Thyroid Function

In the UK, it is recommended that both males and females over the age of 1 consume 10 micrograms (400UI) of vitamin D per day. For adults, doctors often suggest taking a 1000IU vitamin D supplement, which can be easily found in health food stores and pharmacies. This is especially important as many people we test are found to be deficient in vitamin D. It is advised to monitor your vitamin D levels regularly.

Excellent sources of vitamin D can be found in foods such as oily fish (like salmon, herring, and mackerel), red meat, liver (though pregnant individuals should avoid this), egg yolks, and fortified foods like fat spreads and breakfast cereals. Another option for getting enough vitamin D is through dietary supplements. However, it's important to note that in the UK, cows' milk is not typically fortified with vitamin D like it is in some other countries. Excellent sources of vitamin D can be found in foods such as oily fish (like salmon, herring, and mackerel), red meat, liver (though pregnant individuals should avoid this), egg yolks, and fortified foods like fat spreads and breakfast cereals.

The symptoms of vitamin D deficiency can present in a variety of ways. These may include fatigue, increased aches and pains, seasonal depression, sadness and a higher susceptibility to illnesses. It is important to note that even without obvious symptoms, it is still recommended to test your vitamin D levels, as many adults in the UK are deficient or do not have sufficient levels. If your test results indicate a deficiency, we will provide you with recommendations on how you can improve your vitamin D levels.

Different laboratories have varying normal ranges for vitamin D levels in the blood, but in general, a level below 50nmol/L is seen as insufficient. There is no consensus on the optimal vitamin D level, with some sources suggesting it may be as high as 70-80nmol/L. Here is a general guide based on figures from NICE guidance and other sources: - <25 nmol/L: Deficient - 25-50 nmol/L: Insufficient - >50 nmol/L: Adequate - >125 nmol/L: Too high

Not getting enough vitamin D can lead to weaker bones, increased risk of diseases such as osteomalacia and rickets, a compromised immune system, and a higher likelihood of developing certain types of cancers, depression, sadness, heart disease, and obesity.

1. Fatigue and tiredness 2. Bone and back pain 3. Hair loss 4. Muscle pain and weakness 5. Depression 6. Impaired wound healing 7. Constant illness or infections 8. Slow healing of fractures 9. Impaired cognitive function 10. Reduced bone density and increased risk of fractures.

The most precise method of measuring your vitamin D level is through the Vitamin D (25 OH) Blood Test. You have the option to conveniently test your vitamin D level at home using our simple finger-prick blood test kit, or have your blood sample collected at home at your convenience.

Yes, you can download your results from your health dashboard as a PDF to share with your GP.

Our team of doctors and nurses carefully reviews all test results and will provide feedback on any results that fall outside of the expected range for your age.

The recommended daily intake of vitamin B12 varies depending on factors such as age, sex, and specific health conditions. Here are the general guidelines for daily intake: For adults (age 19 years and older), the recommended daily intake is 2.4 micrograms (mcg) of vitamin B12. Pregnant women should aim for 2.6 mcg per day. Breastfeeding women need slightly more, with a recommended intake of 2.8 mcg per day. Vitamin B12 requirements may be higher for individuals with certain medical conditions, such as pernicious anemia or gastrointestinal disorders that affect absorption.

Some sources of B12 include meat, poultry, fish, eggs, and dairy products. Additionally, certain foods like cereals are fortified with B12.

Vitamin B12 or folate deficiency anaemia can cause a wide range of symptoms. These usually develop gradually, but can worsen if the condition goes untreated. Most symptoms are the same whether they are caused by either folate deficiency or vitamin B12 deficiency. Symptoms of vitamin B12 and folate deficiency anaemia include: rapid breathing or shortness of breath headaches indigestion loss of appetite palpitations problems with your vision feeling weak or tired diarrhoea a sore or red tongue, sometimes with mouth ulcers problems with memory, understanding and judgment (cognitive changes) Some of these symptoms can also happen in people who have a vitamin B12 or folate deficiency but have not developed anaemia. Vitamin B12 deficiency can also cause symptoms that affect your brain and nervous system (neurological symptoms), including: numbness muscle weakness psychological problems, which can range from mild depression or anxiety, to confusion and dementia problems with balance and coordination pins and needles incontinence

The normal range for vitamin B12 can vary slightly depending on the lab. But a normal level of vitamin B12 in your bloodstream is generally between 190 and 950 picograms per milliliter (pg/mL). Between 200 to 300 pg/mL is considered borderline and your doctor may do more testing.

A deficiency in vitamin B12 can result in enduring harm to the brain and nervous system, contributing to feelings of fatigue, weakness, and dizziness, as well as a general sense of mental unease.

Our team of doctors and nurses carefully reviews all test results and will provide feedback on any results that fall outside of the expected range for your age.

Our team of doctors and nurses carefully reviews all test results and will provide feedback on any results that fall outside of the expected range for your age.

Generally, conventional guidance deems a ferritin level under 20ug/L as abnormally low, we advocate for surpassing the conventional 'normal' range to promote peak health. Numerous specialists, including dermatologists, sleep consultants, and sports medicine doctors, advise aiming for a ferritin level around 100ug/L for optimal performance. This elevated level guarantees ample iron supply for the intricate biological processes crucial across various bodily systems.

Increasing ferritin levels can be accomplished by making changes to your diet and taking supplements. It's essential to include iron-rich foods such as red meat and leafy green vegetables in your meals. Moreover, it's advisable to take a daily iron supplement. To enhance absorption, take the supplement with citrus fruit juice on an empty stomach.

Reducing elevated ferritin levels starts with identifying the underlying cause. It's crucial to pinpoint why your ferritin levels are high to implement appropriate measures. Lifestyle adjustments such as dietary changes and moderating alcohol intake might be necessary.

There are two main types of dietary iron: heme iron, present in animal products, and non-heme iron, found in plant-based and fortified foods. Heme iron sources include red meat, poultry, and fish. Non-heme iron sources encompass legumes, beans, fortified foods, and leafy green vegetables. Here's a list of ten foods rich in iron: 1. Red meat (beef, lamb, pork) 2. Liver (especially beef liver) 3. Poultry (chicken, turkey) 4. Fish (such as tuna, salmon, and sardines) 5. Shellfish (like oysters, clams, and mussels) 6. Beans (such as chickpeas, lentils, and black beans) 7. Tofu 8. Quinoa 9. Spinach 10. Fortified breakfast cereals

As per UK government guidelines, adult males should aim for 4.7mg of iron daily, while adult females should target 8mg [1]. However, women experiencing heavier menstrual periods might require additional iron. The maximum absorbable amount is approximately 60mg of elemental iron per day, beyond which Hepcidin inhibits iron transport across the gut wall. Department of Health: Dietary Reference Guidelines

If you place your order before midday from Monday to Friday, your kit will be dispatched on the same day. All kits are sent out using Royal Mail first class post, typically arriving within 1-2 working days.

Utilise our finger prick blood test kit to check your ferritin and iron levels from the comfort of your home. The kit comprises all necessary items for collecting a small blood sample, including lancets, tubes, plasters, and prepaid return postage for sending your sample to us. Completing the test takes only a few minutes. Once your sample reaches our lab, expect to receive your results within 2 working days, accompanied by insights from our medical professionals.

Ferritin is a protein housing iron and serves as the main storage form of iron within cells. Generally, it serves as a reliable indicator of overall iron levels in the body. Iron plays crucial roles beyond just red blood cell production; it's involved in various functions including sleep quality, immune response, and even thyroid function, potentially offering benefits with increased levels. During heightened activation of white blood cells, ferritin may be released into the bloodstream, making it a commonly used surrogate marker for inflammation.

Our team of doctors and nurses carefully reviews all test results and will provide feedback on any results that fall outside of the expected range for your age.

Folate, also known as folic acid or vitamin B9, plays several important roles in the body, including in making DNA, which is your unique genetic code. An inadequate level of folate in the body, called folate deficiency, can lead to Anemia and other changes to your health. Anemia may cause symptoms like weakness, shortness of breath, and mental changes.

The thyroid is a gland located in your neck responsible for producing hormones called thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). These hormones play a vital role in regulating the activity of cells and tissues throughout the body. T3 serves as the active hormone, formed by the conversion of T4 within the body. It governs metabolism, dictating the pace at which cells function. The pituitary gland regulates the production of thyroid hormones by releasing thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) to stimulate the thyroid gland.

Our thyroid check is suitable for individuals seeking to assess whether symptoms such as abrupt weight changes, mood fluctuations, sleep disturbances, or muscle weakness may stem from a thyroid-related concern. Additionally, it proves valuable for monitoring an ongoing thyroid condition.

Our team of doctors and nurses carefully reviews all test results and will provide feedback on any results that fall outside of the expected range for your age.

The thyroid is a gland located in your neck responsible for producing hormones called thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). These hormones play a vital role in regulating the activity of cells and tissues throughout the body. T3 serves as the active hormone, formed by the conversion of T4 within the body. It governs metabolism, dictating the pace at which cells function. The pituitary gland regulates the production of thyroid hormones by releasing thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) to stimulate the thyroid gland.

Early signs of thyroid problems may encompass: Sensitivity to cold or heat Changes in weight (either gain or loss) Constipation Low mood Muscle weakness and aches Reduced libido Mood swings Sleep disturbances

The primary cause of an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) is often Graves' Disease, an autoimmune disorder characterized by the release of antibodies prompting excessive production of thyroid hormone. Other less frequent causes include thyroid nodules and medications that elevate iodine levels in the body.

Typically, an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) arises when the immune system mistakenly attacks and damages the thyroid gland, impairing its capacity to generate an adequate amount of hormones.

Upon receiving a thyroid condition diagnosis, it's common to seek lifestyle improvements to alleviate symptoms, complement prescribed medication, or strive for a return to normalcy. Evaluating our dietary choices and considering supplements is a natural initial step in this process. For more information and further reading, https://www.btf-thyroid.org/diets-and-supplements-for-thyroid-disorders

Our team of doctors and nurses carefully reviews all test results and will provide feedback on any results that fall outside of the expected range for your age.

A cortisol blood test measures the cortisol levels in your bloodstream, serving as an indicator of stress. Assessing stress levels can offer insights into factors contributing to fatigue, poor sleep quality, or mood fluctuations.

Your cortisol levels rise and fall throughout the day, but are highest in the morning, when you wake up, so it’s best to collect your blood sample before 10am or within 3 hours of waking up. Our cortisol blood test kit has everything you need to collect a blood sample at home, including free return postage to our labs. Our doctors will review your results to provide feedback on your levels and advice on how to improve them.

Persistent high levels of cortisol can negatively impact health. Symptoms of heightened cortisol include: Weight gain Feeling confused Unable to focus Muscle weakness Alterations in skin condition Hypertension (high blood pressure) Irregular or absent menstrual periods Increased thirst and urination Fatigue Mood fluctuations Sleep disturbances Cognitive difficulties Decreased libido

Cortisol is a steroid hormone produced by the adrenal glands. Abnormal cortisol levels can lead to health conditions. Cortisol impacts: effective metabolism of glucose blood pressure inflammation reduction your response to dangers

Implementing lifestyle adjustments can effectively manage cortisol levels. Dietary modifications, regular exercise, and stress-relieving activities all contribute to lowering stress and cortisol levels. Participating in Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Programs can enhance stress management skills. Additionally, activities like yoga, Pilates, and meditation may offer benefits. Whenever possible, distancing oneself from stressful situations can also be helpful.

The typical range for cortisol levels is between 160 – 600 nmol/L.

High cortisol levels can be triggered by various factors: Stress: Cortisol, often termed the "stress hormone," is produced in response to stressors. Chronic stress can lead to persistently elevated cortisol levels. Intense Physical Activity: High training loads in athletes can stimulate cortisol production due to the physical stress exerted on the body during workouts. Medical Conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as Cushing's syndrome, pituitary gland disorders, or adrenal gland disorders, can cause elevated cortisol levels. Medications: Some medications, including corticosteroids used to treat inflammatory conditions, can lead to increased cortisol levels as a side effect. Poor Sleep: Inadequate or disrupted sleep patterns can elevate cortisol levels, as sleep plays a crucial role in regulating cortisol secretion. Diet: Consuming excessive amounts of caffeine or refined sugars, or following a high-stress diet, can contribute to elevated cortisol levels.

One study found that, compared to running, swimming was more effective in reducing cortisol. Submerging your whole body in water can also be therapeutic – the repetition of a swimming stroke gives you something to focus your mind on.

Our team of doctors and nurses carefully reviews all test results and will provide feedback on any results that fall outside of the expected range for your age.

Did you know that an estimated 850,000 people may be living with undiagnosed diabetes? This staggering figure highlights the importance of raising awareness about the signs and symptoms of diabetes, as early detection and management are crucial for preventing complications and improving overall health outcomes. By increasing public education and promoting regular health screenings, we can strive towards ensuring that everyone has access to timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment for diabetes."

If you have concerns that your lifestyle habits may increase your risk of developing type 2 diabetes, it's advisable to take this test. Additionally, individuals with type 2 diabetes who wish to monitor their condition can benefit from this test. Regular screenings can help identify pre-diabetes or diabetes early, enabling prompt intervention and management to prevent complications and maintain overall health.

Our HbA1c test offers the convenience of testing for diabetes from the comfort of your home using a simple finger-prick method. The test kit includes all necessary materials for collecting your blood sample at home, along with prepaid return postage for sending the sample to our labs for analysis. Upon analysis, you'll receive a comprehensive report and personalised comments from our medical team, providing valuable insights into your health status and helping you understand the results effectively.

The normal HbA1c level can vary based on age, but there are guidelines for determining a healthy level depending on the stage of diabetes: Non-diabetic: 20-42mmol/L Prediabetes: 42-48mmol/L Diabetes: over 48mmol/L

An HbA1c test is used to test for pre-diabetes or type 2 diabetes in adults. Unlike other tests, it gives you an average blood glucose reading over a period of up to three months rather than at the time of testing. It is considered the gold standard in diabetes testing.

The gold standard test for diagnosing type 2 diabetes is an HbA1c blood test, which provides an average measure of blood glucose levels over the previous 2-3 months.

For individuals without type 2 diabetes, a healthy HbA1c level falls within the range of 20-42mmol/mol.

In the UK, 4.7 million individuals currently have diabetes, with projections indicating that this number will climb to 5.5 million over the next decade. Of those diagnosed, 90% have type 2 diabetes, while type 1 makes up approximately 8%. However, the actual number may be higher as there are an estimated one million undiagnosed individuals with type 2 diabetes in the UK. The growing prevalence of type 2 diabetes poses a significant problem, particularly as it costs the NHS £173 million per week. The surge in obesity is primarily responsible for the uptick in type 2 diabetes cases, with obesity being the leading risk factor for developing the condition. By taking charge of your health and gaining a better understanding of your internal health, you can proactively reduce your risk by making lifestyle changes.

Numerous factors, including obesity or being overweight, physical inactivity, poor dietary habits, diabetes, stress, and certain medications, can all lead to a rise in HbA1c levels.

To effectively reduce your HbA1c levels, it is important to focus on making long-term lifestyle changes. Begin by incorporating more whole, unprocessed foods into your diet, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Limit your intake of sugary foods and beverages, refined carbohydrates, and saturated fats. Regular physical activity is key in managing HbA1c levels. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week, such as brisk walking, cycling, or swimming. Exercise helps improve insulin sensitivity and glucose uptake, leading to better blood sugar control. Stress management techniques, such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, yoga, or spending time in nature, can help reduce cortisol levels and prevent spikes in blood sugar. Adequate sleep is also important for regulating HbA1c levels, so aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night. In addition to lifestyle changes, medications prescribed by your healthcare provider may be necessary to manage your HbA1c levels. Monitoring your progress regularly through at-home blood tests can help you track your improvements and adjust your plan accordingly. With dedication and consistency, you can successfully lower your HbA1c levels and improve your overall health.

Our team of doctors and nurses carefully reviews all test results and will provide feedback on any results that fall outside of the expected range for your age.

We offer the option of customising most of our test packages so you can create a bespoke test to suit your requirements. You can do this by selecting ‘customise this test’ on the test page. This will allow you to add any biomarkers which are not currently included within the package you have selected. We would recommend ensuring you read the biomarkers information before adding them to your test. Once you are happy with your selection, you can select your collection type before adding your bespoke test to your basket.

Waiting a short while before collecting your sample is no problem. However, the tubes within your test kit will have an expiry date, which is displayed on the side of the tubes. If you would like to wait, please store your kit in a cool, dry place and out of direct sunlight or any other extreme temperatures as this can affect the analysis of your sample.

Yes, just before checking out you have the option of selecting if the test kit is for yourself or for someone else. If you select ‘it’s for someone else’ we will include a blank lab request form which will include the details on how the recipient can create an account and activate the test kit in the top right hand corner. Please ensure if this test is for someone else you select the correct option. We have extremely strict procedures in place and our lab may deem a sample as a mis-match if they have any confusion about who has collected the sample. Please note subscription test kits are unavailable to be purchased as a gift.

Your test results are broken down by each biomarker and can be viewed within your Results Dashboard. Simply click ‘View Results’ button for your test shown in your account. Once you’ve clicked through to your results, you can read more about each biomarker measured by clicking ‘More Details’ next to each biomarker.

If you need to make a change to your order, please contact our support team by emailing info@koretesting.com as soon as possible after purchase. If your kit has been dispatched already, we may not be able to make changes to your order, but we can offer further advice on what to do next. Our customer service team is available from 9.00 am to 5.00 pm Monday to Friday (excluding bank holidays) and aims to respond within two working days.

This is not something we can offer as our lab does not analyse blood groups.

If you have ordered a finger prick blook test, the equipment included in the kit is as follows: Test tube/s 3/4 lancets Sterilising wipes Plasters Lab request form with labels Plastic case to protect your sample in transit to the lab Tracked-24 prepaid return envelope If you have opted for a phlebotomy test kit, the equipment included in the kit is as follows: Test tubes* Syringe* Sterilising wipes Plasters Lab request form with labels Plastic case to protect your sample in transit to the lab Tracked-24 prepaid return envelope *Please be aware with our COVID-19 Antibody test you will only be sent the lab request form, plastic case, and returns envelope. The nurse will bring the tube and syringe required to collect the sample.

Our labs operate a robust quality control programme to ensure equality standards are met on a day-to-day basis. Each biomarker analysed is validated for both accuracy and repeatability through ISO 15189 and an ongoing external quality assessment scheme which our lab voluntarily participates in. Forth only uses laboratories with UKAS accreditation ISO 15189, this is an internationally recognised accreditation for laboratories. It is the gold standard in the industry and the same standard met by NHS laboratories.

For most of our finger prick blood tests, results will be available within 2 working days from receipt of your sample at our lab. Below is an example of the timings from when you post your sample to when you receive your results: Monday - take your blood sample and post it in a priority post box using our Tracked 24 return envelope. Tuesday - sample will arrive at our UKAS accredited lab - this part is out of our control as it's dependent on Royal Mail's service; plus, the time you posted your sample. If your sample isn't collected until the evening collection on the day you posted it, then the sample won't arrive at our lab until the evening of the following day. Wednesday - blood sample analysed, results collated and reviewed by our medical team and comments made. Thursday - results available on your health dashboard. There are some tests that take longer to analyse, such as our Omega 6:3 ratio test and our Ultimate test which contains the Omega 6:3 ratio. These tests have a 10-working day turnaround time once the sample is received by our lab.

If our FAQs are unable to answer all your questions or if you have any further enquiries or suggestions, then please contact us info@koretesting.com or use the form provided. Our customer service team is available from 9.00 am to 5.00 pm Monday to Friday (excluding bank holidays) and aims to respond within one working day. We try and make our service as affordable and efficient as possible, and it is for this reason that we do not offer a telephone service. However, you can be assured that any enquiry into our support team will be answered quickly.

If you order your test before midday on a Monday to Friday then your kit will be dispatched the same day. All our kits are sent out via Royal Mail first class post, so it should be with you within 1-2 working days.

A blood collection kit will be sent to your address. This kit contains all you need to collect the blood sample and a pre-paid return envelope to send your sample to our lab. Depending on the test you select, blood samples are collected by finger prick (which you can do yourself) or by a phlebotomy draw (which must be done by a trained healthcare professional). Finger Prick If you have purchased a finger prick test, you can collect your own sample by using the lancets and specimen tube/s provided: Twist and remove the blue stick from the lancet. Stand up and press the lancet firmly on the side of your chosen finger. Wipe away the first droplet of blood, then gently massage down the side of your finger. Collect your sample in the tube/s provided. Once collected, place the correct cap on and invert 10 times. Then clean your finger with the alcohol wipe and apply the plaster. Post the sample to our lab the same day of collection. Phlebotomy Draw A phlebotomy draw is where blood is taken from the vein using a needle by a healthcare professional. You can organise a phlebotomy draw yourself, via our home phlebotomy service, which is subject to an additional charge, or via a partnered clinic. You can select these options during checkout.

Once used, we recommend that you put the lancets into the plastic sleeves provided for the plasters and wipes and dispose of them into a general waste bin. The lancets will spring back into their plastic casing for health and safety reasons.

Yes. We offer two options to allow you to have your blood taken at a clinic with our home blood testing kit: You can arrange your own appointment at a clinic or GP survey, we will provide all the kit you need for the healthcare professional to take your blood sample. You can arrange to have your blood taken at a Clinic in your area. Both options are available for selection during checkout. If you select the second option, we will email you with details on how to arrange your appointment.

We have teamed up with phlebotomy partners who have registered mobile nurses located across the UK. Once an order has been received for a phlebotomy appointment, your details are passed onto our phlebotomy partner who will call you within 2 working days to see what dates and times work best for you. While this is being arranged, a phlebotomy kit will be dispatched directly to you. This kit contains all the nurse needs to do the blood draw and should be given to the nurse at the beginning of your appointment. Please do not attempt to use this kit yourself.

We advise against posting any samples during a Bank Holiday due to any potential delays within the postal service. Before the bank holiday weekend, please collect and post your sample as normal between Monday and Thursday. After this, ideally, we would recommend waiting until after the bank holiday weekend. However, we do understand customers may wish to continue to collect the sample if this requires a certain day of collection. PLEASE NOTE ​Posting during a bank holiday weekend may result in your sample not reaching the lab in a reasonable time and being unable to provide a result. We would highly recommend all samples are posted into a priority post box. You can find your nearest priority post box here: www.royalmail.com/services-near-you If you have any questions about your order, please email us at info@koretesting.com

Some medications, such as antibiotics, can influence your results while others won’t. So it’s always best to check with us first if you are on any medication by contacting info@koretesting.com Or you can use our 'contact us' form on this page. We will advise you on whether to take the test, or if it’s best to wait until you’ve completed your course of medication.

In the instance you need to reschedule your clinic appointment please call the telephone number within the order confirmation email as soon as you possibly can. The call operator will be happy to assist you and provide the next available appointment to book. Appointments cancelled within 24 hours of the appointment will incur a cancellation fee. If you need to cancel your home phlebotomy appointment, please contact our phlebotomy partner on the same telephone number that your appointment was arranged on. Appointments cancelled within 48 hours of the appointment will incur a cancellation fee.

Clinic appointments We have partnered with Goodbody to offer phlebotomy appointments within the nurse clinics across the UK. When purchasing a test kit we will dispatch a phlebotomy test kit to you and this should be taken to the appointment with you as it will contain everything required for the healthcare professional to collect your sample via a vein. Home appointments These appointments are very similar to the clinic appointments; however, our home phlebotomy partner will arrange for a nurse to come to your home to collect your sample. We dispatch a phlebotomy test kit to your home address, so this is readily available for the appointment.

Step 1 - step 2 more test etc

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