Health Blog
Self-test or lab test? What really matters.
Home tests with lab evaluation – what really matters More and more people want to actively manage their health – conveniently from home. This is a positive trend because early health checks can help identify risks and take targeted countermeasures. However, especially when it comes to "self-tests," many questions arise: "Can I rely on the result?" or "What happens if the test is abnormal?" This article explains the differences between self-tests and lab tests with home sample collection – simple, understandable, and with a clear conclusion: Your health deserves quality. What is a self-test? A self-test is a test that is carried out completely independently and also evaluated by oneself. The most well-known example is the Corona rapid test. The sample is taken (e.g.per nasal swab) and the result appears directly on the test strip after a few minutes. Advantages: Quick result Low cost Easy to use However: The reliability is often limited. Self-tests usually provide only yes or no and can be influenced by user errors. For more complex issues such as nutrient deficiencies, hormone status, or infections, such Yes/No answers are not sufficient. What is a self-collection lab test? Here, you collect a sample yourself at home, e.g., via a finger prick (liquid capillary blood), dried blood spot, saliva, urine, or stool, depending on the question. The sample is then sent to a medical laboratory and analyzed under standardized conditions. Typical examples: Capillary blood tests for vitamins, minerals, or hormone status Dried blood for metabolic parameters or infection markers Saliva tests for cortisol or hormones Urine tests for specific infections or nutrient excretions Stool tests, e.g., for early detection of colon cancer or microbiome analyses Advantages: Exact measurements instead of yes/no answers Analysis in a specialized laboratory with validated procedures Results with reference values and, if applicable, medical classification An example: A simple self-test might show whether there is a vitamin D deficiency. A lab test, on the other hand, can precisely indicate how severe the deficiency is – and whether action is needed. Why laboratory analyses are more reliable Only with precise laboratory values can well-founded decisions be made, therapies planned, or risks identified early. Especially in sensitive areas such as fertility, chronic fatigue, symptoms of exhaustion, suspected infections, or metabolic complaints, professional laboratory diagnostics are crucial. At the same time, self-sampling at home is now incredibly simple. Modern kits guide you step by step through the sample collection process and place great emphasis on clarity, hygiene, and sample stability. These tests combine the comfort of your own home with the quality of professional laboratories. Conclusion: Comfort and quality do not have to be mutually exclusive Self-tests are practical for quick assessments or short-term orientation.However, those who want to know more – for example, about their own nutrient supply, hormone status, infections, or metabolic health – should rely on tests that are evaluated in the laboratory. They provide meaningful data and help to specifically understand and improve one's own health. The good news: You no longer have to sit in a waiting room for this. With the right home test kits, which are analyzed in the laboratory, you get the necessary quality – without sacrificing comfort. Stay curious about your body and your health! View all tests
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Your health overview with Probatix : The next generation of healthcare
The new Probatix health overview makes it easier than ever to understand blood values and supplement them specifically. Based on scientific findings, it transparently shows which health areas have already been analyzed and where gaps still exist. This creates a holistic overview of your health – structured, well-founded, and comprehensible.
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Complete Blood Count: What Really Lies Behind It?
In this article, Jannik learns from his doctor that a "complete blood count" does not include all conceivable health values. Instead, it focuses on the examination of blood cells: the basic blood count provides baseline values for red and white blood cells as well as platelets, while the differential blood count further differentiates the white blood cells. Many patients mistakenly expect that values such as vitamins, liver, or kidney values are included – these must be tested separately. The complete blood count is particularly useful for clarifying infections, anemia, or unclear symptoms. Those who wish for a comprehensive analysis should request targeted additional tests.
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NOW AVAILABLE: The comprehensive check-up for women and men
"Which test should I book?" This common question inspired us to develop comprehensive check-ups for women and men. These tests provide a comprehensive overview of important blood values, help to identify health risks early, and give clear indications for further examinations. Now also available as a convenient subscription to keep an eye on your health in the long term!
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Lower cortisol: How to balance your stress hormone
Key Messages Relaxation & Exercise: Breathing exercises, tea, and fresh air lower cortisol. Nutrition: Magnesium-rich foods support hormone balance. Healthy Lifestyle: Sleep, exercise, and mindful eating help in the long term. Do you often feel stressed, tense, or simply burned out? Cortisol, known as the stress hormone, plays a central role in such moments. While it is essential for our body, a permanently elevated cortisol level can negatively affect health. The good news: There are numerous ways to lower cortisol levels – and many of them can be easily integrated into daily life. Why is a high cortisol level problematic? Cortisol is released by the adrenal glands and helps the body respond to stress.In the short term, this makes sense, such as in the case of acute dangers. It becomes problematic when the cortisol level remains elevated permanently. This can lead to symptoms such as sleep problems, weight gain, high blood pressure, a weakened immune system, and even depression. Therefore, it is worthwhile to be aware of your stress level and actively do something about it. Home remedies for high cortisol levels Many people underestimate the effect of simple home remedies, but they are often the first step towards a more balanced cortisol level. Here are a few tips: Drink tea: Especially calming teas like chamomile, lavender, or green tea can help reduce stress levels. Breathing exercises: Deep, conscious breaths signal to the body that there is no acute danger and can noticeably lower cortisol levels. Exercise in the fresh air: Even a 20-minute walk in the green can work wonders. Magnesium: The silent hero against stress Magnesium plays an important role in metabolism and helps regulate cortisol. A deficiency can increase stress levels and lead to muscle tension or sleep problems. Foods like almonds, spinach, avocados, and bananas are rich in magnesium and can help lower cortisol levels. Alternatively, magnesium tablets can be used when there is an increased need. Lower cortisol through the right diet The food we consume directly affects cortisol levels. A balanced diet with fresh, unprocessed foods can help reduce stress hormones.Particularly helpful are: Omega-3 fatty acids: Found in fatty fish like salmon, walnuts, or flaxseeds. Vitamin C: Peppers, oranges, and berries can lower cortisol levels. Complex carbohydrates: Whole grain products stabilize blood sugar and reduce stress reactions. Medications and Supplements If home remedies and dietary changes are not sufficient, tablets and supplements can help lower cortisol levels. Adaptogens like Ashwagandha, Rhodiola, or Ginseng have proven effective. They help the body better cope with stress and regulate cortisol balance. Important: Always consult a doctor or pharmacist before taking medications or supplements. A healthy lifestyle is the key In the end, it is a combination of different approaches that sustainably helps. Adequate sleep, regular exercise, a conscious diet, and targeted relaxation techniques are the best tools to lower cortisol. Listen to your body and give it the rest it needs. With small changes, you can achieve great effects and protect your health in the long term. To the cortisol test To the burnout check (with cortisol)
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Invisible Exhaustion: How Hypothyroidism Can Affect Your Life
💡 Untreated, hypothyroidism can lead to serious health problems. 💡With the right hormone therapy and diet, the symptoms often disappear quickly. 💡From fatigue to weight gain to loss of libido – the effects impact both body and mind.
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Increase Testosterone: How to Bring Your Hormone Back into Balance
A balanced testosterone level affects your energy, mood, and even your physical performance. Whether through targeted dietary changes, regular exercise, or medical measures – there are numerous ways to optimize your hormone levels. And the best part: With a straightforward test, you gain the clarity you need for the first step.
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Why an overview of your blood values is the ideal complement to a healthy lifestyle
The new year has begun, and many people use this time to make resolutions: more exercise, a more balanced diet, or simply being more mindful of themselves. However, while many focus on visible successes, important but invisible factors are often overlooked – your blood values.
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Your Start to a Healthy 2025: Trends, Resolutions, and Inspiration
A new year brings new opportunities to achieve personal health goals. However, good resolutions often fail because it's unclear where to start. This is exactly where our blog comes in – with well-founded ideas and inspiration for a healthy start to the year.
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