Thyroid tests check how well your thyroid gland is working. The thyroid controls your metabolism, energy levels, body temperature, and many hormone-driven processes.

These tests are commonly ordered if you’re experiencing symptoms such as:

• Ongoing fatigue or low energy
• Unexplained weight gain or weight loss
• Brain fog or difficulty concentrating
• Hair thinning or hair loss
• Feeling unusually sensitive to cold or heat

Abnormal results may suggest an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) or an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism).

Iron studies measure how much iron is circulating in your blood and how much is stored in your body. Ferritin is the key marker used to assess iron stores.

These tests are important when investigating:

• Persistent tiredness or low energy
• Dizziness or shortness of breath
• Pale skin
• Heavy menstrual bleeding
• Restless legs or hair loss

Low iron levels are a very common cause of fatigue in Australia and may occur even before anaemia develops.

A lipid profile measures different types of cholesterol and fats in your blood to assess your risk of heart disease.

This test looks at:

• LDL (“bad” cholesterol): which can build up in arteries
• HDL (“good” cholesterol): which helps protect your heart
• Triglycerides: another type of blood fat

High cholesterol often causes no symptoms, which is why regular screening is important, especially if you have a family history of heart disease or other risk factors.

Blood sugar tests help assess how well your body manages glucose. The HbA1c test shows your average blood sugar levels over the past 2–3 months, making it the most reliable test for identifying:

• Prediabetes
• Type 2 diabetes

It provides a more complete picture than a single fasting blood sugar test and is often used for both diagnosis and ongoing monitoring.

Inflammatory markers are used to detect inflammation somewhere in the body.

These tests are commonly requested when investigating:

• Ongoing joint or muscle pain
• Autoimmune conditions
• Persistent infections
• Unexplained fevers or fatigue

While they don’t diagnose a specific condition on their own, they help guide further investigation.

These tests check how well your liver and kidneys are working.

• Liver function tests: assess enzymes and proteins that reflect liver health and metabolism.
• Kidney function tests: measure how effectively your kidneys filter waste, using markers such as creatinine and eGFR.

They are commonly included in routine health checks and are especially important if you take regular medications or have chronic health conditions.

A full blood count is one of the most frequently ordered blood tests. It measures:

• Red blood cells and haemoglobin (oxygen delivery)
• White blood cells (immune response and infection)
• Platelets (blood clotting)

This test helps screen for anaemia, infections, immune system activity, and general overall health.