Erythrocytes (EPK) measure the number of red blood cells per liter of blood and are thus a measure of the concentration of the red blood cells in the blood. The red blood cells have the task of binding oxygen molecules from the inhaled air in the lungs and transporting the oxygen out to all parts of the body, as well as returning carbon dioxide back to the lungs for exhalation.
Erythrocyte volume fraction (EVF), also called hematocrit, indicates how much of the blood volume is made up of red blood cells. The red blood cells have the task of binding oxygen molecules from the inhaled air in the lungs and transporting the oxygen out to all parts of the body, as well as returning carbon dioxide back to the lungs for exhalation.
Leukocytes (LPK) is a test taken to check the number of white blood cells in the blood. The white blood cells are important for the body’s immune system and have the task of defending us against attacks from microorganisms such as bacteria or viruses.
MCH stands for “Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin” and is a measure of how much hemoglobin is inside the red blood cells. The red blood cells have the task of binding oxygen molecules from the inhaled air in the lungs and transporting the oxygen to all parts of the body. A majority of this oxygen is bound to the hemoglobin molecules found inside the red blood cells.
MCV is an abbreviation for “Mean Corpuscular Volume” and is a measure of the size of the red blood cells. The red blood cells have the task of binding oxygen molecules from the inhaled air in the lungs and transporting the oxygen to all parts of the body. A majority of this oxygen is bound to the hemoglobin molecules found inside the red blood cells.
Thrombocytes (TPK) are also called platelets. The platelets are important for blood coagulation (clotting ability), which has the task of stopping bleeding in the event of, for example, a wound by clumping together and forming a plug over the wound. They are also important for other parts of the body’s coagulation system.
Hemoglobin (Hb) is also usually called the blood value. Hemoglobin is found inside the red blood cells (erythrocytes) and is the protein that binds oxygen molecules from the inhaled air in the lungs so that the red blood cells can then transport the oxygen to all parts of the body. Hemoglobin also contributes to the red blood cells maintaining their correct shape so that they can flow as well as possible through the blood vessels.
SHBG, Sex hormone binding globulin, is formed by the liver and is the most important transport protein for the sex hormones testosterone, dihydrotestosterone and estradiol in the blood. As the sex hormones are bound to SHBG, which 97-98 percent usually are, they cannot exert any biological effect. Instead, it is the 2-3 percent of the hormones that are found in free form in the blood that can pass through the cell walls and exert an effect on the target organs.
LH, luteinizing hormone, is a hormone that is formed in the pituitary gland and is of great importance for fertility in both women and men. In men, LH stimulates testosterone production in the testicles. In women, LH levels vary based on the menstrual cycle, while the level in men is more constant.
Bioactive testosterone is the part of testosterone that is free and available for the body to use. By measuring bioactive testosterone, a more accurate picture of the actual testosterone value in the body is given. The total testosterone value includes both free testosterone and that bound to proteins. However, the testosterone that is bound to proteins cannot be used by the body, which makes the bioactive testosterone more relevant to assess the actual testosterone level in the body.
*Only for men. For women, Testosterone Sensitive is tested to be able to detect lower levels. Unfortunately, due to transport sensitivity, we cannot offer this test today.
