Lab Tests & Diagnostics Guide

A complete blood count (CBC) is one of the most commonly ordered blood tests. It measures the types and numbers of cells in your blood, including red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. A CBC provides a broad snapshot of your overall health and can help detect a wide range of disorders.

The basic metabolic panel is a group of 8 blood tests that measure your blood sugar (glucose), electrolyte and fluid balance, and kidney function. It provides critical information about your body's chemical balance and metabolism.

A lipid panel measures the levels of fats (lipids) in your blood, including cholesterol and triglycerides. It is a key tool for assessing your risk of cardiovascular disease, including heart attack and stroke. Regular lipid screening is recommended for all adults.

The hemoglobin A1c test measures your average blood sugar level over the past 2–3 months. It works by measuring the percentage of hemoglobin (the oxygen-carrying protein in red blood cells) that is coated with sugar (glycated). It is the primary test used to diagnose and monitor diabetes.

The TSH test measures the level of thyroid-stimulating hormone in your blood. TSH is produced by the pituitary gland and tells the thyroid gland to make and release thyroid hormones (T3 and T4). It is the most sensitive and commonly used test for evaluating thyroid function.

A urinalysis is a test of your urine that examines its visual appearance, chemical composition, and microscopic contents. It is one of the most versatile and commonly performed diagnostic tests, capable of detecting a wide range of conditions from urinary tract infections to kidney disease to diabetes.

The comprehensive metabolic panel is an expanded version of the basic metabolic panel (BMP), measuring 14 substances in your blood. It includes everything in the BMP plus liver function tests and total protein/albumin. It provides a thorough overview of your body's metabolism, kidney and liver function, and electrolyte balance.

The prothrombin time (PT) test measures how long it takes your blood to clot. The result is often reported as an INR (International Normalized Ratio), which standardizes results across different laboratories. This test is essential for monitoring patients on blood-thinning medications and evaluating bleeding disorders.

C-reactive protein (CRP) is a substance produced by the liver in response to inflammation. The CRP test measures the level of this protein in your blood. A high-sensitivity CRP (hs-CRP) test can detect lower levels and is used specifically to assess cardiovascular disease risk.

The vitamin D test measures the level of 25-hydroxyvitamin D in your blood, which is the best indicator of your overall vitamin D status. Vitamin D is essential for bone health, immune function, and numerous other body processes. Deficiency is extremely common, affecting an estimated 1 billion people worldwide.