What we test, and why

Resting heart rate is the number of times your heart beats per minute when you are calm, relaxed, and not exercising. It is usually measured after sitting or lying quietly for several minutes. A lower resting heart rate often reflects better cardiovascular fitness.

Remnant cholesterol is the cholesterol left in certain blood fat particles after they have delivered much of their triglycerides. Higher remnant cholesterol levels are linked with a greater risk of artery plaque and heart disease.

Heart age compares the health of your heart and blood vessels to what is typical for someone your age with ideal risk factors. It uses information like blood pressure, cholesterol, smoking, and other risks. A heart age older than your actual age suggests higher long-term risk and room for improvement with lifestyle changes.

Pulse pressure is the difference between the top (systolic) and bottom (diastolic) blood pressure numbers. It reflects how much force your heart generates each time it contracts. Pulse pressure often increases with age as arteries become stiffer and less flexible.

Diastolic blood pressure is the bottom number in a blood pressure reading. It shows how much pressure your blood puts on artery walls when your heart is resting between beats. Together, systolic and diastolic pressure give a picture of how hard your heart and blood vessels are working.

Systolic blood pressure is the top number in a blood pressure reading. It shows how much pressure your blood puts on artery walls when your heart is squeezing and pumping blood out. It changes throughout the day and tends to rise with stress, exercise, and age.

The Framingham Risk Score estimates your chance of developing heart disease over the next 10 years. It uses information like age, sex, cholesterol levels, blood pressure, smoking, and diabetes status. This score helps guide decisions about lifestyle changes and treatment to lower risk.

The ApoB/ApoA1 ratio compares particles that can promote artery plaque (ApoB) with particles that help protect against it (ApoA1). A higher ratio means there are more potentially harmful particles compared to protective ones. This ratio gives another way of looking at long-term heart risk.

The TC/HDL ratio compares your total cholesterol to your HDL (“good”) cholesterol. It is calculated by dividing total cholesterol by HDL cholesterol. A lower ratio usually suggests a more favorable balance for heart health.

ApoA1 is the main protein on HDL (“good”) cholesterol particles. These particles help remove extra cholesterol from the bloodstream and bring it back to the liver. Higher ApoA1 levels are generally linked with better heart health.

Apolipoprotein B (ApoB) is the main protein on cholesterol particles like LDL that can build up in artery walls. Measuring ApoB gives a direct count of how many of these particles are in your blood. Higher ApoB levels are linked with higher long-term risk of heart disease.

Lp(a) is a type of cholesterol particle that can more easily build up in artery walls and may increase the chance of blood clotting. Because of this, higher Lp(a) levels are linked with a greater risk of heart disease and stroke. Lp(a) is mostly determined by your genes, so it is often measured at least once in a lifetime.

The plasma atherogenic index (PAI) helps show the balance between fats that can clog arteries and fats that protect your heart. A higher PAI suggests a higher heart and metabolic risk, even if standard cholesterol numbers look normal.

Uric acid is made when your body breaks down substances called purines, which are found in some foods and drinks like meat and alcohol. Your liver makes uric acid, and your kidneys help remove it from the body. Levels can be affected by diet, kidney function, and overall metabolism.

Cholesterol is a fat-like substance found in some foods and also made by your liver. It helps your body digest fats, make hormones like estrogen and testosterone, and produce vitamin D. This test measures the total amount of cholesterol in your blood, carried by proteins called lipoproteins.

Triglycerides are fats in the blood that your body uses for energy. They help move fat from the gut to the liver, and while their link to heart disease risk can vary, they are easily improved with changes in diet and exercise.

hs-CRP is a protein in your blood that rises when your body has inflammation. This test can detect even small increases in CRP and is often used to help show your risk for heart disease, although levels can also go up from things like infections, injuries, or intense exercise.

Non-HDL-C includes all cholesterol types except HDL-C. It reflects the total amount of cholesterol that can contribute to buildup in the arteries.

LDL-C helps transport cholesterol throughout the body for use in cells and hormone production. When levels are high, extra LDL-C can build up in blood vessel walls over time.

HDL-C is often called the “good” cholesterol because it helps carry extra cholesterol from your tissues back to your liver. Higher levels support heart and blood vessel health.

The Rh factor is a protein on red blood cells. Several types exist, but the D antigen is the most important. People are called Rh-positive or Rh-negative based on whether they have it. If an Rh-negative person meets Rh-positive blood, their body can make antibodies that attack those cells, causing a strong immune reaction.

Basophils are a type of white blood cell that are primarily involved in allergic responses.

Lymphocytes are a type of white blood cell that help your body recognize and fight viruses and other germs. Some lymphocytes also “remember” past exposures so your immune system can respond faster next time.

Here’s a grade 6–8 level version:The **ABO blood group** is a way to classify blood based on whether certain proteins, called **A** and **B antigens**, are on the surface of red blood cells. There are four main blood types: **A, B, AB,** and **O**. Your type depends on which antigens you have. For example, people with **AB** blood have both A and B antigens, while people with **O** blood have neither.

Eosinophils are a type of white blood cell that fight parasites and are involved in allergic reactions.

Mean platelet volume (MPV) measures the average size of your platelets. It helps show how actively your bone marrow is producing new platelets.

Monocytes are white blood cells that help clean up damaged tissue and support immune defense. They also mature into macrophages, which help remove germs and waste from the body.

Platelets are small cell fragments that help your blood clot when you have a cut or injury. Their levels can shift with changes in bone marrow activity, immune function, and overall health.

Red cell distribution width (RDW) is a measure of how much your red blood cells (the oxygen carrying cells in your blood) vary in size.

White blood cell count measures the number of immune cells circulating in your blood. These cells help your body respond to infections and keep your immune system functioning well.

Mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) measures how much hemoglobin is packed into each red blood cell. It helps show how concentrated the hemoglobin is and supports understanding of how well your red blood cells can carry oxygen.

Mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) is the average amount of hemoglobin in each of your red blood cells. Hemoglobin is the protein that gives blood its red color and carries oxygen throughout your body. This measurement helps show how much oxygen each red blood cell can carry.

RBC count measures how many red blood cells are in your blood. These cells carry oxygen to your tissues, so their number helps show how well your body can deliver oxygen where it’s needed.

MCV measures the average size of your red blood cells. It helps show whether your red blood cells are larger or smaller than usual, which can give clues about how they are developing.

Hematocrit measures the percentage of your blood that is made up of red blood cells. It helps show how well your blood can carry oxygen and can change with hydration, altitude, and overall health.

Hemoglobin is the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen from your lungs to the rest of your body. This test measures how much hemoglobin you have and helps show how well your blood can transport oxygen.

Urine creatinine is a waste product from normal muscle activity that is filtered out of the blood by the kidneys. Measuring it helps show how well the kidneys are clearing waste and is often used to standardize other urine tests. Levels can vary based on muscle mass, hydration, and kidney function.

Cystatin C is a protein made by many cells in the body and released into the blood at a steady rate. The kidneys filter it out, so its level in the blood is another way to estimate kidney function. It can sometimes give extra information beyond creatinine alone.

eGFR stands for estimated glomerular filtration rate and is a calculated measure of how well your kidneys filter blood. It uses your creatinine level, age, sex, and other factors to estimate kidney function. A higher eGFR generally means better filtering ability.

Urine albumin measures how much of the protein albumin is present in a urine sample. Normally, very little albumin passes into the urine. Higher levels can suggest that the kidney filters are under stress and may need closer monitoring.

Creatinine is a waste product formed when muscles use energy. The kidneys normally filter creatinine out of the blood and remove it in urine. Blood creatinine is commonly used to help estimate kidney function.

Urea is a waste product made when the body breaks down protein. The kidneys filter urea out of the blood so it can be removed in urine. Blood urea levels are affected by kidney function, protein intake, and hydration.

Sodium is a mineral that helps control fluid balance, blood pressure, and nerve and muscle function. Most sodium in the body is found in the fluid around cells and in the blood. Levels are influenced by diet, kidney function, and how much water you drink.

The urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio (ACR) compares how much of the protein albumin is in your urine to the amount of creatinine. Healthy kidneys keep most albumin in the blood and let very little pass into the urine. This test helps detect early changes in kidney function.

Total bilirubin comes from the natural breakdown of red blood cells. The liver processes bilirubin so it can be removed from the body. Levels help show how well red blood cell breakdown and liver processing are working.

GGT (gamma-glutamyl transferase) is an enzyme found on the surface of many cells, especially in the liver. It helps maintain levels of glutathione, an important antioxidant, and assists in moving amino acids into cells. GGT is often measured to give extra information about liver and bile duct health.

Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) is an enzyme found in the liver, heart, muscles, and several other tissues. When these tissues are injured or stressed, AST levels in the blood can rise. Because AST comes from many places, it is usually interpreted together with ALT and other tests.

Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) is an enzyme found mainly in liver cells. When these cells are stressed or damaged, ALT can leak into the blood. Measuring ALT helps assess how well the liver is working.

Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) is an enzyme found in the liver, bones, and bile ducts, as well as in the gut. It plays a role in bone growth and in moving substances across cell membranes. Changes in ALP can reflect shifts in bone or liver activity.

Albumin is a major protein made by the liver that helps maintain fluid balance in the blood and carries hormones, vitamins, and drugs. Levels of albumin can reflect nutrition, liver function, and overall health. It is an important marker in many medical evaluations.

Transferrin is a protein made by the liver that carries iron through the bloodstream to your tissues. It helps control how much iron is available for making red blood cells and supporting other body functions. Transferrin levels are influenced by iron stores, nutrition, and overall health.

Estimated average glucose (eAG) converts your A1c result into an average blood sugar level, using the same units as a glucose meter. It helps you connect your lab results with daily finger-stick or CGM readings. This makes long-term trends easier to understand.

The triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index combines fasting triglyceride and fasting glucose levels into a single number. It helps estimate how your body handles fats and sugars together. Higher values are linked with a higher chance of insulin resistance and metabolic problems.

HOMA-IR is a calculation that estimates how sensitive your body is to insulin. It uses fasting glucose and fasting insulin levels to create a score. Higher values suggest that your body needs more insulin to manage blood sugar.

Total iron-binding capacity (TIBC) measures how much iron your blood can carry. It reflects the amount of transferrin, the main iron transport protein. TIBC is interpreted together with iron and ferritin to understand iron status.

The iron saturation index shows what percentage of iron-binding sites in the blood are filled with iron. It is calculated from serum iron and total iron-binding capacity. It provides extra detail about how much iron is available to your tissues.

Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) is made by the pituitary gland and tells the thyroid how much hormone to produce. When thyroid hormone levels are low, TSH usually rises, and when they are high, TSH usually falls. Measuring TSH is a key way to assess thyroid function.

Hemoglobin A1c (A1c) shows your average blood sugar level over the past 2–3 months. It does this by measuring how much sugar is attached to your red blood cells. It helps connect daily blood sugar readings with long-term patterns.

Iron is a mineral needed to make hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen. This test measures iron circulating in the blood, not the stored iron in your body. Levels are affected by diet, absorption, blood loss, and overall iron balance.

Fasting plasma glucose measures the level of sugar in your blood after not eating for at least 8 hours. It shows how well your body keeps blood sugar in a healthy range when you are at rest. Diet, insulin function, and liver activity all affect this result.

Thyroid peroxidase (TPO) is an enzyme the thyroid uses to make thyroid hormones. Sometimes the immune system makes antibodies that target TPO. Measuring these antibodies can provide extra information about how the immune system is interacting with the thyroid.

Triiodothyronine (T3) is the active thyroid hormone that strongly affects how your cells use energy. It helps regulate metabolism, body temperature, heart rate, and growth. Free T3 refers to the portion that is available to enter your bodys tissues where it is needed.

Thyroxine (T4) is one of the main hormones made by the thyroid gland. It helps control how fast your body uses energy and affects growth, temperature, and metabolism. A T4 test measures how much of this hormone is in your blood.

Fasting insulin measures how much insulin your body makes when you have not eaten for several hours. It helps show how hard your body is working to keep blood sugar in a healthy range. Levels are affected by diet, activity, body weight, and overall metabolic health.

Ferritin is the main protein that stores iron in your body. It gives a good picture of how much iron is available for making red blood cells and supporting energy. Levels can also rise when there is inflammation, so they are interpreted alongside other tests.

Vitamin B12 is a water-soluble vitamin important for making red blood cells and keeping nerves healthy. It also helps your body turn food into energy. Low levels over time can affect energy, mood, and nerve function.

Magnesium is a mineral that supports muscle and nerve function, heart rhythm, and many enzyme reactions. It also plays a role in bowel regularity. Levels are influenced by diet, kidney function, and certain medications.

The Omega-3 Index tells you what percentage of the fatty acids circulating in your blood is made up of the heart-healthy omega-3 fats EPA and DHA.

The Omega-3, 6 ratio tells you the relative amount of omega-3 fats circulating in your blood compared to the amount of omega-6 fats.

The EPA/AA ratio compares the omega-3 fat EPA to the omega-6 fat AA in your blood. It gives insight into the balance between fats that may help calm inflammation and those that may promote it. A higher EPA/AA ratio is generally thought to be more favorable for heart health.

Your total Omega-6 level is the percentage of omega-6 fats (LA + AA + others) circulating in your blood.

Your total Omega-3 level is the percentage of omega-3 fats (ALA + EPA + DHA + others) circulating in your blood.

A very-long-chain monounsaturated fat found in some plant seed oils and seafood. The body can make nervonic from oleic acid, so it is not essential.

This saturated fat is found in peanuts and cereal brans. It can also be made by the body, so it is not essential.

DHA is an important omega-3 fat. It is mostly found in fish and algae, as well as fish oils. The body can only make very small amounts of DHA, so we need to consume it in our diets to ensure that we are getting enough.

The n-6 (omega-6) form of DPA is also found in some fish and animal fats. The body produces only small amounts, so levels reflect both diet and metabolism. It is one of several omega-6 fats involved in cell structure and signaling.

The omega-3 form of DPA is found in fish and fish oils. Our bodies don’t make much DPA, so it is important to include in our diet.

Adrenic acid is made in the body from arachidonic acid, another omega-6 fat. It is found in cell membranes and helps form certain signaling molecules. Since the body can produce it, it is not considered an essential dietary fat.

Docosadienoic acid is an omega-6 fat found in nuts, seeds, vegetable oils, poultry, and eggs. It can be made by the body from linoleic acid. Its level reflects both dietary intake and how your body processes omega-6 fats.

This saturated fat is found in peanuts and canola oil. It can also be made by the body, so it is not an essential part of the diet.

This important omega-3 fat is abundant in fatty fish and fish oils. The body makes only small amounts of EPA from alpha-linoleic acid, so it is important to get some EPA in your diet.

Arachidonic acid is an omega-6 fat found in foods like meat and eggs. Your body can also make it from linoleic acid, another omega-6 fat. It is important in cell membranes and in producing certain signaling molecules.

Dihomo-gamma-linolenic acid (DGLA) is mostly made inside the body from gamma-linolenic acid. It is an omega-6 fat that acts as a building block for several signaling molecules. Its level reflects how your body processes omega-6 fatty acids.

Eicosatrienoic acid is an omega-9 fat found in small amounts in meats, dairy products, and plant oils. It is not usually a large part of the diet. The body can also make more of it when levels of some essential fats, like linoleic acid and ALA, are low.

Eicosenoic acid is a monounsaturated fat found in oils such as rapeseed and mustard seed oil. Your body can also produce it, so it is not essential in the diet. It is one of many fats that make up your blood fatty acid pattern.

Eicosadienoic acid is an omega-6 fat found in animal products, nuts, seeds, and some vegetable oils. The body can make it from linoleic acid, so it is not essential. Its level reflects both what you eat and how your body processes omega-6 fats.

Arachidic acid is a saturated fat found in small amounts in peanut and corn oils. The body can make this fat from other sources, so it is not essential. It contributes to your overall long-chain saturated fat profile.

Gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) is an omega-6 fat found in oils like evening primrose and borage oil. Your body can also make GLA from linoleic acid, so it is not essential to get it directly from food. It is part of the broader omega-6 fatty acid family.

Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) is a plant-based omega-3 fat found in foods like flax seeds, chia seeds, and walnuts. It is essential, so your body must get it from your diet. ALA can be partly converted into other omega-3 fats like EPA and DHA.

Oleic acid is an omega-9 monounsaturated fat found in olive oil, avocados, and many nuts. Your body can also make it, so it is not considered essential. It is often associated with heart-healthy eating patterns like the Mediterranean diet.

Linoleic acid is an omega-6 fat found in many plant oils, nuts, and seeds. It is essential, meaning your body cannot make it and you must get it from food. It plays important roles in cell membranes and normal growth and development.

Stearic acid is a saturated fat found in foods like cocoa butter, beef, and dark chocolate. The body can also make stearic acid from other fats, so it is not essential to eat it. It contributes to your overall saturated fat intake and fatty acid pattern.

Palmitoleic acid is a monounsaturated fat found in meats and some plant oils, such as macadamia oil. Your body can also produce it from palmitic acid, so it is not essential in the diet. It is one of the fats that may reflect how your body processes and stores energy.

Palmitic acid is a common saturated fat found in palm oil, meat, and dairy products. Your liver can also make palmitic acid from extra calories and carbohydrates. Blood levels are influenced by both diet and metabolism.

Myristoleic acid is a fat that appears in some milk products. Your body can also make it by changing myristic acid. It is one of many fats that help make up your overall fatty acid profile.

Myristic acid is a saturated fat found mainly in coconut oil, butter, and some meats. Your body can also make it from other fats, so it is not essential to get it from food. Levels in the blood reflect both diet and how your body handles fats.

Phosphate is important for building strong bones and helping your cells make energy. Levels are influenced by diet, kidney health, and how your body processes calcium.

Calcium is a mineral needed for strong bones, healthy teeth, and normal muscle and nerve function. Levels can be influenced by diet, vitamin D, and kidney function.

Vitamin D helps your body absorb calcium and maintain strong bones and teeth. It also supports muscle function and healthy immune activity.

Human chorionic gonadotropin (β-hCG) is a hormone produced in early pregnancy. It is commonly measured to confirm pregnancy or rule it out as a cause of missed periods. In some situations, unexpected β-hCG levels may prompt further evaluation.

Luteinizing hormone (LH) is a pituitary hormone that helps trigger ovulation and supports hormone production in the ovaries. It works together with FSH to regulate the menstrual cycle. LH levels also shift around menopause as hormone patterns change.

Progesterone is a hormone that helps prepare the uterus lining for a possible pregnancy. It rises after ovulation and supports the early stages of pregnancy if conception occurs. It also affects mood, sleep, and body temperature in some people.

Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) is made by the pituitary gland and helps eggs mature in the ovaries. It also influences estrogen production. FSH levels change across the menstrual cycle and tend to rise as people approach menopause.

Estradiol is the main form of estrogen in the body and plays a central role in the female reproductive system. It supports the menstrual cycle, bone health, and the health of tissues like the breasts and uterus. Estrogen levels naturally change across the lifespan.

Sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) is a protein that carries hormones like testosterone and estrogen in the bloodstream. It controls how much of these hormones are free and able to act on tissues. Changes in SHBG can affect hormone balance and symptoms.

Total testosterone measures the overall amount of testosterone in your blood, including both bound and free forms. Most testosterone is attached to proteins like SHBG and albumin, and a small portion is free. Together, these forms support bone strength, muscle mass, and sexual function.

Free testosterone is the small portion of testosterone in your blood that is not tightly bound to proteins. This is the part that can easily enter cells and have effects on things like muscle, bone, mood, and sex drive. In this program, free testosterone is estimated using a standard formula based on total testosterone, SHBG, and albumin.

Interstitial glucose is the glucose in the fluid between your cells (not directly in your blood). CGMs measure glucose in this interstitial fluid under the skin. It may slightly lag behind blood glucose when levels change quickly.

Lactobacillaceae is a family of lactic acid–producing bacteria often found in yogurt, fermented foods, and the human gut. They help keep the gut environment slightly acidic, which can discourage less helpful microbes. These bacteria are commonly seen as beneficial and are used in many probiotics.

Trimethylamine (TMA) is made by certain gut bacteria when they break down nutrients like choline and carnitine from foods such as red meat and eggs. The liver converts TMA into TMAO, a compound linked with heart and blood vessel changes. The amount of TMA made depends on both diet and the types of bacteria in your gut.

Hexa-acylated lipopolysaccharide (hexa-LPS) is a molecule made by some gut bacteria, such as E. coli. If it crosses from the gut into the bloodstream, it can activate the immune system and trigger inflammation. Keeping gut barrier function and microbial balance healthy may help keep hexa-LPS in check.

Methanobrevibacter smithii is an archaeon (a microbe similar to bacteria) that produces methane in the gut. It uses hydrogen made by other bacteria when they digest fiber. The right balance may support digestion, but very high levels can be linked with bloating in some people.

The Shannon Diversity Index is a measure of how many different types of microbes live in your gut and how evenly they are spread out. A higher score usually means a more diverse and stable microbiome. Diversity is often seen as a sign of gut resilience.

Short-chain fatty acid production capacity reflects how well your gut bacteria can make butyrate, propionate, and acetate from fiber. These compounds fuel colon cells and support healthy blood sugar, mood, and immune balance. Higher capacity generally suggests a more resilient, fiber-loving microbiome.

Acetate is the most common short-chain fatty acid in the gut and is produced when bacteria ferment fiber and other carbohydrates. It can be used by other bacteria to make butyrate and helps keep the gut environment slightly acidic. Acetate also plays roles in metabolism and appetite regulation.

Propionate is another short-chain fatty acid made by gut bacteria from fiber and certain starches. It is absorbed into the bloodstream and can affect metabolism and appetite. Like butyrate, its production reflects how well your microbiome uses fiber.

Butyrate is a short-chain fatty acid made by helpful gut bacteria when they break down fiber. It is a key fuel for the cells lining your colon and supports gut barrier health. Higher butyrate production is linked with better blood sugar control and a healthier gut environment.

The Antibiotic Resistance Richness Index looks at how many different types of antibiotic resistance genes are present compared to beneficial bacteria. A higher value means a wider variety of resistance is present. Lifestyle and microbiome support may help shift this over time.

Malassezia is a yeast most commonly found on the skin but can be detected in other areas, including the gut. Low or absent levels in the stool are preferred. Its exact role in the gut is still being studied.

The Antibiotic Resistance Abundance Index compares how many potentially antibiotic-resistant bacteria you have to your beneficial bacteria. Higher scores suggest more resistance genes are present, often after illness or antibiotic use. Supporting beneficial bacteria may help improve this balance.

Saprochaete is a fungus that can be found on surfaces and in some foods and may also appear in the gut. At low levels it is usually not a concern. We monitor it as part of the overall fungal community in the microbiome.

Rhodotorula is a pink-colored yeast commonly found in the environment and sometimes in the gut. Low or absent levels are considered best. Higher levels may signal that the gut microbiome has been disturbed.

Saccharomyces is a yeast group that includes baker’s yeast and brewer’s yeast. It can be part of a healthy gut microbiome and is also used in some probiotics. Very high levels may not be ideal, so we track its abundance.

Cryptococcus is a type of fungus that can be found in the environment and may appear at low levels in the gut. In people with healthy immune systems, it usually does not cause problems. As with other fungi, we monitor it and prefer to see low or absent levels.

Aspergillus is a mold that is common in the environment and can be breathed in or swallowed in small amounts. It may show up in the gut microbiome at low levels. We prefer to see low or undetectable levels, especially in people with weaker immune systems.

Candida is a group of yeast species that normally live on the skin and in the mouth, gut, and vagina. Low levels are common and often harmless. We monitor Candida because higher levels can signal that the gut environment is out of balance.

Giardia are microscopic parasites that can be found in lakes, rivers, and untreated water. Low or absent levels in the gut are considered best. If levels are higher, your healthcare provider may ask about digestive symptoms and recent travel or water exposures.

Yersinia enterocolitica is a bacterium that can live in animals like pigs and sometimes enter the human gut. Low or undetectable levels are preferred. It is one of several microbes we monitor to understand gut exposures and balance.

Cryptosporidium are tiny parasites that can be found in water, soil, and on food. When present at low or undetectable levels in the gut, they are less likely to cause symptoms. We monitor them because higher levels can be linked with digestive upset.

Acinetobacter baumannii is a bacterium that can be found in the environment and sometimes in the gut. It is more of a concern in hospital settings and in people with lower immune function. In the gut, we prefer to see low or undetectable levels.

Clostridium perfringens are bacteria that may be present in the adult gut and in some foods like meat and poultry. Low levels usually do not cause symptoms. We aim for low or undetectable amounts as part of a balanced microbiome.

Clostridioides difficile (C. difficile) can live in the adult gut at low levels without causing problems. Its levels can rise after antibiotic use, which may disturb the normal microbiome balance. Keeping it low is a sign of a healthier gut environment.

Enterococcus faecium is a bacterium that can be part of the normal gut community. At low levels it usually does not cause issues.

Haemophilus parainfluenzae is usually found in the mouth and throat but can also appear in the gut. At low levels it often does not cause problems.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a bacterium found in soil, water, and sometimes in the human gut. In healthy people it usually stays at low levels.

Staphylococcus species are bacteria that commonly live on the skin and in the nose and can also appear in the gut. At low levels they are often harmless. Monitoring them in stool tests helps track any shifts in the microbiome.

Streptococcus is a large group of bacteria that can live on the skin, in the nose, and in the gut at low levels. Some species are harmless, while others can cause infections in certain settings. In the gut, we mainly track them to understand their overall abundance.

Escherichia dysenteriae, also called Shigella dysenteriae, is more common in areas with poor sanitation and is less often seen in day-to-day life in high-income countries. It can sometimes be picked up during travel. Low or undetectable levels are considered optimal.

Escherichia flexneri, also known as Shigella flexneri, can be present at low levels in the gut without symptoms. At higher levels, it may be more likely to cause digestive upset, especially in children. Tracking it helps us understand potential sources of gut disturbance.

Salmonella enterica can be part of the gut microbiome at low levels without causing problems. The strains that cause food poisoning are often different from those living quietly in the gut. We monitor its levels to help ensure a stable microbial community.

Klebsiella oxytoca is another member of the Klebsiella family that can live in the gut at low levels. It is usually harmless in healthy people. As with other gut bacteria, we monitor it as part of understanding the overall microbial balance.

Klebsiella pneumoniae is a type of Klebsiella that is usually not a concern at low levels in healthy adults. It can sometimes be involved in infections, especially in hospital settings. Keeping track of its presence helps guide gut microbiome care.

Klebsiella species are bacteria that can live in the gut at low levels without causing problems. They belong to the Enterobacteriaceae family, like E. coli. Monitoring their levels helps us understand the balance of microbes in the gut.

Escherichia coli (E. coli) is one of the most common members of the Enterobacteriaceae family. Low levels are often found in healthy adults and usually cause no issues. Some strains can be more disruptive, so we keep an eye on overall levels.

The Beneficial Bacteria Index shows whether you have enough helpful bacteria in your gut. A higher score suggests a richer community of microbes that support digestion, metabolism, and immune balance. These bacteria also help crowd out less helpful species.

Enterobacteriaceae is a large family of bacteria that includes species like E. coli and Klebsiella. Small amounts are common in the adult gut and usually do not cause problems. Their levels can rise after stomach illness or antibiotic use, so we monitor them.

Bifidobacterium are helpful gut bacteria that support digestion and overall gut health. They help make certain vitamins and interact with hormones and the immune system. Levels often drop after antibiotics and can be supported with diet and probiotics.

Faecalibacterium is a group of beneficial gut bacteria common in healthy microbiomes. They help maintain the gut lining and support a balanced immune response. These bacteria also make butyrate, a short-chain fatty acid that feeds cells in the colon.

Akkermansia is a type of gut bacteria that helps maintain the mucus layer lining the intestines. It has been linked to healthy blood sugar, cholesterol balance, and immune function. Levels can be influenced by diet, lifestyle, and overall gut health.

Transglutaminase IgA is an antibody measured as part of celiac testing. It helps show whether the immune system is reacting to gluten in a specific way. This test is often one of the first steps when doctors are looking for signs of celiac-type responses.

IgA is an antibody that helps protect the body’s surfaces, like the gut and airways, from germs. Total IgA measures the overall level of this antibody in the blood. It provides context for other IgA-based tests and gives insight into parts of the immune system.

Pharmacogenomics looks at how your genes can affect the way your body responds to medicines. Some people break down certain drugs faster or slower because of their genetics. This information can help guide safer and more effective medication choices.

Nutrigenomics studies how your genes and nutrition interact. It looks at how your body may respond differently to certain foods, nutrients, or eating patterns based on your DNA. This can help personalize dietary advice.

VO2 max is the maximum amount of oxygen your body can use during hard exercise. It is a key marker of cardiovascular fitness and endurance. Higher VO2 max values are linked with better performance and longer-term health.

Maximum heart rate is the highest number of beats per minute your heart can reach during very intense exercise. It is often estimated by subtracting your age from 220, but can also be measured directly in a test. It is used to set training zones and guide safe exercise intensity.

Right arm lean mass is the amount of lean tissue, mainly muscle, in your right arm measured by DEXA. It shows how much muscle you carry in that limb. It can be compared to the left arm to look for imbalances.

Left arm lean mass is the amount of lean tissue, mainly muscle, in your left arm measured by DEXA. It helps show how much muscle you have in that arm. It can be useful for tracking changes with exercise or recovery.

Right leg lean mass is the amount of lean tissue, mainly muscle, in your right leg measured by DEXA. It provides detail about strength potential in that limb. Differences between the legs can guide training or rehabilitation.

Left leg lean mass is the amount of lean tissue, mainly muscle, in your left leg measured by DEXA. It helps show how much muscle you have on that side. Comparing sides can highlight imbalances from injury or training.

Lower body lean appendicular mass is the amount of lean tissue, mostly muscle, in your legs and lower body. It is measured by DEXA and helps describe strength and function in the hips and legs. Changes over time can reflect exercise, injury, or aging.

Upper body lean appendicular mass is the amount of lean tissue, mostly muscle, in your arms and upper body, adjusted for your size. It is measured by DEXA and helps describe your strength potential in the upper body. Tracking it over time can show changes with training or aging.

Fat Mass Index (FMI) shows how much body fat you have for your height. It is calculated by dividing total fat mass (in kilograms) by height (in meters) squared, similar to BMI. This helps separate the effects of fat and muscle on body size.

Gynoid fat refers to fat stored mainly around the hips, thighs, and buttocks. This pattern is sometimes called “pear-shaped.” It is another way of describing how fat is distributed in the body.

The Android/Gynoid (A/G) ratio compares how much fat you carry around your belly (android) to how much is around your hips and thighs (gynoid). A higher A/G ratio means more abdominal fat, often called an “apple” shape. A lower ratio means more fat around the hips and thighs, often called a “pear” shape.

Android fat refers to fat stored mainly around the abdomen and trunk. This pattern is sometimes called “apple-shaped.” It is one of the body fat patterns we look at in a DEXA scan.

Visceral adipose tissue (VAT) is fat stored deep in the belly around organs like the liver and intestines. It behaves differently from the fat under the skin. DEXA scans are one of the reliable ways to measure this type of fat.

Appendicular Lean Mass Index (ALMI) looks at how much lean mass you have in your arms and legs, adjusted for your height. It focuses on the muscles in your limbs and excludes the head and trunk. It helps describe your muscle mass in a way that can be compared over time or between people.

Body fat percentage shows how much of your total body weight is made up of fat. It is more precise than BMI because it separates fat from muscle and other tissues. However, it does not show where the fat is stored, so we also measure deeper abdominal fat separately.

The BMD Z-score compares your bone mineral density to others of your same age and sex. It helps indicate whether your bone density is typical for your age group. DEXA body composition scans provide an estimate of BMD that can help decide if more detailed bone tests are needed.

The BMD T-score compares your bone mineral density to that of a healthy young adult of the same sex. It helps show whether your bones are more or less dense than this reference. In this program, DEXA body composition scans give an estimate of BMD, which can guide whether further bone testing is needed.