Home Test - €179

As a laya healthcare member you may be entitled to claim some or all of the cost of your home test kits (subject to your outpatient excess). Simply log onto your dedicated Member Area on layahealthcare.ie and check under everyday medical expenses.

A comprehensive Cholesterol, Kidney and Thyroid test evaluates the functioning of some of your essential organs. A small sample of blood is used to measure the levels of key chemicals that indicate the health status of these organs. 

An elevated cholesterol level will indicate if you need to take action to lower this and so lower your risk of heart attack and stroke. Knowing your thyroid function will likewise enable appropriate treatment in the event that the gland is under or overactive. Finally kidney function are important indicators of general health.

Factors that increase your chance for heart or kidney disease:

• Diabetes
• Cigarette smoking 
• Being overweight or obese
• Unhealthy diet (Excessive alcohol/ calorie consumption)
• Being physically inactive or not getting enough exercise
• High blood pressure 
• Family history of disease

Heart

One risk to good heart health is elevated blood fats which is why cholesterol and triglycerides are measured. This test will determine how much of each type of lipid (blood fat) is present and the risk associated for heart disease. It measures four types of lipids or fats in your blood: 

• Total cholesterol
• High density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL), also known as “good cholesterol”
• Low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL), also known as “bad cholesterol” 
• Triglycerides 

Elevated levels of LDL are associated with an increased risk of heart disease and stroke. Triglycerides are elevated in diabetic and obese individuals. Consumption of simple sugars and alcohol contribute to increased triglycerides and heart disease. Elevated levels of these blood fats (cholesterol and triglycerides) can be lowered by both dietary change and medication. In this way, your risk of developing these conditions can be reduced by monitoring your levels and taking action to maintain healthy levels.   

Kidney

The kidneys act as a complex filtration system to eliminate toxic substances from the blood. Measurement of these various substances in the blood gives an indicator of kidney function. Therefore, if these are elevated, further investigations may be advised.

Thyroid 

The thyroid test measures the level of thyroid hormones (FT3, FT4 and TSH) in the blood, allowing for the detection of thyroid disorders such as hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid)  and hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid). 

The results of your Heart, Kidney and Thyroid screen will be delivered to your confidential medical file on the careoncall.ie website. The results will be assessed by an Irish registered doctor, and if further action is required (such as a referral to a specialist), you will be supported to ensure you get the best care.

What is this test for?

This test is a comprehensive screening that will test your cholesterol, thyroid hormone levels and kidney function.

Why do this test?

By understanding the health of these body functions, you can get an early indicator of your health and any abnormalities that may be present. This will also allow you to take early action. For instance, an elevated cholesterol level can be acted upon with medicine or lifestyle changes to lower your risk of heart attack and stroke. Similarly, irregular thyroid, or kidney function may require further assessment and/or treatment.

Who should have this test?

Anyone over the age of 25 can have this test

How is the test done?

Finger prick blood test using the kit provided and then the sample is posted by you to the Lab.

How will I get the results?

The results will be posted in your confidential medical file on the careoncall.ie website. The results will be assessed, and if further action is required, you will be advised as to what the next steps are.