Your Ultimate Preventative Testing Guide for Optimal Health!

As a health coach, I am all about preventive care. But, there aren’t a ton of resources written on helpful testing – the sort to catch potential health conditions early or look deeper at the root cause of your symptoms.

I’ve prepared this list because I want you to feel empowered to take charge of your health and to help you partner your doctor. With this approach, you’ll know if there are areas of your health you need to work on… earlier rather than later.

If you’re thinking “22 things to check – that seems like a lot of tests!” Think of each lab test like a piece of a puzzle. By taking different measurements and collecting clues and insight as to what’s going on beneath the surface, you can work with someone to begin putting the pieces of the puzzle together. Many of these tests are interconnected and crucial to giving you a snapshot of your health. You may not need all of them so discuss this list with your doctor before ordering.

My younger self wishes I would have had these tests run in the beginning of my healing journey.  It could have saved me a lot of time, money, and heartache.

So let’s begin!

1. Complete Metabolic Profile (CMP)

A complete metabolic prole is a blood test that gives us a snapshot of your liver and kidney function, your electrolytes, overall chemical balance, and metabolism. More specifically, a complete metabolic prole evaluates your:2,3

• Albumin: Albumin is a protein produced by your liver that helps transport substances through your bloodstream.

• Bilirubin: Bilirubin is a waste product created when your red blood cells are broken down. Your liver is responsible for the breakdown and removal of this compound. 

• BUN (blood urea nitrogen): Urea nitrogen is a waste product that’s ltered out and removed by your kidneys.

• Calcium: An abundant and essential mineral that is important for proper nerve, muscle, and heart function.

•  Creatinine: Creatinine is a natural byproduct of muscle activity that’s processed and removed via your kidneys.

• Electrolytes: A CMP also assesses four of your most crucial electrolyte levels – sodium, potassium, bicarbonate, and chloride.

• Glucose: Also known as your blood sugar.

• Liver enzymes: Enzymes are specialized proteins that facilitate and speed up chemical reactions within your body. Your liver relies on various enzymes to carry out its duties and a CMP assesses some of the most critical ones – alkaline phosphatase (ALP), alanine transaminase (ALT), and aspartate aminotransferase (AST).

• Total protein: The total amount of proteins oating around in your bloodstream.

Because a CMP includes multiple measurements, it offers a broad look at multiple functions within your body – making it an essential baseline test.

2. Complete Blood Count
A complete blood count or CBC is a blood test that does exactly what its name implies – counts and analyzes your various blood cells. A CBC with a differential means that it also breaks down and examines not just your overall white blood cell count, but how many of each specific type you have. A CBC is able to give you an idea of:4,5

• How many new blood cells you’re producing and how well they're functioning

• The oxygen-carrying capacity of your red blood cells by assessing hemoglobin levels (specialized proteins that bind to oxygen molecules)

• Your hematocrit levels – or the concentration of red blood cells within your bloodstream

• How well your blood is able to clot based on platelet count

•  How well your immune system is functioning by evaluating how many of each type of white blood cell you’re producing

Because your blood serves as one of the primary transportation channels throughout your body, an imbalance in your CBC can clue us into deeper imbalances and help steer the direction of further diagnostic testing. 

3. Micronutrient testing

Deficiencies in one or more vitamins or minerals is a national problem in the US, due to the popularity of the Standard American Diet. Even if you’re not experiencing any of the common symptoms, such as dizziness, tingling in the hands and feet, fatigue it’s worth exploring as lack of micronutrients can upset the balance of your immune system, weakening it, and causing inflammation. Vitamin B12, folate, zinc, magnesium, selenium, and copper are most important. My favorite labs for this are Vibrant America and Spectracell.

4. Inflammatory markers

Inflammation is your body's natural response to infection, injury, trauma, toxicity, or some form of stress – meaning a spike in inflammation is one of the primary indicators that something is askew within your body. If the source of inflammation persists and your inflammatory response becomes chronically activated, it can spell trouble for your health. In fact, just about every chronic disease known to man can be traced back to chronic inflammation.

For this reason, it can be highly useful to obtain lab tests that evaluate your blood for the presence of these inammation-stoking signaling molecules, also known as inflammatory markers. While there are a variety of inflammatory markers, my experience has been the  most important and most helpful tests to obtain include:

• High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) 

• Homocysteine

• Lipoprotein-Associated Phospholipase A2/PLAC 

• Myeloperoxidase (MPO)

• Oxidized low-density lipoprotein

• Trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO)

Elevated inflammatory markers can be a huge indicator of something brewing beneath the surface which can clue you and your doctor  into the need to dive deeper into identifying the source of inflammation. 

5. Advanced Lipid testing with APoB and LP(a)

You’re likely familiar with the idea of standard lipid profile tests – more commonly referred to as testing your cholesterol levels. And while knowing your basic cholesterol levels can be helpful, it doesn't really give us a clear picture of what’s going on when it comes to the details of your lipid levels.

Liipids are a broad group of naturally-occurring molecules that includes things like fats, waxes, sterols, and fat-soluble vitamins. And each specific type of lipid plays a specific and crucial role in our health – with each one having a unique interplay with each other and other molecules within your body. Because of this delicate interplay, it’s crucial to get a more detailed look at your lipid levels via an advanced lipid panel.

An advanced lipid panel evaluates the levels of numerous lipids – including total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, and triglycerides. But it also measures two specific lipids known as apolipoprotein B (apoB) and lipoprotein(a) or Lp(a) – both of which can directly correlate with your cardiac health.6,7 

6. Heavy metals

Heavy metals can be tested through a blood or urine sample, and the test is crucial in determining if there are high levels of metals in your environment. Mercury in particular is linked to the development of autoimmune disease. Blood will typically reveal recent exposure while a chelated urine challenge can give a better idea of total body burden. It is important to check mercury, lead, cadmium, chromium, aluminum, and arsenic.

7. Complete thyroid panel

Your thyroid is the small gland found at the front of your neck. While this organ may be tiny, its role in your health is anything but small. This little powerhouse is responsible for secreting vital hormones that regulate how your body processes and uses energy. And the cascade of hormones it secretes are intricately connected to the function of just about every cell in your body – meaning if your thyroid isn't functioning optimally, it can have serious consequences for your health. 

So it’s crucial to ensure this mighty gland is working properly by conducting a complete thyroid panel that assesses the amount of thyroid hormones you’re producing. It’s vital to ensure it’s a complete panel that checks all of the following:10,11

• Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH): The hormone that prompts your thyroid to produce and secrete thyroid hormones

• Free thyroxine (T4) and free triiodothyronine (T3): The two major hormones secreted by your thyroid gland

•  Thyroid peroxidase antibodies (TPO) and thyroglobulin antibodies (TgAb): These tests detect the presence of antibodies that might indicate the development of autoimmunity – meaning your immune system mistakenly begins attacking and damaging your thyroid

• Reverse T3: Reverse T3 is a metabolically inactive form of thyroid hormone generated as a byproduct of T4 degradation

Many thyroid tests do not evaluate all of these markers, so be sure to ask your provider to run a test for each of these markers to get an accurate picture of your thyroid function. 

8.Autoimmune Markers

Autoimmunity occurs when your immune system essentially goes haywire and becomes confused – mistakenly identifying your own tissues as an imminent threat and launching an immune attack against your own healthy cells. The underlying causes of autoimmunity are not always entirely clear and can usually be linked back to a multitude of factors. You can read more about the underlying causes of autoimmunity in an article my doctor wrote: A Fascinating Look at the Hidden Triggers That Can Cause Autoimmunity.

Autoimmunity gradually develops over time – so running some lab tests to catch it early can go a long way. In addition to the inflammatory markers listed earlier in this article, it can be a good idea to check for the following specific autoimmunity markers:12,13

• Antinuclear antibody (ANA): Antinuclear antibodies derived their name from the fact that they are indeed “anti” nuclear – targeting and attacking the nucleus of your own cells. This test determines whether or not you have elevated levels of these autoimmune antibodies.

• Extractable nuclear antigen panel (ENA): This is another test designed to detect the presence of “autoantibodies” in the blood that negatively react with proteins in your cell nucleus.

Today’s stress-filled, nutrient-deficient, and toxin-laden world means autoimmunity is on the rise – making it more important than ever to test for these autoimmune markers. 

9. Fasting Glucose, insulin, Hemoglobin, A1C, and Uric Acid

Your body utilizes energy from certain sugars and carbohydrates in a process that goes something like this:15,16

• When you eat certain sugars and carbohydrates, your body breaks them down into a simple sugar known as glucose – the main type of sugar found in your blood and your body's main source of energy

• Once broken down, these glucose molecules enter your bloodstream and attach themselves to a type of protein on your red blood cells known as hemoglobin 

• Glucose molecules will remain “stuck” to red blood cells for as long as the cells survive – which is typically about 3 months.

• This process of glucose attaching to hemoglobin results in the hemoglobin becoming “glycated”

• The percentage of hemoglobin that has been glycated can be measured in a test known as hemoglobin A1C

• Meanwhile, free-oating glucose is shuttled into your cells to be utilized as energy via a hormone called insulin

•  The higher your fasting blood glucose, insulin levels, and A1C are, the less efficiently your body is able to properly process and utilize sugar

• Research has also found a direct link between elevated glucose, insulin, and A1C and elevated uric acid levels – which can lead to conditions like gout and painful kidney stones

Testing all of these different factors can give some excellent insight as to just how well your body is able to utilize glucose and give you an edge in combating metabolic disorders like insulin resistance, diabetes, and obesity. 

10. Immunoglobulin Levels
Immunoglobulins are more commonly known as antibodies – the tiny proteins secreted by specialized immune cells that help you fight off invading pathogens. These microscopic proteins play a pivotal role in our survival and ability to ward off harmful microbes. There are different types of immunoglobulins that each play slightly different roles which include:

• IgM: These antibodies are like your rst line of defense, as they’re the initial proteins your body makes in response to exposure to invading pathogens to provide short-term protection while your body works on producing additional antibodies.

• IgG: IgG proteins are the primary antibodies found within your blood and body uids. Your body keeps a record or “blueprint” of all the IgG antibodies you’ve ever made so that your immune system can more rapidly and more precisely respond if/when you're exposed to the same pathogen again.

• IgA: These antibodies are mainly found within tissues that come into contact with the environment – like your respiratory tract and digestive system – to protect you from the microbes you frequently come into contact with.

•  IgE: IgE is a type of antibody typically produced in response to an irritant that creates some type of allergy response.

Testing all of these different immunoglobulin levels together can give a glimpse into how well (or how not-so-well) your immune system is functioning and clues to if there is perhaps an undetected underlying infection.14

11. Serum Vitamin D levels and 1,25 hydroxy vitamin D

Vitamin D is an essential nutrient that you absorb from the food you eat and synthesize on your own when your skin comes into contact with sunlight. This little nutrient plays a pivotal role in everything from your immune system to your mood and from nutrient absorption to bone growth.17

Checking levels of vitamin D and 1,25 hydroxy vitamin D – the substance your body needs to metabolize vitamin D – is crucial to determining your metabolic health. Not only does vitamin D promote bone growth, but it acts as an anti-inflammatory, keeping your immune system in check.

To learn more about the role of vitamin D and how you can get more of this mighty nutrient, head over and read Dr. Jill Carnahan’s  article Vitamin D’s Essential Role in a Healthy Immune System – and How to Get More of It. 

12. Stool test

A stool test checks for yeast, abnormal bacteria or parasites in your gut, while checking the number of ‘good’ bacteria in your gut microbiome. If your gut health is poor then it can lead to leaky gut and autoimmunity. Many patients don’t realize they are carrying around extra organisms or dysbiotic bacteria that can cause endotoxemia or toxicity from within.

13. Food sensitivity testing

Typically at least 96 types of food are tested. Symptoms for food sensitivity can often be very sneaky, masquerading as a headache or stomach bloat. An undiagnosed food allergy can provoke a low-level autoimmune response. My favorite test is MRT Leap or Cyrex Labs.

14. Celiac testing

Gluten is a naturally-occurring protein found in certain grains like wheat, rye, and barley as well as in a variety of processed foods. While some people can ingest gluten without any side effects,, for others, it can be disastrous. A growing number of people are developing a sensitivity to ingesting gluten – resulting in things like compromised gut health, skin issues, allergies, and more.

And for others, ingesting gluten can lead to a full-blown immune response – spiraling into a condition known as celiac disease. And because gluten is so prevalent in  everyday foods,, people can go for extended periods of time struggling with ongoing, unexplained symptoms – not realizing that gluten is the culprit causing them so much distress.

Not only should you ask to be tested for things like TTG IgG and IgA and anti-gliadin antibodies but also check for celiac genes to determine your risk of autoimmunity.

15. Fatty acid testing

Fatty acids are the building blocks of the fats within our bodies. We rely on these tiny fatty acid chains for our very survival as they make up an integral part of the membrane that encases each and every one of our trillions of cells.

They also provide the raw ingredients for critical hormones, inuence how our genes are expressed, and much more.18

There are a handful of fatty acids that are particularly important when it comes to our health and well-being which include:

1. Arachidonic acid (AA) 

2. Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) 

3. Docosapentaenoic acid (DPA) 

4. Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)

5.  Linoleic acid (LA)

And similar to micronutrients, it can be easy to become deficient in these nutrients. So speak with your doctor about  testing fatty acid levels to get a clear picture of any nutritional gaps or imbalances since correcting the levels of these basic building blocks is essential for healing and optimal well-being.

16. Lipid Peroxide

High levels of lipid peroxides indicate damage on a cellular level by oxygen free radicals. Injury to cells increases the chances of inflammation and an autoimmune response to the damaged cells.

17. Hormone panel

Hormones are the chemical messengers that your body uses to coordinate nearly every function within your body. If any single hormone gets thrown out of whack it can have a domino effect – disrupting the balance of numerous hormones and impacting everything from your health to your mood and from your appearance to your performance.

Talk with your doctor about accessing  your sex hormones (like estrogen, testosterone, progesterone, and sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG). As well as  evaluating your cortisol levels with a 4-point cortisol test which measures how your cortisol levels fluctuate throughout the day.

18. Adrenal profile

This test focuses on the hormones secreted by your adrenal glands. Of particular note is cortisol – your ‘stress’ hormone. High levels can suppress your immune system and in the long term can increase your chances of developing an autoimmune disease. Generally this is done through urine spot testing or saliva samples taken throughout the day.

19. Homocysteine

High levels of this amino acid in your blood indicates the potential of developing atherosclerosis. In addition, the information can tell the doctor about your ability to methylate and potential deficiencies of nutrients critical to methylation, like B12, folate, riboflavin, B6 and SAMe. Functional medicine lab ranges prefer this number is less than 9 and if symptomatic, less than 7.

20. Iron Studies

Iron is a mineral that plays an irreplaceable role in red blood cell metabolism and oxygen transport. Your body is designed to maintain a delicate balance of iron – meaning a deficiency or an overload can both spell trouble. An iron study is a test that analyzes your iron levels and evaluates:19

• Serum iron: This measures the amount of iron in your blood

• Ferritin: A measurement of how much iron is stored in your body and tissues

• Transferrin: Transferrin is a protein that moves iron throughout your body

• Total iron-binding capacity (TIBC): This measures how well iron is able to attach to transferrin and other proteins in the blood

It’s important to complete a complete iron study that evaluates all of these components rather than a simple serum iron test to get an accurate representation of your overall iron levels. 

21. Genetics

Important genes to look out for Include:

• MTHFR gene mutation – the MTHFR gene controls the methylation process of your body, responsible for DNA repair, energy production, hormone regulation, and detoxification. The mutation makes you more susceptible to developing an autoimmune disease. An online testing company I like is True Health Labs.

• Celiac genetics –important to determine if gluten could be a trigger to your health issues.

• HLA typing – your body uses these markers to determine which cells belong in your body – and what cells are intruders. If you carry a mutation of this gene, it can cause autoimmunity where your immune system begins to attack healthy tissue.

22. Sleep Study

People with obstructive sleep apnea have a higher risk of developing an autoimmune disease. As sleep apnea can often go undiagnosed for several years, I recommend undergoing a sleep study for peace of mind.

My list of tests for people with auto-immune disease, or for people who wish to get a jump start on autoimmune disease should serve as a useful resource for anyone focused on maintaining their optimal health. The way each test compliments each other is testament to the importance of taking a systemic approach to your health.

It’s especially important to examine where your health and genetics are at currently, so a tailored lifestyle plan can be developed for you. These test also offer baseline information for the future.

I hope you opt to check early so you and your doctor can work together to take personalized steps to improve your health for a full and energized life!

Resources:

1. Enhancing the Clinical Value of Medical Laboratory Testing (nih.gov)
   

2. Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP): What It Is & Results (clevelandclinic.org)
   

3. Comprehensive Metabolic Panel: Purpose, Procedure, Results (webmd.com)
   

4. Understanding the complete blood count with differential – PubMed (nih.gov)
   

5. Complete Blood Count: Normal Ranges & Test Details (clevelandclinic.org)\

6.  The Role of Advanced Lipid Testing in the Prediction of Cardiovascular Disease (nih.gov)

7.  Advanced Lipid Testing – Are You Ready to Know Your Numbers? (accesalabs.com)

8. What are Inflammatory Markers? | IBD and Inflammatory Markers (crohnsandcolitisdietitians.com)

9. Heavy Metal Blood Test: MedlinePlus Medical Test

10. Thyroid Blood Tests (clevelandclinic.org)

11. Reverse Triiodothyronine – an overview | ScienceDirect Topics

12. ANA (Antinuclear Antibody) Test: MedlinePlus Medical Test

13. Extractable Nuclear Antigen Antibodies (ENA) Panel – Testing.com

14. Immunoglobulin Test: High vs Low vs Normal Levels of (Ig) Antibodies (webmd.com)

15. Hemoglobin A1C (HbA1c) Test: MedlinePlus Medical Test

16. Gout and Diabetes: How Are They Related? (webmd.com) 

17. Vitamin D – Health Professional Fact Sheet (nih.gov)

18. Functional Roles of Fatty Acids and Their Effects on Human Health – PubMed (nih.gov)

19. Iron Tests: MedlinePlus Medical Test

* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The information mentioned in this article is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The information in this article is not intended to replace any recommendations or relationship with your physician. Always consult with your doctor.  Please review references cited at the end of the article for scientific support of any claims made.