Lab testing helps us see what's happening beneath the surface. Understanding what different tests
measure—and why we might recommend them—can help you feel more informed about your care and better
prepared to discuss results with your provider.
Basic Blood Panels
Standard blood tests like the comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP) and complete blood count (CBC)
provide a snapshot of your overall health—kidney and liver function, electrolyte balance, blood
sugar, and blood cell health. These are often a starting point for understanding what's going
on in your body.
What to know: "Normal" ranges on lab reports represent statistical averages, not
necessarily optimal levels for you. A value can be technically normal but trending in a concerning
direction, or it might be normal for the general population but not optimal for your particular
health goals. Context matters.
Questions to consider: How do my results compare to previous tests—are there
trends? What would optimal (not just normal) values look like for me?
Heart Health Beyond Cholesterol
You've probably had your cholesterol checked, but standard panels only tell part of the story.
Two people with identical LDL numbers can have very different cardiovascular risk depending on
factors like particle size, inflammatory markers, and metabolic health.
Advanced testing can reveal: LDL particle number and size (small, dense particles
are more problematic), Apolipoprotein B (ApoB)—a more accurate predictor of risk, Lipoprotein(a)
or Lp(a)—a genetic risk factor, and hs-CRP and homocysteine—markers of inflammation.
Worth discussing: Would advanced cardiac testing give me a clearer picture?
What do my inflammatory markers look like?
Hormone Panels
Hormones regulate energy, mood, metabolism, sleep, reproductive health, and much more. When
symptoms suggest a hormonal component—fatigue, weight changes, mood shifts, menstrual
irregularities, low libido—testing can help identify what's out of balance.
Key insight: Comprehensive hormone testing often goes beyond what's routinely
ordered. For thyroid, this might mean checking free T3, reverse T3, and antibodies in addition
to TSH. For sex hormones, it might mean testing at specific times in your cycle, or using
urine testing to see how hormones are being metabolized.
If hormones are on your mind: Has comprehensive testing been done, or just
basic screening? Are my symptoms consistent with what the labs show? What would optimal—not
just normal—hormone levels look like for me?
Nutrient Status Testing
Even with a healthy diet, nutritional deficiencies are surprisingly common. Factors like
digestive issues, medications, chronic stress, and genetic variations can all affect how
well you absorb and utilize nutrients.
Common nutrients worth evaluating include vitamin D (involved in immune function, mood, and
bone health), B12 and folate (energy, nerve function), iron (oxygen delivery, energy), and
magnesium (muscle function, sleep, stress response). The right test matters too—serum magnesium,
for example, isn't always the most accurate measure.
Consider asking: Which nutrient tests make sense given my symptoms and
health history? What are optimal levels, and how do mine compare? If I'm deficient, what's
the best form and dose to correct it?
Digestive & Gut Health Testing
When digestive symptoms persist or systemic health seems connected to gut function,
specialized testing can provide insights that standard tests miss. This might include
comprehensive stool analysis, SIBO breath testing, or food sensitivity panels.
What these tests can reveal: The composition of your gut microbiome,
whether there are overgrowths of bacteria, yeast, or parasites, how well you're digesting
and absorbing nutrients, markers of gut inflammation, and immune reactions to specific foods.
Helpful questions: Would GI testing help explain my symptoms? What would
the results tell us, and how would they guide treatment? Is this the right time for testing,
or should we try other approaches first?
