Hello there, Wellness Warriors! 
Today, we’re going to talk about crucial lab testing your doctor should be ordering before you are 30. The 12 lab tests I am about to go over will cover the necessities as far as overall health is concerned and provide a summary of how your body is functioning (or lack there of).
Let’s dive in!
12 Lab Tests to get by the Time You’re 30
- CBC
The Complete Blood Count (CBC) test is a special test that doctors use to learn more about our blood. It looks at different parts of our blood to help them understand how our body is doing. Let’s break it down:
- Red Blood Cells: Red blood cells are like little oxygen carriers in our bodies. The CBC measures the number of red blood cells we have. If we have too few, it could mean we have a condition called anemia, which can make us feel tired.
- Red Blood Cells: Red blood cells are like little oxygen carriers in our bodies. The CBC measures the number of red blood cells we have. If we have too few, it could mean we have a condition called anemia, which can make us feel tired.
- White Blood Cells: White blood cells are like the soldiers of our immune system. They help us fight off germs and keep us healthy. The CBC counts the number of white blood cells we have. If we have too many or too few, it could indicate an infection or a problem with our immune system.
- Hemoglobin: Hemoglobin is a special protein in our red blood cells that helps carry oxygen. The CBC measures the amount of hemoglobin we have. If our hemoglobin is low, it might mean we have anemia.
- Platelets: Platelets are tiny cells in our blood that help with clotting. When we get a cut or a scrape, platelets come together to form a clot and stop the bleeding. The CBC checks the number of platelets we have. If our platelets are too low, it could mean we might have trouble stopping bleeding.
2. CMP
The Complete Blood Count (CBC) test is a special test that doctors use to learn more about our blood. It looks at different parts of our blood to help them understand how our body is doing. Let’s break it down:
- Electrolytes: Electrolytes are special minerals that help our bodies function properly. The CMP looks at electrolytes like sodium, potassium, and calcium. These minerals help with things like keeping our muscles and nerves working well and maintaining the right balance of fluids in our body.
- Kidney Function: The CMP also checks how well our kidneys are working. It measures things like creatinine and blood urea nitrogen (BUN). These are waste products that our kidneys filter out. If the levels of these substances are too high, it could indicate a problem with our kidneys.
- Liver Function: The CMP gives doctors information about our liver too. It checks levels of substances like albumin, bilirubin, and liver enzymes. These help doctors see if our liver is healthy and functioning properly.
- Protein Levels: The CMP also measures the levels of different proteins in our blood. Proteins are important for many functions in our bodies, like building and repairing tissues. Checking these levels can help doctors see if there are any imbalances.
3. Lipid Panel
A comprehensive lipid panel assesses various lipids in your body, such as total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, and triglycerides. Additionally, it includes measurements of two specific lipids called apolipoprotein B (apoB) and lipoprotein(a) or Lp(a). These two lipids have a direct association with your heart health, emphasizing the importance of paying attention to the finer points. Obtaining precise information about your lipid levels and cardiac health can significantly contribute to prevention, management, and recovery.
Lipoprotein particle SIZE tests. The lipoprotein particle size test plays a crucial role in assessing cardiovascular risk. While traditional lipid tests focus on measuring total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, and triglyceride levels, they do not provide detailed information about the size and composition of lipoprotein particles. However, the lipoprotein particle size test fills this gap by analyzing the distribution of lipoprotein particles based on their size.
This test is important because the size of lipoprotein particles is directly linked to cardiovascular health. Smaller, denser particles are associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular disease, as they are more likely to penetrate blood vessel walls and contribute to the development of atherosclerosis. On the other hand, larger particles are considered less atherogenic and may have a protective effect.
By analyzing lipoprotein particle size, healthcare providers can gain valuable insights into an individual’s cardiovascular risk profile. This information helps in tailoring appropriate preventive strategies, such as lifestyle modifications, dietary interventions, and medication choices. Moreover, monitoring changes in particle size over time can aid in evaluating the effectiveness of treatment and assessing the progression of cardiovascular disease.
4. High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP)
Testing for high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) holds significant importance in assessing cardiovascular risk and overall health. CRP is a marker of inflammation in the body, and high levels of hs-CRP have been closely associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular events, such as heart attacks and strokes
5. Homocysteine
Homocysteine is an amino acid that naturally occurs in our bodies as a byproduct of protein metabolism. It is produced when the body breaks down the amino acid methionine, which is obtained from dietary sources like meat, fish, and dairy products. Normally, homocysteine is further converted into other substances through specific biochemical pathways.
Elevated levels of homocysteine in the blood can be a cause for concern. High homocysteine levels have been associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, including heart attacks, strokes, and blood clot formation. It is believed that excessive homocysteine can damage the inner lining of blood vessels and promote the development of atherosclerosis, the buildup of plaque in the arteries.
Certain factors can contribute to elevated homocysteine levels, including deficiencies in vitamins B6, B12, and folate. These vitamins are essential for the proper breakdown of homocysteine in the body. Other factors that can influence homocysteine levels include genetics, age, smoking, and certain medical conditions.
6. Oxidized low-density lipoprotein
Oxidized LDL (low-density lipoprotein) refers to LDL cholesterol particles that have undergone a chemical reaction called oxidation. LDL cholesterol is often referred to as “bad” cholesterol because high levels of it can contribute to the development of atherosclerosis, a condition characterized by the buildup of plaque in the arteries.
When LDL cholesterol becomes oxidized, it undergoes structural changes that make it more likely to promote inflammation and damage the cells lining the blood vessels. This damaged LDL can initiate an inflammatory response and contribute to the formation of fatty deposits, or plaques, in the arteries. These plaques can restrict blood flow and, if they rupture, lead to blood clots that can cause heart attacks or strokes.
7. Thyroid panel including TSH, free T3, Free T4
TSH – the TSH test helps determine if your thyroid is functioning properly or if there is an imbalance in thyroid hormone production. A high TSH level indicates that your thyroid gland is not producing enough thyroid hormones (hypothyroidism), while a low TSH level suggests excessive thyroid hormone production (hyperthyroidism).
Free T3 (FT3) and Free T4 (FT4) Levels:
Measuring the levels of active thyroid hormones, T3 and T4, provides a more accurate reflection of thyroid function and helps identify issues related to hormone production, conversion, and availability to the body’s tissues.
8. HbA1c
Also known as hemoglobin A1c, is a blood test that helps measure how well a person’s blood sugar has been controlled over a few months. It is usually used to check for diabetes or to monitor how well someone with diabetes is managing their condition. When we eat food, our bodies break it down into sugar, which is called glucose. Glucose is important because it provides energy to our cells. However, if there is too much glucose in our blood for a long time, it can cause health problems. HbA1c gives us an idea of the average amount of glucose in the blood over the past two to three months.
9. Fasting insulin
The fasting insulin test is a blood test that is done after not eating or drinking anything except water for a certain period of time, usually overnight. This test helps us understand how much insulin is in our blood when we haven’t eaten for a while. By measuring fasting insulin levels, doctors can get an idea of how well our bodies are using and controlling the sugar in our blood. If our insulin levels are high, it may mean that our bodies are having trouble using the sugar properly, and this can be a sign of a condition called insulin resistance or even diabetes.
10. DHEA-sulfate
This stands for dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate. STRESS HORMONE #1. DHEA-sulfate is a hormone that is made by our adrenal glands, which are small glands on top of our kidneys. It is an important hormone because it can be turned into other hormones, like testosterone and estrogen, which are involved in many different functions in our body.
The DHEA-sulfate lab test is usually done to check the level of this hormone in our body. It can help doctors understand how well our adrenal glands are working and if there are any problems with hormone production. Sometimes, high or low levels of DHEA-sulfate can be related to certain health conditions or hormonal imbalances.
11. Cortisol
The cortisol lab test is a blood test that measures the level of a hormone called cortisol in our body. STRESS HORMONE #2. Cortisol is a hormone produced by our adrenal glands, which are small glands on top of our kidneys.Cortisol plays an important role in our body’s response to stress and helps regulate various processes such as metabolism, immune system function, and blood pressure. The cortisol lab test helps doctors assess the amount of cortisol in our body at a specific time.
By measuring cortisol levels, doctors can gain insights into how our body is responding to stress and if there are any imbalances in cortisol production. Abnormal cortisol levels can indicate certain health conditions or problems with the adrenal glands.
The cortisol lab test is useful in diagnosing and monitoring conditions such as Cushing’s syndrome (excessive cortisol production) or Addison’s disease (insufficient cortisol production). It can also help evaluate the effectiveness of treatment for these conditions.
12. Vitamin D
Vitamin D is a hormone made from cholesterol. Testing for vitamin D levels in the body offers several benefits. Here are some of the key advantages of vitamin D testing: Determining Deficiency: Vitamin D deficiency is prevalent, especially in regions with limited sunlight exposure or in individuals with certain risk factors. Testing can help identify if a person has low vitamin D levels, which is important because vitamin D plays a vital role in bone health, immune function, and overall well-being. The most common symptoms of deficiency are FATIGUE and DEPRESSION.
Vitamin D deficiency has been linked to an increased risk of certain health conditions, including osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease, autoimmune disorders, and certain cancers. Testing can help identify individuals at risk, allowing for early interventions and preventive measures to mitigate potential health risks.
Monitoring Treatment: For individuals undergoing vitamin D supplementation or other interventions to address deficiency, regular testing helps monitor the effectiveness of the treatment. This allows healthcare providers to make adjustments to the dosage or treatment plan as needed.