Blood Marker Comparisons
Many blood markers are related but measure different things. Understand the key differences between commonly compared tests and why both may be important for your health assessment.
Why Compare Blood Markers?
Blood tests can be confusing, especially when similar-sounding markers measure different things. Understanding the relationship between related markers helps you:
- •Understand what each test actually measures
- •Know when one may be more relevant than the other
- •Discuss testing options with your healthcare provider
- •Interpret your results more accurately
Popular Comparisons
HDL vs LDL Cholesterol
Understanding the difference between "good" HDL cholesterol and "bad" LDL cholesterol, and why both matter for cardiovascular health.
Free Testosterone vs Total Testosterone
Understanding the difference between bioavailable free testosterone and total testosterone, and why both are important for assessing hormonal health.
TSH vs Free T4
Understanding the relationship between TSH and Free T4 in thyroid function testing, and why both are needed for accurate assessment.
Ferritin vs Serum Iron
Understanding the difference between iron storage (ferritin) and circulating iron, and why both are important for diagnosing iron status.
ALT vs AST Liver Enzymes
Understanding the differences between ALT and AST liver enzymes and what their ratio tells us about liver health.
HbA1c vs Fasting Glucose
Understanding the differences between long-term blood sugar (HbA1c) and point-in-time glucose measurements, and why both are valuable.
LDL Cholesterol vs ApoB
Understanding the differences between traditional LDL cholesterol and the more advanced ApoB marker for cardiovascular risk assessment.
Track All Your Markers
Upload your blood test results to BloodTrack and monitor all your markers in one place. See how related markers change over time.