Basic Laboratory Tests

The same laboratory tests used by doctors for health reasons are partly useful for determining the performance of athletes. The multiple values of these test results provide information that may be useful at least in improving nutrition or possibly in using other laboratory test panels for sports performance. 

Of course, the most important thing for the athlete is the health aspect, but if such basic tests do not produce medical findings from a health perspective, they can be used as a basis for further research or at least an update of the athlete's diet.

Useful tests include the following:

Normal health panel tests prescribed by doctors

About the test: Useful tests are:

Red blood cell counts:

• Haemoglobin
• Erythrocytes
• MCV (mean volume of erythrocytes)
• MCH (mean haemoglobin mass)
• MCHC (mean haemoglobin concentration)

White cells:

• Leukocytes
• Neutrophils (low value correlates with keruloplasmin value related to iron and copper metabolism, but it is cheaper to measure neutrophil value)
• Lymphocytes
• White blood cell counts tend to fall under continuous, excessive stress

Thyroid gland:

• S-TSH (thyrotropin)
• S-T4V (free thyroxine or T4 hormone)
• T-T3V (triiodothyronine or T3 hormone)

Inflammation:

• S-Ferritin
• Ferritin does not belong in the serum, it belongs in the liver. Therefore, high levels of ferritin in the serum are a sign that everything is not normal.
• Ferritin leaking into the serum indicates high levels of low grade inflammation / incipient liver problems.
• Iron in the bloodstream can also increase the formation of a very harmful hydroxyl radical in the body.
• S-CRP (sensitive) indicates the presence of low-grade inflammation.

Cholesterol:

• Total cholesterol
• HDL
• LDL
• Triglycerides

Liver function:

• ALAT
• ASAT
• AFOS
• GT

Kidney function:

• Creatinine
• Pt-GFRe (glomerular filtration rate)
• Creatinine kinase

Energy producing system function:

• Lactate dehydrogenase (basic)
  

Where the test is done: Tests are carried out at sampling points in medical centres. In many places, a doctor's referral is required.

Where to take the sample: Blood or urine. The collection often takes place after a 10-12 hours fast.

How to interpret the test result: At most cases, the best result is to be in the middle third.

More information: In the book "Athlete's Physique: Genes Behind Performance".

Where to get: Tests can usually be taken at medical testing facilities. Note: some may require a doctor's referral.