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 breakdown
Blood & Immune
- Complete Blood Count (CBC) - anemia, infection, immune function
Hormones
- Thyroid (TSH, free T3/T4)
- Testosterone (total + free) - men especially
- Cortisol - stress hormone
Nutrients
- Vitamin D (25-OH)
- B12, folate, iron/ferritin
- Magnesium
Inflammation & Heart
- hsCRP - inflammation marker
- Homocysteine
- ApoB or Lp(a) - better heart risk than standard cholesterol
Where to Get These
- Your primary care doctor - most cost-effective, insurance may cover it
- Labcorp or Quest Diagnostics - order through your doctor or directly
- Function Health - comprehensive annual panel (1000+ biomarkers), membership model
- Inside Tracker - tests + personalized analysis
- Marek Health - good for hormone-focused panels
Talk to your doctor first - they can tailor recommendations to your age, sex, and family history.