DirectLab

Good plan — getting a yearly set of blood tests is one of the best ways to track your overall health and pick up problems early. Below is a practical, prioritized list: core annual tests for most adults, additional tests to consider based on sex/age/risk, optional advanced tests, and where/how to get them. Discuss this with your primary care clinician so the panel is tailored to your needs. Core annual blood tests (recommended for most adults) Complete Blood Count (CBC) — screens for anemia, infection, and some blood disorders. Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP) — evaluates electrolytes, kidney function (creatinine, BUN), liver enzymes (ALT, AST, ALP, bilirubin) and blood glucose. Lipid panel (total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, triglycerides) — cardiovascular risk. (Fasting often recommended, though nonfasting is acceptable for many.) Hemoglobin A1c (A1c) — average blood sugar over ~3 months (diabetes/prediabetes screening). Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) ± free T4 — basic thyroid screening. 25‑Hydroxy Vitamin D — common deficiency that affects bone and immune health. Vitamin B12 — important for energy, nerves, cognition (especially if vegan/vegetarian or age >60). Ferritin (iron stores) — especially for premenopausal women, people with fatigue, or suspected iron deficiency. Additional tests to consider (based on age, sex, family history, medications, or risk) High-sensitivity C‑reactive protein (hs‑CRP) — general inflammation and added cardiovascular risk info. Apolipoprotein B (ApoB) or LDL particle number (e.g., NMR LipoProfile) — more precise cardiovascular risk assessment if you have a strong family history or abnormal lipids. Lipoprotein(a) — one-time check for inherited cardiovascular risk. Hepatitis C antibody (HCV) — CDC recommends at least once for adults and during pregnancy; repeat if ongoing risk. HIV antigen/antibody and syphilis serology — at least once and more often if sexually active with new/ multiple partners or high risk. Hepatitis B surface antigen/antibody — if unvaccinated or risk factors. PSA (prostate-specific antigen) — discuss with your clinician; generally considered for men 50+ (earlier if high risk). Ferritin/iron studies more often for women with heavy periods; serum iron/TIBC if ferritin abnormal. Hormone tests (total testosterone in men, FSH/estradiol in women) — only if symptoms (low libido, menopausal symptoms, etc.). Pregnancy test (hCG) where relevant. Optional/advanced testing (useful for optimization or specific concerns) Homocysteine (cardiovascular/stroke risk when elevated) Vitamin K, magnesium, or other micronutrients — only if deficiency suspected. Specialty cardiac biomarkers or genetic panels — for high-risk people or early-onset heart disease in family. Comprehensive male/female hormone panels (DHEA‑S, free testosterone, estradiol) — for specific symptoms or performance optimization. How often Annual for the “core” set unless your doctor recommends otherwise. Some tests (ApoB, Lp[a]) can be checked once or less frequently unless therapy/abnormal result demands repeat testing. If results are abnormal, your clinician will advise follow-up testing intervals. Practical tips Fast 8–12 hours before lipid panel and fasting glucose if ordered. (Ask if nonfasting is okay.) Take meds as instructed; tell the lab if you are pregnant or taking supplements that affect labs (e.g., biotin can interfere with some assays). Keep consistent timing (morning draws) if comparing year-to-year for certain hormones/metabolites. Always review abnormal results with your primary care clinician to interpret in context. Where to get tests (brands/services and why) Labcorp and Quest Diagnostics — two nationwide clinical labs accepted by most providers and insurers; wide test menus including specialty tests (ApoB, Lp[a], NMR profiles). Good for clinician-ordered, insurance-covered testing. Your primary care clinic or health system lab — convenient if you already have a doctor; results go straight into your medical record. Direct-to-consumer / at‑home options (if convenience or privacy matters): Everlywell and LetsGetChecked — affordable, mail-in/finger‑prick kits for common panels (lipids, A1c, thyroid, some STI screens); good for convenience but sometimes limited test range and may cost out‑of‑pocket. InsideTracker or WellnessFX — consumer labs focused on optimization and longevity with deeper panels and coaching; pricier but useful for performance tracking and targeted optimization. DirectLab or HealthLabs — let you order many common tests online without a doctor’s order in some states (pay out‑of‑pocket). Insurance and costs Many routine preventive tests are covered when ordered by a clinician; DTC tests are usually out-of-pocket. Check your insurance and whether your clinician will order the panel. Next steps 1) Bring this list to your primary care clinician (or request a preventive health visit). 2) Ask which tests are most important for you given your age, family history, medications, and symptoms. 3) Decide whether to use your clinician + Quest/Labcorp (insurance friendly) or a DTC option for convenience. If you want, tell me your age, sex, major medical conditions, family history (early heart disease, diabetes, cancer), and whether you’re on any medications — I’ll give a tailored testing checklist and frequency.

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