Ulta Lab Tests

GLP-1 Cardiometabolic Safety & Optimization Panel

Urine, Serum, Blood, Other
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

Amylase

Also known as: Apolipoprotein B Cardio IQ, Cardio IQ Apolipoprotein B

Apolipoprotein B

Also known as: Bilirubin Direct, Conjugated Bilirubin

Bilirubin, Direct

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.

Also known as: Bilirubin Fractionated

Bilirubin, Indirect

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.

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.

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.

Also known as: CK (Total), CPK, CPK (Total), Creatine Kinase CK Total, Creatine Phosphokinase (CPK), Total CK

Creatine Kinase, Total

Ferritin

Ferritin is a protein found inside cells that stores iron so your body can use it later. A ferritin test indirectly measures the amount of iron in your blood. The amount of ferritin in your blood (serum ferritin level) is directly related to the amount of iron stored in your body.

Also known as: Gamma Glutamyl Transferase GGT, Gamma-Glutamyl Transferase, Gamma-Glutamyl Transpeptidase, Gamma-GT, GGTP, GTP

Ggt

Gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) is a test to measure the amount of the enzyme GGT in the blood.

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: LPS

Lipase

Also known as: Cardio IQ Lipid Panel, Cholesterol and Lipids, Lipid Panel Cardio IQ, 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: Ion Mobility, Cardio IQ Lipoprotein Fractionation, Ion Mobility , HDL Subfractions, IDL Subfractions, LDL Subfractions, Lipoprotein Fraction, Lipoprotein Fractionation, Lipoprotein Fractionation Ion Mobility Cardio IQ, Quest Diagnostics has replaced the VAP® Cholesterol Test with Lipoprotein Fractionation, Ion Mobility, Cardio IQ™ test

HDL Large

LDL Medium

LDL Particle Number

LDL Pattern

LDL Peak Size

LDL Small

Also known as: Magnesium RBC

Magnesium, Rbc

About half of the body's magnesium is found in bone. The other half is found inside cells of body tissues and organs. Magnesium is needed for nearly all chemical processes in the body. It helps maintain normal muscle and nerve function, and keeps the bones strong. Magnesium is also needed for the heart to function normally and to help regulate blood pressure. Magnesium also helps the body control blood sugar level and helps support the body's defense (immune) system.
*Important Information on Lab Test Processing Times: Ulta Lab Tests is committed to informing you about the processing times for your lab tests processed through a national lab. Please note that the estimated processing time for each test, indicated in business days, is based on data from the past 30 days across the 13 laboratories for each test. These estimates are intended to serve as a guide and are not guarantees. Factors such as laboratory workload, weather conditions, holidays, and the need for additional testing or maintenance can influence actual processing times. We aim to offer estimates to help you plan accordingly. Please understand that these times may vary, and processing times are not guaranteed. Thank you for choosing Ulta Lab Tests for your laboratory needs.

The GLP-1 Cardiometabolic Safety & Optimization Panel panel contains 18 tests with 51 biomarkers .

GLP-1 Side Effect Monitoring Panel

Advanced Safety & Cardiometabolic Impact Testing for GLP-1 Medications

GLP-1 medications such as semaglutide and tirzepatide are powerful tools for weight loss and metabolic improvement — but they also change how your body processes glucose, fat, liver enzymes, and pancreatic activity.

The GLP-1 Side Effect Monitoring Panel is designed to establish a baseline and monitor key biomarkers that may shift during therapy. This comprehensive panel helps detect early changes in kidney function, liver health, pancreatic enzymes, lipid particle patterns, muscle integrity, and cardiometabolic risk markers — allowing you and your healthcare provider to optimize therapy safely.

Why This Panel Matters

GLP-1 medications can affect:

• Kidney function (especially during dehydration)
• Pancreatic enzymes
• Gallbladder and biliary markers
• Lipid metabolism and particle size
• Insulin production and sensitivity
• Muscle integrity (if used alongside statins)
• Inflammation and vascular risk

Monitoring these markers helps distinguish normal metabolic improvement from potential safety concerns.

What This Panel Measures

Kidney Function & Hydration Protection

Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP)

Why included for GLP-1 therapy:
GLP-1 medications commonly cause nausea, vomiting, reduced appetite, and decreased fluid intake.

Detects:

  • Creatinine and eGFR changes

  • Electrolyte shifts (sodium, potassium, CO2)

  • Baseline glucose

Monitors:

  • Dehydration-related kidney stress

  • Electrolyte imbalance during GI side effects

  • Renal safety during dose escalation

Alerts to:

  • Acute kidney injury

  • Significant electrolyte disturbances

Protects by:
Identifying kidney stress early — especially in patients on diuretics, ACE inhibitors, or with pre-existing CKD.

Albumin, Random Urine with Creatinine (uACR)

Why included:
Improved glycemic control can change glomerular filtration dynamics.

Detects:

  • Microalbuminuria

Monitors:

  • Early kidney stress

Alerts to:

  • Early diabetic or hypertensive nephropathy

Protects by:
Detecting renal damage before serum creatinine rises.

Liver & Gallbladder Monitoring (via CMP + Bilirubin + GGT)

Rapid weight loss associated with GLP-1 therapy increases gallstone risk.

Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP – liver components)

Why included for liver monitoring:
CMP includes ALT, AST, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total bilirubin, albumin, and total protein.

Detects:

  • Hepatocellular enzyme elevation (ALT/AST)

  • Cholestatic pattern (ALP elevation)

  • Total bilirubin elevation

Monitors:

  • Liver enzyme changes during therapy

  • Gallbladder-related biochemical shifts

Alerts to:

  • Drug-induced liver injury

  • Biliary obstruction patterns

Protects by:
Providing a broad hepatic safety screen without redundant testing.

Bilirubin, Direct & Fractionated

Why included:
If total bilirubin rises on CMP, fractionation clarifies cause.

Detects:

  • Conjugated vs. unconjugated elevation

Monitors:

  • Biliary flow patterns

Alerts to:

  • Gallstones or bile duct obstruction during rapid weight loss

Protects by:
Guiding imaging and further evaluation when necessary.

Gamma Glutamyl Transferase (GGT)

Why included:
GGT strengthens detection of biliary-related issues when ALP is elevated.

Detects:

  • Early cholestatic or gallbladder patterns

Monitors:

  • Biliary stress

Alerts to:

  • Gallbladder involvement

Protects by:
Improving detection specificity when paired with ALP and bilirubin.

Pancreatic Safety Monitoring

Lipase

Why included:
Primary enzyme used to evaluate suspected pancreatitis.

Detects:

  • Pancreatic inflammation

Monitors:

  • Enzyme changes if abdominal symptoms occur

Alerts to:

  • Acute pancreatitis

Protects by:
Supporting rapid clinical evaluation if symptoms arise.

Amylase

Why included:
Supportive pancreatic enzyme marker.

Detects:

  • Pancreatic irritation

Monitors:

  • Trends alongside lipase

Alerts to:

  • Early enzyme elevation

Protects by:
Adding confirmatory data in symptom-driven evaluation.

Glucose & Insulin Regulation

GLP-1 therapy improves insulin sensitivity and glucose control.

Hemoglobin A1c (HgbA1c)

Detects: Long-term glycemic improvement
Monitors: 2–3 month glucose trends
Alerts to: Hypoglycemia risk if combined with insulin/sulfonylureas
Protects by: Guiding medication adjustment

Insulin

Detects: Hyperinsulinemia
Monitors: Insulin resistance improvement
Alerts to: Persistent insulin resistance
Protects by: Supporting metabolic optimization

C-Peptide

Detects: Endogenous insulin production
Monitors: Beta-cell function
Alerts to: Declining pancreatic function
Protects by: Clarifying metabolic response patterns

Advanced Cardiovascular Risk Monitoring

GLP-1 therapy often improves lipid and inflammatory markers.

Lipid Panel, Cardio IQ™

Tracks LDL, HDL, and triglyceride changes during weight loss.

Apolipoprotein B

Measures total atherogenic particle burden.

Lipoprotein Fractionation, Ion Mobility

Evaluates LDL particle size and number.

hs-CRP

Monitors systemic inflammation and vascular risk.

Homocysteine

Identifies additional endothelial risk beyond cholesterol.

These markers ensure cardiovascular improvements align with weight loss progress.

Muscle & Nutrient Monitoring

Creatine Kinase (CK), Total

Monitors muscle injury risk — particularly if combined with statins.

Ferritin

Evaluates iron stores and inflammation during caloric restriction.

Magnesium, RBC

Detects intracellular magnesium depletion from dehydration or reduced intake.

Summary

This panel uses the CMP as the central safety anchor to evaluate kidney and liver function, while adding targeted markers to monitor:

• Pancreatic safety
• Gallbladder risk
• Glucose and insulin dynamics
• Lipid particle improvements
• Inflammatory status
• Muscle integrity
• Nutrient balance

It provides comprehensive oversight — supporting safe, optimized GLP-1 therapy.

When to Test

• Before starting GLP-1 therapy (baseline)
• 8–12 weeks after dose escalation
• If experiencing persistent nausea, abdominal pain, or fatigue
• Every 3–6 months during active therapy

Preparation Instructions

• Fast 8–12 hours prior to blood draw
• Stay well hydrated
• Continue medications unless instructed otherwise by your provider

Who Should Consider This Panel

  • Individuals using semaglutide or tirzepatide

  • Patients combining GLP-1 therapy with statins or antihypertensives

  • Individuals with a history of gallbladder disease

  • Patients seeking comprehensive metabolic optimization

Optimize Results. Monitor Safety. Stay In Control.

The GLP-1 Side Effect Monitoring Panel delivers advanced insight into how your body is responding — helping you achieve metabolic progress with confidence.

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