Ulta Lab Tests

Advanced GLP-1 Microdosing Panel

Advanced GLP-1 metabolic monitoring panel including A1c, glucose, insulin, C-peptide, ApoB, Lipoprotein (a), lipid panel, hs-CRP, homocysteine, kidney function (Cystatin C, eGFR, urine albumin), liver enzymes, vitamin B12, vitamin D, and magnesium. Designed for comprehensive cardiometabolic and renal monitoring during GLP-1–based therapy.

Urine, Serum, Blood
Phlebotomist

The following is a list of what is included in the item above. Click the test(s) below to view what biomarkers are measured along with an explanation of what the biomarker is measuring.

Also known as: Microalbumin Random Urine with Creatinine

Creatinine, Random Urine

Microalbumin

Microalbumin/Creatinine

Apolipoprotein B

Also known as: C-Terminal Insulin, Connecting peptide insulin, CPeptide, Insulin C-peptide, Proinsulin C-peptide

C-Peptide

Also known as: Chem 12, Chemistry Panel, Chemistry Screen, CMP, Complete Metabolic Panel, Comprehensive Metabolic Panel CMP, SMA 12, SMA 20

Albumin

Albumin is a protein made by the liver. A serum albumin test measures the amount of this protein in the clear liquid portion of the blood.

Albumin/Globulin Ratio

The ratio of albumin to globulin (A/G ratio) is calculated from measured albumin and calculated globulin (total protein - albumin). Normally, there is a little more albumin than globulins, giving a normal A/G ratio of slightly over 1. Because disease states affect the relative amounts of albumin and globulin, the A/G ratio may provide a clue as to the cause of the change in protein levels. A low A/G ratio may reflect overproduction of globulins, such as seen in multiple myeloma or autoimmune diseases, or underproduction of albumin, such as may occur with cirrhosis, or selective loss of albumin from the circulation, as may occur with kidney disease (nephrotic syndrome). A high A/G ratio suggests underproduction of immunoglobulins as may be seen in some genetic deficiencies and in some leukemias. More specific tests, such as liver enzyme tests and serum protein electrophoresis, must be performed to make an accurate diagnosis. With a low total protein that is due to plasma expansion (dilution of the blood), the A/G ratio will typically be normal because both albumin and globulin will be diluted to the same extent.

Alkaline Phosphatase

Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) is a protein found in all body tissues. Tissues with higher amounts of ALP include the liver, bile ducts, and bone.

Alt

Alanine transaminase (ALT) is an enzyme found in the highest amounts in the liver. Injury to the liver results in release of the substance into the blood.

AST

AST (aspartate aminotransferase) is an enzyme found in high amounts in liver, heart, and muscle cells. It is also found in lesser amounts in other tissues.

Bilirubin, Total

Bilirubin is a yellowish pigment found in bile, a fluid made by the liver. A small amount of older red blood cells are replaced by new blood cells every day. Bilirubin is left after these older blood cells are removed. The liver helps break down bilirubin so that it can be removed from the body in the stool.

Bun/Creatinine Ratio

A ratio between a person’s BUN and blood creatinine to help determine what is causing these concentrations to be higher than normal. The ratio of BUN to creatinine is usually between 10:1 and 20:1. An increased ratio may be due to a condition that causes a decrease in the flow of blood to the kidneys, such as congestive heart failure or dehydration. It may also be seen with increased protein, from gastrointestinal bleeding, or increased protein in the diet. The ratio may be decreased with liver disease (due to decrease in the formation of urea) and malnutrition.

Calcium

You have more calcium in your body than any other mineral. Calcium has many important jobs. The body stores more than 99 percent of its calcium in the bones and teeth to help make and keep them strong. The rest is throughout the body in blood, muscle and the fluid between cells. Your body needs calcium to help muscles and blood vessels contract and expand, to secrete hormones and enzymes and to send messages through the nervous system.

Carbon Dioxide

CO2 is carbon dioxide. Measures the amount of carbon dioxide in the liquid part of your blood, called the serum. In the body, most of the CO2 is in the form of a substance called bicarbonate (HCO3-). Therefore, the CO2 blood test is really a measure of your blood bicarbonate level.

Chloride

Chloride is a type of electrolyte. It works with other electrolytes such as potassium, sodium, and carbon dioxide (CO2). These substances help keep the proper balance of body fluids and maintain the body's acid-base balance. This is a measure of the amount of chloride in the fluid portion (serum) of the blood.

Creatinine

The creatinine blood test measures the level of creatinine in the blood. This test is done to see how well your kidneys work.

Egfr African American

Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is a test used to check how well the kidneys are working. Specifically, it estimates how much blood passes through the glomeruli each minute. Glomeruli are the tiny filters in the kidneys that filter waste from the blood.

Egfr Non-Afr. American

Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is a test used to check how well the kidneys are working. Specifically, it estimates how much blood passes through the glomeruli each minute. Glomeruli are the tiny filters in the kidneys that filter waste from the blood.

GFR-AFRICAN AMERICAN

GFR-NON AFRICAN AMERICAN

Globulin

Globulins is the collective term for most blood proteins other than albumin. Identifying the types of globulins can help diagnose certain disorders. Globulins are roughly divided into three groups: alpha, beta, and gamma globulins. Gamma globulines include various types of antibodies such as immunoglobulins (Ig) M, G, and A.

Glucose

A blood glucose test measures the amount of a sugar called glucose in a sample of your blood. Glucose is a major source of energy for most cells of the body, including those in the brain. The hormones insulin and glucagon help control blood glucose levels.

Potassium

Potassium is a mineral that the body needs to work normally. It helps nerves and muscles communicate. It also helps move nutrients into cells and waste products out of cells. A diet rich in potassium helps to offset some of sodium's harmful effects on blood pressure.

Protein, Total

The total protein is the total amount of two classes of proteins, albumin and globulin that are found in the fluid portion of your blood. Proteins are important parts of all cells and tissues. Your albumin helps prevent fluid from leaking out of blood vessels and your globulins are an important part of your immune system.

Sodium

Sodium is a substance that the body needs to work properly it is vital to normal body processes, including nerve and muscle function

Urea Nitrogen (Bun)

BUN stands for blood urea nitrogen. Urea nitrogen is what forms when protein breaks down. BUN measures the amount of urea nitrogen in the blood.

CYSTATIN C

eGFR

Also known as: A1c, Glycated Hemoglobin, Glycohemoglobin, Glycosylated Hemoglobin, HA1c, HbA1c, Hemoglobin A1c, Hemoglobin A1c HgbA1C, Hgb A1c

HEMOGLOBIN A1C

The A1c test evaluates the average amount of glucose in the blood over the last 2 to 3 months. It does this by measuring the concentration of glycated (also often called glycosylated) hemoglobin A1c. Hemoglobin is an oxygen-transporting protein found inside red blood cells (RBCs). There are several types of normal hemoglobin, but the predominant form – about 95-98% – is hemoglobin A. As glucose circulates in the blood, some of it spontaneously binds to hemoglobin A. The hemoglobin molecules with attached glucose are called glycated hemoglobin. The higher the concentration of glucose in the blood, the more glycated hemoglobin is formed. Once the glucose binds to the hemoglobin, it remains there for the life of the red blood cell – normally about 120 days. The predominant form of glycated hemoglobin is referred to as HbA1c or A1c. A1c is produced on a daily basis and slowly cleared from the blood as older RBCs die and younger RBCs (with non-glycated hemoglobin) take their place. This test is used to monitor treatment in someone who has been diagnosed with diabetes. It helps to evaluate how well their glucose levels have been controlled by treatment over time. This test may be used to screen for and diagnose diabetes or risk of developing diabetes. In 2010, clinical practice guidelines from the American Diabetes Association (ADA) stated that A1c may be added to fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) as an option for diabetes screening and diagnosis. For monitoring purposes, an A1c of less than 7% indicates good glucose control and a lower risk of diabetic complications for the majority of diabetics. However, in 2012, the ADA and the European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD) issued a position statement recommending that the management of glucose control in type 2 diabetes be more "patient-centered." Data from recent studies have shown that low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) can cause complications and that people with risk of severe hypoglycemia, underlying health conditions, complications, and a limited life expectancy do not necessarily benefit from having a stringent goal of less than 7% for their A1c. The statement recommends that people work closely with their doctor to select a goal that reflects each person's individual health status and that balances risks and benefits.

Also known as: Homocysteine, Homocysteine Cardiovascular

HOMOCYSTEINE,

Also known as: C-Reactive Protein, Cardio CRP, Cardio hs-CRP, CRP, High Sensitivity CRP, High-sensitivity C-reactive Protein, High-sensitivity CRP, Highly Sensitive CRP, hsCRP, Ultra-sensitive CRP

Hs Crp

A high-sensitivity CRP (hs-CRP) test may be used by itself, in combination with other cardiac risk markers, or in combination with a lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2) test that evaluates vascular inflammation. The hs-CRP test accurately detects low concentrations of C-reactive protein to help predict a healthy person's risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). High-sensitivity CRP is promoted by some as a test for determining a person's risk level for CVD, heart attacks, and strokes. The current thinking is that hs-CRP can play a role in the evaluation process before a person develops one of these health problems.

Also known as: Insulin (fasting)

Insulin

Insulin is a hormone that is produced and stored in the beta cells of the pancreas. It is vital for the transportation and storage of glucose at the cellular level, helps regulate blood glucose levels, and has a role in lipid metabolism. When blood glucose levels rise after a meal, insulin is released to allow glucose to move into tissue cells, especially muscle and adipose (fat) cells, where is it is used for energy production. Insulin then prompts the liver to either store the remaining excess blood glucose as glycogen for short-term energy storage and/or to use it to produce fatty acids. The fatty acids are eventually used by adipose tissue to synthesize triglycerides to form the basis of a longer term, more concentrated form of energy storage. Without insulin, glucose cannot reach most of the body's cells. Without glucose, the cells starve and blood glucose levels rise to unhealthy levels. This can cause disturbances in normal metabolic processes that result in various disorders, including kidney disease, cardiovascular disease, and vision and neurological problems. Thus, diabetes, a disorder associated with decreased insulin effects, is eventually a life-threatening condition.

Also known as: Cholesterol, HDL,Fasting Lipids,Cholesterol, LDL, Fasting Lipids, Lipid Panel (fasting), Lipid Profile (fasting), Lipids

Chol/HDLC Ratio

Cholesterol, Total

Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance that occurs naturally in all parts of the body. Your body needs some cholesterol to work properly. But if you have too much in your blood, it can combine with other substances in the blood and stick to the walls of your arteries. This is called plaque. Plaque can narrow your arteries or even block them. High levels of cholesterol in the blood can increase your risk of heart disease. Your cholesterol levels tend to rise as you get older. There are usually no signs or symptoms that you have high blood cholesterol, but it can be detected with a blood test. You are likely to have high cholesterol if members of your family have it, if you are overweight or if you eat a lot of fatty foods. You can lower your cholesterol by exercising more and eating more fruits and vegetables. You also may need to take medicine to lower your cholesterol.

HDL Cholesterol

LDL-Cholesterol

Non HDL Cholesterol

Triglycerides

Triglycerides are a form of fat and a major source of energy for the body. This test measures the amount of triglycerides in the blood. Most triglycerides are found in fat (adipose) tissue, but some triglycerides circulate in the blood to provide fuel for muscles to work. After a person eats, an increased level of triglycerides is found in the blood as the body converts the energy not needed right away into fat. Triglycerides move via the blood from the gut to adipose tissue for storage. In between meals, triglycerides are released from fat tissue to be used as an energy source for the body. Most triglycerides are carried in the blood by lipoproteins called very low density lipoproteins (VLDL). High levels of triglycerides in the blood are associated with an increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease (CVD), although the reason for this is not well understood. Certain factors can contribute to high triglyceride levels and to risk of CVD, including lack of exercise, being overweight, smoking cigarettes, consuming excess alcohol, and medical conditions such as diabetes and kidney disease.

Also known as: Lipoprotein A, Lp (a), Lp(a)

Lipoprotein (A)

Lipoprotein-a, or Lp(a) are molecules made of proteins and fat. They carry cholesterol and similar substances through the blood. A high level of Lp(a) is considered a risk factor for heart disease. High levels of lipoproteins can increase the risk of heart disease. The test is done to check your risk of atherosclerosis, stroke, and heart attack.

Magnesium

Also known as: B12, B12 Vitamin, Cobalamin, Cyanocobalamin, Vitamin B12 Cobalamin

Vitamin B12

Vitamin B12 is part of the B complex of vitamins and measurea the levels of vitamin B12 in the liquid portion of the blood, the serum or plasma, to detect deficiencies. Cobalamine, or vitamin B12, is found in animal products such as red meat, fish, poultry, milk, yogurt, and eggs and is not produced in the human body. In recent years, fortified cereals, breads, and other grain products have also become important dietary sources of B12. Vitamin B12 is necessary for normal RBC formation, tissue and cellular repair, and DNA synthesis. B12 is important for nerve health. A deficiency in B12 can lead to macrocytic anemia. Megaloblastic anemia, a type of macrocytic anemia, is characterized by the production of fewer but larger RBCs called macrocytes, in addition to some cellular changes in the bone marrow. B12 deficiency can lead to varying degrees of neuropathy, nerve damage that can cause tingling and numbness in the affected person's hands and feet.

Also known as: ,25-Hydroxyvitamin D2, 25-Hydroxycholecalciferol (25OHD3), 25-OH-D2,D3 Vitamin, D2 Vitamin,25-Hydroxyvitamin D3,25-OH-D3, QuestAssureD 25Hydroxyvitamin D D2 D3 LCMSMS, Vitamin D, Vitamin D, 25-Hydroxy, Vitamin D2, 25-hydroxy,25-Hydroxyergocalciferol (25OHD2),Vitamin D3, 25-hydroxy

Vitamin D, 25-Oh, Total

Vitamin D comes from two sources: endogenous, which is produced in the skin on exposure to sunlight, and exogenous, which is ingested in foods and supplements. The chemical structures of the types of vitamin D are slightly different, and they are named vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol, which comes from plants) and vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol, which comes from animals). The D2 form is found in fortified foods and in most vitamin preparations and supplements. Vitamin D3 is the form produced in the body and is also used in some supplements. Vitamin D2 and D3 are equally effective when they are converted by the liver and the kidney into the active form, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D.
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The Advanced GLP-1 Microdosing Panel panel contains 14 tests with 42 biomarkers .

Comprehensive Cardiometabolic and Organ Function Monitoring for GLP-1–Based Therapy

The Advanced GLP-1 Microdosing Panel is an expanded laboratory assessment designed to provide in-depth metabolic, cardiovascular, renal, and nutritional monitoring for individuals using or considering GLP-1–based therapies. GLP-1 receptor agonists influence glucose regulation, insulin dynamics, appetite signaling, lipid metabolism, and weight-related metabolic pathways. Because these therapies interact with multiple physiological systems, structured laboratory evaluation supports informed, evidence-based care.

This advanced panel builds upon foundational glycemic monitoring by incorporating C-Peptide, Apolipoprotein B, Lipoprotein (a), Homocysteine, Cystatin C with eGFR, and urine Albumin/Creatinine Ratio. It also evaluates vitamin status (Vitamin B12 and Vitamin D), serum magnesium, inflammatory activity (hs-CRP), comprehensive lipid markers, and detailed organ function through a full Comprehensive Metabolic Panel.

The result is a multidimensional metabolic profile that assesses insulin production, cardiovascular risk markers, kidney filtration, liver enzymes, electrolyte balance, and micronutrient status. By integrating short-term and long-term glucose markers with advanced cardiovascular and renal biomarkers, this panel provides a structured approach to evaluating metabolic adaptation and cardiometabolic risk during GLP-1 therapy.

Designed for baseline assessment and longitudinal monitoring, the Advanced GLP-1 Microdosing Panel offers a comprehensive framework for understanding how glycemic control, insulin signaling, lipid particle burden, kidney health, and nutrient balance evolve over time.

When and Why Someone Would Order This Panel

Baseline and Ongoing Monitoring During GLP-1 Therapy

Individuals using GLP-1–based medications may benefit from advanced laboratory monitoring to evaluate how therapy influences glucose control, insulin production, cardiometabolic risk, and organ function. Establishing baseline values for Hemoglobin A1c, fasting glucose, insulin, C-Peptide, and lipid markers allows healthcare providers to monitor response and adjust care strategies appropriately.

C-Peptide testing adds an additional layer of insight into endogenous insulin production. This can help differentiate between insulin resistance patterns and changes in pancreatic insulin secretion.

Cardiovascular Risk Evaluation

GLP-1 therapies are often used in individuals with cardiometabolic risk factors. Including Apolipoprotein B, Lipoprotein (a), a full Lipid Panel, hs-CRP, and Homocysteine provides a broader cardiovascular risk assessment beyond standard cholesterol measurements. These markers help evaluate lipid particle burden, inherited lipoprotein risk, inflammatory signaling, and vascular health.

Kidney Function and Safety Monitoring

Metabolic conditions such as diabetes and hypertension are closely linked to kidney health. Measuring Creatinine, eGFR, Cystatin C, and urine Albumin/Creatinine Ratio provides a more complete evaluation of renal filtration and early kidney stress.

Nutrient and Electrolyte Considerations

Weight-related therapies and metabolic shifts may influence micronutrient status. Vitamin B12, Vitamin D, and Magnesium testing help assess nutritional adequacy and support comprehensive metabolic oversight.

This panel may be used prior to initiating GLP-1 therapy, during active treatment, or as part of broader cardiometabolic monitoring in individuals managing insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, dyslipidemia, or obesity-related metabolic conditions.

What Does the Panel Measure?

Glycemic and Insulin Regulation Markers

  • Hemoglobin A1c: Reflects average blood glucose over approximately three months.

  • Glucose (Fasting): Snapshot of current blood sugar levels.

  • Insulin (Fasting): Assesses insulin production and potential insulin resistance.

  • C-Peptide: Reflects endogenous insulin secretion from the pancreas.

Together, these markers provide insight into glucose control and pancreatic function.

Advanced Cardiovascular and Lipid Markers

  • Lipid Panel: Total cholesterol, LDL-C, HDL-C, triglycerides.

  • Apolipoprotein B (ApoB): Measures total number of atherogenic lipoprotein particles.

  • Lipoprotein (a): Genetically influenced cardiovascular risk marker.

  • High-Sensitivity CRP (hs-CRP): Marker of systemic inflammation.

  • Homocysteine: Amino acid associated with vascular health.

These tests help refine cardiovascular risk assessment.

Kidney Function and Renal Health

  • Creatinine and eGFR: Evaluate kidney filtration.

  • Cystatin C with eGFR: Provides a sensitive assessment of kidney function.

  • Albumin Random Urine with Creatinine: Detects early kidney stress or microalbuminuria.

  • BUN: Reflects kidney excretory function.

Liver and Metabolic Panel Components

  • ALT, AST, ALP, Bilirubin: Assess liver enzyme activity.

  • Electrolytes (Sodium, Potassium, Chloride, CO2): Evaluate metabolic balance.

  • Albumin and Globulin: Reflect protein status and liver function.

Micronutrient Markers

  • Vitamin B12: Important for nerve function and red blood cell production.

  • Vitamin D 25-Hydroxy Total: Assesses vitamin D status.

  • Magnesium (Serum): Involved in glucose metabolism and neuromuscular function.

Together, these biomarkers create a comprehensive metabolic and cardiometabolic profile.

How Patients and Healthcare Providers Use the Results

Monitoring Glycemic Control and Insulin Dynamics

Providers use Hemoglobin A1c and fasting glucose to assess glycemic trends. Insulin and C-Peptide levels help evaluate insulin resistance versus changes in endogenous insulin production. These results support ongoing metabolic management decisions.

Refining Cardiovascular Risk Stratification

ApoB and Lipoprotein (a) offer more detailed cardiovascular risk information than LDL cholesterol alone. Elevated hs-CRP or Homocysteine may indicate inflammatory or vascular stress patterns. Tracking lipid trends during GLP-1 therapy provides insight into cardiometabolic adaptation.

Evaluating Kidney Health

Changes in Creatinine, Cystatin C, eGFR, or urine albumin levels may indicate early renal involvement. Early detection of microalbuminuria can be particularly important in individuals with diabetes or insulin resistance.

Ensuring Organ Safety

Liver enzymes and electrolyte values help monitor organ function stability. This is especially relevant when managing complex metabolic conditions or multiple therapies.

Identifying Nutrient Imbalances

Low Vitamin B12 or Vitamin D levels may affect overall metabolic and neurologic health. Magnesium plays a role in glucose regulation and cellular function. Addressing deficiencies may support comprehensive metabolic care.

Healthcare providers integrate these results with clinical history, symptoms, and treatment goals to guide personalized monitoring strategies.

An Advanced, Data-Driven Approach to GLP-1 Metabolic Monitoring

The Advanced GLP-1 Microdosing Panel provides a comprehensive evaluation of glycemic control, insulin production, cardiovascular risk markers, renal filtration, liver function, inflammation, and nutrient status. By integrating foundational metabolic testing with advanced lipid and kidney biomarkers, this panel supports a structured and clinically informed approach to GLP-1–based therapy monitoring.

Metabolic health involves interconnected systems—glucose regulation, lipid metabolism, kidney function, inflammation, and nutrient balance all contribute to long-term outcomes. Objective laboratory data helps clarify how these systems respond over time.

Whether used for baseline assessment or ongoing monitoring, this panel offers a multidimensional, evidence-based framework for supporting cardiometabolic health and personalized treatment oversight grounded in measurable laboratory insights.

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