Upgrade Labs

Short answer: it depends — on which biomarker, your age/health status, and whether you’re being treated. Below are practical general guidelines you can adapt with your clinician. General rules If you’re healthy with normal results and low risk: many routine screens every 1–4 years. If you have risk factors (diabetes, heart disease, CKD, autoimmune disease, medications that affect labs): test more often (months to yearly) as directed. After changing therapy or starting supplements, retest once the new steady state is reached (usually 4–12 weeks for many meds/supplements). If a test is abnormal, repeat sooner (weeks–months) to confirm and guide treatment. Suggested retest frequencies (typical, not exhaustive) Complete blood count (CBC): once yearly if stable; sooner (1–4 weeks) if abnormal or on meds that affect counts. Basic metabolic panel / kidney function (BMP, eGFR, electrolytes): annually if healthy; every 3–6 months if CKD, on diuretics, ACEi/ARB, or lithium. Liver enzymes (ALT/AST): annually if normal; 4–12 weeks after starting potentially hepatotoxic drugs or if abnormal. Lipid panel: every 4–6 years in low-risk adults; every 4–12 weeks after starting/changing statin until stable, then every 6–12 months or yearly. Fasting glucose / fasting insulin: every 1–3 years if low risk; annually if prediabetes; as part of diabetes management follow provider guidance. Hemoglobin A1c: every 3 months until diabetes is stable; then every 3–6 months (some stable patients can go to 6 months). hs-CRP (inflammation/CVD risk): every 1–2 years if using for risk stratification; sooner if monitoring therapy effects. Thyroid (TSH ± free T4): every 6–12 months if hypothyroid on stable levothyroxine; 6–8 weeks after a dose change or new diagnosis. Vitamin D (25-OH): every 3 months after starting high-dose replacement; otherwise every 6–12 months if at risk. Vitamin B12 / iron studies: 3 months after treatment change or supplementation; otherwise annually if at risk/deficient. PSA: follow age-based screening guidelines and clinician input (often yearly or every 1–2 years depending on risk). Sex hormones (testosterone, estrogen): 3 months after starting therapy, then per clinician. Coagulation tests (INR): per anticoagulant dosing schedule (frequent initially, then intervals determined clinically). Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM): use as needed for real-time management — devices like Dexcom and FreeStyle Libre provide ongoing data rather than periodic blood draws. When to retest sooner New or worsening symptoms. Medication changes with lab impact (statins, thyroid meds, anticoagulants, immunosuppressants). Abnormal result that could change management. Where to get tests (options) Local labs/hospitals: Quest Diagnostics, LabCorp, Cleveland Clinic or Mayo Clinic labs — reliable, insurance-friendly, broad test menus. At‑home/direct-to-consumer kits: Everlywell, LetsGetChecked — convenient for screening and some routine markers (quality varies; abnormal results should be followed up with your clinician). Personalized testing services: InsideTracker, Upgrade Labs — offer deeper biomarker panels and lifestyle guidance (higher cost). For glucose monitoring: Dexcom, FreeStyle Libre (CGM) — continuous data for people with diabetes or those needing close glucose tracking. Final point Make a personalized plan with your primary care provider or specialist — they’ll tailor frequency to your risks, meds, and goals. If you want, tell me your age, medical conditions, and any meds and I’ll suggest a specific retesting schedule.

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