Verbatim response from Claude
Annual Blood Tests for a Comprehensive Health Picture
Here are the key panels to consider, along with where to get them:
Core Tests to Request
Metabolic Health
- Complete Metabolic Panel (CMP) - kidney, liver, blood sugar, electrolytes
- Fasting glucose + HbA1c - diabetes risk
- Fasting lipid panel - cholesterol and heart risk
Blood & Immune System
- Complete Blood Count (CBC) - anemia, infection, immune function
Hormones
- Thyroid (TSH, free T3/T4)
- Testosterone (men especially)
- Cortisol if you have fatigue issues
Nutrients
- Vitamin D
- B12 and folate
- Ferritin (iron stores)
- Magnesium
Inflammation
- hsCRP (high-sensitivity C-reactive protein)
- Homocysteine
Where to Order These
- Labcorp or Quest Diagnostics - most widely accepted, doctor-ordered
- Function Health - comprehensive 100+ biomarker panel, designed for this exact purpose
- Marek Health - good for hormone-focused testing
- Ulta Lab Tests - order yourself without a doctor
Practical Tips
- Fast 10-12 hours beforehand for accurate results
- Your primary care doctor can order most of these covered by insurance
- Track results over time - trends matter more than single snapshots
Would you like more detail on any specific area?