The C-Reactive Protein (CRP) test measures the levels of CRP, a protein produced by the liver in response to inflammation in the body. Elevated CRP levels can indicate acute inflammation due to infections, injuries, or chronic conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or heart disease. A CRP test is often used as a diagnostic tool to assess the severity of inflammation and guide treatment decisions. Higher CRP levels usually point to more significant inflammation, though they do not specify the underlying cause.

The TSH (Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone) blood test measures the level of TSH in your blood, which is produced by the pituitary gland to regulate thyroid hormone levels. This test is crucial for diagnosing thyroid disorders, such as hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) or hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid). High TSH levels often indicate an underactive thyroid, while low TSH levels may suggest an overactive thyroid. The TSH test helps physicians monitor thyroid function and adjust treatments for conditions like Hashimoto’s thyroiditis or Graves' disease.

The HbA1c test measures the average blood sugar levels over the past two to three months. It is a critical tool in diagnosing and managing diabetes. Higher HbA1c levels indicate poor blood sugar control, increasing the risk of complications like heart disease, nerve damage, and kidney issues. A normal HbA1c level for non-diabetic individuals is below 5.7%, while levels above 6.5% are typically indicative of diabetes. For diabetes management, keeping HbA1c levels below 7% is often a target to reduce long-term complications.

The Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP) test measures the level of the ALP enzyme in your blood. ALP is primarily found in the liver and bones, so this test is vital for diagnosing liver or bone diseases. Elevated ALP levels may indicate liver conditions such as hepatitis or bile duct blockages, or bone issues like osteomalacia or Paget’s disease. Low levels are less common but can also signal certain health issues, such as malnutrition. The ALP test is often part of routine liver function tests and is critical in monitoring overall bone and liver health.