Understand the impacts of training on your health. Analysing key biomarkers with this simple blood and hormone test can help you train to the best of your ability and reach your goals without risking your health.
Strength and conditioning from within
As a serious athlete, strength and conditioning is everything. You train hard and your body is tuned to physical perfection. Regular health screening is important to check you’re not at risk from developing health complications such as heart disease or kidney failure.
That’s why we’ve developed this comprehensive blood and hormone test. Understanding key biomarkers can help you train responsibly and avoid negative health consequences before symptoms emerge.
There are conflicting viewpoints on what exactly you should test for. That’s why we’ve designed this comprehensive blood and hormone test with input from the medical experts. i-screen keeps things simple, insightful and cost-effective.
We recommend repeating the Sports Hormone Check 3-4 times per year to understand your baseline (or normal) marker range, as well as how your markers change throughout your training.
Check out our blog for more information about how a blood and hormone test can reduce your risk.
What's included
Male Hormone Panel
This hormone blood test measures levels of the key hormones and androgens that play an important role in governing masculinity.
Insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1)
IGF-1 mirrors GH excesses and deficiencies but its level is stable throughout the day, making an IGF-1 test a useful indicator of average GH levels.
Adrenal Function (Serum)
Two of the most important hormones that impact athletic performance are cortisol and DHEA, the long-lasting stress hormones produced by the adrenal glands. Cortisol has a catabolic effect which mobilises the body’s nutritional resources for fuel. DHEA has an opposing anabolic effect and coverts food into living tissue. In order to achieve your fitness goals cortisol and DHEA must be in proper balance.
Full Blood Count with differential
The full blood count is used as a broad screening test to check for such disorders as anaemia (decrease in red blood cells or haemoglobin), infection, and many other diseases. It is actually a group of tests that examine different parts of the blood. Results from the following tests provide the broadest picture of your health.
Liver Function (with AST)
Your liver processes drugs and alcohol, filters toxic chemicals, stores vitamins and minerals, and makes bile, proteins and enzymes. This liver function test examines enzymes and other markers for evidence of damage to your liver cells or a blockage near your liver which can impair its function.
Kidney Function
Your kidneys filter waste from your body and regulate the salts in your blood. Bodybuilders and extreme athletes are more at risk of kidney failure due to high protein intake, excessive muscle breakdown from intense exercise, as well as anabolic steroid use. When the kidneys are not working properly, waste products and fluid can build up to dangerous levels creating a life-threatening situation.
Inflammation
Inadequate recovery from exercise or overtraining can result in inflammation and muscle damage.
Blood Glucose
Blood glucose is generated from carbohydrates and to use this fuel for energy your body needs insulin. With type 2 diabetes the cells either ignore the insulin or the body doesn't produce enough of it. Glucose then builds up leading to problems with the heart, kidneys, eyes, nerves, and blood vessels.
Cholesterol
Lipids and cholesterol are fat-like substances in your blood. Some are necessary for good health, but when you have a high level of cholesterol in your blood, a lot of it ends up being deposited in the walls of your arteries and other vital organs. Lifestyle choices including diet, exercise and alcohol intake can all influence cholesterol levels and your risk of developing heart disease.
Test instructions
Visit the collection centre within one hour of waking for the most accurate hormone test measurements.
Fast from all food and drink other than water for at least 8 hours, and no more than 12 hours prior to your test. Please note some collect centers require this test to be performed before 10am.
Refrain from strenuous exercise for 2 days before your blood test as this can affect the results.
Take your form to one of our affiliated collection centres to have your sample taken - no need for an appointment.
We'll publish your results in your own personal dashboard within 3-10 business days depending on your region.
