Ulta Lab Tests

Keto & Metabolic Health Panel — Comprehensive

The Keto & Metabolic Health Panel — Comprehensive delivers an in-depth assessment of metabolic health for ketogenic and low-carbohydrate approaches. By measuring ketones, insulin, C-peptide, hemoglobin A1c, ApoB, lipid profile, thyroid hormones, inflammation markers, RBC magnesium, uric acid, and a Comprehensive Metabolic Panel, this panel provides a clear, integrated view of metabolic function and cardiometabolic balance.

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.

Apolipoprotein B

Also known as: BetaHydroxybutyrate

Beta-Hydroxybutyrate

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: 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: 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: 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.

Also known as: Free T3, FT3, T3 Free

T3, Free

This test measures the amount of triiodothyronine, or T3, in the blood.

Also known as: Free T4, FT4, T4 Free

T4, Free

The free T4 test is not affected by protein levels. Since free T4 is the active form of thyroxine, the free T4 test is may be a more accurate reflection of thyroid hormone function.

Also known as: Thyroid Stimulating Hormone Test, Thyrotropin Test

TSH

A TSH test is a lab test that measures the amount of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) in your blood. TSH is produced by the pituitary gland. It tells the thyroid gland to make and release thyroid hormones into the blood.

Also known as: Serum Urate, UA

Uric Acid

Uric acid is a chemical created when the body breaks down substances called purines. Purines are found in some foods and drinks. These include liver, anchovies, mackerel, dried beans and peas, and beer. Most uric acid dissolves in blood and travels to the kidneys. From there, it passes out in urine. If your body produces too much uric acid or doesn't remove enough if it, you can get sick. A high level of uric acid in the blood is called hyperuricemia.
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The Keto & Metabolic Health Panel — Comprehensive panel contains 13 tests with 38 biomarkers .

Brief Description

The Keto & Metabolic Health Panel — Comprehensive is an advanced laboratory assessment designed to evaluate metabolic function, cardiometabolic risk, thyroid regulation, inflammation, and ketone metabolism within a single, integrated panel. It is specifically structured to provide meaningful insight for individuals following ketogenic or low-carbohydrate dietary approaches, as well as for those seeking a deeper understanding of overall metabolic health.

Metabolic health is shaped by the interaction of glucose regulation, insulin dynamics, lipid transport, inflammation, thyroid hormone activity, electrolyte balance, and energy substrate utilization. Traditional testing often examines these systems in isolation, which can limit clinical interpretation. This panel addresses that limitation by combining advanced lipid markers, ketone measurement, insulin and C-peptide, inflammatory markers, thyroid hormones, and a full Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP).

For individuals pursuing nutritional ketosis, weight management, or metabolic optimization, markers such as beta-hydroxybutyrate, insulin, C-peptide, hemoglobin A1c, and apolipoprotein B provide valuable context around fuel utilization, insulin secretion, long-term glucose exposure, and atherogenic particle burden. The inclusion of thyroid hormones and RBC magnesium further supports evaluation of metabolic rate, energy regulation, and intracellular mineral balance.

The Keto & Metabolic Health Panel — Comprehensive is commonly used in preventive care, cardiometabolic risk assessment, dietary monitoring, and longitudinal metabolic tracking. Its strength lies in providing a cohesive view of how diet, hormones, and metabolic pathways interact—supporting informed interpretation rather than reliance on single laboratory values.

When and Why Someone Would Order This Panel

Monitoring Ketogenic or Low-Carbohydrate Diets

This panel is frequently ordered by individuals following ketogenic, low-carbohydrate, or metabolic-focused dietary patterns. Measuring beta-hydroxybutyrate provides objective insight into ketone production, while insulin, C-peptide, and hemoglobin A1c help assess how carbohydrate restriction is influencing glucose control and insulin dynamics over time.

Evaluating Metabolic and Insulin Health

Insulin resistance and impaired glucose metabolism are central components of metabolic dysfunction. By combining fasting insulin, C-peptide, hemoglobin A1c, and CMP glucose values, this panel supports a more complete evaluation of insulin secretion, sensitivity, and long-term glycemic exposure.

Assessing Cardiometabolic Risk

Standard lipid panels alone may not fully capture cardiovascular risk. Apolipoprotein B provides insight into the number of atherogenic lipoprotein particles, while hs-CRP adds information about low-grade inflammation that may contribute to vascular risk. Together, these markers support a more refined cardiometabolic risk assessment.

Understanding Thyroid-Metabolic Interactions

Thyroid hormones play a critical role in metabolic rate, lipid metabolism, and energy utilization. Including TSH, free T3, and free T4 allows evaluation of thyroid status alongside metabolic markers, which can be particularly relevant when dietary changes influence energy balance or weight trends.

Preventive and Longitudinal Health Monitoring

The panel is well suited for establishing a metabolic baseline or tracking changes over time in response to dietary adjustments, lifestyle changes, or clinician-guided care strategies. Its comprehensive design supports proactive, data-driven health evaluation.

What Does the Panel Measure

Ketone and Energy Substrate Markers

Beta-hydroxybutyrate is a primary circulating ketone body and a key marker of nutritional ketosis and fat-based energy metabolism. Its measurement provides objective insight into ketone production beyond dietary reporting.

Glucose and Insulin Regulation

Hemoglobin A1c reflects average blood glucose levels over approximately three months. Insulin and C-peptide offer insight into insulin secretion and pancreatic function, helping contextualize glycemic control and metabolic efficiency.

Lipid and Cardiovascular Markers

The lipid panel evaluates total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, and triglycerides. Apolipoprotein B reflects the total number of atherogenic lipoprotein particles, offering additional cardiovascular risk insight beyond standard cholesterol values.

Inflammation Marker

High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) measures low-grade systemic inflammation, which is closely linked to cardiometabolic health and insulin resistance.

Thyroid Function

TSH, free T3, and free T4 assess thyroid regulation and hormone availability, supporting evaluation of metabolic rate and energy balance.

Metabolic and Mineral Context

The Comprehensive Metabolic Panel evaluates kidney and liver markers, electrolytes, glucose, and proteins, providing essential metabolic context. RBC magnesium reflects intracellular magnesium status, which is relevant to glucose metabolism, muscle function, and energy production. Uric acid is included due to its association with metabolic health and changes in purine metabolism during dietary shifts.

How Patients and Healthcare Providers Use the Results

Identifying Metabolic Patterns

Results from this panel help identify patterns related to insulin resistance, ketosis, lipid particle burden, inflammation, and thyroid-metabolic balance. Providers interpret these markers together to understand how metabolic systems are interacting.

Supporting Evaluation of Related Conditions

Healthcare providers may reference this panel when evaluating laboratory patterns associated with metabolic syndrome, insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, cardiometabolic risk, thyroid-related metabolic changes, or inflammation-associated metabolic stress.

Monitoring Dietary and Lifestyle Interventions

Because many of the markers reflect medium- and long-term physiological changes, repeat testing can help track how metabolic health evolves in response to dietary approaches such as ketogenic or low-carbohydrate nutrition, as well as broader lifestyle modifications.

Facilitating Informed Clinical Discussions

The panel provides a structured dataset that supports evidence-based discussions between patients and healthcare providers. It is not intended as a standalone diagnostic tool, but as a comprehensive resource to guide interpretation, additional testing, or ongoing monitoring.

The Keto & Metabolic Health Panel — Comprehensive offers a detailed and integrated assessment of metabolic health by combining ketone measurement, insulin and glucose markers, lipid evaluation, thyroid hormones, inflammation testing, and metabolic context. This layered approach reflects the complexity of metabolic regulation and the interconnected nature of diet, hormones, and cardiometabolic risk.

By emphasizing pattern recognition and longitudinal insight rather than isolated values, the panel supports thoughtful interpretation and informed health decision-making. Whether used for dietary monitoring, preventive care, or advanced metabolic evaluation, it provides reliable laboratory data that complements clinical judgment—without assumptions, pricing language, or transactional framing.

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