Joint Health

When a standard blood test shows raised alkaline phosphatase (ALP), the result alone doesn't tell you where it's coming from. ALP is produced by both the liver and bone tissue, so an elevated total ALP could reflect a liver or bile duct issue, a bone condition, or both. This test measures the individual ALP isoenzymes to separate the liver fraction from the bone fraction, giving your practitioner a clearer answer.

Measures creatine kinase (CK), an enzyme that leaks from damaged muscle cells. Used to investigate muscle pain, statin side effects, rhabdomyolysis, and inflammatory muscle conditions.

Measures a single fasted serum growth hormone level to screen for GH deficiency or excess and assess pituitary function. Because GH is released in pulses, a single result is a screening baseline; formal diagnosis typically requires stimulation or suppression testing.

Measures LDH, an enzyme released when cells are damaged. Non-specific but useful for assessing haemolysis, liver conditions, certain cancers, and muscle damage. Best interpreted alongside more targeted tests.

The Magnesium Blood Test measures magnesium, a mineral essential for energy production, nerve function, and healthy muscles and bones. Low magnesium may be linked to cramps, fatigue, or irregular heartbeat, while healthy levels support strong muscles, steady energy, and heart health.

Measures myoglobin, a protein released from muscle cells when they are damaged. Used to investigate suspected rhabdomyolysis, severe muscle trauma, and as a supporting marker in cardiac investigations.

The Potassium Blood Test measures the main electrolyte inside cells, which controls heart rhythm, muscle contraction, and nerve transmission. Potassium is regulated by the kidneys and many common medications affect it, making monitoring important for people on diuretics, ACE inhibitors, or ARBs.

Measures magnesium inside red blood cells for a more accurate picture of tissue-level stores than serum testing. Preferred when deficiency symptoms persist despite a normal serum result. Available at Healius pathology centres.

The Rheumatoid Factor (RF) Blood Test measures an autoantibody associated with rheumatoid arthritis, Sjogren's syndrome, and other autoimmune conditions. A positive result supports further investigation but is not diagnostic on its own, as RF can be positive in other conditions and negative in up to 30% of people with RA.

The Ross River Virus Serology Blood Test checks for IgM and IgG antibodies against Ross River Virus, a mosquito-borne infection common across Australia. IgM antibodies suggest recent infection while IgG indicates past exposure, and results are used alongside symptoms and travel history to assess whether RRV may be the cause of joint pain, fatigue, or rash.

Measures serum uric acid (urate), the end product of purine metabolism. Used to investigate gout, assess kidney stone risk, and monitor urate-lowering therapy. Elevated levels are also associated with metabolic syndrome and kidney disease.