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About Us

Policies

Support

Metabolism

Allergy

Lifestyle

Micro-nutrients and minerals

Hormones

Thyroid

Bones and muscles

Liver

Men's Health

Kidneys and urinary tract

Women's Health

Joint diseases

Iron

Diet

Heart and blood vessels

Inflammation and infections

Stomach and intestines

Vitality

Blood count

Blood sugar

Vitamins

Normally, the result is:  

Reference values: 
> 35 pmol/l

Please contact your physician or other healthcare professional if you suspect an illness or need help interpreting the results.

Read [more](https://lounalab.fi/article/miten-suhtautua-laboratoriotutkimusten-tuloksiin-ja-milloin-tulos-on) about defining reference values.

People who have received vitamin B12 treatment have been found to have elevated levels of vitamin B12. If the excessive intake of vitamin B12 is caused by vitamin supplements, this is not dangerous. Therefore, you should have the blood test taken before receiving the vitamin B12 treatment dose. Elevated vitamin B12 levels can also be caused by liver and kidney diseases or a malignant tumour.

Usually, vitamin B12 deficiency is caused by absorption problems. Decreased gastric acid concentration and an increase in stomach pH weaken the absorption of vitamin B12. Gastric acidity can be decreased by an autoimmune disease or a helicobacteria-induced stomach infection, or gastritis. Some medications, such as antacids and the diabetes drug metformin, as well as diseases of the small intestine (coeliac disease), can weaken the absorption of vitamin B12. 

Low vitamin B12 levels can also be caused by diet. Vitamin B12 only exists in high concentrations in products of animal origin, and if a person following a vegan diet does not take it as a supplement, its concentration in the blood decreases. 

The secretion of vitamin B12 from the kidneys increases in connection with high alcohol consumption. 

Decreased vitamin B12 levels can also occur among those following a vegetarian diet. Vitamin B12 deficiency causes anaemia and nervous symptoms, and the blood platelet and white blood cell counts are lower than normal. It is typical of anaemia caused by vitamin B12 deficiency that the red blood cells are unusually large. This type of anaemia is known as megaloblastic anaemia.

- Complete blood count (CBC), shows the number of red and white blood cells, number of platelets, and cell type (3696 B-TVK) 
- Homocysteine is connected to clotting events and blood clots (1867 P-Hcyst) 
- Folic acid has effects on the well-being of the brain and cells (1416 fS-Folaat)

SYNLAB test list: https://www2.synlab.fi/laboratoriokasikirja/tutkimuskuvaukset/b12-vitamiini-aktiivinen-transkobalamiini-ii-een-sitoutunut-1142-s-b12-tc2/ 

SYNLAB vitamin B12 https://www.yml.fi/tuotekuvaus_show.php?tuotenro=43 

Terveyskirjasto health library: B12-vitamiinin tai foolihapon puutos https://www.terveyskirjasto.fi/terveyskirjasto/tk.koti?p_artikkeli=dlk00788&p_hakusana=b12 

Terveyskirjasto health library: B12-vitamiini, transkobalamiini II:een situoutunut (S-B12-TC2) https://www.terveyskirjasto.fi/terveyskirjasto/tk.koti?p_artikkeli=snk99003&p_hakusana=b12 

Terveyskirjasto health library: B12-vitamiini (S-B12-Vit) https://www.terveyskirjasto.fi/dlk01300/vitamiinit?q=B-vitamiini#s10

Lab tests online: Vitamin B12 and folate deficiency https://labtestsonline.org.uk/conditions/vitamin-b12-and-folate-deficiency 

Vitamin B12 is particularly necessary for the formation of red blood cells and, together with folic acid, DNA. It also supports the functioning of the brain and nervous system, and it is involved in carbohydrate and protein metabolism. 

We get vitamin B12 from products of animal origin, such as liver, fish, eggs, meat, and dairy products. Stomach cells produce a carrier protein called intrinsic factor (IF), to which vitamin B12 binds and with which it is absorbed in the small intestine. From the small intestine, vitamin B12 continues its journey through the bloodstream to the tissues, again bound to the carrier protein.  

The vitamin B12 blood test indicates the total concentration of vitamin B12 in the body. A vitamin B12 sufficiency in the body, however, is more accurately indicated by the test of active vitamin B12 (S-B12-TC2). The abbreviation “TC” refers to the transcobalamin in the vitamin B12 carrier protein. 

Vitamin B12 deficiency is primarily a concern of the elderly. One in ten Finns aged over 65 have been found to suffer from vitamin B12 deficiency. It is less common among younger people. Vitamin B12 deficiency is easier to prevent than treat. 

## When is a good time to measure vitamin B12 levels?  

Often, the need to examine the concentration of vitamin B12 arises in connection with the nervous system or anaemia with elevated red blood cell volume (E-MCV).  

It is a good time to have the test done if you experience the following symptoms, which are possibly caused by vitamin B12 deficiency: 

- Muscle weakness 
- Sensory disturbances 
- Memory disturbances 
- Pain in the upper abdomen 
- Depression 
- Disorientation, memory loss 
- Dizziness, fatigue, weakness 
- Paleness 
- Fast heart rate 
- Shortness of breath 

Less common symptoms include: 

- Tongue infection 
- Weight loss 
- Yellowness of the skin  

## What does a vitamin B12 test measure? 

The body stores vitamin B12 in the liver for approximately 3–5 years, so it can take months, even years, before the symptoms suggesting vitamin B12 deficiency occur. On the other hand, children have not yet developed a stock of vitamin B12, so vitamin B12 deficiency manifests itself earlier.  

Active vitamin B12

Vitamin B12 is needed in the production of red blood cells and the functioning of the nervous system.

Normally, the result is:  

Reference values:
- Women aged 13–17: <125 U/l 
- Men aged 13–17: <330 U/l 
- Adults aged > 18: 35 – 105 U/l 

The reference values of this examination have changed 11.10.2021. You will find your own result's reference values from My LOUNA in touch with the graph.
Read [more](https://lounalab.fi/article/miten-suhtautua-laboratoriotutkimusten-tuloksiin-ja-milloin-tulos-on) about defining reference values.

Please contact your physician or other healthcare professional if you suspect an illness or need help interpreting the results.

Children display decreased AFOS values in a rare, hereditary metabolic bone disease called hypophosphatasia. Decreased AFOS levels weaken the consistency of the bones. Decreased AFOS values may also be related to hyperthyroidism. 

The most typical additional tests: 

- Bilirubin, which is formed by the breakdown of red blood cells and a test for liver and bile duct diseases (1185 S-Bil, 1189 S-Bil-Kj) 
- Gamma-glutamyl transferase, a sensitive indicator of liver diseases (1489, S-GT) 
- Alanine aminotransferase, indicator of liver cell damage (1026 S-ALAT) 
- Aspartate aminotransferase, which reacts quickly to liver, cardiac muscle and musculoskeletal cell damage (1128 S-ASAT) 
- Calcium, which is critical for all cells of the body (2013 S-Ca, 2019 fS-Ca-Ion, 6032 S-Ca-Albk) 
- Phosphate, an important building block of bones, cells and DNA (1432 fS-Pi) 

Children display decreased AFOS values in a rare, hereditary metabolic bone disease called hypophosphatasia. Decreased AFOS levels weaken the consistency of the bones. Decreased AFOS values may also be related to hyperthyroidism. 

- Bilirubin, which is formed by the breakdown of red blood cells and a test for liver and bile duct diseases (1185 S-Bil, 1189 S-Bil-Kj) 
- Gamma-glutamyl transferase, a sensitive indicator of liver diseases (1489, S-GT) 
- Alanine aminotransferase, indicator of liver cell damage (1026 S-ALAT) 
- Aspartate aminotransferase, which reacts quickly to liver, cardiac muscle and musculoskeletal cell damage (1128 S-ASAT) 
- Calcium, which is critical for all cells of the body (2013 S-Ca, 2019 fS-Ca-Ion, 6032 S-Ca-Albk) 
- Phosphate, an important building block of bones, cells and DNA (1432 fS-Pi) 

SYNLAB Laboratory handbook: [Alkaalinen Fosfataasi kemisti Arto Katajamäki](https://www.yml.fi/tuotekuvaus_show.php?tuotenro=16) 

Terveyskirjasto health library: [Alkaalinen fosfataasi](https://www.terveyskirjasto.fi/terveyskirjasto/tk.koti?p_artikkeli=snk03072&p_hakusana=afos) 

Hyvä terveys:  [Seerumin alkaalinen fosfataasi](https://www.hyvaterveys.fi/artikkeli/terveys/seerumin_alkalinen_fosfataasi)

The enzyme alkaline phosphatase or AFOS (ALP) occurs in liver cells and primarily takes part in biliation. Alkaline phosphatase is also needed for building bones. Typically, AFOS is elevated in liver and bone diseases. The name of the AFOS enzyme is derived from its tendency to work best in a slightly alkaline environment (pH of about 9). 

In addition to the liver and bones, AFOS also occurs in the placenta, white blood cells and some tumours. 

## When should AFOS be measured?  

The following symptoms may be indicative of a liver disease: 

Itching, dark urine, yellowness of the skin and eyes, tendency to bruise, enlarged stomach, swelling of the limbs, muscle weakness, unsteady walking,
fracture. 

AFOS is typically elevated when the bile ducts are partially or fully obstructed. Recurring fractures may indicate a metabolic bone disease. 

## What does the AFOS test measure? 

By testing the AFOS levels in the blood, we can primarily assess the functioning of the liver as well as partially that of the bones. If cells containing AFOS are damaged or increased in the body, the levels of AFOS enzyme released into the bloodstream increase.  

AFOS (Alkaline phosphatase)

The enzyme alkaline phosphatase or AFOS (ALP) occurs in liver cells and primarily takes part in biliation.

Normally, the result is:

Reference values:
Women: <35 U/l 
Men: <50 U/L 

The result indicates whether there are elevated ALAT enzymes in the bloodstream. However, the test does not give the reason for a result falling outside the reference range. Typically, further examinations after an abnormal ALAT test result include:  

- Alkaline phosphatase (S-AFOS), an examination concerning the functioning of the gall bladder 
- Carbohydrate-deficient transferrin (S-CDT), alcohol-induced liver damage 
- Gamma-glutamyl transferase (S-GT), alcohol-induced liver damage 
- Mean corpuscular volume (MCV), detrimental alcohol consumption 

If abnormal values are observed in the tests, you should consult a physician. 
(All tests can be completed before visiting the doctor’s office so that the results are available for the diagnosis.)  

Read [more](https://lounalab.fi/article/miten-suhtautua-laboratoriotutkimusten-tuloksiin-ja-milloin-tulos-on) about defining reference values.

The most typical cause of an elevated ALAT value is liver failure, but there are also other factors that elevate alanine aminotransferase: 

- Obesity can cause fatty liver disease. 
- Liver cirrhosis can be caused by chronic fatty liver disease. In liver cirrhosis, part of the liver tissue changes into connective tissue. In chronic liver cirrhosis, ALAT indicates the activity of the disease.  
- Long-term alcohol use 
- Some pharmaceuticals and natural health products (such as contraceptive pills, psychoactive drugs) 
- Anabolic steroids and narcotics 
- The ALAT value occasionally increases up to 40-fold in connection with inflammation of the liver, or acute hepatitis, caused by viruses and medications.  - Other, less common causes of elevated ALAT enzyme include sepsis, pulmonary infarction, and liver or heart failure. 

ALAT is often elevated even before the patient exhibits any symptoms. The concentration normalises within a few weeks or months after the disease. 

- Alkaline phosphatase is elevated in liver and bone diseases (1046 S-AFOS) 
- Bilirubin is formed by the breakdown of red blood cells and is a test for liver and bile duct diseases (1185 S-Bil) 
- Gamma-glutamyl transferase is a sensitive indicator of liver diseases (1489, S-GT) 
- Aspartate aminotransferase reacts quickly to liver, cardiac muscle, and musculoskeletal cell damage (1128 S-ASAT) 
- Calcium is critical for all cells of the body (2013 S-Ca, 6032 S-Ca-Albk) 
- Phosphate is an important building block of bones, cells, and DNA (1432 fS-Pi)  
- Alkaline phosphatase is elevated in liver and bone diseases (1046 S-AFOS) 
- Carbohydrate-deficient transferrin CDT (4101 S-CDT)

SYNLAB test list: Alaniiniaminotransferaasi (1026 S-ALAT)  https://www2.synlab.fi/laboratoriokasikirja/tutkimuskuvaukset/alaniiniaminoalat/ 

Terveyskirjasto health library: Alaniiniaminotransferaasi https://www.terveyskirjasto.fi/terveyskirjasto/tk.koti?p_artikkeli=snk03071&p_hakusana=alat 

Potilaan Lääkärilehti https://www.potilaanlaakarilehti.fi/uutiset/alat-kertoo-maksasi-voinnista/ 

Tunturi S. Alaniiniaminotransferaasi (P-ALAT). Duodecim Terveyskirjasto 5 January 2021. https://www.terveyskirjasto.fi/snk03071/alaniiniaminotransferaasi-p-alat 

Alanine aminotransferase (ALAT; also known as alanine transaminase) is an enzyme, or protein, that is associated with the metabolism of amino acids, and operates within liver cells. Therefore, ALAT concentration can measure damage or inflammation in liver cells. The ALAT enzyme occurs the most in liver cells, and in small concentrations in the lungs, heart, kidneys, and muscles, for instance. From the cells of the liver, the enzyme is released into the blood stream, which makes it possible to measure the concentration of the ALAT enzyme with a blood test. 

## When should ALAT be measured? 

An ALAT test is recommended in the following situations, for example: 

- Suspected liver failure or hepatitis (inflammation of the liver) 
- Upper stomach pain 
- Abdominal obesity, which can involve fatty liver disease  
- High alcohol consumption 
- Long-term use of medications 
- Yellowness of the skin or eyes   

## What does the ALAT test measure?  

The ALAT value primarily indicates possible damage to the cells of the liver. The most common causes of damage to the cells of the liver in Finland are alcohol and obesity. Short-term high alcohol consumption does not increase the ALAT value. 

ALAT (Alanine transaminase)

ALAT (alanine aminotransferase) is an indicator of liver cell damage.

Normally, the result is: 

Reference values: 
- Girls aged 14–17:	35–46 g/l 
- Boys aged 14–17:	36–48 g/l 
- Adults aged 18–39:	36–48 g/l 
- Adults aged 40–69:	36–45 g/l 
- Adults aged ≥ 70	34–45 g/l

Please contact your physician or other healthcare professional if you suspect an illness or need help interpreting the results.

The reference values of this examination have changed 11.10.2021. You will find your own result's reference values from My LOUNA in touch with the graph.
Read [more](https://lounalab.fi/article/miten-suhtautua-laboratoriotutkimusten-tuloksiin-ja-milloin-tulos-on) about defining reference values.

High albumin levels can occur if the person is dehydrated. Elevated albumin values do not pose a health hazard.

Decreased albumin levels may be a sign of a temporary condition. Another option is a an acute or chronic illness that requires treatment. Low albumin levels may indicate a liver disease, such as cirrhosis, or a kidney disease where excessive amounts of albumin are released from the blood to urine. Decreased values are also found in connection with the following conditions: 

- Coeliac disease 
- Infections 
- Shock 
- Malnutrition 
- Surgery 
- Chronic illness 
- Cancer 
- Diabetes 
- Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid)

SYNLAB test list: Albumin (1028 S -Alb, 4586 P-Alb)  https://www.yml.fi/tuotekuvaus_show.php?tuotenro=9

Lab Tests Online: Albumin https://labtestsonline.org/tests/albumin

Albumin is a family of proteins produced by the liver. Albumin comprises about 60% of the protein in the blood. Albumin is highly water-soluble and its task is to transport various hormones, vitamins and medicines, keep liquid in the blood vessels using osmotic pressure and to nourish tissue. A small amount of protein in the blood is released into urine in the kidneys. This protein is almost exclusively comprised of albumin. 

The word ‘albumin’ is derived from the Latin word albumen, meaning egg white. 

## When should albumin be measured? 

Albumin is often measured when examining the body’s liquid and protein balance, the liver’s capacity for producing protein, the functions of the kidneys and the state of nourishment. 

Albumin is often measured in connection with these symptoms: 

- Yellowness of the eyes or skin 
- Weakness, fatigue 
- Weight loss 
- Loss of appetite 
- Bloating and/or stomach pain 
- Dark, foamy or bloody urine 
- Decreased urine 
- Pale stool 
- Itching 
- Back pain (near the kidneys) 
- Swelling (eyes, face, wrists, ankles, stomach, thighs) 

## What does an albumin test measure? 

The test measures the amount of albumin in the blood. Albumin levels can also be measured from urine.

Albumin

Albumin is the transportation vehicle of the body.

Normally, the result is:  

Reference values: 
2.15–2.51 mmol/l

Read [more](https://lounalab.fi/article/miten-suhtautua-laboratoriotutkimusten-tuloksiin-ja-milloin-tulos-on) about defining reference values.

Please contact your physician or other healthcare professional if you suspect an illness or need help interpreting the results.


An increased calcium level in the blood is called hypercalcaemia. The reason is usually overactive parathyroid glands, which causes too much calcium to transfer from the bones to the blood. In the longer term, this can cause osteoporosis. Another reason for excessive calcium being resorbed from the bones to the blood is cancer that has spread to the skeletal system. 

Excessive intake of vitamin D is a rarer cause of elevated calcium levels. In this case, the calcium received from food is absorbed too effectively. However, vitamin D needs to be consumed in excess of the necessary amount for a long time for the level of calcium to exceed the reference range. 

Considerably elevated calcium levels are treated at hospital using fluid therapy and medicines. Overproduction of calcium caused by the parathyroid hormone is treated surgically by removing the enlarged parathyroid gland.

A decreased calcium level in the blood is known as hypocalcaemia. It is a rarer condition than excessive blood calcium levels. 

Hypocalcaemia can be caused by the following reasons: 

- Kidney failure 
- Vitamin D deficiency (for example, vitamin D is not absorbed in the small intestine because of coeliac disease or insufficient intake of vitamin D) 
- Hypoparathyroidism (underactive parathyroid) 
- Nutrient absorption disorders 

- Parathormone regulates calcium balance (4560 fP-PTH) 
- Vitamin D deficiency is a problem for many Finns (1220 D-25)
- After calcium test albumin-corrected calcium (6032 S-Ca-Albk)
- Phosphate (1432 fS-Pi) 
- Magnesium (2303 S-Mg)

SYNLAB tests: Calcium, Arto Katajamäki https://www.yml.fi/tuotekuvaus_show.php?tuotenro=209 

SYNLAB test list: Calcium, ionised (2019 fS-Ca-Ion) https://www2.synlab.fi/laboratoriokasikirja/tutkimuskuvaukset/kalsium/ 

Terveyskirjasto health library: Kalsium (P-Ca, Ca-albk ja Ca-Ion) https://www.terveyskirjasto.fi/terveyskirjasto/tk.koti?p_artikkeli=snk03063&p_hakusana=kalsium 

Terveyskirjasto health library: Kalsium – liikaa (hyperkalsemia) tai liian vähän (hypokalsemia) veressä https://www.terveyskirjasto.fi/terveyskirjasto/tk.koti?p_artikkeli=dlk00025 

Luustoliitto: Kalsium https://luustoliitto.fi/tietoa-luustosta/lapsille-ja-nuorille/ravinto/kalsium/ 

Luustoliitto: Kalsium https://luustoliitto.fi/osteoporoosin-itsehoitopolku/omahoidon-kokonaisuus/kalsium/

Calcium plays an important role in the body. It is involved in metabolic reactions, the regulation of the functioning of the heart, muscle cells, and nerve cells, and the development of bones and the normal coagulation of blood.

In blood, calcium exists in two forms. Ionised calcium circulates freely in the bloodstream. Only this free part of calcium takes part in the different metabolic reactions in the body. Some of the calcium is bound to proteins circulating in the bloodstream. This is a kind of “storage form” from which calcium can become ionised calcium and vice versa.

99 per cent of the calcium in the body is in the bones, where it functions as a strong mineral. It gives strength to bones and teeth. An adult’s bones contain approximately one kilogramme of calcium. Because some of the calcium in the bones changes when bones renew, an adult needs calcium in their diet every day. The body regulates the calcium concentration of the body and makes sure that calcium is always found where it is needed.

We get calcium from food, including dairy products, nuts, dark-green vegetables, tofu, juice, fish, oranges, and broccoli. Calcium is also added to food products.

Vitamin D is needed for nutritional calcium to be absorbed in the intestines. The level of calcium in the bloodstream is regulated by a parathyroid hormone secreted by the parathyroid gland, parathormone (fP-PTH). This parathyroid hormone regulates the secretion of calcium in urine and calcium metabolism in bones. If the level of calcium in the blood decreases, more parathyroid hormone is secreted in the bloodstream, which results in increased release of calcium from the bone to the bloodstream. Correspondingly, if there is excessive calcium in the bloodstream, the secretion of parathyroid hormone decreases, and calcium passes from blood to bone and is excreted in urine.

## When should calcium levels be measured? 

It is a good idea to have calcium tested (S-Ca) when suffering from general symptoms, such as headache, loss of appetite, cramps, constipation, or fatigue. These can be a sign of too low a calcium concentration in the blood.

Too low calcium blood levels can cause nervous symptoms, such as muscle cramps, stinging and numbness in the arms and legs, and arrhythmia.

Calcium levels should also be checked if you suspect:
- Parathyroid disease
- Vitamin D deficiency
- Skeletal diseases
- Absorption disorders
- Kidney stone disease
- Kidney failure

## What does the test measure? 

Total calcium (S-Ca) concentration includes both free calcium and calcium bound to proteins. If the calcium balance is to be examined in more detail, the concentrations of albumin-corrected calcium (S-Ca-Albk).


Albumin-corrected calcium

Calcium is needed by all of the cells in the body. If the calcium balance is to be examined in more detail, the concentrations of albumin-corrected calcium.

Normally, the result is:  

Reference value:  

- S-Amyl: 25 – 120 U/l (blood test) 

By examining which proportion of the amylase is from the pancreas and which from the salivary glands, the concentration of amylase isoenzyme (S-Amyl-Is) can be determined.  

Typically, high amylase values are seen in pancreatitis and bile duct obstruction. As a result of inflammation, the amylase level in the blood increases manyfold within approximately 8–12 hours from the onset. When the cause of the disease has been eliminated, amylase values typically normalise within approximately 48–72 hours. A rapid decrease in amylase levels is possible, because amylase is rapidly excreted through the kidneys. 

Amylase levels can also increase for other reasons. Elevated levels can also be seen in pancreatic tumours, in diseases of the gastrointestinal region, after vomiting, and in kidney failure. 

Some tissues also excrete an amylase-like enzyme, which may have an impact on the results. Sometimes this can make interpretation more difficult. Amylase is also excreted from the salivary glands. Therefore, amylase levels increase in diseases of the salivary glands (e.g. salivary gland infection). A similar enzyme is also excreted by other tissues (lungs, ovaries, and prostate), as a result of which salivary amylase can be elevated. 

In addition, use of narcotics and alcoholism elevate the level of salivary amylase.  

Amylase values decrease in connection with long-term pancreatic failure.

- Creatinine indicates kidney function (2143 S-Krea) 
- CRP 
- ALAT

SYNLAB test list: Amylase (1078 S-Amyl, 4589 P-Amyl, 1080 U-Amyl) 
https://www2.synlab.fi/laboratoriokasikirja/tutkimuskuvaukset/amylaasi/ 

SYNLAB tests: Amylase https://www.yml.fi/tuotekuvaus_show.php?tuotenro=33  

Terveyskirjasto health library: Amylaasi (P-Amyl) https://www.terveyskirjasto.fi/terveyskirjasto/tk.koti?p_artikkeli=snk03110&p_hakusana=amylaasi


Pancreatic cells and salivary glands produce a digestive enzyme known as amylase (S-Amyl) in the small intestine. Its purpose is to break down starch from food. Normally, small amounts of amylase enter the bloodstream, but in connection with pancreatitis, the cells are damaged and high amounts of amylase end up in the bloodstream. Because amylase is excreted through the kidneys with urine, the level of amylase can also be measured from urine. 

## When is a good time to measure amylase levels?  

Checking amylase levels is a good idea in the following situations:  

- Severe belt-like upper stomach pain 
- The pain may radiate to the back 
- Vomiting and nausea 
- Diarrhoea 
- To exclude pancreatitis, pancreatic tumour, or gallstones, for example 
- Swelling and pain of the salivary glands  
- Follow-up of recovery from pancreatitis 

## What does an amylase test measure?  

The amylase test indicates the concentration of amylase in the blood or urine, depending on the sample. The test is used for diagnosing acute pancreatitis and other diseases of the pancreas. 

Amylase

Reference values:  

Women:
- 15–18 yrs: 0.29 – 11.77 µg/l 
- 19–24 yrs:	1.22 – 11.70 µg/l 
- 25–29 yrs:	0.89 – 9.85 µg/l 
- 30–34 yrs:	0.58 – 8.13 µg/l 
- 35–39 yrs:	0.15 – 7.49 µg/l 
- 40–44 yrs:	0.03 – 5.47 µg/l 
- 45–50 yrs:	0.01 – 2.71 µg/l 
- ≥ 51 yrs:	no reference values available 

Men:
- 15–18 yrs:	2.35 – 18.2 µg/l 
- ≥ 19 yrs:	0.77 – 14.5 µg/l 

Please contact your physician or other healthcare professional if you suspect an illness or need help interpreting the results.

Read [more](https://lounalab.fi/article/miten-suhtautua-laboratoriotutkimusten-tuloksiin-ja-milloin-tulos-on) about defining reference values.

In women who have received fertility treatment and in whom high AMH concentrations are measured, the treatment can be found to work and activate the ovaries. 

In a woman, low AMH concentrations suggest that the number of ovarian follicles has decreased (no more ovarian follicles are produced after birth). 

- Follicle stimulating hormone has effects on the growth and maturation of eggs (1422 S-FSH) 
- Luteinising hormone regulates gametes and sex hormones (2265 S-LH) 

SYNLAB test list: Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) 
https://www2.synlab.fi/laboratoriokasikirja/tutkimuskuvaukset/anti-muller-hormoni-seerumista-9475-s-amh/ 

Terveyskirjasto health library: Naisen lapsettomuus 
https://www.terveyskirjasto.fi/terveyskirjasto/tk.koti?p_artikkeli=dlk00737&p_hakusana=amh 

LabTests online: Anti-Mullerian hormone https://labtestsonline.org.uk/tests/anti-mullerian-hormone 

The Anti-Müllerian hormone, also known as the Müllerian-inhibiting hormone (AMH), is found in both women and men. Its purpose in women is to guide the growth of the ovarian follicle, and in male foetuses to guide the development of the male reproductive parts. AMH is produced in the gonad cells in men and in the ovarian follicles in women. Men’s AMH concentration first increases after birth and then decreases again after puberty.  

Women, on the other hand, have low AMH concentrations at birth and in childhood, but they begin to increase, reaching a peak in early adulthood. The number of follicles decreases with the woman’s age, and therefore also AMH concentration decreases. The hormone is no longer detected after menopause. 

Because women’s Anti-Müllerian hormone is produced in the ovarian follicles, it is used as an indicator of the functioning of the ovaries and the remaining ovarian follicle reserve in women. 

The result is ready approximately in 5 business days. 

## When should AMH be measured?  

AMH tests are done when:  

- Wanting to investigate fertility 
- Planning fertility treatment 
- Suspecting ovarian cancer 
- Performing sex assignment, when it is not obvious at birth whether a child is a girl or a boy  
- Investigating sexual and puberty development disorders 

## What does an AMH test measure?  

AMH concentration indicates the number of ovarian follicles. The ovarian follicles produce AMH, so AMH concentration also decreases when their number decreases. Some women may still have ovarian follicles left, even if the functioning of the ovaries has prematurely declined. 

Some ovarian cancers produce AMH, and the test can show how the cancer treatment is working, or in the case of a suspected relapse, whether the cancer has relapsed.  

Anti-Müllerian hormone

The Anti-Müllerian hormone indicates the functioning of the ovaries.

Normally, the result is: 

Reference value:
- Women: 15–35 U/l 
- Men: 15–45 U/l 

The ASAT value reacts quickly and increases after cell damage, reaches a peak within 24–36 hours, and returns to a normal level within 3–7 days. In chronic cell damage, the ASAT concentration can be permanently above the reference range.

Read [more](https://lounalab.fi/article/miten-suhtautua-laboratoriotutkimusten-tuloksiin-ja-milloin-tulos-on) about defining reference values.

Please contact your physician or other healthcare professional if you suspect an illness or need help interpreting the results.

ASAT concentration is increased in the following situations, among others: 

- Liver damage 
- Heart failure 
- Myocardial infarction (heart attack) 
- Muscle damage 
- Sepsis 
- Leukaemia 
- Renal infarction 
- Use of certain medications 
- Anabolic steroids 
- Oral contraceptives

In patients treated for renal failure, the ASAT value can be low.

- Alkaline phosphatase is elevated in liver and bone diseases (1046 S-AFOS) 
- Bilirubin is formed by the breakdown of red blood cells and is a test for liver and bile duct diseases (1185 S-Bil) 
- Gamma-glutamyl transferase is a sensitive indicator of liver diseases (1489, S-GT) 
- Alanine aminotransferase, indicator of liver cell damage (1026 S-ALAT) 
- Creatinine indicates kidney function (2143 S-Krea)

SYNLAB test list: Aspartate aminotransferase (1128 S-ASAT, 4591 P-ASAT) 
https://www2.synlab.fi/laboratoriokasikirja/tutkimuskuvaukset/asat/ 

SYNLAB tests: Aspartate aminotransferasehttps://www.yml.fi/tuotekuvaus_show.php?tuotenro=41 

Terveyskirjasto health library: Aspartaattiaminotransferaasi https://www.terveyskirjasto.fi/terveyskirjasto/tk.koti?p_artikkeli=ltt00306&p_hakusana=aspartaattiaminotransferaasi 

Aspartate aminotransferase, or ASAT, is an enzyme that is present in high amounts in the cardiac muscle, skeletal muscles, and liver cells, and in smaller amounts in red blood cells and the pancreas and kidneys. When damage occurs in tissue that contains aspartate aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase is released into the bloodstream, and its concentration increases directly in proportion to the amount of damaged cells. 

## When is a good time to measure ASAT levels? 
An ASAT test is a good idea in connection with the following symptoms, for example: 

- Yellowness of the skin 
- Sudden severe pain in the upper abdomen 
- Nausea and vomiting 
- Stomach ache 
- Diarrhoea 
- High alcohol consumption 

## What does the ASAT test measure?  

The aspartate aminotransferase test measures the concentration of the ASAT enzyme in the bloodstream. The test is usually made when suspecting a possible liver disease, such as liver cirrhosis or viral hepatitis. The ASAT concentration also increases in connection with damage to skeletal muscles and the heart muscle. Creatine kinase (CK), however, is a better indicator of muscle damage. 

ASAT (Aspartate transaminase)

ASAT (aspartate aminotransferase) reacts quickly to liver, cardiac muscle, and musculoskeletal cell damage.

Normally, the result is: 

Reference values: 
20–42 mmol/mol  

Lower red blood cell life, such as when the breaking down of red blood cells is accelerated because of a disease, causes incorrectly low HbA1c results. 

Assessing the control of diabetes: 
- good sugar balance HbA1c below 53 mmol/mol (under 7%) 
- reasonably good sugar balance HbA1c below 53–75 mmol/mol (7–9%) 
- poor sugar balance HbA1c over 75 mmol/mol (over 9%) 

Incorrectly high or low HbA1c values can be caused by factors affecting the life of red blood cells and haemoglobin. The HbA1c test is not used for diagnosing diabetes during pregnancy. 

When the body sugar balance is restored, the HbA1c level begins to decrease within approximately 10–20 days.

Read [more](https://lounalab.fi/article/miten-suhtautua-laboratoriotutkimusten-tuloksiin-ja-milloin-tulos-on) about defining reference values.

Please contact your physician or other healthcare professional if you suspect an illness or need help interpreting the results.

Elevated HbA1c levels can be seen in the following situations: 

- Diabetes is not under control 
- Blood sugar level is high 
- Iron deficiency anaemia 
- After a splenectomy, because red blood cells live longer 

In diabetes patients, a high HbA1c level increases the risk of associated diseases. A long-term excessive body sugar level damages the nervous system, veins, eyes, kidneys, legs, and mouth, among other things.

Decreased HbA1c values can occur due to increased breakdown of red blood cells (haemolytic anaemias). In this case, the life of the red blood cells is short, and this has a lowering effect on the HbA1c result. The level can also be decreased by bleeding and abundant red blood cell transfusions.

- Blood sugar gives the body energy (1468 fP-Gluk)

SYNLAB test list: Haemoglobin-A1c (6128 B-HbA1c) https://www2.synlab.fi/laboratoriokasikirja/tutkimuskuvaukset/hemoglobiini-a1c-6128-b-hba1c/ 

Terveyskirjasto health library: Hemoglobiini HbA1c (B-HbA1c) https://www.terveyskirjasto.fi/terveyskirjasto/tk.koti?p_artikkeli=snk03092&p_hakusana=HbA1c 

Diabetes: HbA1c mittaa punasolujen sokeroitumista https://diabeteslehti.diabetes.fi/blog/2016/08/19/hba1c-koe-mittaa-punasolujen-sokeroitumista/ 

Terveyskylä: Sokerihemoglobiini HbA1c https://www.terveyskyla.fi/diabetestalo/tietoa/diabeteksen-seuranta/verensokeritasapainon-seuranta/sokerihemoglobiini-hba1c# 

Lab Test online: HbA1c test https://labtestsonline.org.uk/tests/hba1c-test

Hemoglobin is a protein that transports oxygen in red blood cells. Sugar, or glucose, slowly binds to the haemoglobin molecules in red blood cells. The amount of binding glucose depends on the glucose in the blood. The more sugar there is in the blood, the more binds to haemoglobin. This combination is called haemoglobin A1c (B-HbA1c). 

Red blood cells live for approximately 2–3 months. Therefore, the HbA1c test indicates the average sugar balance in the body during the past 2–8 weeks. Because glucose binds slowly, momentary high or low glucose concentrations do not have an effect on HbA1c. 

## When should HbA1c be measured?  

The HbA1c test is often taken in monitoring sugar balance in diagnosed type 2 diabetes. The test can also be used for diagnosing type 2 diabetes. 

HbA1c should be checked when the following symptoms emerge: 

- Fatigue 
- Weight loss 
- High amounts of urine 
- Dehydration of the body 
- Increased thirst 
- Irritability and melancholy 
- Leg pain or sensory changes 
- Impaired vision 

## What does a HbA1c test measure? 

HbA1c, or glycosylated haemoglobin, indicates long-term blood sugar levels. The higher the level of long-term blood sugar, the more blood sugar, or glucose, binds to the haemoglobin in circulating red blood cells. The glycosylated haemoglobin HbA1c test is used for diagnosing and monitoring diabetes.

B -Hemoglobiini-A1c

Hemoglobin A1c indicates long-term blood sugar.

The number of white blood cells (Leuk) is the actual number of white blood cells in proportion to the blood volume. Either a decrease or an increase may be significant. There are five types of white blood cells, which carry out separate tasks in protecting the body against infection: neutrophils (Neut), lymphocytes (Lymf), monocytes (Mono), eosinophils (Eos), and basophils (Baso). 

The number of red blood cells (Eryt) is the actual number of red blood cells in proportion to the blood volume. Either a decrease or an increase may be indicative of an abnormal condition. 

Haemoglobin (Hb) measures the amount of the oxygen-delivering protein in the blood. 

Haematocrit (HKR) measures the relative share of red blood cells of blood volume. 

Mean corpuscular volume (MCV) measures the average size of the red blood cells.  

Mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH) measures the amount of oxygen-delivering haemoglobin  

in the red blood cells. Large red blood cells tend to have a higher MCH level, in other words, the average amount of haemoglobin. 

Mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC) measures the concentration of haemoglobin in the blood cells. Increased MCHC levels (hyperchromia) are detected in circumstances in which the haemoglobin is abnormally concentrated inside the red blood cells. 

Thrombocytes (Tromb) measures the number of platelets in the blood. Either a decrease or an increase may be indicative of bleeding or bone marrow disorders.

White blood cells (Leuk) 

- Bacterial or viral infection 
- Autoimmune diseases 
- Cancer  affects the production of cells in the bone marrow 
- Acute leukaemia (a malignant disorder in which the production of white blood cells increases abnormally) 
- Malignant blood disease disrupting the production of white blood cells (myeloproliferative disorder) 

Red blood cells (Eryt)  

- Dehydration  
- Burn 

The MCV is elevated when the red blood cells are abnormally large (macrocytic) 

Thrombocytes (Tromb) 

- Bleeding 
- Inflammation 
- Infections 
- Post-surgery 
- Bone marrow disorders 
- Spleen insufficiency 

White blood cells (Leuk) 

- Some medicinal products 
- Autoimmune diseases 
- Bone marrow insufficiency 
- Some vitamin and mineral deficiencies may cause anaemia 
- Viral infection 
- Enlarged spleen 
- Acute leukaemia 
- Red blood cells (Eryt) 

Anaemia 

The MCV is decreased when the red blood cells are abnormally small (microcytic) 

- Iron deficiency anaemia 
- Long-term inflammation 
- Blood disease or thalassemia 

MCH 

- Iron deficiency 
- Inflammation 
- Thalassemia 

Reduced MCHC values (hypochromia) are detected in connection with:  

- Iron deficiency anaemia 
- Long-term inflammation 
- Thalassemia 

Thrombocytes (Tromb) 

- Vitamin deficiency 
- Some medicinal products (for chemotherapy) 
- Excessive use of alcohol 
- Liver diseases 
- Enlarged spleen 
- Bone marrow disorder 
- Viral infection 
- Autoimmune diseases  
- Megaloblastic anaemia (large red blood cells) 
- Blood diseases 

- Transferrin receptor, soluble, carries iron into cells and tissues (1949 S -TfR) 
- Ferritin indicates the status of the iron reserves of the body (1395 S-Ferrit) 
- All cells in the body need iron (2566 fS-Fe)

SYNLAB test list: Blood count and leucocyte differential count (2474 B -PVK+T, 3696 B -TVK, 2225 B-Diffi)https://www2.synlab.fi/laboratoriokasikirja/tutkimuskuvaukset/verenkuva-leukosyyttien/ 

Terveyskirjasto health library: Perusverenkuva (B-PVK) https://www.terveyskirjasto.fi/terveyskirjasto/tk.koti?p_artikkeli=snk03030&p_hakusana=pvk 

LabTest online: Full Blood Count (FBC) https://labtestsonline.org.uk/tests/full-blood-count-fbc

Basic blood count and thrombocytes (B-PVK+T) provides an overview of haemoglobin and different blood cells. The blood count tests for red cells (erythrocytes), white cells (leucocytes), and platelets (thrombocytes). Abnormal results for these cells may be a sign of illness. 

The blood consists of various cells circulating through the arteries, heart, and veins and delivering nutrients, hormones, vitamins, antibodies, and oxygen to the tissues. Red blood cells contain a protein called haemoglobin, which delivers oxygen to tissues. White blood cells protect the body against bacteria, viruses, and fungal infections and regulate the immunological process. Platelets promote coagulation in the event of wounds and ruptured blood vessels. 

## When is a good time to measure the PVK+T value? 

- Fatigue 
- Weakness 
- Infection 
- Bruises or bleeding 
- Stomach pain 
- Paleness 
- Headache 
- Elevated heart rate 
- Tongue pain 
- Fragile fingernails 
- Humming in the ears 

## What does the PVK+T test measure? 

The basic blood count is a very common test that is used for screening, diagnosing, and monitoring various conditions. Chronic diseases (kidney failure, rheumatic diseases, chronic infections) involve anaemia. A basic blood count is a narrower test than a complete blood count (B-TVK). A complete blood count includes itemisation of white blood cells.


Basic blood count and thrombocytes

Basic blood count and thrombocytes provides an overview of red and white blood cells and platelets.