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Blood Panel

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Understanding Blood Panels: Your Guide to Biomarker Testing

A blood panel is a collection of tests that analyze different substances in your blood. These tests give you a snapshot of your current health status and can help identify potential issues before symptoms appear. Regular blood work lets you track changes over time and make informed decisions about your health.

What Blood Panels Measure

Blood panels typically include several categories of tests:

Metabolic Markers

These measure how your body processes energy. Key markers include glucose (blood sugar), insulin, and HbA1c (which shows your average blood sugar over three months). The lipid panel measures cholesterol types: total cholesterol, LDL (often called "bad" cholesterol), HDL ("good" cholesterol), and triglycerides [4]. These markers help assess your risk for diabetes and heart disease.

Organ Function

Liver enzymes (ALT, AST, ALP, GGT) show how well your liver is working. Kidney function markers (creatinine, BUN, eGFR) reveal how efficiently your kidneys filter waste. These tests catch early signs of organ stress before serious damage occurs.

Inflammation and Immune Markers

High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) measures inflammation in your body [2]. Chronic inflammation is linked to many age-related diseases. White blood cell counts and differential show how your immune system is responding.

Hormones and Micronutrients

Hormone panels may include thyroid function (TSH, T3, T4), cortisol, testosterone, and estrogen. Micronutrient tests check levels of vitamin D [3], B12, iron, magnesium, and zinc—all essential for energy, brain function, and cellular repair.

How Often to Test

For healthy adults, a comprehensive panel every 6-12 months establishes a baseline and tracks trends. If you're working on specific health goals, testing every 3-4 months provides better feedback. Always fast for 8-12 hours before metabolic and lipid tests [1], and try to test at the same time of day for consistent results.

Reading Your Results

Standard lab ranges are based on population averages, including people with health issues. For optimal health, many practitioners use functional ranges—tighter parameters that catch imbalances before they become disease. Work with a healthcare provider who understands both standard and optimal ranges.

References

  1. 1. Fasting versus nonfasting triglycerides and risk of cardiovascular events
  2. 2. High-sensitivity C-reactive protein and cardiovascular disease: a resolute belief or an elusive link?
  3. 3. Vitamin D deficiency: a worldwide problem with health consequences
  4. 4. Clinical utility of lipid panels in cardiovascular risk assessment
1.

Fast before metabolic tests

For accurate glucose and lipid results, avoid food and drinks (except water) for 8-12 hours before your blood draw. Schedule morning appointments when possible.
2.

Track trends, not single numbers

One blood test is a snapshot. Compare results over time to identify meaningful changes rather than worrying about minor fluctuations.
3.

Stay hydrated before testing

Drink plenty of water before your appointment. Proper hydration makes veins easier to access and ensures accurate volume-based measurements.
4.

Test at consistent times

Hormone levels fluctuate throughout the day. For comparable results, schedule tests at the same time, preferably in the morning around 8-10 AM.
5.

Consider advanced lipid panels

Standard cholesterol tests may miss risk factors. Advanced panels measure LDL particle number and size, plus Lp(a), providing better cardiovascular risk assessment.
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
1.

What is a comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP)?

A CMP is a blood test that measures 14 different substances in your blood, including glucose, calcium, electrolytes (sodium, potassium, chloride), and proteins (albumin, total protein). It also includes kidney function tests (BUN, creatinine) and liver enzymes (ALP, ALT, AST, bilirubin). This panel gives doctors a broad overview of your body's chemical balance and metabolism.
2.

How often should I get a blood panel?

Healthy adults should get a comprehensive panel every 6-12 months to establish baselines and track trends. If you're managing a condition, working on specific health goals, or taking medications that require monitoring, your doctor may recommend testing every 3-4 months. Annual testing is the minimum for preventive care.
3.

What does HbA1c measure?

HbA1c (glycated hemoglobin) measures your average blood sugar level over the past 2-3 months. When glucose attaches to hemoglobin in red blood cells, it stays there for the cell's lifetime. This test is valuable because it shows long-term glucose control, unlike a single blood sugar reading which can fluctuate throughout the day. An HbA1c below 5.7% is considered normal.
4.

What's the difference between standard and optimal lab ranges?

Standard ranges are based on population averages and include people with early-stage disease. 'Optimal' or 'functional' ranges are tighter parameters that practitioners use to catch imbalances before they develop into disease. For example, standard fasting glucose ranges go up to 99 mg/dL, but functional medicine practitioners prefer to see levels below 90 mg/dL for optimal metabolic health.
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This content was created and reviewed by the New Zapiens Editorial Team in accordance with our editorial guidelines.
Last updated: February 26, 2026

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