Wellness Lab Tests

This hub is for people getting annual or baseline health checks, tracking energy/fitness, returning to care, starting new medications, or with a family history of cardiometabolic, kidney, liver, or thyroid disease—and for clinicians organizing preventive panels.

Core domains: General chemistry (CMP/BMP: electrolytes, CO2/bicarbonate, kidney/liver markers, glucose) · CBC · Lipids (± ApoB, Non-HDL-C, Lp(a)) · Glycemia (A1c, FPG ± fructosamine) · Thyroid (TSH ± FT4) · Kidney(creatinine/eGFR, uACR) · Liver (AST/ALT/ALP/GGT, bilirubin, albumin) · Urinalysis · Vitamin D, B12/folate, ± iron studies, and hs-CRP (when well) to refine risk.
These labs help set screening cadence, guide preventive counseling, triage cardio-renal-metabolic risk, and monitorprogress—always with clinician guidance.

What It Tests

Screening/Early detection: CMP/BMP, CBC, lipid panel (± ApoB, Non-HDL-C, Lp[a]), A1c/FPG, TSH, eGFR uACR, LFTs, urinalysis, vitamin D, B12/folate, ± iron studies, hs-CRP (when well).

Diagnosis/Triage: Clarify anemia patterns, discordant glycemia (A1c vs FPG), thyroid dysfunction, early kidney disease (uACR with normal eGFR), persistent LFT elevations, inherited lipoprotein risk (Lp[a]).

Monitoring: Track trends on lifestyle changes or clinician-guided plans; repeat to confirm unexpected results; use the same lab and similar conditions when possible.

Key Tests

Test Also called (synonyms) What it measures Typical prep Specimen TAT Related panels Use type Notes / caveats

CMP Basic/Comprehensive Metabolic Panel; CO2/bicarb Electrolytes (Na/K/Cl/CO2), glucose, BUN/Cr/eGFR (± LFTs in CMP) No fast unless paired with fasting tests Blood 1 d Wellness Essentials Screen/Mon Hydration affects BUN/Cr; lab-to-lab variation.

CBC with indices Hgb/Hct, MCV/RDW, WBC/platelets Anemia/infection/platelet clues None Blood 1 d Wellness Essentials Screen/Dx/Mon Patterns suggest iron vs B12/folate anemia.

Urinalysis (UA) Dipstick microscopic Kidney/urinary clues First-morning ideal Urine 1d Wellness Essentials Screen/Mon Menstrual contamination can cause false blood/protein.

A1c HbA1c ~3-month glycemia No fast Blood 1–2 d Cardiometabolic Screen/Mon Unreliable in anemia, Hb variants, pregnancy, CKD → consider FPG/fructosamine.

Fasting Plasma Glucose FPG Point-in-time glucose 8–12 h fast Blood 1 d Prediabetes Screen/Dx/Mon Illness/meds/alcohol shift values.

Fructosamine — 2–3 week glycemia No fast Blood 1–2 d Prediabetes Mon Useful when A1c unreliable or rapid changes.

Lipid Panel TC/LDL-C/HDL-C/TG Atherogenic lipids Fasting often preferred Blood 1–2 d Cardiometabolic Screen/Mon Non-fasting accepted by some labs; TG most affected.

Apolipoprotein B ApoB Atherogenic particle number None Blood 1–3 d Cardiometabolic Risk/Mon Refines risk beyond LDL-C.

Non-HDL-C TC − HDL-C All atherogenic cholesterol Derived — 1-d Cardiometabolic Risk/Mon No extra blood; strong risk marker.

Lipoprotein(a) Lp(a) Genetic lipoprotein risk None Blood 1–7 d Cardiometabolic Risk (one-time) Typically once-in-lifetime; stable.

TSH and Free T4 — Thyroid function None Blood 1–2 d Thyroid Snapshot Screen/Dx/Mon Biotin may interfere with some assays.

Vitamin D (25-OH) 25-hydroxy vitamin D D status None Blood 1–3 d Bone/Wellness Screen/Mon Interpret with Ca/P; seasonal variation.

Vitamin B12 ± MMA/Hcy Cobalamin B12 status & function None Blood (± MMA) 1–3 d Wellness/Anemia Dx/Mon MMA adds context if B12 borderline; CKD may elevate MMA.

Folate (± RBC folate) — Folate status None Blood 1–3 d Wellness/Anemia Dx/Mon RBC folate reflects longer-term status.

Iron studies Ferritin/Iron/TIBC/TSAT Iron stores/transport AM ± fasting Blood 1–2 d Anemia Panel Dx/Mon Ferritin ↑ with inflammation; pair with CRP.

AST/ALT/ALP/ bilirubin, albumin LFTs Liver injury/function Avoid heavy alcohol 24–48 h Blood 1–2 d Liver Wellness Screen/Dx/Mon Exercise/meds/rapid weight change can shift enzymes.

Creatinine eGFR — Kidney filtration None Blood 1 d Kidney Wellness Screen/Mon Extremes of muscle mass alter estimates; trendover time.

uACR Urine albumin/creatinine ratio Early kidney damage First-catch urine Urine 1–2 d Kidney Wellness Screen/Mon Can be abnormal with normal eGFR; pair with eGFR.

hs-CRP High-sensitivity CRP Low-grade inflammation None; test when well Blood 1–2 d Cardio Risk Risk/Mon Avoid during acute illness.

When to Test

Annual or baseline wellness check (or after a gap in care).

New medications (e.g., statins, isotretinoin, diuretics, metformin).

Family history of diabetes, heart, kidney, or thyroid disease.

Lifestyle changes (starting a fitness/weight program) or unexplained fatigue/low energy.

Employment/school requirements (UA, titers—see Immunity & Titer hub).

Preconception/pregnancy planning (with clinician guidance).

Athletes/high physical load (consider CK, iron, vitamin D as relevant).

How to Prepare

Fasting: 8–12 h for FPG and many lipid protocols; A1c does not require fasting.

Hydration: Maintain usual intake; avoid over-hydration that dilutes urine.

Exercise/alcohol: Avoid vigorous exercise and heavy alcohol 24–48 h before the draw.

Biotin & supplements: Avoid high-dose biotin for 24–48 h before immunoassays; disclose vitamins/supplements. Do not stop prescriptions without guidance.

Urine: First-morning sample is ideal; avoid testing during menstruation when possible.

Consistency: For trending, use the same lab and similar conditions/time of day.

Interpreting Results

Lipids: Fasting/non-fasting changes TG; ApoB and Non-HDL-C refine risk; Lp(a) is genetic and usually once-in-lifetime.

Glycemia: A1c ≈ 3-month average; verify with FPG/fructosamine when A1c is unreliable.

Kidney: Combine eGFR uACR for better risk classification; hydration affects BUN/Cr.

Liver: Mild enzyme elevations are common; repeat to confirm and review meds/alcohol/exercise.

Thyroid: TSH is the primary screen; confirm with FT4 when indicated; consider biotin exposure.

Anemia & nutrients: Use CBC pattern iron/B12/folate; ferritin rises with inflammation (review CRP).

Avoid self-diagnosis and medication/supplement self-titration; partner with a clinician.

Related Conditions

Heart & Cardiovascular Risk (lipids, ApoB, Lp[a], hs-CRP)

Diabetes & Prediabetes (A1c/FPG)

Kidney Health (eGFR uACR)

Liver Health (LFTs)

Thyroid & Hormone (TSH ± FT4)

Nutrition & Micronutrients (Vitamin D, B12/folate, iron)

Weight Management (cardiometabolic baseline)

Immunity & Titer (employment/school)

Bundles & Panels

General Wellness Profile 1 – Serves as a foundational health screening, offering a broad overview of core wellness metrics for general status assessment.

Comprehensive Wellness Panel – Includes key markers such as CBC, total cholesterol, comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), and lipid testing—providing wide-ranging insight into metabolic, hematologic, and organ function.

ULTA Comprehensive Wellness Panel – Encompasses 27 tests with 126 biomarkers, delivering an expansive evaluation of health across multiple systems including metabolism, inflammation, organ function, and more.

TSN – Comprehensive Wellness Panel – Includes 15 tests with 23 biomarkers, offering targeted coverage of essential wellness parameters with a streamlined test set.

FAQs

Do I need to fast for wellness labs?
Often yes for FPG and many lipid protocols; A1c does not require fasting.

What’s in a “comprehensive” wellness panel?
Typically CBC, CMP/BMP, lipid panel, A1c; many add TSH, vitamin D, and urinalysis.

ApoB vs LDL—why both?
ApoB reflects atherogenic particle number, refining risk beyond LDL-C.

Why test Lp(a) once?
Lp(a) is largely genetic and generally stable, so one measurement often suffices.

What if my A1c and fasting glucose disagree?
Consider fructosamine/OGTT and discuss the context (anemia, pregnancy, CKD) with your clinician.

Can dehydration affect my labs?
Yes—BUN/Cr and urinalysis concentration can shift with hydration status.

Biotin and lab tests—does it matter?
High-dose biotin can skew some immunoassays (e.g., thyroid markers).

How often should I repeat wellness labs?
Commonly annually; timing is tailored by your clinician based on risk and prior results.

References

USPSTF — preventive screening recommendations

ACC/AHA — lipid assessment & risk refinement (ApoB, Lp[a], Non-HDL-C)

ADA — diabetes screening (A1c/FPG; fructosamine context)

KDIGO/NKF — kidney risk using eGFR uACR

AASLD — general interpretation of liver chemistries

AACE/ATA — thyroid testing basics

CDC — adult immunization schedule & wellness considerations

Mayo Clinic Laboratories / ARUP Consult — test utilization & pre-analytics

Last reviewed: September 2025 — Medical reviewer: Ulta Lab Tests Mediccal Team

Overall, general wellness lab tests can help you understand a lot more about your health. With this knowledge, you can stay ahead of any issues that arise. You can also get some valuable tips on how to improve your health by doing tiny things in your daily life.

To assess your overall health, choose from the list of testing choices below.

All Wellness Tests

General Wellness

Men's Wellness

Women's Wellness

To learn more about the general wellness lab tests that are offered, click the link below.

What You Need to Know about General Wellness Lab Tests

Men's Wellness Checkup: The Benefits of Regular Men's Wellness Lab Testing

Women's Wellness Checkup: The Benefits of Regular Women's Wellness Lab Testing

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Test	Also called (synonyms)	What it measures	Typical prep	Specimen	TAT	Related panels	Use type	Notes / caveats
CMP	Basic/Comprehensive Metabolic Panel; CO2/bicarb	Electrolytes (Na/K/Cl/CO2), glucose, BUN/Cr/eGFR (± LFTs in CMP)	No fast unless paired with fasting tests	Blood	1 d	Wellness Essentials	Screen/Mon	Hydration affects BUN/Cr; lab-to-lab variation.
CBC with indices	Hgb/Hct, MCV/RDW, WBC/platelets	Anemia/infection/platelet clues	None	Blood	1 d	Wellness Essentials	Screen/Dx/Mon	Patterns suggest iron vs B12/folate anemia.
Urinalysis (UA)	Dipstick microscopic	Kidney/urinary clues	First-morning ideal	Urine	1d	Wellness Essentials	Screen/Mon	Menstrual contamination can cause false blood/protein.
A1c	HbA1c	~3-month glycemia	No fast	Blood	1–2 d	Cardiometabolic	Screen/Mon	Unreliable in anemia, Hb variants, pregnancy, CKD → consider FPG/fructosamine.
Fasting Plasma Glucose	FPG	Point-in-time glucose	8–12 h fast	Blood	1 d	Prediabetes	Screen/Dx/Mon	Illness/meds/alcohol shift values.
Fructosamine	—	2–3 week glycemia	No fast	Blood	1–2 d	Prediabetes	Mon	Useful when A1c unreliable or rapid changes.
Lipid Panel	TC/LDL-C/HDL-C/TG	Atherogenic lipids	Fasting often preferred	Blood	1–2 d	Cardiometabolic	Screen/Mon	Non-fasting accepted by some labs; TG most affected.
Apolipoprotein B	ApoB	Atherogenic particle number	None	Blood	1–3 d	Cardiometabolic	Risk/Mon	Refines risk beyond LDL-C.
Non-HDL-C	TC − HDL-C	All atherogenic cholesterol	Derived	—	1-d	Cardiometabolic	Risk/Mon	No extra blood; strong risk marker.
Lipoprotein(a)	Lp(a)	Genetic lipoprotein risk	None	Blood	1–7 d	Cardiometabolic	Risk (one-time)	Typically once-in-lifetime; stable.
TSH and Free T4	—	Thyroid function	None	Blood	1–2 d	Thyroid Snapshot	Screen/Dx/Mon	Biotin may interfere with some assays.
Vitamin D (25-OH)	25-hydroxy vitamin D	D status	None	Blood	1–3 d	Bone/Wellness	Screen/Mon	Interpret with Ca/P; seasonal variation.
Vitamin B12 ± MMA/Hcy	Cobalamin	B12 status & function	None	Blood (± MMA)	1–3 d	Wellness/Anemia	Dx/Mon	MMA adds context if B12 borderline; CKD may elevate MMA.
Folate (± RBC folate)	—	Folate status	None	Blood	1–3 d	Wellness/Anemia	Dx/Mon	RBC folate reflects longer-term status.
Iron studies	Ferritin/Iron/TIBC/TSAT	Iron stores/transport	AM ± fasting	Blood	1–2 d	Anemia Panel	Dx/Mon	Ferritin ↑ with inflammation; pair with CRP.
AST/ALT/ALP/ bilirubin, albumin	LFTs	Liver injury/function	Avoid heavy alcohol 24–48 h	Blood	1–2 d	Liver Wellness	Screen/Dx/Mon	Exercise/meds/rapid weight change can shift enzymes.
Creatinine eGFR	—	Kidney filtration	None	Blood	1 d	Kidney Wellness	Screen/Mon	Extremes of muscle mass alter estimates; trendover time.
uACR	Urine albumin/creatinine ratio	Early kidney damage	First-catch urine	Urine	1–2 d	Kidney Wellness	Screen/Mon	Can be abnormal with normal eGFR; pair with eGFR.
hs-CRP	High-sensitivity CRP	Low-grade inflammation	None; test when well	Blood	1–2 d	Cardio Risk	Risk/Mon	Avoid during acute illness.

Browse Wellness Lab Tests Subcategories

All Wellness Tests

General Wellness

Men's Wellness

Women's Wellness