Unlock a Deeper Understanding of Your Health with Our Advanced Panel
Why Choose the Comprehensive Panel?
Our comprehensive lab panel provides a detailed assessment of over 97 key biomarkers, giving you a complete picture of your current health status. We combine extensive testing with personalized guidance, helping you understand your results and make informed decisions about your diet, lifestyle, and overall wellness. Experience the convenience of at-home testing with the support of our expert team.
Clinician's Summary
A comprehensive summary of your results from a clinician, along with prompt calls for any urgent results.
97 biomarkers
Monitor for early indicators of thousands of diseases through advanced tests not typically covered by insurance.
What's Included in Our Comprehensive Panel?
Our panels include tests that have been carefully selected by doctors across a variety of specialties. This allows for the most in-depth assessment, so you can get a clear picture of your overall health.
Thyroid
TSH (Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone), produced by the pituitary gland, directs your thyroid’s hormone production. These hormones (T4 and T3) regulate your metabolism, impacting energy, temperature, heart rate, and mood. When T4 and T3 are low, TSH increases to stimulate more hormone production; when high, TSH decreases. It is also closely related to sex hormones.
Triiodothyronine, or T3, is one of the two main hormones produced by your thyroid gland. Free T3 represents the portion of T3 that is not bound to proteins in your blood. This “free” form is the most active form of thyroid hormone, playing a crucial role in regulating your metabolism, influencing your energy levels, heart rate, body temperature, and more. This test specifically measures your Free T3 levels to provide a detailed assessment of your thyroid function.
Thyroxine, also known as T4, is one of the main hormones produced by your thyroid gland. Free T4 represents the portion of T4 that isn’t attached to proteins in your blood. This “free” form is the active form that your body can readily use to regulate your metabolism, affecting things like your energy levels, heart rate, and body temperature. This test specifically measures your Free T4 levels to help evaluate your thyroid function.
Reverse T3 (RT3) is a form of thyroid hormone that your body produces, usually in small amounts. Unlike active thyroid hormones like T3, Reverse T3 doesn’t speed up your metabolism. Instead, it can bind to the same receptors and actually block their action, acting like a brake on your thyroid function. Elevated RT3 levels can sometimes be seen when the body is under stress, such as during illness or chronic inflammation, or if there is an issue converting T4 to T3. This test measures your RT3 levels to provide a more complete picture of your thyroid health.
Thyroid peroxidase is an enzyme that plays a key role in making thyroid hormones. Anti-TPO antibodies are antibodies that target this enzyme, potentially interfering with thyroid function. The presence of these antibodies often indicates an autoimmune thyroid condition, such as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis or Graves’ disease. This test measures your Anti-TPO levels to help assess your thyroid health.
The Anti-Tg test checks for specific antibodies, called antithyroglobulin antibodies, that can target your thyroid gland. These antibodies are sometimes present in people with certain thyroid conditions, particularly autoimmune thyroid diseases like Hashimoto’s thyroiditis.
Blood
Measures the total number of white blood cells in your blood. These cells are crucial for your immune system, helping to fight off infections and other diseases. An elevated WBC count can indicate an infection, inflammation, or certain types of blood cancers, while a low count can suggest bone marrow problems or an increased risk of infection.
Measures the number and percentage of neutrophils, the most abundant type of white blood cell. Neutrophils are the first responders to infection, particularly bacterial infections. An elevated neutrophil count often indicates an acute bacterial infection, while a low count can increase susceptibility to infections.
Measures the number and percentage of lymphocytes, another type of white blood cell. Lymphocytes play a key role in fighting viral infections and are also involved in long-term immunity. Elevated levels can suggest a viral infection, while low levels can be seen in certain immune deficiencies.
Measures the number and percentage of monocytes, which are large white blood cells that engulf and destroy foreign invaders and cellular debris. Elevated monocyte counts can be seen in chronic infections, inflammatory diseases, and certain types of cancer.
Measures the number and percentage of eosinophils, a type of white blood cell involved in allergic reactions and parasitic infections. Elevated eosinophil counts often indicate allergies, asthma, or a parasitic infection.
Measures the number and percentage of basophils, a type of white blood cell that releases histamine and other substances during allergic reactions. Elevated basophil counts can be seen in allergic reactions, certain types of leukemia, and other rare conditions.
Measures the total number of red blood cells, which are responsible for carrying oxygen throughout your body. A low RBC count can indicate anemia, a condition characterized by a deficiency of red blood cells or hemoglobin.
Measures the average size of your platelets. Can provide additional information about platelet production and function and may be helpful in evaluating certain bleeding or clotting disorders.
Measures the amount of hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen. Hemoglobin levels are a key indicator of anemia, with low levels suggesting a reduced oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood.
Measures the percentage of your blood volume that consists of red blood cells. Like hemoglobin, hematocrit is used to assess for anemia.
Measures the average size of your red blood cells. This is a crucial marker for classifying different types of anemia. For example, small red blood cells (microcytic anemia) can be seen in iron deficiency, while large red blood cells (macrocytic anemia) can be seen in vitamin B12 or folate deficiency.
Measures the average amount of hemoglobin in each red blood cell. Provides information about the hemoglobin content of individual red blood cells and can be helpful in diagnosing different types of anemia.
Measures the average concentration of hemoglobin within a given volume of red blood cells. Provides information about the hemoglobin content relative to the size of the red blood cells, further aiding in anemia diagnosis.
Measures the variation in the size of your red blood cells. A high RDW indicates that your red blood cells vary significantly in size, which can be an early sign of certain types of anemia, including iron deficiency anemia.
Measures the number of platelets in your blood. Platelets are cell fragments that are essential for blood clotting. A low platelet count can increase the risk of bleeding, while a high platelet count can increase the risk of blood clots. 1
Ferritin is a protein that plays a key role in storing iron within your cells. It keeps the iron in a safe and usable form until your body needs it to make red blood cells or for other important functions. Measuring ferritin levels in your blood gives us a good indication of your overall iron stores. Low ferritin usually means low iron, which can lead to anemia.
UIBC stands for Unsaturated Iron-Binding Capacity. It’s a blood test that indirectly measures the amount of transferrin, a protein that carries iron in your blood. Specifically, it assesses how much of the transferrin is not currently bound to iron and therefore has the capacity to bind more. Along with other iron tests like serum iron and ferritin, UIBC provides valuable information about your body’s iron status and can help diagnose conditions like iron deficiency or iron overload.
Transferrin saturation is a value calculated from your iron and TIBC (Total Iron Binding Capacity) test results. Transferrin is a protein that transports iron in your blood. The transferrin saturation percentage tells us how much of that iron-carrying protein is currently saturated with iron. It’s a useful indicator of your iron status. A low percentage can suggest iron deficiency, while a high percentage might indicate iron overload.
TIBC, or Total Iron-Binding Capacity, is a blood test that provides information about your body’s ability to transport iron. It indirectly measures the amount of transferrin, a protein produced by your liver that binds to iron and carries it throughout your body. A high TIBC often suggests that there is a greater capacity to bind iron, which can be seen in iron deficiency. This test is usually done along with other iron tests to get a complete picture of your iron status.
Rh factor, also known as Rhesus factor, is an inherited protein found on the surface of red blood cells. If your blood has this protein, you’re considered Rh-positive, which is the most common type. If your blood lacks this protein, you’re Rh-negative. Knowing your Rh type is crucial for blood transfusions, as receiving the wrong Rh type can cause serious reactions. It’s also important during pregnancy because an Rh-negative mother carrying an Rh-positive baby can develop antibodies that may affect future pregnancies. This test determines your Rh type. greater capacity to bind iron, which can be seen in iron deficiency. This test is usually done along with other iron tests to get a complete picture of your iron status.
Your ABO blood type is like your blood’s unique identification. It tells us which types of blood are safe for you to receive in a transfusion. There are four main blood types: A, B, AB, and O, and this test determines which one you are.
Female Health
Ever wonder if your testosterone levels are affecting your energy, mood, or sex drive? This test can help figure that out. It looks at your testosterone levels and can help uncover issues with fertility, muscle mass, and even insulin resistance. For women it can also help with identifying PCOS or menopause. We measure both the testosterone that’s available for your body to use right away and your overall levels to get a complete picture.
While it’s known as the main male hormone, women produce it in smaller amounts in their ovaries and adrenal glands. It plays a role in things like sex drive, energy levels, and even bone health. This test checks your overall testosterone levels, which can be helpful if you’re experiencing symptoms like low libido, fatigue, or changes in your menstrual cycle. It’s often done alongside other hormone tests to get a complete picture of what’s going on.
DHEA Sulfate is a really important hormone, it’s even linked to longevity and keeping your immune system strong. You actually have more of this hormone than any other in your body. This test checks your DHEA levels to get an idea about how your reproductive system is functioning and how well your adrenal glands are working.
Ever wonder how your ovaries are functioning or if you might be nearing menopause? The FSH test can help shed some light on that! FSH is a hormone that’s involved in getting your ovaries ready for ovulation. We use this test to check on your ovarian health, and it can also be helpful in diagnosing PCOS. If you are on hormonal birth control, this test will not be accurate.
You can think of progesterone as one of your body’s key female hormones. It’s really important for regulating your menstrual cycle and plays a starring role in pregnancy. This test measures your progesterone to see if your levels are where they should be, which can tell us a lot about your overall hormonal health.
Think of SHBG as a taxi for your sex hormones, like testosterone and estrogen. It carries them around in your blood, but only the hormones that aren’t in the taxi are free for your body to use. If your SHBG levels are off, it can affect your periods and fertility, because it changes how much of those hormones your body can actually access.
You might think of prolactin as just the “breastfeeding hormone,” but it actually does more than that. It’s made by a gland in your brain called the pituitary gland, and testing prolactin levels can help doctors figure out what’s going on with a bunch of different health issues. Things like irregular periods, trouble getting pregnant, menopause symptoms, weak bones, liver or kidney problems, thyroid issues, or even if your estrogen or testosterone levels are off. Sometimes it is also checked to see if there is an issue with the pituitary gland.
Ever wonder what hormone makes your body release an egg each month? That’s LH, or Luteinizing Hormone. It’s a major player when it comes to your sexual development and ability to get pregnant. We can also check LH levels to see if you might be in perimenopause or menopause. Just keep in mind that if you’re on hormonal birth control, this test won’t give us accurate results.
Prolactin is a hormone that’s most famous for stimulating milk production after childbirth. But it actually has other roles in the body, too, impacting things like our immune system and even our reproductive health. This test checks your prolactin levels to see if they might be playing a role in any health concerns.
Male Health
Testosterone is key for optimal health in men. It plays an important role in your sex drive, energy levels, and overall health. We test both your free and total testosterone to get a full picture of your testosterone levels. Get your levels checked today to make sure your testosterone is optimized.
- What it is free testosterone: This measures the amount of testosterone that is not bound to proteins and is therefore “free” and readily available for your body to use.
- Think of it like: The number of delivery trucks that are currently empty and ready to be loaded up to transport goods.
Testosterone is key for optimal health in men. It plays an important role in your sex drive, energy levels, and overall health. We test both your free and total testosterone to get a full picture of your testosterone levels. Get your levels checked today to make sure your testosterone is optimized.
- What is total testosterone: This measures the entire amount of testosterone in your blood, regardless of whether it’s attached to proteins or not.
- Think of it like: The total number of delivery trucks you have, even if some are currently full of cargo, in the shop, or empty and ready to be used.
Ever heard of DHEA-S? It’s a hormone that your adrenal glands make, and it’s involved in things like muscle growth and other masculine features. It’s one of the key hormones that shape male characteristics. This test checks your DHEA-S levels, which can tell us a lot about your adrenal health and your reproductive system.
You might not hear about FSH as much as testosterone, but it’s a big deal for men’s health. It’s involved in making sperm and is important for sexual development. Checking FSH levels can tell us how well the testicles and pituitary gland are doing their job.
You might have heard of the PSA test – it’s a way to check on your prostate health. It measures something called Prostate-Specific Antigen in your blood, and while it can’t diagnose cancer by itself, it can signal if something might be wrong. It is often used to monitor for potential problems or keep an eye on existing prostate cancer.
PSA, or Prostate-Specific Antigen, is a protein produced by cells in the prostate gland. PSA can exist in two main forms in the blood: either bound to other proteins or unbound (free). The Free PSA test specifically measures the amount of PSA that is not attached to other proteins. Generally, men with prostate cancer tend to have a lower percentage of free PSA compared to men without prostate cancer. This test, along with the total PSA, helps assess prostate health and determine the need for further investigation.
PSA, or Prostate-Specific Antigen, can exist in different forms in your blood: either bound to other proteins or unbound, which is called “free” PSA. The % Free PSA test calculates the percentage of your total PSA that is free. Generally, men with prostate cancer tend to have a lower percentage of free PSA compared to men without prostate cancer. This calculation, using both your free and total PSA, helps provide a more detailed assessment of your prostate health and can guide further testing if needed.
SHBG (Sex Hormone Binding Globulin) is a protein that binds to sex hormones, like testosterone and estrogen, controlling how much is free and available for your body to use. Changes in SHBG levels can, therefore, have a big impact on your overall hormonal balance and health.
You might not have heard much about prolactin, but it’s a hormone made in your brain by the pituitary gland. If a man is having issues with his sex drive or experiencing erectile dysfunction, checking prolactin levels can sometimes help figure out what’s going on. In some cases, it can also be an indicator of a pituitary issue.
Ever wonder what makes the testicles produce testosterone? That’s LH, or Luteinizing Hormone. It’s a crucial hormone for guys, impacting sperm production and other important male functions. Checking LH levels gives us a good picture of a man’s fertility and overall sexual development.
You might think of estrogen as a female hormone, but guys have it too, just in smaller amounts. The main type of estrogen in men is called estradiol. While it’s not as dominant as testosterone, estradiol still plays an important role in men’s health, especially when it comes to things like bone health and even sex drive.
Prolactin isn’t just about breastfeeding! This hormone, made by a gland in your brain called the pituitary, plays a role in your immune system and reproductive health. For guys, a prolactin test can be helpful if they’re dealing with low libido, ED, or if there’s a concern about their pituitary gland.
Metabolic Health
The HbA1c test, often just called “A1c,” is like a report card for your blood sugar levels over the past 2-3 months. It gives us an average of how well your blood sugar has been controlled, helping to screen for or monitor diabetes. Unlike a regular blood sugar test that just shows a snapshot in time, the A1c gives us a bigger picture.
C-peptide is a small protein that your pancreas makes along with insulin. When your body makes insulin, it actually makes a larger molecule first, which then gets split into insulin and C-peptide. Because C-peptide hangs around in the blood longer than insulin, it’s a more reliable way to measure how much insulin your body is producing over a period of time.
Insulin is a hormone made by your pancreas, and it plays a crucial role in how your body uses energy. When you eat, your body breaks down carbohydrates into glucose, which enters your bloodstream. Insulin then helps that glucose get into your cells to be used as fuel. When insulin isn’t working correctly, or your body isn’t making enough, it can lead to high blood sugar levels, which is a hallmark of diabetes.
Leptin is a hormone produced mainly by your fat cells. Its primary role is to help regulate your appetite and body weight over the long term. It does this by signaling to your brain how much energy you have stored as fat. When leptin levels are high, it usually tells your brain that you have enough energy and to decrease your appetite. When levels are low it often increases your appetite. This test measures your leptin levels, which can provide insights into your body’s energy balance and appetite regulation
Insulin resistance is when your body’s cells don’t respond properly to insulin, a hormone that helps regulate blood sugar. The LP-IR Score helps assess your level of insulin resistance, with a higher score indicating a greater risk for developing type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular problems.
Nutrients & Electrolytes
This test measures the carbon dioxide (CO2) levels in your blood, which mainly reflects your bicarbonate levels, an important part of your body’s acid-base balance. It’s usually included in a basic or comprehensive metabolic panel to help evaluate your electrolytes and overall health. This helps tell us if your body is too acidic or too alkaline.
Potassium is an electrolyte that plays a crucial role in many bodily functions, including nerve signaling, muscle contractions, fluid balance, and maintaining a healthy heart rhythm. Both high and low potassium levels can lead to health issues. This blood test measures your potassium levels to assess your electrolyte balance and overall health.
Vitamin B12 is a powerhouse vitamin that plays a vital role in your body. It’s essential for making red blood cells, which carry oxygen throughout your body, and it’s also crucial for keeping your nervous system healthy. Since your body can’t make B12 on its own, you need to get it from food or supplements. This test measures your B12 levels to see if you’re getting enough or if you might be deficient.
Chloride is a key electrolyte, which means it carries an electric charge and is essential for many bodily functions. It helps keep your fluids balanced and plays a role in nerve and muscle function. This test checks your chloride levels to assess your electrolyte balance.
Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that acts like a hormone in your body, and it’s essential for a variety of functions. It helps your body absorb calcium, which is crucial for strong bones, and it also plays a vital role in supporting your immune system. While you can get some Vitamin D from certain foods, your body mainly produces it when your skin is exposed to sunlight. This test measures your Vitamin D levels to determine if you’re getting enough or if you might be deficient.
Calcium is well-known for building strong bones and teeth, but it’s also essential for many other bodily functions, including helping your muscles contract, your nerves send signals, and your blood clot properly. This test checks your calcium levels to make sure they’re in a healthy range.
Sodium is an electrolyte, meaning it carries an electric charge and is vital for many bodily functions. It plays a key role in regulating the amount of water in and around your cells, transmitting nerve impulses, and helping your muscles contract. Both high and low sodium levels can cause health problems. This blood test measures your sodium levels to assess your electrolyte balance and overall hydration status.
We all need sugar, also known as glucose, for energy. It’s what fuels our bodies. But too much of a good thing can be a problem. When we have too much sugar in our blood, called hyperglycemia, it can lead to a bunch of health issues. Over time, it can cause damage and lead to things like diabetes, high blood pressure, heart attacks, kidney disease, Alzheimer’s and even cancer.
Magnesium is an essential mineral that your body can’t produce on its own – you need to get it from food or supplements. It plays a crucial role in hundreds of bodily processes, including regulating muscle and nerve function, supporting healthy blood sugar levels, maintaining strong bones, and even influencing your mood. This test measures your magnesium levels to determine if you’re getting enough or if you might be deficient.
Methylmalonic acid, or MMA, is a substance that’s normally present in your body in small amounts. However, your body needs vitamin B12 to properly process MMA. If you’re deficient in B12, MMA levels can rise. Because of this relationship, measuring MMA is a sensitive way to assess your B12 status, often catching deficiencies earlier than a standard B12 test. This test measures your MMA levels to help determine if you might need more B12.
Omega-6s are a type of polyunsaturated fat that your body needs for various functions. This test measures the total amount of omega-6 fatty acids in your blood. While we need some omega-6, it is also important to have them in the right balance with omega 3s.
Omega-3 fatty acids are a type of polyunsaturated fat that your body can’t produce on its own – you need to get them from your diet or supplements. They’re known for their anti-inflammatory properties and play a crucial role in heart health, brain function, and overall well-being. This test measures your total omega-3 levels, including important ones like EPA and DHA, to assess your overall omega-3 status and see if you might benefit from increasing your intake.
Omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids are both essential fats, meaning your body can’t make them and you need to get them from your diet. They play important roles in various bodily functions, including inflammation. Omega-6s tend to be more pro-inflammatory, while omega-3s are known for their anti-inflammatory properties. The omega-6/omega-3 ratio compares the levels of these two types of fats in your blood. A lower ratio, meaning relatively more omega-3s, is generally considered healthier and may be associated with reduced inflammation.
DPA, or docosapentaenoic acid, is a long-chain omega-3 fatty acid, similar in structure to EPA and DHA. While it’s present in smaller amounts in foods like fish and seafood, your body can also convert some EPA into DPA. Emerging research suggests that DPA may have its own unique health benefits, particularly in reducing inflammation and supporting cardiovascular health. This test includes a measurement of your DPA levels to provide a more comprehensive assessment of your omega-3 status.
EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid), DPA (docosapentaenoic acid), and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) are three of the most important omega-3 fatty acids. They’re considered “essential” fats because your body can’t produce them on its own – you need to get them from your diet or supplements. Omega-3s, particularly EPA, DPA, and DHA, are known for their anti-inflammatory properties and play crucial roles in heart health, brain function, and overall well-being. This test measures the combined levels of these three important omega-3s in your blood to assess your overall omega-3 status.
DHA is a key omega-3 fatty acid that plays a crucial role in keeping your brain and eyes healthy. It’s a major structural component of your brain and the retinas in your eyes. This test checks your DHA levels to see if you’re getting enough of this important nutrient.
Arachidonic acid (AA) is an omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acid that your body can make in small amounts and also obtains from certain foods like meat and eggs. AA plays a role in the inflammatory process, and while some inflammation is necessary, too much can contribute to various health problems. This test measures your arachidonic acid levels to help assess your overall fatty acid balance and potential inflammation.
The AA/EPA ratio is a measurement that compares the levels of two essential fatty acids in your blood: arachidonic acid (AA), an omega-6 fatty acid, and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), an omega-3 fatty acid. While 1 both are necessary, they have opposing effects on inflammation. AA is generally pro-inflammatory, while EPA is considered anti-inflammatory. A higher AA/EPA ratio may suggest a greater tendency towards inflammation in the body, which has been linked to various chronic diseases. This test helps assess your fatty acid balance and potential inflammatory state.
Organs (Liver, Kidneys, Pancrease)
Albumin is a protein made by the liver. Measuring it twice likely ensures accuracy. Low albumin levels can indicate liver disease, kidney disease, or malnutrition.
AST is an enzyme found in the liver, heart, and other tissues. Measuring it twice likely ensures accuracy. Elevated AST levels can indicate liver damage or disease, but also muscle damage or heart issues.
Bilirubin is a byproduct of the breakdown of red blood cells. High levels can indicate liver problems, bile duct obstruction, or certain types of anemia.
ALT is an enzyme primarily found in the liver. Elevated ALT levels are a more specific indicator of liver damage or inflammation.
This measures the total amount of protein in your blood, including albumin and globulins. It can be used to assess overall nutritional status and liver function.
ALP is an enzyme found in the liver, bones, and other tissues. Elevated ALP levels can suggest liver disease, bile duct obstruction, or bone disorders.
This test measures the level of globulins, which are a group of proteins in your blood. Many of these proteins are made in the liver.
The Albumin/Globulin (A/G) ratio isn’t a direct test itself, but rather a value that’s calculated using the results of two separate tests:
- Albumin: A specific protein made by the liver.
- Total Protein: Measures the total amount of protein in your blood (which includes albumin and all types of globulins, such as globulin). Then the globulin is often calculated by subtracting albumin from total protein.
Urea nitrogen is a waste product that’s created when your liver breaks down protein. Healthy kidneys filter urea out of your blood and into your urine. Elevated BUN levels can suggest that your kidneys aren’t filtering properly, but can also be caused by dehydration, high protein intake, or certain medications.
Creatinine is a waste product that comes from normal muscle wear and tear. Like urea, creatinine is filtered out of your blood by the kidneys. Elevated creatinine levels are often a more specific indicator of reduced kidney function than BUN alone.
This ratio compares the amount of urea nitrogen in your blood to the amount of creatinine. It can help determine the cause of kidney problems. For example, a high ratio might suggest dehydration or decreased blood flow to the kidneys, while a low ratio might indicate liver disease or malnutrition.
eGFR is a calculated estimate of how well your kidneys are filtering waste products from your blood. It’s considered one of the best indicators of kidney function. A lower eGFR indicates reduced kidney function. It’s calculated using your creatinine levels, age, sex, and race.
GGT is like a marker for your liver health. It’s an enzyme that’s mostly found in the liver, and high levels in your blood can be a sign of liver problems or damage to your bile ducts. This test checks your GGT levels to help assess how well your liver is functioning.
Amylase is a digestive enzyme, meaning it helps your body break down the food you eat. Specifically, amylase breaks down carbohydrates, such as starches, into simpler sugars that your body can absorb. It’s primarily produced by your pancreas, an organ that plays a vital role in digestion, but also by your salivary glands. Elevated amylase levels in the blood can sometimes indicate a problem with your pancreas, such as pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas). This test measures your amylase levels to help evaluate your pancreatic health.
Heart Health
Total cholesterol is a measure of all the cholesterol in your blood, including both the “good” (HDL) and “bad” (LDL) types. It gives you an overall picture of your cholesterol levels, which is important because high cholesterol can increase your risk of heart disease. This test measures your total cholesterol to help assess your heart health.
HDL cholesterol plays a key role in protecting your heart. It acts like a cleanup crew, transporting other forms of cholesterol away from your arteries and back to your liver, where they can be processed. This test checks your HDL levels, which is an important part of assessing your overall cardiovascular health.
LDL cholesterol is known as the “bad” cholesterol because it can contribute to plaque buildup in your arteries. This plaque can harden and narrow your arteries, making it harder for blood to flow through and increasing your risk of heart problems. This test checks your LDL levels to see if they’re in a healthy range.
The TC/HDL ratio is a simple calculation that compares your total cholesterol to your “good” HDL cholesterol. It’s another way to look at your cholesterol numbers and can give you an idea of your risk for heart disease. Generally, a lower ratio is considered better.
Triglycerides are basically how your body stores unused calories for later use. Think of them as your body’s energy reserves. However, consistently high triglyceride levels can be a concern for your heart health. This test checks your triglyceride levels to make sure they’re in a healthy range.
VLDL, or very-low-density lipoprotein, is a type of lipoprotein that’s made in your liver and carries triglycerides through your bloodstream. Triglycerides are a type of fat your body uses for energy. The size of your VLDL particles matters because smaller, denser ones are thought to be more harmful to your heart health, as they can more easily penetrate the artery walls and contribute to plaque formation. This test measures the average size of your VLDL particles to provide a more detailed assessment of your cardiovascular risk.
LDL-P stands for LDL particle number. While we often focus on the amount of LDL cholesterol, the number and size of the LDL particles are also important. Small LDL-P measures the number of small, dense LDL particles in your blood. These smaller particles are considered more atherogenic, meaning they’re more likely to penetrate the artery walls, contribute to plaque formation, and increase your risk of heart disease. This test provides a more detailed assessment of your cardiovascular risk than just measuring LDL cholesterol alone.
VLDL stands for very-low-density lipoprotein, and these particles are primarily responsible for transporting triglycerides throughout your body. Large VLDL-P specifically measures the number of large VLDL particles in your blood. While some large VLDL is normal and even beneficial, an elevated number, especially when combined with other risk factors like high LDL cholesterol or low HDL cholesterol, may increase your risk of developing heart disease. This test helps provide a more detailed picture of your cardiovascular risk profile.
Imagine your arteries are like roads, and LDL particles are like vehicles carrying cholesterol. LDL-P is like counting the total number of those vehicles on the road. More vehicles, regardless of their size, can mean a higher risk of traffic jams (plaque buildup) and potential heart problems.
Imagine LDL particles as different sized balls. Smaller, denser LDL particles are like hard golf balls that can damage your artery walls. Larger, fluffier ones are like soft tennis balls, less likely to cause harm. This test checks the average size of your LDL particles to see if they’re more like golf balls or tennis balls.
HDL is known as the “good” cholesterol because it helps remove excess cholesterol from your arteries. HDL-P goes a step further by counting the actual number of HDL particles in your blood. Generally, a higher number of HDL particles is considered beneficial for heart health.
HDL particles, the “good” cholesterol, come in different sizes. This test measures the average size of your HDL particles. Larger, fluffier HDL particles are generally considered more protective for your heart than smaller, denser ones.
Apolipoprotein B, or ApoB, is a protein that plays a key role in how your body transports cholesterol. It’s the main protein found on LDL (“bad”) cholesterol particles and other lipoproteins like VLDL, which carry fats in your blood. High ApoB levels are often associated with an increased risk of heart disease because they indicate a higher number of atherogenic particles – those that can contribute to plaque buildup in your arteries. This test measures your ApoB levels to provide a more comprehensive assessment of your cardiovascular risk.
Inflammation Markers and Autoimmunity
C-reactive protein, or CRP, is something your liver makes in response to inflammation. Inflammation is your body’s natural way of protecting itself from injury or infection. While a little inflammation is normal, high levels of CRP in your blood over time can be a sign of a more serious issue. This test helps us get a handle on how much inflammation is present in your body.
Cortisol is a hormone produced by your adrenal glands, and it’s involved in a lot of important processes in your body. It helps regulate your blood sugar, metabolism, and sleep patterns, and it also plays a major role in your body’s stress response. While cortisol is essential for health, too much or too little can cause problems. This test measures your cortisol levels to assess your stress response and overall adrenal function.
Antinuclear antibodies, or ANA, are a type of antibody produced by your immune system. Normally, antibodies fight off infections. But in some cases, they can start attacking your own body’s cells, specifically the nucleus (which is like the control center of the cell). The presence of ANA in your blood can be a sign of an autoimmune disease, where your immune system is mistakenly attacking your own tissues. This test helps detect these antibodies.
Uric acid is a natural byproduct that forms when your body breaks down substances called purines, which are found in some foods and are also produced by your body. Normally, your kidneys filter uric acid out of your blood, and it leaves your body through your urine. High levels of uric acid can sometimes lead to gout, a painful form of arthritis, or contribute to the formation of kidney stones. This test measures the amount of uric acid in your blood to help assess your risk for these conditions.
Rheumatoid Factor (RF) is a type of antibody that can be found in the blood. While normally antibodies help fight infection, RF can sometimes attack healthy tissues, particularly in the joints. This is often seen in rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune condition that causes inflammation and pain in the joints. The RF IgM test specifically measures a type of RF called IgM. It’s important to note that a positive RF test doesn’t always mean you have rheumatoid arthritis, as it can be present in other conditions or even in healthy individuals. However, it can be a helpful tool for assessing your risk and guiding further testing.
This test looks for something called lupus anticoagulant, which are antibodies that can interfere with normal blood clotting. Even though it has “lupus” in the name, it doesn’t necessarily mean you have lupus. It helps doctors understand if you’re at a higher risk for developing blood clots. This is usually not the only test used to determine a clotting disorder.
Heavy metals
Mercury is a heavy metal that exists in different forms. While some forms are less harmful, certain types, like methylmercury (found in some fish), can be toxic to humans, particularly to the nervous system. Exposure can come from various sources, including certain types of seafood, dental fillings, and some industrial processes. This test measures your mercury levels to assess your exposure and determine if they’re within safe limits.
Lead is a toxic heavy metal that, unfortunately, can still be found in our environment, such as in older homes with lead-based paint, contaminated soil, and some water pipes. Exposure to lead can be harmful to people of all ages, but it’s especially concerning for children, as it can affect their development and learning. This test measures the level of lead in your blood to determine if you’ve been exposed and if your levels are within a safe range.
The Process
Step 1: Book Your In-Home Visit
Easily schedule your appointment online or by phone. Choose a time that works best for you, and our qualified nurse practitioner or physician assistant will come directly to your Flagstaff home. We recommend scheduling in the morning for best results
Step 2: Consultation and Lab Draw
Our medical professional will discuss your health history, concerns, and goals. They'll then perform a comfortable and efficient lab draw in the privacy of your home. Your samples will be sent to our trusted lab for analysis.
Step 3: Review Your Results and Next Steps
We email a comprehensive report, providing actionable next steps, and offering personalized recommendations for diet, supplements, and lifestyle changes. We will also refer you to a specialist if needed.
One Time Service, Life Long Impact: Expertly Curated Wellness
Mend Care brings the power of functional medicine lab testing to your doorstep. Our in-home lab draws provide a wealth of information, translated into a personalized, actionable wellness plan..
While Mend Mobile Care’s lab services are designed as a one-time offering, our goal is to empower you with knowledge and actionable steps for a healthier life. Think of us as the first step in your journey to better health—providing clarity and direction without the commitment of ongoing care.
Ready to take control of your health? Explore our lab options today and schedule your in-home visit. Let us bring convenience and clarity right to your door.
Clinician Summary
Foods to increase
Foods to limit
Self care
Supplement list
Referrals made as needed
Common questions
This is a cash pay only service. The good news is many HSAs and FSAs do cover these tests when you submit for reimbursement. However, based on the discounts we receive for these labs and insurance frequently not paying for many of these tests, we do not accept insurance for these tests and require payment at time of service.
On Average from the time you schedule your visit and we draw labs approximately 7-10 days until you receive an email from us detailing your results.
If your hormone levels are outside the normal range, our team will discuss the findings with you and explain the potential implications. We can provide guidance on lifestyle changes and supplementation, and if needed we will refer you to a specialist for further evaluation and treatment.
Symptoms of a hormone imbalance can vary depending on the specific hormones involved, but some common signs include fatigue, weight changes, mood swings, low libido, sleep disturbances, hair loss, and irregular periods in women. It is also important to note that many of these symptoms can be attributed to multiple different causes or conditions.
It’s easy! After you book your appointment, a qualified nurse practitioner or physician assistant will come to your home in Flagstaff at your scheduled time. They will discuss your health history, answer any questions, and perform a quick and comfortable blood draw. Your samples are then sent to our accredited partner lab for analysis.
