Glossary of
Medical Terms
(A–Z)
Glossary of
Medical Terms
(A–Z)
Albumin
A protein made by the liver that helps maintain the right balance of fluid in the blood.
Alanine Transaminase (ALT)
A liver enzyme; high levels may suggest liver damage.
Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP)
An enzyme linked with bone growth, repair, and liver function.
Aspartate Transaminase (AST)
A liver enzyme; elevated levels may indicate stress or damage to the liver.
Basophils
A type of white blood cell that releases chemicals to trigger inflammation and allergic responses.
Bilirubin
A yellow substance formed when red blood cells break down; high levels may cause jaundice.
Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN)
A waste product filtered by the kidneys; high levels may signal reduced kidney function.
Calcium
A mineral essential for strong bones and teeth.
C-reactive Protein (CRP)
A protein that rises when there is inflammation or infection in the body.
Cholesterol
A type of fat in the blood. Too much can increase the risk of heart disease.
CK (Creatine Kinase)
An enzyme found in muscles; high levels may indicate muscle injury.
Creatinine
A waste product from muscles; used to check kidney function.
Eosinophils
White blood cells that fight parasites and play a role in allergic reactions.
Ferritin
A protein that stores iron in the body.
Folate
A type of vitamin B important for red blood cell production, growth, and brain function.
Free Thyroxine (FT4)
The active form of the thyroid hormone T4, available for use in the body.
Gamma-Glutamyl Transferase (GGT)
A liver enzyme; raised levels may indicate liver stress or damage.
Globulins
A group of proteins that help fight infections.
Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR)
A measure of how well the kidneys are filtering the blood.
Haematocrit (Hct)
The percentage of blood made up of red blood cells.
HDL (“good” cholesterol)
Helps remove fat from blood vessels.
Haemoglobin (Hb)
The oxygen-carrying protein in red blood cells.
HbA1c
A test that shows average blood sugar levels over the past two to three months.
Iron (Serum Iron)
The level of iron circulating in the blood.
LDL (“bad” cholesterol)
Can clog blood vessels and restrict blood flow.
Leukocytes (White Blood Cells / WBCs)
The body’s defence cells that fight infections.
Liver Function Tests
A group of blood tests that assess how well the liver is working.
Lymphocytes
White blood cells.
Monocytes
White blood cells that clean up infection and can develop into macrophages.
Neutrophils
The most common white blood cells, acting as the body’s first responders to infection.
Oestrogen
A hormone important for reproductive health, bone strength, mood and energy.
Phosphate
A mineral that works with calcium to strengthen bones and teeth.
Platelets
Small blood components that help form clots and stop bleeding.
Protein Profile
A set of tests measuring total protein, albumin, and globulins in the blood.
Red Blood Cells (RBCs)
Cells that transport oxygen throughout the body.
T cells
Attack infected cells and coordinate immune responses.
Testosterone
A hormone that supports muscle strength, bone health, mood, and fertility in men and women.
Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH)
A hormone that controls thyroid gland activity.
Thyroxine (T4)
A thyroid hormone that regulates metabolism and energy.
Total Iron-Binding Capacity (TIBC)
A measure of how well the body can transport iron.
Transferrin Saturation
The percentage of transferrin (a protein) that is carrying iron.
Triglycerides
A type of fat used for energy; excess amounts can be harmful.
Uric Acid
A waste product from food breakdown; high levels may cause gout or kidney stones.
Vitamin B12
A vitamin important for red blood cell production, nerve health and energy.
Vitamin D
A vitamin essential for bone health, immune function and mood, obtained from sunlight, food and supplements.