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Understanding the Comprehensive Metabolic Panel Test What is Comprehensive Metabolic Panel - CMP Test? Did you know that you can find information about 14 different blood tests in your body using a simple and economical blood test panel called Comp Metabolic or CMP? That’s what a comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP) does. This panel is an expanded version of the basic metabolic panel and it checks the levels of various substances in the bloodstream, such as glucose, calcium, sodium, liver enzymes, creatinine, and others. Why would you need to do a CMP blood test panel? Physicians order this lab test panel because they want to know more about the health of your various organs, such as the liver, pancreas, and kidneys, or whether their bodies are maintaining proper electrolyte balance. Electrolytes are positively or negatively charged molecules (ions) that play important roles in cellular activity and heart and nerve function. Normally, electrolyte levels are regulated by the kidneys, and any excess is excreted in the urine. Most healthy people can get all the electrolytes and other minerals they need by eating a balanced diet. Electrolyte imbalances may be a sign of malnutrition, kidney issues, or dehydration (which can result from persistent vomiting or diarrhea). Such imbalances, which can affect the pH balance of the blood, are not uncommon in people with acute or chronic illnesses. Liver function tests, also known as the hepatic panel, are laboratory tests that help measure how well the liver is working. The liver carries out many vital bodily functions; when it is not working properly, levels of various enzymes, proteins, and other substances in the blood may rise or fall. Increased liver enzyme levels may be a sign of liver damage from conditions like viral hepatitis, excessive alcohol consumption, or drug toxicity. One important enzyme that is measured in a comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP) test is alanine aminotransferase (ALT), which is primarily found in the liver. A CMP may also be ordered by your healthcare provider to evaluate liver and kidney function, as well as nutrient levels, to get a more complete picture of your overall health and/or to help diagnose or monitor liver disease or other specific conditions, as indicated by abnormal CMP test results. Keep reading this article to find out more about the comprehensive metabolic panel and how it can benefit you. What Are the Substances Tested by the Complete Metabolic Panel? The difference between a CMP test and a basic metabolic panel is that the comprehensive one includes liver tests as well. Here are the 14 substances tested by the CMP lab: 1. Sodium Sodium is a vital electrolyte in the bloodstream and is useful for a wide variety of bodily functions. You get sodium in your body by eating salty food products. Sodium is usually excreted through sweating. This substance needs to be present in adequate amounts in the bloodstream. Otherwise, health issues might occur. For example, too much sodium in the body can make the blood more acidic. As a result, a wide variety of health conditions can appear, such as heart problems, digestive issues, etc. Too little sodium in the body can lead to lethargy and confusion, especially in seniors. Sodium retention can cause edema and bloating. 2. Potassium Potassium is another vital electrolyte in the human body. It helps to regulate muscle contractions and maintain a healthy nervous system. Similar to sodium, potassium can also be eliminated through sweating. You can get more potassium in your body by eating beans, bananas, and spinach. If you don’t have enough potassium in the bloodstream, then different symptoms can occur, such as muscle aches, fatigue, confusion, mood changes, and even breathing difficulties. When kidneys fail, they cannot remove excess potassium from the body. This allows the extra potassium to build up and cause problems. Having high levels of potassium in the blood is called hyperkalemia, which is common in people with advanced CKD. High-potassium levels usually develop gradually. Too much potassium in your blood can lead to dangerous, and possibly deadly, changes in heart rhythm. 3. Chloride This electrolyte is also essential in the human body because it maintains adequate levels of fluids inside and outside of cells. It performs other functions such as keeping the blood pressure in normal ranges, balance pH levels, etc. People who have a deficiency in chloride usually experience specific symptoms such as headaches and fatigue. They can also get dehydrated and lose fluids through diarrhea and vomiting. A lot of chlorides can be lost through sweating as well. 4. Carbon Dioxide You have heard of carbon dioxide before, and you know that's an important element in respiration. Pure carbon cannot be stored or transported in the bloodstream, so the body creates carbon dioxide, which is water-soluble. This substance is necessary to inform the body when the oxygen levels are low. When there is too little carbon dioxide in tissues and blood, this can signify certain health problems such as kidney disease, acidosis, etc. When too much carbon dioxide is present in the body, it can damage the internal organs and cause a wide variety of health complications. 5. Albumin Albumin is one of the most essential proteins in the human body. Its main function is to regulate blood pressure. This substance binds to other hormones such as bilirubin, thyroxine, and others. Too little albumin in the body can signify malnutrition, heart failure, or a different type of serious health problem. Symptoms include fatigue, appetite changes, and a rapid heartbeat. Too much albumin can be a sign of kidney damage or a different issue. High albumin levels might be caused by acute infections or burns. 6. Alkaline Phosphatase This substance is responsible for breaking down proteins in the human body. It plays a vital role in the development and maintenance of bones. Having abnormal levels of alkaline phosphatase in the bloodstream can be linked to bone disorders and even liver problems. That’s why it’s essential to do a comprehensive metabolic panel test to verify the levels of this hormone in your body. 7. Bilirubin The comprehensive metabolic panel also tests for bilirubin, a substance that helps to remove waste products from the system and is responsible for breaking down heme in all vertebrates. It is produced when old red blood cells are broken down and processed by the liver. Bilirubin levels in the blood can indicate how well the liver is functioning and the health of your blood vessels and immune system. A deficiency of bilirubin can signify liver problems. People who have severe liver issues tend to develop jaundice, which is characterized by a yellowing of the eyes and skin. This happens because bilirubin is yellow and tends to float around in the bloodstream, causing jaundice and other medical problems. Having too much bilirubin is also a bad thing because it leads to the development of gallstones. A liver that produces too much cholesterol can be the cause of too much bilirubin. 8. Aspartate Transaminase Aspartate Transaminase is also known as Aspartate aminotransferase. This enzyme is important when it comes to the metabolism of amino acids, and it can be a good indicator of your liver’s health. Your liver is primarily responsible for producing the enzyme that the comprehensive metabolic panel tested, but other organs also produce small amounts of AST. Having too much or too little AST can signify problems with your liver, especially when this is accompanied by other symptoms such as tiredness, jaundice, dark-colored urine, bruises, etc. 9. Alanine Transaminase The liver produces an enzyme known as alanine transaminase, which is the "brother" of aspartate transaminase. It too plays an important role in the metabolism of amino acids. In healthy individuals, the amount of ALT in the bloodstream is low. If these levels are elevated, they can indicate liver disease. Very high levels of ALT in the bloodstream (usually ten times more than normal) can also indicate hepatitis, serious liver damage, congestive heart failure, or diabetes. People might experience high levels of ALT as a result of various underlying causes, such as muscle disease, taking certain drugs, etc. 10. Blood Urea Nitrogen This substance is measured to determine the health of your kidneys. Your kidneys' filtering of the blood results in the waste product urea nitrogen. This substance is eliminated from the body through urine. Healthy levels of blood urea nitrogen are between 7 and 21 mg/dL. Having higher than normal urea nitrogen levels can signify a problem with your kidneys, which needs to be investigated as soon as possible. Symptoms of having too much urea nitrogen in the bloodstream include nausea, vomiting, confusion, high blood pressure, and acidosis. 11. Total Protein The amount of protein in your body is also important to measure. Protein is responsible with a wide variety of bodily functions and processes, including building cells, repairing muscle tissue, transporting hemoglobin, etc. Although it's rare for people nowadays to have a protein deficiency, this can be an issue which results in muscle wasting. This process involves breaking down muscle tissue until the health of the individual is seriously deteriorates. Having too much protein in the bloodstream is also quite unusual, and it can cause indigestion, abdominal discomfort, bloating, and other similar issues. Protein is taken from foods and beverages, and its typical ranges vary from individual to individual. Active people require more protein to repair their muscles and maintain muscle tone. Sedentary people might have smaller protein requirements. The total protein in the body indicates the overall health and wellbeing of the patient. 12. Calcium Calcium is another important element in your body. It's responsible for numerous functions and processes, including maintaining proper bone density and teeth health. Calcium can be taken mostly from dairy products as well as certain foods such as beans, spinach, and almonds. Having too little calcium in your bloodstream can predispose you to different bone disorders, including osteoporosis. The health of your teeth will also be affected. Having too much calcium is not a good thing, either. High levels of calcium in the bloodstream can cause kidney stones, brittle bones, and a multitude of other health complications. 13. Creatinine Creatinine results from the breakdown of muscle tissue. The kidneys filter this substance, and urine regularly eliminates it. The amount of creatinine in the body is a good indicator of the health of your kidneys. Many metabolic panels also include an eGFR test along with the creatinine test. eGFR stands for estimated glomerular filtration rate, and it’s another test for renal function. Having too much creatinine in the bloodstream might indicate that your kidneys are not very efficient at filtering it, which can indicate a renal problem. Additionally, abnormal BMP results, including high levels of creatinine, can also indicate conditions such as kidney disease, breathing problems, and complications related to diabetes. If any of these results are abnormal, further testing may be necessary to confirm or rule out a specific diagnosis. eGFR over 60 is recommended. 14. Glucose The last substance tested in the CMP lab is glucose, otherwise known as blood sugar. Anything you eat or drink is converted into glucose in the bloodstream, whether it’s iceberg salad or a burger. The brain primarily uses glucose for proper function, but cells also use it as an energy source. When too much glucose is detected in the blood, the pancreas secretes insulin to open up the cells and absorb some of this glucose. When the pancreas doesn't secrete enough insulin or the cells become resistant to it, diabetes can develop. Having too much glucose in the blood regularly is not a good thing and that's why you should test its levels regularly. Too little glucose is also detrimental to your health. Remember that glucose is used as a form of energy, so having low blood sugar levels predisposes you to rapid heartbeats, fatigue, dizziness, and confusion. CMP Test FAQ Now that you know what a CMP panel contains, let’s find out some answers to some of the questions you might have about it. 1. How Can I Do the CMP Panel Test? The test is done using a single blood sample. You go to a clinic and draw blood, which will be analyzed in a medical laboratory. The doctors will perform the Comprehensive Metabolic Panel Procedure, using a small needle, to take a blood sample from a vein in your arm. They’ll collect the blood in test tubes or vials. You may feel a little sting or slight pain when they put the needle in or pull it out, and a small amount of blood will be collected for testing. A trained health care professional performs this quick and straightforward procedure, which typically takes less than five minutes. You get the results back in a few business days, and you can compare them against standard reference values. 2. Is the Comprehensive Metabolic Panel Test Painful? In most cases, it's not, but it depends on whether you have a fear of needles or not. Today's doctors are very efficient at drawing blood, so you might not even feel the sting when the needle enters your vein. 3. What If Some Variables or Enzymes Are Out of Normal Ranges? Once the results are back and you see that some substances are off the charts, you can go to your healthcare provider for recommendations. If you have high glucose levels, your doctor might recommend starting an exercise regimen, as this is known to increase insulin sensitivity and prevent diabetes. If your calcium levels are low, you might need to eat more dairy products. If your sodium levels are high, you might want to avoid salty foods. These recommendations are based on the specific results of each, so there’s no one-size-fits-all here. 4. Do I Need to Fast Before Doing the Test? Yes, fasting is mandatory. You should avoid eating and drinking anything else but water for 10–12 hours before doing this test. Fasting is necessary to let the hormonal values return to baseline, so the diagnosis is more accurate. 5. Why Should I Do This Test? It’s important to do the test to get a broad overview of the hormones and enzymes in your body. If some substances are not in the comprehensive metabolic panel blood test normal ranges, you can take action and prevent more serious health complications related to a medical condition, such as maintaining proper fluid balance. Plus, the test is affordable, quick, and easy to do, making it a convenient way to check for any imbalances in your body's different substances. So why not take advantage of it? 6. How Can I Read and Interpret My Results? The comprehensive metabolic panel normal ranges are published on the internet, and you can find them with a simple Google search. You can also ask your doctor to interpret the results for you, as well as check out this interesting CMP guide on reading your comp metabolic panel. Ready to Take the Test? The comp metabolic panel provides one of the best ways to take control of your health. You can order the CMP test online from DiscountedLabs.com and find out how healthy you are in just a few business days, so why not give it a try?  

A Complete Blood Count (CBC) and a Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP) are both common blood tests used to assess overall health, but they measure different components and provide distinct information. Here's a comparison of cbc vs cmp: Purpose and Components CBC Panel: Focus: Blood cell counts and characteristics Measures: Red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets Includes: Hemoglobin and hematocrit levels Provides: Information about blood cell production and function CMP Panel: Assesses: Metabolic and chemical balance in the body Measures: Electrolytes, proteins, and enzymes Includes: Glucose levels and kidney/liver function tests Provides: A broader overview of organ function and metabolism Specific Tests Red blood cell count White blood cell count and differential Platelet count Hemoglobin Hematocrit Red blood cell indices (MCV, MCH, MCHC, RDW) Glucose Calcium Electrolytes (sodium, potassium, chloride, and carbon dioxide) Proteins (albumin, total protein) Kidney function (BUN, creatinine) Liver function (ALP, ALT, AST, bilirubin) Primary Uses Diagnosing blood disorders (e.g., anemia, leukemia) Detecting infections Monitoring overall health and immune system function Assessing blood loss or clotting issues Evaluating kidney and liver function Checking electrolyte and fluid balance Screening for diabetes Assessing overall metabolic health Preparation Generally no special preparation required Often requires fasting for 10-12 hours before the test, especially for accurate glucose measurement [5] Number of Tests Typically includes about 10-12 measurements Consists of 14 specific tests[5] Interpretation Abnormalities may indicate blood disorders, infections, or other health issues Results are often interpreted alongside other tests for a comprehensive health assessment Provides insights into organ function, particularly the liver and kidneys Abnormal results may suggest metabolic disorders, electrolyte imbalances, or organ dysfunction In summary, while both tests are valuable for assessing overall health, the CBC focuses on blood cell components and related disorders, while the CMP provides a broader view of metabolic function and organ health. Healthcare providers often use these tests in combination for a more comprehensive evaluation of a patient's health status. Diagnostic Focus Focuses on: Metabolic and organ function[1] Assesses: Liver and kidney health Evaluates: Electrolyte balance and blood sugar levels Provides: Insight into overall metabolism Concentrates on: Blood cell components and characteristics[2] Assesses: Bone marrow function Evaluates: Oxygen-carrying capacity of blood Provides: Information about the immune system and clotting ability Specific Diagnostic Capabilities Diabetes screening and monitoring (glucose levels) Liver function assessment (ALT, AST, ALP, bilirubin) Kidney function evaluation (BUN, creatinine) Electrolyte imbalances (sodium, potassium, chloride, bicarbonate) Protein levels and nutritional status (albumin, total protein) Anemia diagnosis and classification Infection detection (elevated white blood cell count) Blood disorders like leukemia or lymphoma Platelet abnormalities and clotting disorders Bone marrow function assessment Organ Systems Evaluated Primarily assesses liver, kidney, and pancreas function Provides insight into overall metabolic health Primarily evaluates the hematological system Indirectly reflects bone marrow function and immune system status Number of Components Measures 14 different substances in the blood [1] Typically includes 5-7 main components, with additional calculated values [4] Preparation and Procedure Often requires fasting for accurate glucose measurement [1] Generally does not require fasting [4] CBC vs CMP: Complementary Nature While the CMP and CBC panels differ in their focus, they are often ordered together to provide a more comprehensive picture of a patient's health. The CMP offers insight into metabolic processes and organ function, while the CBC provides crucial information about blood cell production and function. Together, they offer a broader view of overall health status and can help identify a wide range of medical conditions. In summary, the CMP panel is better suited for assessing metabolic health, liver and kidney function, and electrolyte balance, while the CBC panel excels in diagnosing blood disorders, infections, and evaluating overall blood cell health. Both tests are valuable tools in medical diagnostics, often used in conjunction to provide a more complete health assessment. Citations Complete Blood Count - Wikipedia Complete Blood Count - Mayo Clinic Complete Blood Count - Labcorp Comprehensive Metabolic Panel - Wikipedia Comprehensive Metabolic Panel - Cleveland Clinic How to Read Comprehensive Metabolic Panel - Kidney Foundation Comprehensive Metabolic Panel - MedlinePlus Comprehensive Metabolic Panel - Testing.com Complete Blood Count - Testing.com Complete Blood Count - WebMD

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What is Tuberculosis? Tuberculosis (TB) is a highly contagious respiratory infection that, if left untreated, can spread to the spine and brain. Despite killing millions around the globe annually, TB is a treatable disease that is easily prevented. In years past, the most common way to screen for TB was via a tuberculin skin test (TST); however, the process requires multiple doctor visits and has proven unreliable. For these reasons, many colleges and organizations, like the US Citizenship and Immigration Service, have stopped accepting skin tests. Today, thanks to the Quantiferon-TB Gold Plus blood test, tuberculosis screenings are cost-effective, faster, and more accurate than antiquated TSTs. Table of Contents What is Tuberculosis? Reducing The Spread of TB Should I Get a TB Test? How Does TB Affect the Body? Who Is Most at Risk to Develop TB? How Is TB Treated? BUY A CHEAP TB TEST NEAR YOU References Several tests can be used to diagnose tuberculosis (TB), including: The Tuberculin Skin Test (TST), also known as the Mantoux test, it is a test that involves injecting a small amount of a protein called purified protein derivative (PPD) under the skin of the arm. If a person has been exposed to TB, their immune system will react to the PPD, causing a raised, challenging area to form at the injection site. The size of the raised area is measured 48–72 hours after the injection, and if it's above a certain size, it's considered a positive result. Interferon-Gamma Release Assays (IGRAs): These are blood tests that measure the release of a specific protein called interferon-gamma when a person's blood cells are exposed to TB antigens. IGRAs are more specific than the TST and are less likely to give false-positive results in people vaccinated with the Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine or exposed to non-tuberculous mycobacteria.  The QuantiFERON-TB Gold Plus (QFT-Plus) test is a type of interferon-gamma release assay (IGRA) that is used to diagnose tuberculosis (TB) infection. It is considered one of the most accurate tests for TB because it measures the body's specific immune response to TB antigens rather than just the presence of TB bacteria. The test gauges the immune system's release of interferon-gamma, a protein in response to TB antigens. A small amount of blood is collected from the patient and then exposed to TB antigens in a lab. If the patient has been infected with TB, their immune system will produce interferon-gamma in response to the antigens, which will be detected in the blood sample. People think that the QFT-Plus test is more accurate and specific than the traditional tuberculin skin test (TST), which is also called the Mantoux test. This is because it is less likely to give false-positive results to people who have had the Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine or who have been exposed to mycobacteria that are not tuberculous. The QFT-Plus test is also more convenient for patients, as it does not require a return visit for reading, unlike the TST. Chest X-ray: A chest x-ray can help identify signs of TB in the lungs, such as cavities or areas of increased density. Sputum Smear Microscopy: A sample of sputum (mucus coughed up from the lungs) is examined under a microscope to look for acid-fast bacilli (AFB), the bacteria that cause TB. Culture: This test is done to grow and identify the Mycobacterium tuberculosis in a lab; it's usually done after a positive microscopy test to confirm the bacteria's presence and identify the specific strains. Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR): This test looks for the genetic material of the TB bacteria in a sample of sputum or other bodily fluids; it's a rapid test and can detect small amounts of the bacteria. It's important to note that the choice of test depends on the patient’s symptoms, risk factors, and test availability. A healthcare professional can help determine the appropriate test or combination of tests based on the individual case. Reducing The Spread of TB While there is no guaranteed way to eliminate cases of TB completely, there are many precautions that can be taken to curb the spread of the disease. The first step that can be taken is to receive the BCG (Bacille Calmette-Guérin) vaccine. The dose is derived from a weakened strain of TB and has been used since the early 1920s. The vaccine is most effective in children, and while it is one of the most widely administered shots worldwide, it is not a catch-all panacea. Roughly 10 million cases of active TB flare up each year, demonstrating a clear need for more preventative measures. As TB is an airborne illness, some simple precautions that can be taken to minimize the risk of infection are:   Maintaining proper ventilation- TB particles can remain suspended in stagnant air for several hours. Expose yourself to sunlight- UV rays kill TB bacteria. Practice good hygiene- Simply covering up one's sneezes and coughs with an elbow or mask will reduce the spread of TB.   While all of these factors can help mitigate the risk of contracting TB, the most effective way to halt transmission is by catching cases early. Most patients are unable to infect others two weeks after being diagnosed and starting on proper medication. So, while preventive measures are critical, the most imperative aspect of slowing the spread of TB is identifying existing cases so it is passed on to as few individuals as possible. Should I Get a TB Test?   Tuberculosis can be challenging to diagnose because many infected individuals are asymptomatic. TB bacteria have the ability to remain dormant in a host body for years but only manifest symptoms once the virus becomes active. You should consider testing for TB if you experience any or all of the following symptoms:   Fever Night sweats and difficulty sleeping Fatigue Appetite loss Sudden weight loss Chest pain Persistent cough accompanied by blood   While there are a variety of screening methods to detect a TB infection, including chest X-rays and testing mucus samples, the most accurate is the Quantiferon TB Gold Plus test. These other methods have proven to have limited accuracy and can return false positives. With just 4 ml of blood, the Quantiferon Gold test can detect tuberculosis with up to 94% sensitivity. How Does TB Affect the Body? Roughly 1.8 billion people are infected with tuberculosis; however, a vast majority of these cases are latent. TB can remain idle for months or even years, waiting for the immune system to weaken before becoming active. As such, people with weakened immune systems are more likely to develop active TB within weeks or days of initial exposure. Their bodies are simply unable to fight off the infection as the bacteria multiply, most commonly attacking the lungs. In more serious cases, traveling through the blood or lymphatic system, the infection can attack the bones, organs, and/or skin.    Who Is Most at Risk to Develop TB? There are a variety of factors that go into determining the risk for TB. Rates of tuberculosis infection are typically higher in poorer countries, but cases can be found all across the globe. Fundamentally, TB manifests in locations that lack proper hygiene resources and/or overcrowded areas where transmission is much easier. This makes crowded living spaces such as college dormitories or homeless shelters hot spots for infection. Countries with large populations, such as India and China, typically see the highest rates of active TB each year. Other factors that increase one's risk of contraction are regular consumption of drugs and alcohol, pre-existing illnesses that weaken vital organs and the immune system, or even taking certain medications designed to treat other diseases. While TB is contagious, it is not as easily contracted as other airborne illnesses. You are highly unlikely to contract TB from passing someone on the street; most cases come from prolonged exposure to a family member or co-worker. Groups that are more at risk of developing active TB are babies, the elderly, and individuals with autoimmune disorders such as HIV or diabetes. If you or a loved one is at risk and experiencing symptoms such as persistent cough, chest pains, or coughing blood, we strongly recommend taking a tuberculosis blood test. This could not only save the life of an infected individual, but someone they might pass the infection on to.   How Is TB Treated? Those with Latent TB should still seek preventative treatment from a medical professional, as their case could become more serious down the line, despite not initially being contagious. The most common remedy is to start on antibiotics that root out the infection before it can develop into an active case. Treating an active case of tuberculosis can be slightly more complicated for a multitude of reasons. The first is that it can take anywhere between six and twelve months for the medication to completely irradiate the infection. Patients may feel they've recovered after a few weeks of treatment, but it is imperative they stay on the proper medications for the duration of time their doctor specifies. Stopping before finishing the cycle of medications could lead to reinfection, lowered resilience to the disease, and even drug-resistant strains of TB. These strains are the most dangerous as they evolve to nullify the effects of medication used to cure the disease. Recovery after developing a drug-resistant strain of TB can take much longer, between 20 and 30 months, not to mention the patient is more likely to experience multiple side effects. While TB is widespread and can come with a fair share of complications, it is completely preventable and relatively easy to manage with proper medical oversight. Through modern and accurate tests such as Quantiferon- TB Gold Plus, we are able to catch tuberculosis before it can cause irreparable harm. In doing so, not only can we keep ourselves healthy but limit the spread of this disease in our communities and across the globe. BUY A CHEAP TB TEST NEAR YOU References Center for Disease Control. Tuberculosis Control Division, Center for Prevention Services (US). Division of Tuberculosis Control, Centers for Disease Control, Prevention (US), & National Center for Prevention Services (US). Division of Tuberculosis Elimination. (1975). Reported tuberculosis in the United States. US Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Prevention Services, Division of Tuberculosis Elimination1 Flynn, J. L., & Chan, J. (2001). Immunology of tuberculosis. Annual review of immunology, 19, 932 Sudre, Philippe, G. Ten Dam, and Arata Kochi. “Tuberculosis: a global overview of the situation today.” Bulletin of the World Health Organization 70.2 (1992): 1493 World Health Organization. (2013). Global tuberculosis report 2013. World Health Organization4 World Health Organization & Stop TB Initiative (World Health Organization). (2010)5  

Table of Contents 10 Top Hormone Panels You Can Order Today 1.   Hormone Panel for Men on TRT 2.   Women's Hormone Panel 3.   Basic Bodybuilder Panel 4.   Comprehensive Bodybuilder Panel 5.   Men/Women Hormone and Wellness Panels 6.   Ultimate Lab Test Panel for Men and Women 7.   Testosterone Panels 8.   Thyroid Panel 9.   Gynecomastia Panel 10.                Erectile Dysfunction Panel 20 Individual Labs Money Can Buy Today 1.   Anti-Mullerian Hormone Test 2.   Free Estradiol (Sensitive) 3.   Thyroxine-Binding Globulin 4.   Growth Hormone 5.   Cortisol Test 6.   Insulin-Like Growth Factor-Binding Protein 3 7.   ACTH Plasma Test 8.   Aldosterone Test 9.   Fasting Insulin 10.  Parathyroid Hormone PTH Test 11.   Prolactin Test 12.                DHEA-Sulfate Test 13.                DHT Test 14.                Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin 15.                LH and FSH Test 16.                Estrone Test 17.                Progesterone Test 18.                Insulin-Like Growth Factor 1 19.                Pregnenolone Test 20.                Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone   Order a Hormone Test Today! Hormones, enzymes, and other substances set the human body's intricate machinery in motion. Hormones are some of the most important elements, and they travel throughout your entire body to influence the function of organs and tissues. A hormone is basically a chemical messenger. Testing these hormones helps you find out important information about your health. Luckily, today's medical technology is able to identify and test more than 50 different hormones in the human body. Keep reading to learn more about hormone tests and why you should order them. This article provides you with valuable information on individual hormone tests as well as complex hormone panels. 10 Top Hormone Panels You Can Order Today Hormone panels are collections of hormones tested together to find out if you're struggling with some sort of deficiency or disease. In many cases, it's required to test more than one hormone to see if you have a thyroid problem, for example. A testosterone panel is another good example in this case. This type of panel usually allows you to test your total testosterone as well as its fractions, such as free testosterone, albumin-bound testosterone, or SHBG-bound testosterone. Here are some of the most popular hormone panels you can buy: 1.   Hormone Panel for Men on TRT Testosterone replacement therapy is increasingly popular in the United States and other developed countries around the world. It involves getting testosterone exogenously using creams, injections, pellets, nasal gels, orals, and other methods. This therapy is suitable for hypogonadal men, but it requires adequate monitoring and adjustments. The Hormone Panel for Men on TRT will test your DHEA levels as well as ultrasensitive estradiol, pregnenolone, progesterone, DHT, prolactin, total testosterone, and other hormones. Keeping track of all these hormones will increase your success with TRT. 2.   Women's Hormone Panel This panel is designed for women, and it contains a plethora of hormones as well. For example, you get a DHEA test as well as progesterone, pregnenolone, and testosterone tests. Included in this panel are also a few thyroid hormone tests, such as T3 and T4. You can also add LH and FSH tests separately if you want to. 3.   Basic Bodybuilder Panel Bodybuilders need to monitor their hormones to avoid polycythemia, which is a condition that involves blood thickening. The basic bodybuilding panel includes multiple hormone tests, such as total and free testosterone, hematocrit tests, a complete metabolic panel, and more. If you just started with bodybuilding, this panel would provide you with accurate insight into how your body is performing. It's important to keep track of all these hormones to avoid the risks commonly associated with bodybuilding. 4.   Comprehensive Bodybuilder Panel More experienced bodybuilders need to monitor additional hormones. This panel includes 14 different tests. Apart from the ones mentioned in the basic bodybuilding panel, this collection of tests also includes ferritin, a complete blood count, and IGF-1 labs, among others. The comprehensive bodybuilder panel is suitable for experienced bodybuilders as well as novice ones that want to keep all their hormones under control. 5.   Men/Women Hormone and Wellness Panels These panels are relatively similar, and they contain a plethora of hormone tests suitable for men and women alike. For example, the panels include a complete blood count, thyroid tests, liver, and kidney tests, as well as labs for sex hormones such as testosterone and estrogen. If you want a complete snapshot of your health, the men's or women's wellness panels are probably your safest bet and they provide excellent value for money. 6.   Ultimate Lab Test Panel for Men and Women This is probably the most comprehensive direct-to-consumer lab panel money can buy today. It's suitable for both men and women and it includes tests for your kidneys, liver, vitamin D deficiency, iron, inflammation biomarkers, sex hormones, thyroid hormones, etc. This type of panel is suitable for those who want to get a complete overview of their health. It will also save you a lot of money in comparison with ordering this collection of tests separately. 7.   Testosterone Panels You might be happy to find out that there are also various testosterone panels you can buy. The most basic one tests your testosterone and its fractions. However, some panels are a little bit more complex, and they can also test your estradiol, DHT, PSA, hematocrit, and/or prolactin levels. These panels are suitable for people on TRT who need to keep their hormones in check. For example, if you're worried about prostate problems, order the Testosterone + PSA panel to see if your prostate-specific antigen is too high. 8.   Thyroid Panel The thyroid gland is complex and important. It secretes hormones such as T3 and T4 which influence your entire body. Most thyroid panels test your T3, T4, as well as TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone). This panel will help you diagnose any thyroid problem you might have and it saves you money in comparison with ordering thyroid tests separately. 9.   Gynecomastia Panel Gynecomastia is also known colloquially as "man boobs" and this condition might affect certain men on TRT. This happens when too much testosterone is converted into estrogen. The gynecomastia panel includes tests for testosterone, estradiol, DHT, prolactin, and other hormones. 10.                Erectile Dysfunction Panel ED is relatively common among hypogonadal men. It involves the inability to have an erection or maintain it to achieve satisfying intercourse. The ED panel includes tests for hormones that could be the cause of your ED such as testosterone, estradiol, thyroid hormones, DHEA, and others. If you currently struggle with erectile dysfunction, this panel might provide an insight into what treatment to follow to cure this problem. These are some of the most common hormone panels you can buy, and each one of them provides excellent value for money. Now it's easier than ever to find out exactly what your hormone levels are and what treatment options you have to improve them if necessary. 20 Individual Labs Money Can Buy Today We talked about complex hormone panels, but individual tests for specific hormones are equally important. Let's take a look at some of the most popular hormone tests you can use to learn more about your general health. 1.   Anti-Mullerian Hormone Test The anti-Mullerian hormone is important when assessing fertility status and ovarian function. Low levels of this hormone are related to difficulties conceiving a baby. Women might want to order this test to see if they currently struggle with unknown fertility issues. 2.   Free Estradiol (Sensitive) Estradiol is a female sex hormone with an important role in both men and women. This test uses LC/MS testing methods to determine your free estradiol levels as accurately as possible. Men on TRT, among others, might want to order this test to keep their estradiol in check. 3.   Thyroxine-Binding Globulin Thyroxine-binding globulin (TBG) links to thyroid hormones and helps them circulate freely in the body. Low levels of TBG don't show symptoms but could indicate underlying thyroid issues. You might need a TBG test to determine if you struggle with hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism. 4.   Growth Hormone The growth hormone is important for muscle gain, exercise performance, and wound healing. A growth hormone blood test tells you if you have healthy levels of this substance or not. You might want to order this test if you fail to see muscle hypertrophy or if you feel lethargic all the time. 5.   Cortisol Test Cortisol is one of the main "stress" hormones in the body. It's secreted by your adrenal glands in response to various stimuli. You can order a salivary or blood cortisol test. This information is useful in assessing the risk for more complicated diseases that can be caused by excessive stress. 6.   Insulin-Like Growth Factor-Binding Protein 3 This hormone is an important carrier of IGF-1 and it's required to determine if you're producing healthy levels of human growth hormone. If this test returns abnormal results, your pituitary gland might not function correctly. 7.   ACTH Plasma Test ACTH stands for adrenal corticotropic hormone. It's a hormone produced by the pituitary to maintain the cortisol balance in your body. You might need an ACTH plasma test to see if you struggle with any diseases caused by too much or too little cortisol. 8.   Aldosterone Test Aldosterone helps adjust the mineral balance in your system. It maintains sodium and potassium levels in a healthy range. Excessive aldosterone is also associated with serious cardiovascular complications. You might need this test if your blood pressure is high most of the time. 9.   Fasting Insulin Insulin is a hormone secreted by the pancreas. It helps move blood sugar into cells to produce energy. A fasting insulin test is required to determine if you're predisposed to diabetes which is a life-threatening disease. 10.  Parathyroid Hormone PTH Test This hormone is released by the parathyroid glands. It maintains healthy calcium levels in your system. If you currently struggle with hypocalcemia, your doctor might order a parathyroid hormone test. This hormone is also helpful in diagnosing thyroid problems. 11.   Prolactin Test Prolactin is known to support lactation in women, but it also plays other important functions. For example, it plays a role in immune function and supports the production of testosterone by the Leydig cells. However, too much prolactin might lead to sexual dysfunction in men. 12.                DHEA-Sulfate Test DHEA-Sulfate is produced by the adrenal glands and it plays a vital role in the production of both male and female sex hormones. Abnormal levels of this hormone might indicate hormonal disorders. A DHEA test is required to find out if a patient is struggling with neurodegenerative disorders, excessive inflammation, etc. 13.                DHT Test Dihydrotestosterone is similar to testosterone. Too much of it can lead to hair loss and acne. Too little DHT might lead to sexual dysfunction. This test helps you find out if your DHT levels are within normal ranges. 14.                Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin SHBG is a protein carrier for testosterone. Most of the testosterone in the body is bound to SHBG. High levels of this hormone might indicate thyroid problems or anorexia. Too little SHBG is commonly associated with diabetes and ovarian complications. 15.                LH and FSH Test Luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone are produced by the pituitary gland. These hormones indicate the onset of menopause in women and andropause in men. Low levels of these two hormones could also indicate that there is too much estrogen in your body. 16.                Estrone Test Estrone is one of the most important estrogens found in a woman's body. Its levels increase after menopause. Testing estrone might be required to prevent osteoporosis and other health problems commonly associated with post-menopausal women. 17.                Progesterone Test This is another important female sex hormone. It's also present in a male's body, but very small quantities. High levels of progesterone are commonly associated with depression, bloating, and other symptoms in women. 18.                Insulin-Like Growth Factor 1 IGF-1 is used to gauge the blood levels of human growth hormone in both men and women. This hormone is very similar to insulin when it comes to its structure. Your doctor might order an IGF-1 test to determine if your growth hormone is within normal ranges. 19.                Pregnenolone Test Pregnenolone is the hormone from which all other hormones are made, including estrogen and testosterone. Abnormal levels of pregnenolone might affect your mood, cognition, memory, and metabolism. This test uses LC/MS to accurately determine the levels of pregnenolone in your body. 20.                Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone The TSH is exactly what the name implies - a hormone that stimulates your thyroid to produce other hormones. This substance is secreted by the pituitary gland and it helps doctors determine if you have a thyroid problem. Order a Hormone Test Today! As you can see, there are numerous hormone panels and individual tests you can order from a reputable vendor. When you order a test, you are mailed a form that you use to go to a nearby clinic to draw a blood sample. This sample is analyzed in a laboratory and you get the results by mail in just a few business days. Your results are confidential and not shared with anyone. These results can be compared with reference values or you can ask your doctor to help you interpret them. Go to DiscountedLabs.com today and order your favorite test to find out more about your health!

Table of Contents How Does Bloodwork Get Processed? Top Issues Encountered When Ordering Blood Tests 1. My Doctor Doesn't Think I Need A Certain Blood Test 2. My Doctor Doesn't Order A Full Thyroid Test for Me 3. I Want to Order Blood Tests, but I Don't Have Health Insurance 4. I Have Insurance, But It Doesn't Cover the Full Cost of Bloodwork 5. I Have to Wait for Weeks and Pay for a Doctor Visit to Get My Bloodwork Results How Direct-to-Consumer Blood Test Can Save the Day The Solution - Order the Tests by Yourself! Order Discounted Lab Tests Online HOW DOES DISCOUNTEDLABS.COM WORK? In today's medical system we can all use lab tests to get a diagnosis for a wide variety of diseases such as diabetes, low testosterone, low thyroid, anemia, heart disease risk, etc.  After the lab analyzes your blood, health care providers can identify specific ailments quickly, helping you get the required treatment on time. However, the bad thing is that analyzing your bloodwork can be a seriously expensive and time-consuming procedure. Most people feel put off by surprising and unexpected medical bills of several hundred or even thousands of dollars for a blood test weeks after they got them done at their doctor’s office. How Does Bloodwork Get Processed? Let's say that you want to check the level of glucose or A1c in your blood or determine if your diabetes is in control. You can do that with simple blood tests which check for specific biomarkers. Based on that, the doctor can make lifestyle recommendations to avoid the disease or treat it successfully. But to get your blood test done, you need to speak with your primary healthcare provider first. This fact seems to make people run into a lot of different problems caused by a poorly managed healthcare system. This article strives to highlight some of these problems and help you find ways to deal with them. Luckily, direct-to-consumer blood tests are increasingly popular these days, and we'll be covering them in greater detail at the end of this article, so keep reading. Top Issues Encountered When Ordering Blood Tests You shouldn't merely avoid getting a critical blood test done just because the healthcare system puts a lot of hurdles in your way. One of the best things you can do is to continue to learn about the various situations encountered in a faulty American healthcare system and discover ways to avoid them. 1. My Doctor Doesn't Think I Need A Certain Blood Test In most cases, people go to a doctor when they experience specific symptoms. For example, they have headaches, stomach pains, lower back issues or high blood pressure. They mention these symptoms to their primary healthcare provider and based on that the doctor can order specific tests. However, thanks to the fact that the internet offers so much valuable medical information for free, people start to get educated about their health and make their own decisions. You can now order a test to check your testosterone level, whether you have issues of low testosterone or not. The problem is that most doctors wouldn't approve of a particular blood test unless you have specific symptoms. They might probably dismiss your request as unnecessary, a thing which is very frustrating for most health-conscious people who want the best for themselves. The good thing is that direct-to-consumer blood tests ordered online help you bypass the "doctor hurdle," so you can order any blood test you want to check the status of your health. 2. My Doctor Doesn't Order A Full Thyroid Test for Me Deficient clinician knowledge about best tests to use to diagnose thyroid function issues is another problem that many patients experience. The thyroid gland is an essential component of your body. It's responsible for producing a wide variety of hormones and metabolizing different substances. If some of these hormones such as TSH, free T3, and free T4 are in abnormal quantities, you can experience major endocrine problems. Some patients order a blood test to their doctors, but they only get approved for testing the TSH hormone, which is not a good thing because the other hormones are equally essential in the diagnosis of hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism. For example, some patients deal with thyroid problems which run in families for generations. Testing the full spectrum of thyroid hormones is recommended in this case to discover thyroid problems early and attempt to fix them. 3. I Want to Order Blood Tests, but I Don't Have Health Insurance People who are not insured will find it much more difficult to get blood tests done. That's because no insurance bloodwork can get seriously expensive if you don’t have insurance. You'll eventually have to cover all expenses out of your pocket and depending on the blood test done, and the total cost can go up to several hundred or thousand dollars. No one will be happy to pay around $1,000 or more for a simple glucose or thyroid test. Also, keep in mind that people might require to have their bloodwork done several times a year so paying medical bills can cost a fortune. Direct-to-consumer lab test companies can mitigate this problem because you can find no insurance bloodwork discounted up to 85% or 90% in some cases. 4. I Have Insurance, But It Doesn't Cover the Full Cost of Bloodwork In some cases, having insurance doesn't automatically mean that you don't have to pay anything out of pocket. Some insurance companies might cover a portion of your medical of around 50% or 80%. The remaining cost will have to be covered by the patient, so you'll still have to pay with cash for specific blood tests. This out-of-pocket is called a co-pay. Many people get shocked at bills they receive from lab testing companies after months from their blood draw date. These companies alert patients that they have a large balance since their insurance company refused to pay for the blood tests that their doctor ordered. Some insurance companies may deem specific blood tests or test frequency not medically justified even if a doctor deems them necessary. Some patients have encountered situations when they had to pay around $1,000 just in co-pay. This considerable sum of money is a surprise that not everyone can afford to pay. The reason why a part of the medical bill is covered by the insurance company, and the other part is not is because the patient might work with out-of-network healthcare providers. In other words, if your provider is not within the network covered by your insurance company, you should expect to encounter co-pays. If you do accept to pay it because you need the bloodwork done urgently, at least ask how much you are expected to pay out of pocket, so you know what budget to prepare. 5. I Have to Wait for Weeks and Pay for a Doctor Visit to Get My Bloodwork Results It is a well-known fact that things don’t move very quickly in the American healthcare system. Some patients are usually forced to wait for weeks or even months before they can receive the results of their blood tests and also pay for a doctor’s visit. This fact is a huge inconvenience, especially if you need medical care urgently and your life depends on the results of your no insurance bloodwork. These long waiting periods are caused by various factors. For example, your doctor might establish an appointment to draw blood in one or two weeks. After you have given your blood sample, it will take a while until the lab analyzes it. Then you'll have to wait for the results to be communicated by your doctor and this whole process can take up to 2 months in some cases. Even worse, your hormonal levels differ from time to time. For example, people have certain levels of vitamin D test in their bodies during summer times and completely different ones in the winter when sun exposure is limited. If you take the test in August and you get the results back in October, they might show that you have plenty of vitamin D in your blood, but this might not be correct during the autumn. How Direct-to-Consumer Blood Test Can Save the Day Direct-to-consumer blood tests are sold by various companies such as DiscountedLabs.com You can choose from multiple types of blood tests and order them online. Some of the lab tests included are glucose tests, thyroid tests, testosterone and estrogen tests, etc. The list is broad, and you can find details about various hormones and biomarkers in your body. The main advantage of ordering direct-to-consumer blood tests is that they are ridiculously cheap, in comparison with those ordered by your doctor. For example, you can get a complete blood count test for about $25 and not have to pay hundreds of dollars for it if you choose to collaborate with your healthcare provider. Best of all, direct-to-consumer blood tests can be done in days because the middleman is eliminated. Instead of having your doctor send your blood to a lab, you send it by yourself. You visit a lab location close to your home to draw blood, and that's it. The results will be emailed to you in a few business days, and you can interpret them against reference values found on the internet or have your physician discuss them with you. Also, keep in mind that you’re still working with the same labs and the same experts as regular healthcare providers do. Your no insurance bloodwork is analyzed in safe conditions and adequately equipped rooms by specialized doctors. You get the same level of service and quality as if you're ordering the test with the help of your doctor. The Solution - Order the Tests by Yourself! In conclusion, it's important to remember that your healthcare provider is still your first line of defense against ailments and health problems. You should take his advice seriously and consult with him regularly if you have specific symptoms. With that being said, each time you need no insurance bloodwork, or you want to find out the level of certain hormones in your body, and you can take "shortcuts" and order the blood tests by yourself. Check out the list of most popular blood tests available online to see how many hormones and critical lab tests that you can use to monitor your health more economically.  DiscountedLabs.com has also created discounted lab test panels to make it easy to decide what lab test groupings work best for individual conditions or hormone replacement protocols.   Order Discounted Lab Tests Online Discounted Labs is a leading provider of blood tests that you can purchase without the need of a doctor's visit. Our range of self-pay blood tests can help you to identify underlying health issues and are an important means of staying at the peak of physical wellness.  If you live in one of the following states, you can take advantage of our discounted blood work: Alabama, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, North Carolina, New Mexico, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, and West Virginia. Ordering lab tests online has never been easier than it is today. With our easy-to-use website, all you have to do is select the type of test you want and enter some basic information about yourself before submitting an order through a credit card. Your results will be sent directly to your email inbox as soon as they are ready! All orders come with a 100% money back guarantee if we don't deliver what we promise. HOW DOES DISCOUNTEDLABS.COM WORK?   1-     Go to the "Find a Location" page to make sure we serve your state and that there is a Quest Diagnostics location near you.  2-     Go to "Choose a Test" and add your selection (s) in the shopping cart. You can also save money by buying bundled lab test panels. 3-     If you have a discount coupon code, add it to your cart. 4-     If you don't have an account with us, you will be asked to create one by adding your name, address, gender, and date of birth. 5-     Place your order by using a credit card. 6-     You will receive three emails: an order confirmation & detailed instructions within minutes about how to download your lab requisition form to take to the lab near you. 7-     Print the lab requisition form (PDF file).  8-     Take that form to the  lab near you with a picture ID. You can walk in but we suggest that you make an appointment to cut down on potential waiting (instructions on how to do so are in our "Find a Location" page). Get your blood drawn at the lab.   9-    Your results will be ready within 2-7 business days (Depending on the test. Sensitive hormone tests done by liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry LC/MS take 5-7 business days). You will received them by email as soon as they come in. If you have any questions, please visit our FAQ page or email us at [email protected]

Testosterone, a vital hormone predominantly found in males, plays a crucial role in various physiological processes such as sexual development, muscle growth, bone density, and overall well-being. Recent studies have raised concerns about a decline in serum testosterone levels among adolescents and young adult men in the United States. This article aims to explore the potential causes, implications, and scientific evidence surrounding this phenomenon. Factors Contributing to Declining Testosterone Levels in Young Men Lifestyle Changes Sedentary behavior, unhealthy dietary patterns, and an increase in screen time have been linked to lower testosterone levels. Lack of physical activity and poor nutrition can lead to weight gain, which is associated with reduced testosterone production [1]. Endocrine Disruptors Exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) such as phthalates, bisphenol A (BPA), and pesticides has been suggested as a potential contributor to declining testosterone levels. These chemicals, commonly found in plastics, personal care products, and certain foods, can interfere with hormonal balance and disrupt testosterone synthesis [2]. Stress and Mental Health Chronic stress and mental health disorders, including depression and anxiety, may negatively impact testosterone production. Elevated cortisol levels, often associated with stress, can suppress testosterone synthesis [3]. Obesity and Insulin Resistance The rising prevalence of obesity and insulin resistance among adolescents and young adults has been linked to lower testosterone levels. Excess body fat can promote the conversion of testosterone into estrogen, leading to hormonal imbalances [4]. Implications of Declining Testosterone Levels Sexual and Reproductive Health Testosterone is essential for normal sexual function, including libido, erectile function, and sperm production. Declining testosterone levels may contribute to sexual dysfunction and reduced fertility in affected individuals. Physical Health Testosterone plays a crucial role in maintaining muscle mass, bone density, and overall physical well-being. Decreased testosterone levels may lead to decreased muscle strength, increased risk of osteoporosis, and compromised overall health. Psychological Well-being Testosterone influences mood, cognition, and overall psychological well-being. Low testosterone levels have been associated with symptoms such as fatigue, depression, irritability, and reduced quality of life. Scientific Evidence and Studies A study published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism in 2006 analyzed data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) and found a significant decline in testosterone levels among men aged 20-74 years between 1988 and 2004 [5]. Another study published in JAMA Internal Medicine in 2020 examined testosterone levels in over 4,000 young men aged 15-39 years from 2009 to 2016. The findings indicated a substantial decline in testosterone levels during this period [6]. Research published in the journal Environmental International in 2020 explored the association between phthalate exposure and testosterone levels in young men. The study suggested that higher urinary phthalate metabolite concentrations were associated with lower testosterone levels [7]. Conclusion The decline in serum testosterone levels among adolescents and young adult men in the USA is a concerning trend with potential implications for sexual and reproductive health, physical well-being, and psychological functioning. Lifestyle factors, endocrine disruptors, stress, obesity, and insulin resistance are among the factors contributing to this decline. Further research is needed to understand the extent of the issue and develop strategies to address and mitigate the potential consequences. Buy the most affordable testosterone test in the country on DiscountedLabs.com References: Araujo AB, Dixon JM, Suarez EA, et al. Clinical review: Endogenous testosterone and mortality in men: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2011;96(10):3007-3019. Haider A, Yassin A, Doros G, Saad F. Effects of long-term testosterone therapy on patients with "diabesity": results of observational studies of pooled analyses in obese hypogonadal men with type 2 diabetes. Int J Endocrinol. 2014;2014:683515. Morales A, Bebb RA, Manjoo P, et al. Diagnosis and management of testosterone deficiency syndrome in men: clinical practice guideline. CMAJ. 2015;187(18):1369-1377. Almeida OP, Hankey GJ, Yeap BB, et al. Low free testosterone concentration as a potentially treatable cause of depressive symptoms in older men. Arch Gen Psychiatry. 2008;65(3):283-289. Travison TG, Araujo AB, O'Donnell AB, et al. A population-level decline in serum testosterone levels in American men. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2007;92(1):196-202. O'Connor DB, Archer J, Wu FC. Effects of testosterone on mood, aggression, and sexual behavior in young men: a double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over study. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2004;89(6):2837-2845. Hammoud A, Gibson M, Peterson CM, et al. Impact of male obesity on infertility: a critical review of the current literature. Fertil Steril. 2008;90(4):897-904.

  Pondering about the perfect Father's Day gift? Are you contemplating a case of his favorite craft beer, premium Omaha steaks, or maybe a surprise getaway to his favorite city? All these are excellent choices to show appreciation to your father on this special day. But what if there's a more impactful gift - the gift of health? As men age, their health often becomes a challenge. Conditions ranging from fatigue, muscle loss, joint pains to reduced flexibility are commonplace. Some issues, like unexplained tiredness, low mood, frequent illnesses, and doctor visits, might be less conspicuous yet more concerning. Does this ring a bell? Father's Day Lab Test Sale Fret not! Here's an innovative solution. This Father's Day, consider gifting your father a lab test from DiscountedLabs.com. It's a proactive step towards ensuring his optimum health, with no doctor's visit required! Use this discount code FATHERSDAY20 to save 20% on your lab test order, valid until June 30, 2023. Beneficial Lab Tests for Older Men: Consider these potentially life-enhancing tests for your dad: Annual Physical Panel - A comprehensive health check including CBC, CMP panels, A1C, TSH (thyroid function), urinalysis, and lipid profile. Total and Free Testosterone Test - A measure of your father's testosterone levels to ensure he maintains a healthy hormonal balance for his age. Thyroid Panel - A comprehensive assessment of his free T3 and free T4 thyroid hormones, providing insights into potential thyroid-related health issues. A medical checkup as a gift may sound unconventional, right? Yet, once you peruse these studies, you'll understand why such tests are invaluable for your father's health and well-being. The Power of Testosterone in Older Men: Recent studies underscore the immense benefits of healthy testosterone levels in men, even beyond their prime years. Three independent studies discovered that men with optimal testosterone levels enjoyed better health. For men over 65, testosterone treatment helped achieve hormone levels typical for a 19- to 40-year-old, yielding noticeable improvements: 8% enhanced performance in a 6-minute walking test. Reported better moods and significantly lower rates of depression. Improved mood and increased energy production, although no reduction in the risk of cardiac events and prostate conditions was noted. Reduced Hospitalization Rates with Testosterone: A May 2016 Mayo Clinic study discovered that men undergoing testosterone therapy were less likely to be rehospitalized within 30 days of hospital discharge. The therapy especially benefited men with low testosterone levels, reducing their chances of readmission due to testosterone deficiency-related health issues. Combatting Depression with Testosterone: Research indicates a correlation between lower levels of circulating testosterone and depression in men. A study following over 3,100 older men for a decade found that those who developed depression had significantly lower total testosterone levels. This revelation implies that checking and adjusting testosterone levels can help manage depression commonly found in older men. Give the Gift of Health: This Father's Day, empower your father with the gift of knowledge about his health. Through these tests, he'll gain insights into his body's inner workings. He'll learn about his thyroid and testosterone levels and their potential impact on his well-being. Perhaps, testosterone therapy could be his key to a happier, healthier life. This Father's Day, give your father a gift that will keep giving for years to come. Take a proactive step towards his health today, contributing to a longer, healthier life. Remember to use the DiscountedLabs.com coupon code: FATHERSDAY20 and give your father the gift of a healthier tomorrow! Where Does Discounted Labs Operate?  If you live in one of the following states, you can take advantage of our discounted blood work: Alabama, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, North Carolina, New Mexico, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, and West Virginia. We do not serve NY, NJ, RI, and AZ. How Does Discounted Labs Work? 1-     Click on the Lab Near You page to ensure we serve your state and that a location is near you.  2-     If a location is near you, go to "Choose a Test" and add your selection (s) to the shopping cart. You can also save money by buying bundled lab test panels. 3-     If you have a discount coupon code, add it to your cart. You will earn points for every purchase you can redeem in future orders. 4-     If you don't have an account with us, you will be asked to create one by adding your name, address, gender, and date of birth. Note: You cannot place an order for someone else unless you create an account for them. 5-     Place your order by using a credit card. 6-     You will receive three emails: an order confirmation & detailed instructions within minutes about how to download your lab requisition form to take to the lab near you. 7-     Print the lab requisition form (PDF file).  8-     Take that form to the  lab near you . You can walk in, but we suggest you make an appointment to cut down on potential waiting (instructions on how to do so are on our "Find a Location" page). Get your blood drawn at the lab.   9-    Your results will be ready within 2-7 business days (Depending on the test. Sensitive hormone tests done by liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry LC/MS take 5-7 business days). You will receive them by email as soon as they come in. Please contact us if you have any questions. We also have answered a lot of questions in our Frequently Asked Questions page IF YOU WOULD RATHER WATCH A VIDEO DESCRIBING HOW WE WORK: HOW TO ORDER DISCOUNTED LABS ONLINE Why DiscountedLabs.com? We Have the Most Affordable Lab Tests Available in the U.S. No Doctor Visit is Required. Our In-House Doctor Provides a Prescription at No Extra Cost to You. Private and Confidential Lab Test Results. We Serve Most U.S. States. In Operation for Over 8 Years. Orders are Valid for 6 Months. Simple Menu and Process.  Order 24/7 You Get a Lab Requisition Form A Few Minutes After Your Order. No, Wait. No Hidden Costs. An $8 Lab Draw Fee is Added to Your Order. Our Blood Tests are FDA Approved. We are HIPAA Compliant. We Protect Your Privacy. Your Order is Good for 180 Days. You Do Not Have to Rush to the Lab. Over 1,900 Lab Locations Around the United States. No Appointment is Needed. Walk-ins Welcomed. Your Blood Test Results are Delivered by Private Email. We Provide Hormone Testing Via Sensitive LC/MS Assays. We avoid less accurate testing. We Have Created Blood Test Panels Applied to Different Needs. Discount Coupons Emailed Periodically. Educational Videos and Articles are Provided on Our Blog Page We Educate Consumers on How to Interpret Lab Test Results with Their Physicians. We Provide Resources for Clinical Care and Consumer Forums on Our Resources Page   Here is a VIDEO DESCRIBING HOW WE WORK: HOW TO ORDER DISCOUNTED LABS ONLINE  

Table of Contents The Importance of Routine Blood Testing Top Reasons Why You Should Buy Your Own Discounted Lab Tests 1.  It's Fast and Secure 2.  Helps You Prevent Serious Illnesses 3.  No Doctor Visit is Required 4.  Multiple Tests and Panels to Choose From Types of Blood Tests You Can Order 1.   Complete Blood Count 2.   Hormone Tests 3.   Inflammation Tests 4.   Musculoskeletal Tests How to Take Advantage of Blood Tests? Blood is for the body as engine oil is for your car - completely indispensable. New blood cells are produced every day to replace old and damaged ones. Not only that human blood keeps you alive, but it also contains a lot of information related to your health. This is where blood workups and blood tests come into the picture. A single drop of blood can be sufficient to determine if you have vitamin deficiencies or if you're predisposed to certain diseases. You can draw a blood sample at a nearby lab test clinic and order various blood tests to check your health. Many people already do this by typing "labs near me", "blood work near me" or "lab testing near me" in Google. You can do the same and the results might redirect you to a nearby clinic where you can run a few blood tests. Keep reading to learn why blood testing is so important and what are its benefits. The Importance of Routine Blood Testing Back in the day, doctors had limited information about a person's health. They could prescribe basic treatments, heal some wounds using herbs, and perform simple surgeries. They weren't able to draw blood and analyze it using a microscope and other specialized equipment. Nowadays the situation is different. Your blood contains hundreds of nutrients, vitamins, minerals, hormones, and other substances. It is possible to check these nutrients and obtain valuable insights related to your health. Doing routine blood workups is important because it helps you take better control of your health. For example, some studies indicate that a lack of vitamin D is commonly associated with depression and anxiety. Depression is a serious mental condition that could affect your quality of life. Vitamin D is metabolized by your body as a result of exposure to sunlight. If you stay indoors most of the time or live in a Nordic country, you might be predisposed to vitamin D deficiency. A vitamin blood test is inexpensive and highly accurate. Maybe your chronic anxiety is indeed related to vitamin D deficiency and a simple lab test can confirm it. Based on this finding, your doctor might prescribe you a vitamin D supplement to alleviate your depression and anxiety in a few weeks. This is just an example, but there are plenty of others. You can test for virtually any type of nutrient or hormone using a simple blood test. This gives you a better snapshot when it comes to your health and helps you avoid more dangerous ailments. Top Reasons Why You Should Buy Your Own Discounted Lab Tests You might be happy to find out that doing a blood test is less and less expensive. Moreover, you can order a complete panel that tests multiple substances at once. For example, many people order an inflammation panel that looks at specific inflammation biomarkers in your bloodstream. Before going any further, let's take a look at a few quick benefits of doing a lab test in your area. 1.  It's Fast and Secure Thanks to direct-to-consumer blood tests, you can have a general snapshot of your health in just a few business days. Most blood workups take less than a week to complete, and you get the results sent back to you via email. The process is fast, secure, and confidential. 2.  Helps You Prevent Serious Illnesses One of the most significant advantages of doing routine blood tests is discovering predispositions to specific ailments. A simple blood glucose test can reveal if you're healthy or pre-diabetic. Since diabetes type 2 is a life-threatening disease, this information might save your life. 3.  No Doctor Visit is Required It is possible to order a blood test without requiring a visit to your primary healthcare provider. You order a direct-to-consumer lab test from Discounted Labs, and their physicians provide the prescription for you to print a lab requisition form to take to a nearby lab location. You get the results in a few days and compare them with reference values. Since you don't have to go through your doctor first, you save a lot of time and money. 4.  Multiple Tests and Panels to Choose From Today's healthcare providers and scientists use state-of-the-art technology and methods to extract information from a blood sample. There are hundreds of blood tests you can order, and more are developed each year. Therefore, whether you want to check your testosterone level or find out if you have thyroid problems, there's an inexpensive blood test for it. Types of Blood Tests You Can Order Here are just a few test categories you can order today to give you a broader understanding of blood workups and lab tests. 1.   Complete Blood Count This panel of tests looks at different substances in your bloodstream, such as white blood cells, red blood cells, platelets, and so on. A complete blood count is usually required to see if your immune system is working efficiently. 2.   Hormone Tests Whether you're a man or a woman, you can now accurately find out the level of testosterone, estrogen, and other sex hormones in your bloodstream. This information is essential for people who are deficient in certain sex hormones and show up symptoms that alter their quality of life. 3.   Inflammation Tests Specific inflammation biomarkers such as C-reactive protein can help doctors determine if your body is actively fighting disease. Having a high level of inflammation in your body can predispose you to chronic illnesses such as diabetes, autoimmune disorders, and so on. 4.   Musculoskeletal Tests Certain blood tests can also reveal if your muscles are working properly if you have silent bone diseases or if you're predisposed to arthritis. This type of information is beneficial if you know that someone in your family had muscle or bone problems in the past. How to Take Advantage of Blood Tests? As mentioned at the beginning of this article, it all starts with a simple Google search. Type "lab testing near me," "blood work near me," "labs near me" or a combination of these words in your favorite search engine. This search query should redirect you to a reputable vendor of direct-to-consumer blood tests in your area. Or, if you want to skip all the hassle, go to DiscountedLabs.com and pick your favorite blood test from there. This website also offers some of the most inexpensive lab tests you can find in the US today, so you will save some money.