Healthspan Medical | Sea Point, Cape Town
Blood testing
explained.
Compare panels for metabolic health, hormone health and peptide readiness, then choose the right next step.
The Panels
What each blood panel measures
Select a panel to see which markers it includes, what they measure, and when the panel may fit your health goals.
The Core Health Panel is a broad baseline covering blood sugar, electrolyte balance, inflammatory markers, and liver and kidney function. Your clinician can help you decide whether this is the right starting point and explain any follow-up that may be useful.
Key Data Points
Electrolytes & Glucose
Sodium, Potassium, Chloride, Bicarbonate, Fasting Glucose
These results help your clinician review hydration, electrolyte balance and blood-glucose patterns in the context of your history and symptoms.
HbA1c Glycaemic Marker
3-month average blood glucose (glycated haemoglobin)
HbA1c estimates average blood glucose over roughly two to three months and is interpreted alongside current glucose results and your health history.
High-Sensitivity CRP
Systemic inflammatory load (hs-CRP)
hs-CRP is a nonspecific inflammatory marker. A result needs clinical context because infection, injury and other factors can affect it.
Liver & Kidney Function
ALT, AST, GGT, Albumin, Bilirubin, Creatinine, eGFR, Urea
These markers help your clinician review liver and kidney function and decide whether further testing or follow-up is appropriate.
The Cholesterol, LDL + HDL Panel is a focused lipid screen for clients who want a quick view of cholesterol balance and cardiovascular risk markers before deciding whether they need a broader metabolic workup.
Key Data Points
Total Cholesterol
Overall cholesterol level
Useful as a broad signal, especially when interpreted alongside LDL and HDL rather than in isolation.
LDL Cholesterol
Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol
A key lipid marker used in cardiovascular risk screening and follow-up planning.
HDL Cholesterol
High-density lipoprotein cholesterol
Helps contextualise lipid balance and cardiometabolic health patterns.
The Male Hormone Panel measures testosterone-related and pituitary markers that can help a clinician review hormone health in the context of energy, libido, mood and other symptoms. Results are interpreted together rather than as isolated targets.
Key Data Points
17-β Oestradiol & FSH
Primary oestrogen + Follicle Stimulating Hormone
Oestradiol and FSH can add context to a broader male hormone assessment. Your clinician interprets them alongside symptoms, age, medication and other results.
LH & Free Testosterone
Luteinising Hormone + bioavailable testosterone fraction
LH, free testosterone and SHBG are reviewed together to understand hormone production and availability. A single value does not establish a diagnosis.
PSA & Prostate Markers
Prostate Specific Antigen + DHEA-S
PSA and DHEA-S may be included where clinically appropriate. Screening frequency and follow-up depend on age, symptoms, history and clinician guidance.
Endocrine Mapping
Full hormonal axis interpretation
Patterns across the panel may help your clinician decide whether repeat testing, further investigation or a treatment discussion is appropriate.
The Female Hormone Panel measures reproductive, androgen and pituitary markers. Cycle timing, age, symptoms, medication and health history all affect how the results should be interpreted.
Key Data Points
17-β Oestradiol
Primary active oestrogen
Oestradiol is interpreted in relation to cycle stage, age, symptoms and other hormone markers. Your clinician can explain what the result means in your context.
Progesterone
Luteal phase hormone / oestrogen counterbalance
Progesterone is time-sensitive and is interpreted against cycle stage, symptoms and reproductive context rather than as a standalone result.
FSH & LH
Pituitary hormones governing the ovarian cycle
FSH and LH can help a clinician review cycle patterns and ovarian function. Timing and clinical context are important to interpretation.
Free Testosterone & DHEAS
Bioavailable androgens (incl. SHBG)
Free testosterone, SHBG and DHEA-S add context to androgen availability and adrenal hormone patterns. Results are reviewed alongside symptoms and other markers.
The Peptide Therapy Readiness Panel is a broader screening option for people considering or already using clinician-guided peptide therapy. It combines the Core Health markers with IGF-1, insulin-related and thyroid markers. Results require clinical interpretation and do not on their own determine suitability.
Key Data Points
Full Core Health Suite
Everything in the Core Health panel (see above)
These baseline markers help your clinician review metabolic, liver and kidney health before discussing whether a peptide or hormone pathway may be suitable.
Insulin & HOMA Index
Fasting insulin + HOMA-IR (insulin resistance score)
HOMA-IR is a calculated estimate based on fasting glucose and insulin. Your clinician interprets it with other metabolic markers and your health history.
Full Thyroid Panel
TSH, Free T3, Free T4
TSH, Free T3 and Free T4 provide a broader thyroid picture. Results are interpreted with symptoms, medication and relevant clinical history.
IGF-1 Growth Markers
Insulin-like Growth Factor 1
IGF-1 can help a clinician assess growth-hormone-axis activity and establish a baseline where relevant to peptide therapy planning or monitoring.
Why Bloodwork
A result is more useful with the right context.
Routine and focused blood tests answer different questions. We help you choose a panel based on your goals, symptoms, history and any treatment pathway you are considering.
Your results include reference ranges, but the useful part is the clinical context: what deserves attention, what may need repeating, and what the next step could be.
The Process
From draw to data in 3 steps
STEP 01
Fasted Sample Draw
You arrive at our draw point fasted (8–12 hours, before 10:00 AM). A phlebotomist collects a single venous blood sample. The whole appointment takes under 10 minutes.
STEP 02
SANAS-Accredited Analysis
Your sample is processed at an Ampath-affiliated lab — one of South Africa's most rigorous diagnostic networks. Results are generated with clinical-grade precision, not consumer-grade estimation.
STEP 03
Interpreted Report
Turnaround depends on the panel and laboratory. Your report includes reference ranges and the context needed to discuss an appropriate next step.
Interpreting Results
How to read your report
Reference Range
A reference range still needs context
Lab reference ranges are designed to flag pathology — they're built from population averages, including sedentary and metabolically compromised individuals. A result at the bottom of "normal" for testosterone or thyroid function can still represent significant functional impairment for a high-performing individual.
Flagged Values
A flag is a starting point
Results outside range require context — a single marker rarely tells the full story. Elevated hs-CRP alongside low ferritin tells a different story than elevated hs-CRP with elevated testosterone. We read patterns, not isolated numbers. Your report is a conversation starter, not a final diagnosis.
Trends Over Time
Direction matters more than snapshot
A single blood draw is a data point. Two draws three months apart is a trend. We recommend bi-annual screening on the Core Health panel and quarterly on hormone panels for anyone on an active protocol. Tracking your own trajectory — not just comparing to a static range — is where the real value lives.
Pre-Draw Protocol
Fasting requirements
Accurate metabolic markers depend on a clean fasted state. Not following the protocol introduces variables into glucose, lipid, and insulin readings that can obscure real clinical signals — or generate false ones. Here is exactly what you need to do before your appointment.
Ready to book blood testing?
Choose a panel, follow the fasting guidance, or contact Healthspan Medical if you want help deciding where to start.
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