Omega-3 Index Complete blood test in Chiswick

What the test measures

The Omega-3 Index Complete starts with the Omega-3 Index, the proportion of EPA and DHA in red blood cell membranes, and adds a broader breakdown of the fatty acids found there. This typically includes omega-6 fats such as arachidonic acid, the ratio of omega-6 to omega-3, and other groups of fats that reflect your diet. Your report sets out exactly which values are included.

Red cell fatty acids change slowly, so the profile gives a picture of your eating pattern over roughly the last three to four months. It is a nutrition test rather than a medical diagnosis, and is most useful for people who want detailed feedback on how their diet or supplements are shaping the fats in their cells.

The price includes the sample taken at our Chiswick clinic, analysis at the Randox accredited laboratory, a practitioner review of your result, and a GP feedback report on request.

Who it is for

• You want more detail than the basic Omega-3 Index provides.
• You eat a lot of processed or fried food and want to see how this shows in your fatty acid balance.
• You follow a plant-based, low-fat or ketogenic diet and want to review your fat intake.
• You are an athlete or very active and are reviewing your nutrition with a practitioner.
• You have already tested once and want to compare a fuller profile after making changes.

Understanding your result

Your report shows each value with the reference or target range used by the laboratory. A low Omega-3 Index and a high omega-6 to omega-3 ratio usually reflect a diet low in oily fish and higher in vegetable oils and processed foods. These are dietary patterns, not illnesses, and the results do not diagnose heart disease or any other condition.

Your practitioner will help you read the profile as a whole, linking it to your food habits and goals, and will suggest when you may wish to speak to your GP, particularly if you take medicines that affect bleeding.

Preparing for your test

You do not need to fast. Eat as you normally would in the weeks before the test and tell us about any fish oil, algae oil, evening primrose or other fatty acid supplements you take. If you are making dietary changes, testing before you start and again after about three to four months is the most informative approach.

If you only need the core measure, the standard Omega-3 Index is a simpler option. For a broader view of nutrition and digestion, Nutritional and Digestive Health may help, or compare every blood test and price in Chiswick.

Questions

How much is the Omega-3 Index Complete in Chiswick?

The Omega-3 Index Complete costs £129. The price covers the blood sample at our Chiswick clinic, analysis at the Randox accredited laboratory, a practitioner review of your result, and a GP feedback report on request.

How is this different from the standard Omega-3 Index?

The standard test reports EPA and DHA as a single percentage. The Complete version adds a wider fatty acid profile, including the omega-6 to omega-3 balance.

Is a high omega-6 level harmful?

Omega-6 fats are part of a normal diet. The profile mainly helps you see your overall balance, which your practitioner can explain in the context of your diet.

Do I need to stop supplements before testing?

No. Keep taking them as usual so the result reflects your normal routine.