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IMULAB

Sports

Sports

£121.50 GBP
£135.00 GBP £121.50 GBP
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How do you want to take your sample?

Please choose one option below

  • Collect your own finger prick sample at home  Free

    Self sampling kit containing everything you need to take your own sample at home.

  • Venous blood sample at a Superdrug Clinic  +£35.00

    Visit one of Superdrug's clinics across the UK where a healthcare professional will take your sample from a vein in your arm. We’ll email you instructions on how to book after we’ve processed your order.

  • Book at home venous blood sample with a nurse  +£59.00

    Book an appointment for a nurse to visit your home and take your blood sample from a vein your arm. 

  • Arrange own venous sample with a healthcare professional  Free

    Make an appointment with a healthcare professional of your choice to have your venous blood sample taken. You will be responsible for arranging your appointment and any additional fees.

✅ Results expected within 3 working days

Upgrade your workout game with our best-selling Sports Performance Blood Test, designed to help you optimise your performance and overall health.

Why Choose This Test?

Whether you're a strength trainer, athlete, or fitness enthusiast, this comprehensive test measures key hormones and biomarkers to give you tailored insights into your health and fitness.

What’s Included in This Test?

  • Key hormones: Including testosterone and oestradiol
  • Vital health markers: Supporting your energy levels, muscle growth, and recovery time

Who Is This Test For?

  • Athletes looking for a competitive edge
  • Fitness enthusiasts aiming to boost energy and stamina
  • Individuals focused on lean muscle development
  • Those wanting to improve recovery time after workouts

What You’ll Gain:

  • Insights into your hormone balance and biomarkers
  • Data to tailor your training and nutrition plans
  • A clearer understanding of your body’s performance needs

Convenient Testing Options:

  • At-Home Finger-Prick Sample: Easy and convenient to perform.
  • Superdrug Partner Clinics: Accessible across the UK for professional sample collection.
  • Home Nurse Visit: Arrange for a nurse or your healthcare professional to collect a venous sample in the comfort of your home.

Fast & Secure Results:

Your results will be securely delivered via our online patient portal, typically available within two working days from receipt at our laboratory.

Take your performance and fitness goals to the next level—order your Sports Performance Blood Test today.

View full details

What's included in this test?

Red blood cells

Haemoglobin

Haemoglobin is a protein found in red blood cells that is responsible for transporting oxygen from the lungs to different tissues and organs throughout the body. It also plays a crucial role in carrying carbon dioxide, a waste product, from the tissues back to the lungs for elimination. The production and maintenance of healthy haemoglobin levels are essential for overall health and well-being.

When haemoglobin levels are low, a condition known as anemia can occur. Anemia can have various causes, including nutritional deficiencies, chronic diseases, blood loss, or impaired production of red blood cells. Symptoms of anemia may include fatigue, weakness, shortness of breath, pale skin, dizziness, and irregular heartbeats. It can lead to a reduced capacity to deliver oxygen to the body's tissues, affecting overall energy levels and organ function.

On the other hand, high levels of haemoglobin, referred to as polycythemia, can occur in certain conditions such as lung disease, congenital heart defects, or bone marrow disorders. Polycythemia can make the blood thicker and more viscous, which may lead to complications like blood clots, heart attacks, or strokes. Symptoms may include headache, dizziness, fatigue, blurred vision, and increased blood pressure.

Maintaining optimal haemoglobin levels is important for proper oxygen transport and overall health. If you suspect any abnormalities in your haemoglobin levels, it is recommended to consult a healthcare professional for appropriate evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment.

Haematocrit

HCT (haematocrit) is a blood test that measures the percentage of the total blood volume that is composed of red blood cells. It provides information on the number and size of red blood cells in the body and can help diagnose conditions related to red blood cells, such as anemia.

Red cell count

The Red Blood Cell (RBC) Count is a test that evaluates the quantity of red blood cells present in the blood. Red blood cells play a crucial role in transporting oxygen from the lungs to the body tissues, where it is utilized for various energy processes like respiration and movement. They also carry carbon dioxide from the body tissues back to the lungs, where it can be removed from the body through exhalation.

MCV

MCV (mean corpuscular volume) is a measurement that reflects the average size of red blood cells in a sample of blood. This value is important because it can indicate how much oxygen your cells are likely to be transporting around the body.

MCH

MCH stands for mean corpuscular haemoglobin and measures the average amount of haemoglobin in each of your red blood cells.

MCHC

MCHC (mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration) measures the average concentration of haemoglobin in a given volume of red blood cells. Haemoglobin is a protein in red blood cells that binds to oxygen and carries it from the lungs to the body's tissues.

RDW

RDW, or red blood cell distribution width, is a measure of the variation in size and shape of your red blood cells. It assesses whether the red blood cells are mostly the same size and shape, or whether there is a significant variation. Normally, red blood cells are uniform in size and shape, but certain blood disorders can cause abnormalities in the size and shape of red blood cells. The RDW test measures the difference in size between the largest and smallest red blood cell in a sample.

White blood cells

White cell count

The White Blood Cell (WBC) Count is a test that measures the quantity of white blood cells in the bloodstream. White blood cells are crucial to the immune system and play a vital role in defending the body against infections caused by harmful germs and bacteria. In addition, they produce antibodies and memory cells that can protect the body from future infections by the same germ.

Neutrophils

Neutrophils are the predominant type of white blood cell in the human body that assist in combating infections. They are the primary defence mechanism that detects and destroys pathogens before other types of white blood cells are activated. If the number of neutrophils in the blood is reduced, the body becomes more susceptible to illnesses and infections.

Lymphocytes

Lymphocytes are a group of white blood cells that play a crucial role in the body's immune system by fighting against bacterial and viral infections. They are specialized white blood cells that can recognize and differentiate between different foreign organisms that invade the body. Apart from their role in fighting infections, they also produce antibodies and memory cells that can help prevent future infections from the same germ. Lymphocytes consist of T cells, B cells, and natural killer cells.

Monocytes

Monocytes are a type of white blood cell that play a crucial role in the immune system by engulfing and eliminating germs and dead or damaged cells from the blood. They are also involved in the process of inflammation, which can cause heat and swelling in the affected area of the body, such as a cut on the finger.

Eosinophils

Eosinophils are a type of white blood cell that are involved in combating parasitic infections and regulating inflammation at infected sites. They also contribute to the body's response to allergies and asthma.

Basophils

Basophils are a type of white blood cell that play a crucial role in the immune system. They are responsible for protecting the body against bacterial and parasitic infections, as well as playing a role in allergic reactions. When an allergen enters the body, basophils release histamine, a chemical that causes inflammation and swelling in the affected area. This response is designed to help remove the allergen from the body, but can also cause uncomfortable symptoms such as itching and redness. In addition to their role in allergic reactions, basophils also help to stimulate the immune response by releasing cytokines, which are chemical messengers that help to activate other immune cells. Overall, basophils play an important role in protecting the body against harmful invaders and maintaining a healthy immune system.

Hormones

Oestradiol

Oestradiol is a steroid hormone that is primarily produced in the ovaries of women and to a lesser extent in the testes of men. It is one of three types of estrogen and has important functions in regulating the female reproductive system, as well as promoting breast tissue growth and maintaining bone density. Oestradiol levels naturally fluctuate throughout the menstrual cycle, peaking at ovulation in pre-menopausal women. As women age, their oestradiol levels decrease and eventually stop altogether with menopause. Low levels of oestradiol can lead to symptoms commonly associated with menopause such as hot flushes, night sweats, and mood swings. Additionally, low levels of oestradiol can increase the risk of developing osteoporosis.

Testosterone

Testosterone is a hormone primarily responsible for male characteristics and is produced in the testicles of men, and to a much lesser extent, in the ovaries of women. It regulates sex drive and plays a crucial role in controlling bone mass, fat distribution, muscle mass, strength, as well as the production of red blood cells and sperm. Testosterone levels in men naturally decline after the age of 30, but lower than normal levels can occur at any age, causing symptoms such as low libido, erectile dysfunction, difficulty in gaining and maintaining muscle mass, and lack of energy. Women have much lower levels of testosterone than men, but it is equally important for regulating libido, muscle and fat distribution, and red blood cell formation. The normal reference range for testosterone levels varies slightly depending on the laboratory and population tested, but the British Society for Sexual Medicine recommends that low testosterone can be diagnosed when testosterone is consistently below the reference range, or when levels are below 12 nmol/L, especially in men who report symptoms of low testosterone or have low levels of free testosterone.

Proteins

Total protein

Total Protein is the total amount of protein in the blood, which includes both albumin and globulin. These proteins have several functions such as maintaining blood volume, transporting nutrients, and protecting the body against infection. Abnormal levels of total protein can suggest malnutrition, liver disease, or kidney disease.

Globulin

Globulin is a group of proteins synthesized by the liver and the immune system. They have different functions such as binding with haemoglobin, transporting metals like iron, and fighting infections. Immunoglobulins, a type of globulin, are antibodies that play a critical role in the immune system's response to infections.

Albumin

Albumin is a protein produced mainly by the liver that helps to maintain the osmotic pressure of the blood, keeping water inside the vessels. It also aids in the transport of nutrients, medications, and other substances throughout the body, and is important for tissue growth and repair. Additionally, albumin carries hormones in the blood, and measuring its levels can provide information about the amount of hormone available to the tissues.

Kidney health

Urea

Measuring the levels of urea in the blood can give an indication of how well the liver and kidneys are working. Urea is a waste product produced by the liver when it breaks down proteins, and it is transported to the kidneys for filtering and removal from the body in the form of urine. Normal results do not rule out severe kidney damage in one kidney if the other kidney is functioning well

Creatinine

Creatinine is a naturally occurring waste product that forms from normal muscle metabolism. Elevated levels of creatinine may indicate the presence of other waste products in the body. Creatinine is an important marker for assessing kidney function and can aid in the diagnosis of kidney disease.

eGFR

The eGFR, or estimated glomerular filtration rate, is a measurement that evaluates kidney function by estimating the amount of blood filtered by the kidneys. The kidneys contain tiny filters called glomeruli that are responsible for removing waste products from the blood. If these filters fail to work properly, kidney function can be affected. The eGFR is calculated using a person's age, gender, ethnicity, and serum creatinine levels to provide an estimate of their actual glomerular filtration rate.

Liver health

ALP

Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) is an enzyme that is present in the liver, bones, and other tissues. Elevated levels of ALP in the blood can be an indicator of various liver or bone disorders, or a result of certain medications.

ALT

ALT is an enzyme that is present mostly in the liver, and to a lesser extent in the heart, muscles, and kidneys. When the liver is damaged, ALT is released into the bloodstream, making it a useful marker of liver inflammation and potential damage caused by factors such as alcohol, fatty liver, drugs, or viral infections like hepatitis.

Gamma GT

Gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), also known as gamma GT, is an enzyme mainly found in the liver, but also present in the pancreas, spleen, and kidneys. Elevated levels of GGT in the blood can indicate liver or bile duct disease. When used together with ALP, another liver enzyme, GGT can help distinguish between liver and bone disease. GGT is also a useful marker for diagnosing long-term alcohol abuse, as it is often elevated in the blood of heavy drinkers.

Thyroid hormones

TSH

Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) is a hormone produced by the pituitary gland that regulates the production of thyroid hormones thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3) by the thyroid gland. TSH levels increase when thyroid hormone levels are low, and decrease when thyroid hormone levels are high. Abnormal TSH levels can indicate problems with the thyroid gland, such as under or overproduction of thyroid hormones. It can also be a result of pituitary gland disorders.

Free thyroxine

Thyroxine (T4) is one of the two primary hormones produced by the thyroid gland. It plays a vital role in regulating metabolic processes in the body. T4 is mostly bound to carrier proteins in the blood, and only a small amount of it exists in its free or unbound form. In contrast to free T3, free T4 is relatively inactive, but it is still essential for normal body function. When the body requires thyroid hormone, free T4 is converted to the more active form, free T3.

Iron status

Iron

Iron is a mineral that is necessary for the body to function properly. It is an essential component of haemoglobin, a protein present in red blood cells that transports oxygen throughout the body. Insufficient iron in the body can lead to a decrease in haemoglobin levels and result in symptoms such as fatigue, dizziness, and shortness of breath. However, measuring serum iron alone may not provide an accurate picture of iron levels as it can be influenced by the recent intake of iron-rich foods. Therefore, iron is typically evaluated alongside other markers in an iron status test.

Ferritin

Ferritin is a protein that acts as a storage unit for iron in the body, particularly in the liver, spleen, and bone marrow. Measuring ferritin levels in the blood is a useful way to assess the amount of iron stored in the body, as it reflects the body's overall iron status. Low ferritin levels may indicate iron deficiency, while high ferritin levels may indicate excess iron storage, which can be a sign of certain medical conditions.

Clotting status

Platelet count

Platelets, also known as thrombocytes, are the smallest type of blood cell and play a crucial role in blood clotting. Produced in the bone marrow, they are essential for hemostasis, the process that stops bleeding after an injury or damage to a blood vessel. Platelets are activated when there is damage to a blood vessel, causing them to become sticky and clump together to form a plug, which helps to seal the wound and prevent further blood loss.

Diabetes

HbA1c

Haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), also known as glycated haemoglobin, provides a measure of average glucose levels in the blood over a longer period than a simple blood glucose test. When glucose attaches to the haemoglobin in red blood cells, it forms glycated haemoglobin, which can be used to estimate the average level of sugar in the blood over the preceding 2-3 months, as red blood cells have a lifespan of around 12-16 weeks.

Cholesterol status

Total cholesterol

Cholesterol is a crucial lipid or fat present in the body. Despite its infamous reputation, it serves significant functions such as building cell membranes and synthesizing crucial hormones such as testosterone and oestradiol. The liver is responsible for manufacturing cholesterol, but it also originates from the food we consume. Although various types of cholesterol exist, the two primary elements of total cholesterol are HDL (high-density lipoprotein), which is defensive against heart disease, and LDL (low-density lipoprotein), which can contribute to cardiovascular disease when present in high levels. A total cholesterol result on its own has limited value in assessing the risk of heart disease. High levels of HDL cholesterol can cause an elevated total cholesterol result, yet may provide protection against heart disease. Conversely, an individual can have a normal total cholesterol level but have low levels of protective HDL cholesterol. The most significant factors are the levels of HDL and LDL cholesterol, and the proportion of total cholesterol that comprises protective HDL cholesterol. The cholesterol profile presents a detailed breakdown of the components of total cholesterol.

LDL cholesterol

LDL cholesterol, or low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, is a compound comprising lipids and proteins that conveys cholesterol, triglycerides, and other fats to different tissues in the body. When there is an excess of LDL cholesterol, which is also known as "bad cholesterol", it can result in the accumulation of fatty deposits within the walls of arteries, potentially causing atherosclerosis and heart disease.

HDL cholesterol

HDL cholesterol, or high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, is a substance present in the body that eliminates cholesterol from the bloodstream and carries it to the liver, where it is broken down and then removed from the body via bile. HDL cholesterol is usually referred to as "good cholesterol."

Non HDL cholesterol

The breakdown of your total cholesterol comprises two primary constituents, namely HDL (good) cholesterol and LDL (bad) cholesterol. However, harmful cholesterol types in your blood extend beyond LDL and encompass VLDL (very low-density lipoproteins) and other lipoproteins that are believed to be even more detrimental than LDL cholesterol. Non-HDL cholesterol is obtained by deducting your HDL cholesterol value from the total cholesterol value. Consequently, it incorporates all the non-protective and potentially harmful cholesterol in your blood, not just LDL. Thus, it is considered a better indicator of cardiovascular risk compared to total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol. The recommended non-HDL cholesterol level is below 4 mmol/L.

Total cholesterol: HDL

The Total Cholesterol to HDL (High-Density Lipoprotein) ratio is a measure used to assess cardiovascular health. Total cholesterol represents the overall amount of cholesterol in the blood, while HDL cholesterol is considered the "good" cholesterol that helps remove excess cholesterol from the arteries. By calculating the ratio between the two, it provides insights into the balance between "good" and "bad" cholesterol levels. A lower ratio indicates a healthier cardiovascular profile, as it suggests a higher proportion of HDL cholesterol relative to total cholesterol. Monitoring and maintaining an optimal Total Cholesterol to HDL ratio is essential for maintaining heart health and reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

Triglycerides

Triglycerides are a type of lipid or fat that are present in the blood. When you eat, your body converts any extra calories, whether from carbohydrates or fat, into triglycerides, which are then carried to cells to be stored as fat. Triglycerides are later released by the body when they are needed for energy.

Sampling special instructions

Prepare for your Sports Hormone Blood Test by following the instructions contained within your test kit. To ensure accurate results, it is recommended to take your sample before 10am. In preparation for the test, avoid engaging in heavy exercise for at least 48 hours beforehand. Additionally, refrain from consuming fatty foods for at least eight hours prior to the test; fasting is not required. If you are a menstruating individual, it is optimal to take the test between days two and five of your menstrual cycle, with day one being the first day of your period. However, if you do not experience menstrual cycles, the test can be taken at any time.

Please note that hormonal contraception can impact the test results. For more accurate results, consider taking a break from hormonal contraception and using barrier methods instead. If you use hormone gels, pessaries, patches, or tablets, it is advisable to opt for a venous sample to minimize the potential for contamination often observed with finger-prick tests. If you administer any hormone supplements, ensure that your fingers have not come into contact with them for at least four weeks prior to the test, as hormones can be absorbed deep within the skin and persist despite thorough handwashing. Lastly, avoid taking biotin supplements for two days before the test, and consult with your doctor if you have been prescribed biotin.