General
Health
What this training covers
- What the 16 biomarkers measure
- How the biomarkers group into key areas of health
- Which customer conversations this test may suit
- When a focused KnowYou+ test may be more appropriate
- Useful questions for pharmacy staff to ask
- When testing should not delay medical assessment
About this test
The KnowYou+ General Health Test measures 16 biomarkers across several areas of health.
The panel includes markers related to cholesterol and heart health, liver function, kidney function, inflammation, digestive enzyme activity, proteins, minerals and uric acid.
It is designed for customers looking for a broad health overview rather than investigating one single area or symptom.
Results should always be considered alongside symptoms, medical history and other relevant clinical information.
The test provides measurements and health insight; it does not constitute a diagnosis.
What do the 16 biomarkers measure?
Total Cholesterol
Measures the overall amount of cholesterol in the blood and contributes to assessment of cardiovascular risk.
LDL Cholesterol
Measures low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, one of the cholesterol fractions commonly considered when assessing heart health.
HDL Cholesterol
Measures high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, which helps transport cholesterol away from tissues.
Triglycerides
Measures a type of fat circulating in the blood and is commonly assessed as part of a lipid profile.
AST
An enzyme found in several tissues including the liver. Results are interpreted alongside other liver markers.
ALT
An enzyme commonly used as part of the assessment of liver health.
GGT
An enzyme associated with the liver and bile ducts and commonly included in liver-function assessment.
Total Bilirubin
Measures bilirubin in the blood, which is produced during the normal breakdown of red blood cells and processed by the liver.
Urea
A waste product measured as part of assessing kidney function and the body's handling of nitrogen-containing waste.
Creatinine
A waste product commonly measured as part of assessing kidney function.
High-Sensitivity CRP (hs-CRP)
Measures low levels of C-reactive protein, a marker associated with inflammation in the body.
Amylase
An enzyme involved in digestion and commonly associated with pancreatic and digestive function.
Calcium
Measures calcium in the blood, an important mineral involved in bone health, muscle function and nerve signalling.
Albumin
A major blood protein produced by the liver, involved in fluid balance and transport of substances in the bloodstream.
Globulin / Total Protein
Provides information about important blood proteins involved in transport, immune function and other physiological processes.
Uric Acid
Measures uric acid, a waste product formed from the breakdown of purines and removed mainly through the kidneys.
Who might this test be suitable for?
Broad health overview
A customer wants laboratory measurements covering several different areas of health rather than one focused concern.
General health check
They feel generally well but want a broader snapshot of selected heart, liver, kidney, inflammation and metabolic markers.
Previous test results
They have previously had one or more relevant biomarkers outside the expected range and want a current laboratory assessment.
Unsure which area to focus on
Their concern is broad rather than specific and a multi-area health panel is more appropriate than a single-marker test.
4 useful questions to ask
These questions help establish whether the General Health Test matches the customer's needs or whether a more focused KnowYou+ test or medical assessment may be more appropriate.
How to explain the General Health Test to the customer
Explain that this is a broad health panel rather than a test focused on one particular concern.
It can provide useful measurements across several different health areas, which can help a customer understand whether any individual result may be worth discussing further with a healthcare professional.
It should not be described as a complete assessment of every aspect of health, and results do not by themselves diagnose a medical condition.
Could another KnowYou+ test provide more relevant information?
| Customer wants to understand… | Test to consider |
|---|---|
| A broad overview across several health areas | General Health |
| Cholesterol and cardiovascular markers specifically | Heart Health |
| Persistent tiredness or low energy with blood and iron markers | Fatigue & Tiredness |
| Iron storage, transport and availability | Iron Status |
| Stored iron specifically | Ferritin |
| Longer-term blood glucose control | Diabetes Test (HbA1c) |
Important to remember
A General Health Test result is not a diagnosis.
Each biomarker can be affected by a range of factors including medication, hydration, diet, recent illness, physical activity and existing health conditions.
Results outside the expected range should be considered alongside symptoms, medical history and other relevant clinical information.
Pharmacy staff should avoid diagnosing cardiovascular disease, liver disease, kidney disease, inflammatory conditions or other medical conditions from these measurements alone.
When testing should not delay medical assessment
- Chest pain or severe breathlessness
- Fainting, collapse or marked weakness
- Severe or rapidly worsening abdominal pain
- Yellowing of the skin or eyes with significant illness
- Marked reduction in urine output or significant swelling
- Persistent vomiting or inability to keep fluids down
- Rapidly worsening or otherwise concerning symptoms
Urgent or concerning symptoms should be referred for appropriate medical assessment rather than relying on an at-home blood test.
Want more detail?
The full Pharmacist Training Manual will include additional biomarker guidance, customer cues, detailed test comparisons, common questions and expanded referral guidance.