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Trusted to do 100,000+ tests and consultations per month.
Trusted to do 100,000+ tests and consultations per month.

DOCTOR'S NOTES

Hello! I am Dr. Adam Staten, Clinical Director at One Day Tests and this is my team's blog.

Our Clinical Governance Team is led by Dr. Adam Staten and is made up of extremely talented doctors who ensure that our testing panels are accurate, innovative and up-to-date on current science and medicine developments.

Dr Adam Staten (MA MBBS MRCP(UK) MRCGP DRCOG DMCC PGCertCE) trained at Cambridge University and King's College London. After serving as a medical officer in the British Army, he returned to the NHS and is now an NHS GP and GP trainer. He has an interest in stress and burnout and has written several books on the subject. He is also the editor of a textbook used by GPs and family physicians all around the world.

Dr Staten is a firm believer in empowering patients to manage their own health and sees educating people about common health problems as the best way to achieve this.

DR. ADAM STATEN

Clinical Director at One Day Tests.

DR. VINESH MISTRY

Clinical Governance Team

DR. MIKE FORSYTHE

Clinical Governance Team

The power to manage your health - GPs blogs at One Day Tests.

  • kidney model
    January 23, 2026 Dr. Adam Staten

    WHAT IS THE NORMAL RANGE FOR KIDNEY FUNCTION TEST?

    Kidney function tests are commonly used to check how well the kidneys are working, but receiving a result can be confusing if you are unsure what is considered normal. Many people are told their kidney function is slightly reduced or borderline without a clear explanation of what the numbers mean or whether there is cause for concern. Understanding the normal ranges helps put results into context and explains why factors such as age, hydration and overall health are taken into account.
    Read now
  • sodium blood test sample
    January 16, 2026 Dr. Adam Staten

    WHAT DOES SODIUM LEVEL IN A BLOOD TEST MEAN?

    Sodium is an essential electrolyte that helps regulate fluid balance, nerve signals, and muscle function in the body. When you have a sodium blood test, it measures how much sodium is present in your bloodstream at that moment. Even small changes in sodium levels can affect how the body functions, which is why this test is commonly used in both routine checks and symptom investigation.
    Read now
  • igf1 blood test sample
    January 16, 2026 Dr. Adam Staten

    WHAT DOES IT MEAN WHEN YOUR IGF 1 IS HIGH?

    IGF 1, or insulin-like growth factor 1, is a hormone that reflects how much growth hormone your body is producing over time. When IGF 1 levels are high, it usually means that growth hormone activity is increased. However, this does not automatically indicate a serious condition, as IGF 1 levels can rise for several different reasons.
    Read now
  • igf-1 blood test sample
    January 16, 2026 Dr. Adam Staten

    WHAT IS AN IGF 1 BLOOD TEST?

    An IGF 1 blood test measures the level of insulin-like growth factor 1 in your blood. IGF 1 is a hormone that plays an important role in growth, tissue repair, and metabolism. It works closely with growth hormone and is often used as an indirect way to assess how much growth hormone the body is producing over time.
    Read now
  • doctor holding creatine kinase blood sample
    January 16, 2026 Dr. Adam Staten

    WHEN SHOULD I WORRY ABOUT CK LEVELS?

    Creatine kinase, often shortened to CK, is an enzyme found mainly in your muscles. Small amounts are normally present in the blood, but levels can rise when muscle tissue is stressed or damaged. Because CK levels can increase for many different reasons, an abnormal result does not always mean there is a serious problem.
    Read now
  • person holding vitamin supplement
    January 16, 2026 Dr. Adam Staten

    WHAT SHOULD YOUR FOLATE LEVEL BE FOR PREGNANCY?

    Folate plays a crucial role in early pregnancy and fetal development. Adequate folate levels before conception and during pregnancy help support healthy cell growth and reduce the risk of certain birth defects. Because folate requirements increase during pregnancy, understanding what your folate level should be is an important part of pre-pregnancy and antenatal care.
    Read now
  • wooden blocks spelling b12
    January 16, 2026 Dr. Adam Staten

    WHAT ARE THE WARNING SIGNS OF VITAMIN B12 DEFICIENCY?

    Vitamin B12 is an essential nutrient that plays a key role in red blood cell production, nerve health, and energy metabolism. When levels are low, symptoms can develop gradually and may be easy to overlook at first. In some cases, vitamin B12 deficiency can go unnoticed for months or even years before more obvious signs appear.
    Read now
  • doctor holding blood sample
    December 5, 2025 Dr. Adam Staten

    CAN A BLOOD TEST DETECT BONE PROBLEMS?

    A blood test can provide valuable insight into your bone health by measuring the minerals, enzymes, and proteins involved in bone formation and turnover. While blood tests cannot look directly at the bones, they can reveal biochemical changes that often appear when bones are weakened, breaking down faster than expected, or affected by underlying medical conditions.
    Read now
  • doctor with blood test sample
    December 5, 2025 Dr. Adam Staten

    WHAT DOES A BONE PROFILE TEST FOR?

    A bone profile blood test is a simple way to understand how well your bones are functioning and of knowing your blood levels of the minerals that are important for bone health. It measures key markers that play a role in bone strength, calcium balance, and overall skeletal health. Doctors often use this test when investigating symptoms such as bone pain, fatigue, or unexplained fractures, or when checking for conditions related to calcium and phosphate levels.
    Read now
  • doctor holding hcg test sample
    December 5, 2025 Dr. Adam Staten

    WHAT IS NORMAL HCG AT 5 WEEKS?

    Human chorionic gonadotropin, also known as hCG, is the hormone measured during pregnancy testing. Levels rise quickly during the early weeks and can provide useful information about how early pregnancy is developing. If you are around five weeks pregnant, understanding what is considered a normal hCG level can help you interpret your results with clarity and reassurance.
    Read now
  • doctor holding hcg blood test sample
    December 5, 2025 Dr. Adam Staten

    WHICH HCG LEVEL INDICATES PREGNANCY?

    Human chorionic gonadotropin, commonly known as hCG, is the hormone measured in most pregnancy tests. It is produced shortly after implantation and increases rapidly in the first few weeks. A blood test can detect even very small amounts of hCG, which makes it one of the earliest and most reliable ways to confirm pregnancy.
    Read now
  • cortisol meter
    November 26, 2025 Dr. Adam Staten

    WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF HIGH CORTISOL LEVELS?

    Cortisol is your body’s main stress hormone. It plays a vital role in metabolism, immune function, blood pressure regulation, and the sleep wake cycle. When cortisol rises briefly during stressful moments, it helps your body respond appropriately. However, when cortisol stays high for long periods, it can cause a wide range of symptoms affecting your physical and emotional wellbeing.
    Read now
  • doctor holding liver function test sample
    November 26, 2025 Dr. Adam Staten

    WHAT DOES A BLOOD TEST FOR LIVER FUNCTION SHOW?

    A liver function blood test, often called an LFT, provides a detailed picture of how well your liver is working. The liver plays a central role in detoxification, digestion, metabolism, and energy regulation. When something affects the liver, changes can appear in the blood long before symptoms develop. This is why liver function testing is a key part of understanding your health.
    Read now
  • DO I NEED TO FAST BEFORE A BETA HCG BLOOD TEST?
    November 21, 2025 Dr. Adam Staten

    DO I NEED TO FAST BEFORE A BETA HCG BLOOD TEST?

    When you’re preparing for a blood test, it’s natural to wonder whether fasting is required. For many types of tests, fasting helps improve accuracy, but when it comes to a beta hCG blood test, the answer is simple: fasting is not necessary.
    Read now
  • WHAT DOES A HCG BLOOD TEST TELL YOU?
    November 21, 2025 Dr. Adam Staten

    WHAT DOES A HCG BLOOD TEST TELL YOU?

    The hCG blood test is one of the most accurate ways to confirm pregnancy and monitor its progress in the early stages. By measuring the level of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in the bloodstream, the test provides vital information about whether a pregnancy is developing as expected.
    Read now
  • WHY DO DOCTORS SUGGEST BETA HCG TESTS?
    November 21, 2025 Dr. Adam Staten

    WHY DO DOCTORS SUGGEST BETA HCG TESTS?

    When you are trying for a baby or experiencing symptoms that could suggest pregnancy, your doctor may recommend a beta hCG test. This blood test measures the exact level of the hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in your bloodstream. It provides valuable insight into early pregnancy and helps monitor how it is progressing.
    Read now
  • CAN HCG CAUSE HEADACHES?
    November 21, 2025 Dr. Adam Staten

    CAN HCG CAUSE HEADACHES?

    Human chorionic gonadotropin, or hCG, is a hormone that plays a crucial role in pregnancy and fertility treatment. It supports the production of progesterone, which helps prepare the uterine lining for implantation and maintain early pregnancy.
    Read now
  • WILL GP DO AN HCG BLOOD TEST?
    November 21, 2025 Dr. Adam Staten

    WILL GP DO AN HCG BLOOD TEST?

    If you think you might be pregnant or are tracking fertility treatment, you may have heard about hCG blood testing. The hCG (human chorionic gonadotrophin) hormone is produced by the placenta shortly after conception and is a key indicator of pregnancy.
    Read now
  • WHAT CONDITIONS AFFECT BONE PROFILE RESULTS?
    November 14, 2025 Dr. Adam Staten

    WHAT CONDITIONS AFFECT BONE PROFILE RESULTS?

    A bone profile blood test gives valuable insight into bone health by measuring key minerals and enzymes that reflect how your bones are forming and breaking down. It is often used to assess calcium balance, detect bone disorders, and identify conditions affecting the liver or parathyroid glands.
    Read now
  • stressed out man
    October 29, 2025 Dr. Adam Staten

    HOW CAN I TEST MY CORTISOL LEVELS AT HOME?

    Cortisol is one of the most important hormones in your body. Produced by the adrenal glands, it regulates your response to stress, controls blood pressure, supports metabolism, and helps manage energy throughout the day. Small changes in cortisol levels are normal, but ongoing imbalances can affect both physical and mental health.
    Read now
  • cortisol test blood testing tube
    October 17, 2025 Dr. Adam Staten

    WHAT DOES A CORTISOL BLOOD TEST SHOW? UNDERSTANDING YOUR STRESS AND ENERGY HORMONE

    Cortisol is often called the body’s stress hormone, but it does far more than respond to pressure or anxiety. It helps control energy levels, metabolism, inflammation, and blood sugar. When your cortisol levels are too high or too low, it can affect everything from your mood and sleep to your ability to concentrate and maintain a healthy weight.
    Read now
  • man grabbing his waist
    October 17, 2025 Dr. Adam Staten

    WHAT HAPPENS IF YOUR KIDNEY FUNCTION TEST IS LOW?

    Your kidneys are vital for removing waste, balancing electrolytes, and keeping your blood pressure stable. When a kidney function test shows low results, it means your kidneys may not be filtering blood as efficiently as they should. This can happen for many reasons, from temporary dehydration to long-term conditions like chronic kidney disease.
    Read now
  • lft test blood testing tube
    October 17, 2025 Dr. Adam Staten

    CAN I CHECK LIVER FUNCTION MYSELF?

    Your liver quietly supports hundreds of essential processes every day, from filtering toxins and processing nutrients to controlling cholesterol and energy balance. Because it can stay healthy for a long time before showing symptoms, regular checks are one of the best ways to detect potential problems early.
    Read now
  • graphic
    October 17, 2025 Dr. Adam Staten

    WHAT BLOOD TESTS ARE DONE ON AN NHS HEALTH CHECK?

    An NHS Health Check is one of the simplest ways to catch early warning signs of health problems before they become serious. Offered every five years to adults aged 40 to 74, it helps identify risks such as heart disease, diabetes, kidney disease, and stroke. But many people aren’t sure exactly what happens during the appointment or which blood tests are included.
    Read now
  • prednisolone pills
    October 17, 2025 Dr. Adam Staten

    WILL PREDNISOLONE AFFECT THYROID TESTS? UNDERSTANDING HOW STEROIDS INFLUENCE YOUR RESULTS

    Prednisolone is a steroid medication often prescribed to reduce inflammation in conditions such as asthma, arthritis, and autoimmune disease. While it is highly effective, many people wonder whether it can interfere with blood tests, particularly those that measure thyroid function. The short answer is yes, prednisolone can temporarily affect thyroid test results, but the changes are usually mild and reversible.
    Read now
  • doctor holding blood testing tube
    October 17, 2025 Dr. Adam Staten

    WHAT SHOWS UP IN A THYROID BLOOD TEST?

    Your thyroid plays a vital role in regulating energy, metabolism, and mood. When it is underactive or overactive, even small changes in thyroid hormone levels can affect how you feel every day. A thyroid blood test is the most effective way to measure these hormones and understand how well your thyroid gland is functioning.
    Read now
  • man with knee pain
    October 16, 2025 Dr. Adam Staten

    DOES A BONE PROFILE BLOOD TEST SHOW FOR ARTHRITIS?

    A bone profile blood test checks the balance of key minerals and enzymes that reflect bone health and metabolism. It’s a useful test for understanding how well your bones are functioning, especially if you experience persistent bone pain or suspect a vitamin or mineral imbalance. But many people wonder whether this test can also show signs of arthritis.
    Read now
  • family playing in the sun
    August 14, 2025 Adam Staten

    SUMMER HEALTH ADVICE

    As Summer approaches, this brings with it a wide range of health benefits as well as potential risks to look out for. Stay safe and healthy this summer.
    Read now
  • Travel health
    April 30, 2025 Dr. Adam Staten

    TRAVEL HEALTH ADVICE

    As summer approaches, our thoughts turn to holidays. But there is no more certain way to ruin a long-awaited trip abroad than to fall ill whilst you are away.
    Read now
  • man about to run for some exercise
    April 11, 2025 Dr. Amanda Chisholm

    WHAT IS LIFESTYLE MEDICINE?

    Dr Amanda Chisholm explains what lifestyle medicine is and how managing it correctly can give you a happier and healthier life.
    Read now
  • Low carbohydrate foods
    April 8, 2025 Laura Rimmer - Guest Author

    Advantages of a Low Carb and Ketogenic Diet

    In recent years, low carb and ketogenic diets have become incredibly popular for their ability to help with losing weight, increase energy levels and enhance overall health. Find out more.
    Read now
  • Different vitamins
    March 18, 2025 Dr. Adam Staten

    A Beginner's Guide to Vitamins

    Vitamins are essential nutrients that the body needs to function properly. Gain a better understanding of the types of Vitamins and their benefits to health.
    Read now
  • weight loss injections
    February 6, 2025 Dr. Mike Forsythe

    UNDERSTANDING WEIGHT LOSS INJECTIONS

    22% of people asked in a recent survey, said they would like to use weight loss injections. Before considering this method of weight loss its important to understand what the injections are, how they work, and the steps you should take to ensure you monitor your overall health whilst taking the injections.
    Read now
  • full blood count test
    February 5, 2025 Dr. Adam Staten

    What is a Full Blood Count?

    The Full Blood Count (FBC) is one of the commonest blood tests performed by doctors. It provides an enormous amount of information about your state of health, your immune system, nutritional status and the clotting ability of your blood.
    Read now
  • heart protected by a pair of hands
    January 8, 2025 Dr. Mike Forsythe

    The importance of being proactive with your health

    It’s easy to take your health for granted, and sometimes it’s only when issues arise that the true value of health is fully appreciated. Read on to find out the measures to take to improve health and the benefits these measures will bring to your overall health.
    Read now
  • man and woman running
    January 7, 2025 Dr. Adam Staten

    The true benefits of exercise

    The sheer number of benefits that exercise offers may surprise you as it goes well beyond weight loss and improved cardiovascular fitness.
    Read now
  • Sickle Cell jigsaw
    December 9, 2024 Dr. Adam Staten

    Sickle Cell Disease

    Many may not have heard of Sickle Cell Disease but it is actually common, affecting around 300 million people worldwide and about 15,000 people in the UK.
    Read now
  • Marathon runners legs
    December 6, 2024 Dr. Mike Forsythe

    Marathon Training - Doctor's tips

    Preparing to run a marathon can be a daunting task. Having a clear training plan and looking after your body are key to getting you ready for the race.
    Read now
  • blood cancer cell
    September 5, 2024 Dr. Adam Staten

    Blood Cancer - What does it mean?

    Blood cancers are the 5th most common form of cancer in the UK but there is a general lack of awareness about the types of blood cancers and the symptoms.
    Read now
  • row of alcoholic drinks
    July 3, 2024 Dr. Adam Staten

    Effects of alcohol on the body

    For better or worse, alcohol is a big part of our culture in the UK. It plays a part in many social gatherings, special occasions, and big events like sports matches or music festivals. As such, alcohol has a well-recognised...

    Read now
  • Sunshine important for Vitamin D
    May 1, 2024 Dr. Adam Staten

    Vitamin D: Micronutrient, Mega Important

    Despite the widespread prevalence of vitamin D deficiency, it is easily overlooked. The symptoms of vitamin D deficiency, particularly if the deficiency is mild, are often vague and difficult to define. Frequently the feeling of malaise or lethargy that may be caused by low vitamin D levels are attributed to something else, or just blamed on the general stresses of life. This is a real shame because replacing vitamin D is very straightforward.
    Read now
  • man with coeliac disease
    April 30, 2024 Dr. Adam Staten

    Coeliac Disease: All you need to know

    What is Coeliac Disease? Coeliac Disease, also known as Celiac Disease, is a genetically determined, autoimmune condition that causes inflammation within the gut following exposure to gluten in the diet. As a genetic condition, it can run in families and...

    Read now
  • water splash
    March 1, 2024 Dr. Adam Staten

    Water - The Importance of Staying Hydrated

    Our bodies are about 60% water and water is absolutely fundamental to every aspect of our body’s functioning. Survival experts say that we can last about three days without water during which time you would expect to see a steady...

    Read now
  • Blood test
    February 23, 2024 Dr. Adam Staten

    What Is Blood Work?

    Discover the importance of blood tests in healthcare with this comprehensive guide. Understand different types of blood tests & how they work.
    Read now
  • Blood test
    February 23, 2024 Dr. Adam Staten

    Routine Blood Test

    Explore the importance of blood tests in healthcare with this comprehensive guide. Understand different types of blood tests & how they work.
    Read now
  • blood test results
    January 26, 2024 Dr. Adam Staten

    Understanding Blood Test Results

    Get the clarity you need for your health with this guide to understanding blood test results. Learn how tests work and what to do with your results.
    Read now
  • Dr Mike Forsythe on Vitamin B12
    October 15, 2023 Dr Mike Forsythe

    Dr Mike Forsythe on Vitamin B12

    Vitamin B12, also known as cobalamin, is a unique nutrient, as it’s the only vitamin we require that must be sourced externally from animal-derived foods or supplements. So how do we know if we are getting enough of it? What...

    Read now
  • Chronic kidney disease image with location of kidneys
    May 24, 2023 Adam Staten

    Chronic Kidney Disease: What Does it Mean for Me?

    Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a frightening term. The idea of a chronic disease attacking your vital organs is very unsettling, but CKD is actually very common. Around 3 million people in the UK are estimated to be suffering from it and many of these people will have no idea that there is a problem.
    Read now
  • fatigue, chronic fatigue syndrome
    March 4, 2023 Adam Staten

    Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: Unexplained Exhaustion

    Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), sometimes also known as Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME), is a condition of exhaustion without an obvious medical explanation. It is diagnosed when someone is suffering from debilitating fatigue, malaise after exercise, unrefreshing sleep, and cognitive problems (commonly called ‘brain fog’), without an identifiable cause for a period longer than six weeks.
    Read now
  • Tired all the time panel - symptoms, diagnosis and treatment
    February 9, 2023 Adam Staten

    Tired All the Time? Causes of fatigue, diagnostics blood tests and treatment.

    The complaint of feeling tired all the time is unfortunately very common. It is so common in fact that, if I type the letters TATT into my system at work, the computer will automatically convert this to read ‘tired all the time’. It is a pervasive and sometimes debilitating complaint that may have a serious underlying cause or may have no obvious cause at all.
    Read now
  • Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Unexplained Abdominal Symptoms
    December 18, 2022 Adam Staten

    Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Unexplained Abdominal Symptoms

    One of the commonest unexplained medical problems is the condition we know as ‘Irritable Bowel Syndrome’. Perhaps as many as 20% of us suffer with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and I would guess almost all of us have experienced unexplained abdominal discomfort at some point in our life. 
    Read now
  • liver function blood tests to combat liver function disease
    November 24, 2022 Adam Staten

    Fatty Liver Disease: A Silent Pandemic and the liver function blood tests

    In Fatty Liver Disease, fat builds up in the liver in the same way as fat builds up elsewhere in the body. This can affect liver function and Fatty Liver Disease is the most common cause of abnormal liver function tests. For many people the condition may remain stable and may cause no symptoms but, in a minority of people, inflammation of the liver develops, and this can progress to cirrhosis (permanent scarring of the liver), liver failure, liver cancer, and eventually death.
    Read now
  • Unhealthy lifestyle can lead to elevated cholesterol readings
    November 16, 2022 Adam Staten

    High Cholesterol: Lifestyle Management

    Raised cholesterol levels are very common, and the use of cholesterol lowering treatment is widespread, usually in the form of a family of medications known as ‘statins’. But this is not the only way to improve blood cholesterol.
    Read now

Recommended test panels from Dr. Adam Staten

ULTIMATE PERFORMANCE TEST

This is the true Best Seller of our range. An ultimate screen for continuous monitoring or as a baseline. Covers everything you need for a full body MOT.

57 BIOMARKERS
1-2 DAYS
£190.00 £180.00
SAVE 5%
View test

ULTIMATE LONGEVITY TEST

The largest and most complex test we do. One test to rule them all that covers everything you need.

71 BIOMARKERS
1-2 DAYS
£290.00 + CLINIC FEE View test

ULTIMATE HEALTHY WOMAN TEST

Designed for health conscious women who believe in proactive health management, this test is an ideal annual health review.

47 BIOMARKERS
1-2 DAYS
£135.00 View test

ULTIMATE HEALTHY MAN TEST

Designed for health conscious men who believe in proactive health management, this test is an ideal annual health review.

45 BIOMARKERS
1-2 DAYS
£135.00 View test