BRCA Testing: What to Know Before Ordering
BRCA testing can clarify inherited cancer risk, but the right test and interpretation matter. Learn who should consider testing, what results mean, how costs work, and what to ask before ordering.
Lab Tests
Testosterone Therapy: Which Blood Tests Are Commonly Used?
Testosterone therapy usually involves more than a testosterone level. Learn which blood tests are commonly used before and during treatment, what they monitor, and how timing affects results.
GLP-1 Therapy: Which Blood Tests Are Commonly Used?
Starting semaglutide, tirzepatide, or another GLP-1 medication? Learn which blood tests are commonly used, what results can show, and when symptom-driven labs may be needed.
Keto Diet: Which Blood Tests Are Commonly Used?
The most common blood tests for keto include blood ketones, lipid panel, glucose/A1C, CMP, and selected kidney, liver, and cardiovascular risk markers. Learn what each test can and cannot tell you.
Vegan Diet: Which Blood Tests Are Commonly Used?
Vegans commonly discuss tests such as CBC, ferritin, vitamin B12, methylmalonic acid, vitamin D, TSH, CMP, lipid panel, and A1c. Learn what each test can show—and what it cannot.
Athletic Performance: Which Blood Tests Are Commonly Used?
Athletes often use blood testing to investigate fatigue, iron deficiency, nutrition concerns, recovery problems, and general health. Learn which tests are commonly used and how to interpret them safely.
STI Screening: Which Blood Tests Are Commonly Used?
STI blood tests commonly screen for HIV, syphilis, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and sometimes herpes—but they do not detect every STI. Learn what each test means, when to test, and when urine or swabs are needed.
Heavy Metal Exposure: Which Blood Tests Are Commonly Used?
Heavy metal blood tests can check lead, mercury, cadmium, arsenic, and other metals—but the right sample depends on the exposure. Learn what blood tests are commonly used and how results are interpreted.
Malnutrition: Which Blood Tests Are Commonly Used?
Blood tests can help evaluate malnutrition risk, nutrient deficiencies, anemia, electrolyte problems, inflammation, and refeeding safety—but no single lab value diagnoses malnutrition.
Bone Health: Which Blood Tests Are Commonly Used?
Blood tests can help uncover vitamin D deficiency, calcium and parathyroid problems, thyroid disease, kidney issues, malabsorption, and bone turnover patterns—but they do not replace DXA for osteoporosis evaluation.