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Red blood cells
Haematocrit
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HCT (haematocrit) measures the amount of space (volume) within the blood that is taken up by red blood cells.
MCHC
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MCHC (mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration) is the average concentration of haemoglobin in your red blood cells. Haemoglobin is a molecule which allows red blood cells to transport oxygen around the body.
Vitamins
Vitamin A
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Vitamin A (retinol) is a fat-soluble vitamin found in animal products such as eggs, dairy, liver and kidneys. It is important for the normal reproduction of cells (cellular differentiation) as well as good vision and the proper development of an embryo and foetus.
Beta carotene
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Beta-carotene is a fat-soluble carotenoid found in plants, and is what gives carrots their orange colour. Your body converts beta-carotene into vitamin A (retinol) and is a safe source of vitamin A because your body only converts as much as it needs. Excess vitamin A can be toxic. Vitamin A is important for the normal reproduction of cells (cellular differentiation) as well as good vision and the proper development of an embryo and fetus. Beta-carotene is also an antioxidant so protects the body from damaging free radicals. Sources of beta-carotene include carrots, tomatoes, spinach, lettuce, sweet potatoes, squash and broccoli.
Vitamin B1
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The B vitamins are a group of 8 all water-soluble vitamins, all crucial for cell metabolism, converting food into energy, the normal functioning of the central nervous system and the formation of red blood cells. Thiamine (B1) is a water-soluble vitamin required to form adenosine triphosphate which all cells in the body need.
Vitamin B2
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The B vitamins are a group of 8 all water-soluble vitamins, all crucial for cell metabolism, converting food into energy, the normal functioning of the central nervous system and the formation of red blood cells.
Vitamin B3
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The B vitamins are a group of 8 all water-soluble vitamins, all crucial for cell metabolism, converting food into energy, the normal functioning of the central nervous system and the formation of red blood cells.
Vitamin B6
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The B vitamins are a group of 8 all water-soluble vitamins, all crucial for cell metabolism, converting food into energy, the normal functioning of the central nervous system and the formation of red blood cells.
Folate - red cell
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Folate is a B vitamin which acts as a coenzyme in the metabolism of amino acids. It is also vital for the synthesis of purines and pyrimidines which are essential for DNA synthesis and red cell formation. Folate is also especially important during the first trimester of pregnancy so if you are thinking of becoming pregnant it is important to make sure your folate levels are normal. Red Cell Folate is a measure of the body's store of the vitamin folate.
Vitamin B12 - active
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Vitamin B12 is important for production of red blood cells which carry oxygen around the body. B12 is also involved in metabolism and the nervous system and prolonged lack of vitamin B12 may cause nerve damage. Although Vitamin B12 is almost entirely found in animal-based foods, many vegetarian and vegan products, especially plant milks are now fortified with Vitamin B12.
Vitamin D
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Despite its name, vitamin D is actually a hormone that’s produced by your skin when it’s exposed to sunshine. Before your body can use vitamin D produced by sun exposure (known as vitamin D3), it must be converted into another form called 25 hydroxycholecalciferol (25 OH). Vitamin D (25 OH) is the major circulating form of vitamin D, and so your vitamin D (25 OH) level is considered the most accurate indicator of vitamin D supply to your body.
Vitamin D is essential for healthy bones and teeth, as it helps your body absorb calcium. It also plays a role in muscle health, immune function, and mental health.
Low vitamin D symptoms include muscle weakness, mood swings, and fatigue. Many people in the UK have low vitamin D levels, and people with dark skin and people who don’t spend much time outdoors are particularly at risk.
Small amounts of vitamin D can be obtained from food, especially oily fish, eggs, and vitamin-D fortified foods. But if you have a vitamin D deficiency, you’re unlikely to be able to improve your levels by food alone.
Vitamin E alpha-tocopherol
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Vitamin E is an antioxidant important in protecting body tissue from damage caused by unstable substances called free radicals, which are produced by cigarette smoke, sunlight, pollution and chemical reactions in the body. Vitamin E is also important in the formation of red blood cells, keeping the immune system healthy and helps the body to use vitamin K.
Special instructions
How to prepare for your test
Prepare for your Advanced Vitamins Blood Test by following these instructions. Do not eat or drink anything other than water for 12 hours prior to your test. If you take medication then you are allowed to take it as you would normally. Take your sample at least 24 hours after any vitamin or mineral supplements. Do not take biotin supplements for two days before this test, discuss this with your doctor if it is prescribed. Do not take vitamin B12 for two weeks prior to this test. If your B12 is prescribed ask your doctor whether to stop. Wrap your sample in foil immediately after it is taken.
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