell membranes and a precursor for the production of many hormones and vitamin D. Cholesterol is derived from animal feed, synthesised by the liver and excreted in the bile. Cholesterol levels are largely affected by diet.
Cholesterol is present in the blood in lipoproteins: chylomicrons, VLDL, IDL, LDL and HDL lipoproteins.
Cholesterol test determines the total amount of cholesterol in different lipoproteins.
Increased cholesterol levels in the blood cause atherosclerosis and are among the main risk factors of cardiovascular diseases. Higher than recommended cholesterol levels can be caused by a high-fat and cholesterol-rich diet, biliary obstruction, decreased renal function, hypothyroidism, diabetes, obesity and familial hypercholesterolemia.
Decreased cholesterol levels may occur as a result of the consumption of vegetable fats, malnutrition or malabsorption, liver disease and hyperthyroidism.
6. LDL cholesterol
LDL cholesterol (low-density lipoprotein) is responsible for transporting cholesterol to tissues. LDL is known as "bad cholesterol" because its high levels in the blood cause atherosclerotic changes in the medium- and small-diameter arteries, disturbing the blood supply to various organs. Atherosclerosis of the coronary arteries can cause angina (chest pain) or infarction, or stroke if the blood vessels in the brain are damaged.
Elevated levels of LDL cholesterol are an important risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. LDL levels may increase in the case of diabetes, hypothyroidism and decreased renal function.
7. HDL cholesterol
HDL cholesterol (high-density lipoprotein) is responsible for transporting cholesterol from the tissues back to the liver. It is known as "good cholesterol" because it helps remove excess cholesterol from the blood, thereby reducing the risk of atherosclerosis.
Low levels of HDL cholesterol are a major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. HDL levels may decrease in the case of acute illness, trauma, diabetes, liver disease, anaemia, hypothyroidism or decreased renal function.
8. Triglycerides
Triglycerides are an important source of energy for the body. The body makes triglycerides from edible fats, but they are also formed in the liver and adipose tissue. Triglycerides are deposited and stored in the adipose tissue. To determine triglyceride levels, it is important to fast for 10-14 hours before giving blood.
Elevated triglyceride levels indicate impaired lipid metabolism and are an important risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. The level of triglycerides in the blood may increase in case of obesity, diabetes, hypothyroidism, alcoholism, pancreatitis and chronic liver or kidney disease.
9. Ferritin
Ferritin is found in the cells of the liver, spleen and bone marrow and reflects the body’s iron stores. The body requires iron to synthesise haemoglobin and ensure the transport of oxygen to the tissues, to regulate cell growth and development, and for the heart, muscle and neural tissue function.
Ferritin levels in the blood decrease in the early stages of iron deficiency. The recommended range for ferritin in the blood serum is >50 ug/l.
Ferritin is also a so-called acute phase protein; its levels in the blood increase during inflammation. In this case, the normal or increased levels of ferritin do not accurately reflect the body’s iron stores, and this should be taken into account when interpreting the results. Additional tests for iron deficiency can also be performed in anaemic patients with inflammation.
Low ferritin levels indicate iron deficiency, which may include symptoms such as excessive fatigue, weakness, dizziness, general feeling of weakness, decreased ability to combat colds, decreased muscular capacity and performance, memory impairment, learning difficulties, fear of cold, pale skin, brittle hair and nails, and pale complexion. Together with changes in erythrocytes and haemoglobin, low ferritin levels indicate the possibility and cause of anaemia.
High ferritin levels indicate excess iron in the body, which results in deposition syndromes, triggering allergies, liver and pancreatic damage, joint pain and other conditions.
10. Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 (cobalamin) is a cobalt-containing water-soluble vitamin, which plays an important role in the synthesis of nucleic acids, amino acids, proteins and myelin (the insulating membrane surrounding nerve cells). The vitamin is required for the synthesis of haemoglobin in the bone marrow and for normal neurological function.
The vitamin is found only in animal-source foods, but its absorption is inhibited by atrophic gastritis and other diseases of gastrointestinal tract, excessive consumption of alcohol and coffee, smoking, oral contraceptives and laxatives. The absorption of B12 vitamin often decreases with age.
Vitamin B12 deficiency can be caused by low food intake of the vitamin (vegetarians), gastrointestinal diseases, changes in the intestinal microflora, broad tapeworm infection and other factors.
Chronic vitamin B12 deficiency causes anaemia and various types of nerve damage.
11. Vitamin D
Vitamin D is a fat-soluble steroid hormone. There are two main forms of the vitamin – D2 and D3.
Vitamin D2 is not synthesised by the body. It is obtained from plant-based food and some mushrooms.
Vitamin D3 is of animal origin (mainly fish), but the largest portion of D3 vitamin is synthesised in the skin upon exposure to ultraviolet light. Ultraviolet radiation in summer around midday on the hands and face for 10-15 minutes results in the synthesis of 800-1000 units of previtamin D3 in the skin, which is enough to cover the daily needs of an adult person.
The circulating metabolite 25(OH) of vitamin D, or calcidiol, is measured in the blood. It is the best indicator of vitamin D supply in the body.
Vitamin D affects calcium metabolism, blood clotting, nervous tissue function, strengthens the immune system and heart, and lowers blood sugar levels and blood pressure. The role of this vitamin in muscle work is to help maintain balance and support coordination.
Low levels of vitamin D interfere with the intestinal absorption of calcium and phosphates, which increases the risk of osteoporosis.
There is an association between vitamin D deficiency (< 50 nmol/l) and the incidence of viral diseases, multiple sclerosis, hypertension, rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes and other autoimmune diseases.