Ulta Lab Tests

Rythm Mens Plus Panel

The Rythm Men’s Plus Panel provides a 360° snapshot of men’s health—cardiometabolic risk, inflammation, thyroid and hormone balance, nutrient status, and liver/kidney function. It includes ApoB, a lipid panel with ratios, CRP, CMP, CBC with differential, TSH, Free T3, total & free testosterone, SHBG, estradiol, ferritin, and 25-OH vitamin D to guide targeted, evidence-based care.

Serum, Blood
Phlebotomist

Rythm Men’s Comprehensive Blood Test Panel, Rythm Men’s Heart, Hormone & Thyroid Panel, Rythm Men’s Advanced Lipids & Hormones Panel, Rythm Men’s Complete Lab Panel (Testosterone, SHBG, Thyroid)

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: C-Reactive Protein, CReactive Protein CRP, CRP

C-REACTIVE PROTEIN

C-reactive protein is produced by the liver. The level of CRP rises when there is inflammation throughout the body.

Also known as: CBC, CBC includes Differential and Platelets, CBC/PLT w/DIFF, Complete Blood Count (includes Differential and Platelets)

NOTE: Ulta Lab Tests provides CBC test results from Quest Diagnostics as they are reported. Often, different biomarker results are made available at different time intervals. When reporting the results, Ulta Lab Tests denotes those biomarkers not yet reported as 'pending' for every biomarker the test might report. Only biomarkers Quest Diagnostics observes are incorporated and represented in the final CBC test results provided by Ulta Lab Tests.

Absolute Band Neutrophils (Only Reported If Detected)

Immature forms of neutrophils are called neutrophilic band cells. Neutrophils are a type of white blood cell that is responsible for much of the body's protection against infection. Neutrophils are produced in the bone marrow and released into the bloodstream to travel to wherever they are needed. Large numbers of immature forms of neutrophils, called neutrophilic band cells, are produced by the bone marrow when the demand is high.

Absolute Basophils

Basophils normally constitute 1% or less of the total white blood cell count but may increase or decrease in certain diseases and are thought to be involved in allergic reactions.

Absolute Blasts (Only Reported If Detected)

Blasts are immature forms of white blood cells.

Absolute Eosinophils

Eosinophils (eos) respond to infections caused by parasites and play a role in allergic reactions (hypersensitivities)

Absolute Lymphocytes

Lymphocytes are white blood cells that exist in both the blood and the lymphatic system. They are divided into three types. The B lymphocytes (B cells) are antibody-producing cells that are essential for acquired, antigen-specific immune responses. The second type are T lymphocytes (T cells) some T cells help the body distinguish between "self" and "non-self" antigens while others initiate and control the extent of an immune response, boosting it as needed and then slowing it as the condition resolves. Other types of T cells directly attack and neutralize virus-infected or cancerous cells. The third type are natural killer cells (NK cells) that directly attack and kill abnormal cells such as cancer cells or those infected with a virus.

Absolute Metamyelocytes (Only Reported If Detected)

Metamyelocytes are immature forms of white blood cells.

Absolute Monocytes

Monocytes (mono), similar to neutrophils, move to an area of infection and engulf and destroy bacteria. They are associated more often with chronic rather than acute infections. They are also involved in tissue repair and other functions involving the immune system.

Absolute Myelocytes (Only Reported If Detected)

Myelocytes are immature forms of white blood cells.

Absolute Neutrophils

Neutrophils (neu) normally make up the largest number of circulating WBCs. They move into an area of damaged or infected tissue, where they engulf and destroy bacteria or sometimes fungi. Young neutrophils, recently released into circulation, are called bands.

Absolute Nucleated Rbc (Only Reported If Detected)

Nucleated Red Blood Cells (nRBC) ) the presence of NRBCs in the adult blood is usually associated with malignant neoplasms, bone marrow diseases, and other serious disorders.

Absolute Promyelocytes (Only Reported If Detected)

Promyelocytes are immature forms of white blood cells.

Band Neutrophils (Only Reported If Detected)

Immature forms of neutrophils are called neutrophilic band cells. Neutrophils are a type of white blood cell that is responsible for much of the body's protection against infection. Neutrophils are produced in the bone marrow and released into the bloodstream to travel to wherever they are needed. Large numbers of immature forms of neutrophils, called neutrophilic band cells, are produced by the bone marrow when the demand is high.

Basophils

Basophils normally constitute 1% or less of the total white blood cell count but may increase or decrease in certain diseases and are thought to be involved in allergic reactions.

Blasts (Only Reported If Detected)

Blasts are immature forms of white blood cells.

Eosinophils

Eosinophils are specialized white blood cells produced in the bone marrow and released into the bloodstream, where they normally make up only 0–6 % of circulating leukocytes. Their cytoplasm is packed with reddish‑orange granules that contain potent enzymes (e.g., major basic protein, eosinophil cationic protein) and inflammatory mediators. When the immune system detects large, multicellular invaders—such as helminth (worm) parasites—eosinophils migrate out of the blood and surround the pathogen, releasing these granule contents to damage the parasite’s outer surface and aid its destruction. Beyond parasite defense, eosinophils act as key orchestras of the allergic response. They accumulate in tissues exposed to allergens (airways in asthma, skin in eczema, GI tract in eosinophilic esophagitis) and secrete cytokines and lipid mediators that amplify inflammation, recruit additional immune cells, and contribute to symptoms like swelling, mucus production, and itching. Because of this pro‑inflammatory role, persistently elevated eosinophil counts—termed eosinophilia—can signal allergic disorders, drug hypersensitivity, or certain autoimmune and malignant conditions. Conversely, counts drop toward zero after glucocorticoid therapy or in acute stress states, reflecting the cells’ sensitivity to hormonal and immune regulation.

Hematocrit

Hematocrit is a blood test that measures the percentage of the volume of whole blood that is made up of red blood cells. This measurement depends on the number of red blood cells and the size of red blood cells.

Hemoglobin

Serum hemoglobin is a blood test that measures the level of free hemoglobin in the liquid part of the blood (the serum). Free hemoglobin is the hemoglobin outside of the red blood cells. Most of the hemoglobin is found inside the red blood cells, not in the serum.

Lymphocytes

Lymphocytes are white blood cells that exist in both the blood and the lymphatic system. They are divided into three types. The B lymphocytes (B cells) are antibody-producing cells that are essential for acquired, antigen-specific immune responses. The second type are T lymphocytes (T cells) some T cells help the body distinguish between "self" and "non-self" antigens while others initiate and control the extent of an immune response, boosting it as needed and then slowing it as the condition resolves. Other types of T cells directly attack and neutralize virus-infected or cancerous cells. The third type are natural killer cells (NK cells) that directly attack and kill abnormal cells such as cancer cells or those infected with a virus.

MCH

Mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) is a calculation of the average amount of oxygen-carrying hemoglobin inside a red blood cell.

MCHC

Mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) is a calculation of the average percentage of hemoglobin inside a red cell.

MCV

Mean corpuscular volume (MCV) is a measurement of the average size of RBCs.

Metamyelocytes (Only Reported If Detected)

Metamyelocytes are immature forms of white blood cells.

Monocytes

Monocytes (mono), similar to neutrophils, move to an area of infection and engulf and destroy bacteria. They are associated more often with chronic rather than acute infections. They are also involved in tissue repair and other functions involving the immune system.

MPV

Mean Platelet Volume (MPV) - When it indicates average size of platelets are small; older platelets are generally smaller than younger ones and a low MPV may mean that a condition is affecting the production of platelets by the bone marrow. When it indicates a high number of larger, younger platelets in the blood; this may be due to the bone marrow producing and releasing platelets rapidly into circulation.

Myelocytes (Only Reported If Detected)

Myelocytes are immature forms of white blood cells.

Neutrophils

Neutrophils are a type of white blood cell that is responsible for much of the body's protection against infection. Neutrophils are produced in the bone marrow and released into the bloodstream to travel to wherever they are needed.

Nucleated Rbc (Only Reported If Detected)

Nucleated Red Blood Cells (nRBC) ) the presence of NRBCs in the adult blood is usually associated with malignant neoplasms, bone marrow diseases, and other serious disorders.

Platelet Count

A platelet count is a test to measure how many platelets you have in your blood. Platelets help the blood clot. They are smaller than red or white blood cells.

Promyelocytes (Only Reported If Detected)

Promyelocytes are immature forms of white blood cells.

RDW

Red cell distribution width (RDW), which may be included in a CBC, is a calculation of the variation in the size of RBCs.

Reactive Lymphocytes (Only Reported If Detected)

Lymphocytes are white blood cells that exist in both the blood and the lymphatic system. They are divided into three types. The B lymphocytes (B cells) are antibody-producing cells that are essential for acquired, antigen-specific immune responses. The second type are T lymphocytes (T cells) some T cells help the body distinguish between "self" and "non-self" antigens while others initiate and control the extent of an immune response, boosting it as needed and then slowing it as the condition resolves. Other types of T cells directly attack and neutralize virus-infected or cancerous cells. The third type are natural killer cells (NK cells) that directly attack and kill abnormal cells such as cancer cells or those infected with a virus.

Red Blood Cell Count

An RBC count is a blood test that tells how many red blood cells (RBCs) you have. RBCs contain hemoglobin, which carries oxygen. How much oxygen your body tissues get depends on how many RBCs you have and how well they work.

White Blood Cell Count

A WBC count is a test to measure the number of white blood cells (WBCs) in the blood. WBCs help fight infections. They are also called leukocytes. There are five major types of white blood cells: basophils, eosinophils, lymphocytes (T cells and B cells), monocytes and neutrophils

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.

Estradiol

Estradiol (estradiol-17 beta, E2) is part of an estrogen that is a group of steroids that regulate the menstrual cycle and function as the main female sex hormones. Estrogens are responsible for the development of female sex organs and secondary sex characteristics and are tied to the menstrual cycle and pregnancy. They are considered the main sex hormones in women and are present in small quantities in men. Estradiol (E2) is the predominant form of estrogen and is produced primarily in the ovaries with additional amounts produced by the adrenal glands in women and in the testes and adrenal glands in men. Estradiol levels are used in evaluating ovarian function. Estradiol levels are increased in cases of early (precocious) puberty in girls and gynecomastia in men. Its main use has been in the differential diagnosis of amenorrhea – for example, to determine whether the cause is menopause, pregnancy, or a medical problem. In assisted reproductive technology (ART), serial measurements are used to monitor follicle development in the ovary in the days prior to in vitro fertilization. Estradiol is also sometimes used to monitor menopausal hormone replacement therapy.

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: Lipid Panel with Ratios (fasting), Lipid Profile with Ratios (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

LDL/HDL Ratio

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: Free T3, FT3, T3 Free

T3, Free

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

Also known as: Testosterone Total And Free And Sex Hormone Binding Globulin

Free Testosterone

In many cases, measurement of total testosterone provides the doctor with adequate information. However, in certain cases, for example when the level of SHBG is abnormal, a test for free or bioavailable testosterone may be performed as it may more accurately reflect the presence of a medical condition.

Sex Hormone Binding

The sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) test measures the concentration of SHBG in the blood. SHBG is a protein that is produced by the liver and binds tightly to testosterone, dihydrotestosterone (DHT), and estradiol (an estrogen). In this bound state, it transports them in the blood as an inactive form. The amount of SHBG in circulation is affected by age and sex, by decreased or increased testosterone or estrogen production and can be affected by certain diseases and conditions such as liver disease, hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism, and obesity. Changes in SHBG levels can affect the amount of testosterone that is available to be used by the body's tissues. A total testosterone test does not distinguish between bound and unbound testosterone but determines the overall quantity of testosterone. If a person's SHBG level is not normal, then the total testosterone may not be an accurate representation of the amount of testosterone that is available to the person's tissues.

TESTOSTERONE, TOTAL,

A testosterone test measures the amount of the male hormone, testosterone, in the blood. Both men and women produce this hormone. In males, the testicles produce most of the testosterone in the body. Levels are most often checked to evaluate signs of low testosterone: In boys -- early or late puberty and in men -- impotence, low level of sexual interest, infertility, thinning of the bones In females, the ovaries produce most of the testosterone and levels are most often checked to evaluate signs of higher testosterone levels, such as: decreased breast size, excess hair growth, increased size of the clitoris. irregular or absent menstrual periods and male-pattern baldness or hair thinning.

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: ,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.
*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 Rythm Mens Plus Panel panel contains 11 tests with 71 biomarkers .

The Rythm Men’s Plus Panel gives a 360° view of male health—cardiometabolic risk, inflammation, thyroid and sex-hormone balance, nutrient status, liver and kidney function, and overall blood health.

It combines advanced lipids (including ApoB and risk ratios), systemic inflammation (CRP), a full metabolic profile (CMP), thyroid markers (TSH, Free T3), men’s hormones (total & free testosterone, SHBG, and estradiol), vitamin D, iron stores (ferritin), and a complete blood count with differential.

Together, these biomarkers help explain fatigue, weight or muscle changes, low libido, mood shifts, sleep issues, exercise recovery, and long-term risks for heart disease, diabetes, liver/kidney disease, and anemia—so you and your clinician can act early and precisely.

Cardiometabolic — Lipids & Atherosclerotic Risk

  • Apolipoprotein B (ApoB): Counts atherogenic particles (LDL, VLDL, remnants). A high-precision marker of plaque risk—often more informative than LDL-C alone.

  • Total Cholesterol: Overall cholesterol carried by all lipoproteins; broad context for lipid status.

  • LDL-Cholesterol (LDL-C): “Bad” cholesterol; primary target for reducing atherosclerotic risk.

  • HDL-Cholesterol (HDL-C): “Good” cholesterol involved in reverse cholesterol transport; higher is generally protective.

  • Triglycerides: Circulating fats; elevated levels point to insulin resistance and cardiometabolic risk.

  • Non-HDL Cholesterol: Total cholesterol minus HDL; captures all atherogenic cholesterol (LDL+VLDL+remnants).

  • Chol/HDL Ratio, LDL/HDL Ratio: Summarize atherogenic vs. protective balance; lower is better.

  • Triglyceride/HDL Ratio: Practical proxy for insulin resistance and small, dense LDL burden.

Inflammation — Systemic

  • C-Reactive Protein (CRP): Liver-made acute-phase protein; higher levels indicate systemic inflammation and predict cardiometabolic events.

Hematology — CBC (with Differential and Platelets)

Erythrocytes (red cells & indices)

  • RBC (Red Blood Cell Count): Number of oxygen-carrying cells.

  • Hemoglobin (Hgb): Oxygen-binding protein; central measure for anemia/polycythemia.

  • Hematocrit (Hct): Percentage of blood that is red cells.

  • MCV, MCH, MCHC: Size and hemoglobin content of RBCs; classify anemia (iron vs B12/folate, etc.).

  • RDW: Variation in RBC size; rises early with mixed or evolving deficiencies.

Leukocytes (white cells)

  • WBC (White Blood Cell Count): Overall immune cell burden.

  • Differential — Neutrophils, Lymphocytes, Monocytes, Eosinophils, Basophils (absolute & %): Patterns suggest bacterial/viral infection, allergic disease, parasites, or chronic inflammation.

Platelets

  • Platelet Count: Clotting elements; low increases bleeding risk, high may increase thrombotic risk.

  • MPV (Mean Platelet Volume): Average platelet size; reflects turnover/activation.

Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP)

Electrolytes, Minerals & Acid–Base

  • Sodium, Potassium, Chloride: Core electrolytes for nerve/muscle function and fluid balance.

  • CO2 (Bicarbonate): Buffering capacity; reflects acid–base status.

  • Calcium: Bone, nerve, muscle, and clotting functions.

Renal (kidney) function

  • BUN (Blood Urea Nitrogen): Protein-metabolism by-product; rises with dehydration or reduced filtration.

  • Creatinine: Muscle-derived marker of filtration.

  • eGFR (Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate): Calculated filtration rate; best screen for kidney function.

Liver & biliary / protein status

  • Total Protein (Albumin + Globulins): Nutrition, immunity, and liver synthetic status.

  • Albumin: Principal plasma protein; liver function and fluid balance.

  • Total Bilirubin: Hemoglobin breakdown; elevated with biliary obstruction, liver disease, or hemolysis.

  • ALP (Alkaline Phosphatase): Bile duct and bone enzyme; rises in cholestasis or high bone turnover.

  • AST & ALT: Hepatocellular enzymes; elevations suggest liver injury or fatty liver.

Endocrine — Men’s Hormones

  • Testosterone, Total: All testosterone in circulation; cornerstone of male sexual function, muscle mass, energy, and mood.

  • Testosterone, Free: Unbound, bioactive fraction available to tissues; better correlates with symptoms when SHBG is abnormal.

  • Sex Hormone–Binding Globulin (SHBG): Liver-made transport protein that binds testosterone and estradiol, setting free (bioavailable) levels. Low SHBG often tracks with insulin resistance, obesity, hypothyroidism; high SHBG with aging, hyperthyroidism, liver conditions, or oral estrogens.

  • Estradiol (E2): Present at lower levels in men; supports bone density, vascular health, libido, and mood. Imbalance (too high/low relative to T) can affect body composition, energy, and sexual health.

Thyroid Function

  • TSH (Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone): Pituitary signal that regulates thyroid output; primary screen for hypo-/hyperthyroidism.

  • Free T3 (FT3): Active thyroid hormone available to tissues; helps explain symptoms when TSH is borderline or normal.

Iron Status & Stores

  • Ferritin: Body’s iron-storage protein; low suggests iron deficiency (common with endurance training or GI loss), high may reflect overload or inflammation.

Vitamins & Nutrient Status

  • 25-Hydroxyvitamin D (Total 25-OH D): Best measure of vitamin D stores; supports bone strength, muscle function, immunity, and mood. (Some labs also split D2/D3.)

 

Why choose the Ulta Lab Tests Rythm Men’s Plus Panel (venous blood draw) over a micro container kit

Short answer: a standard blood draw gives more sample, more accuracy, and more answers—especially because the Plus panel includes two big test groups (CBC and CMP) that typical micro-sample products (like Tasos) and the basic Rythm kit don’t include.

1) More accurate, doctor-grade results

  • Most medical reference ranges and decision cut-offs are built on venous blood tested in full labs.

  • Tiny finger-prick samples (micro containers) can be diluted or hemolyzed (cells break), which can skew results—especially for electrolytes, liver enzymes, and lipids.

2) Enough sample for a complete workup

  • A venous draw collects milliliters of blood. That’s enough to run all tests, repeat anything if needed, and perform reflex checks without calling you back.

  • Micro kits collect drops of blood. If there isn’t enough, you can get “quantity not sufficient,” partial results, or a re-collect.

3) A broader menu—including tests micro kits usually can’t run well

Your Rythm Men’s Plus Panel includes the advanced cardiometabolic and hormone markers you want and two foundations of real-world care that the basic Rythm product doesn’t include:

A) CBC (Complete Blood Count) — not in the basic Rythm kit

What it tells you:

  • Anemia & oxygen carrying (RBC, Hemoglobin, Hematocrit) → energy, exercise capacity

  • Immune status & infections (WBC + differential) → bacterial vs viral patterns, allergies, inflammation

  • Clotting basics (Platelets, MPV) → bleeding/bruising risk
    Why micro kits struggle: CBC needs fresh, properly anticoagulated venous blood and instrument counts—hard to do from a few drops.

B) CMP (Comprehensive Metabolic Panel) — not in the basic Rythm kit

What it tells you:

  • Liver health (AST, ALT, ALP, Bilirubin, Albumin, Total Protein) → fatty liver, medication effects

  • Kidney function (Creatinine, BUN, eGFR) → filtration and hydration

  • Electrolytes & acid–base (Sodium, Potassium, Chloride, CO2) → heart rhythm, muscle/nerve function

  • Glucose → sugar control and metabolic risk
    Why micro kits struggle: several CMP markers are sensitive to handling/volume; venous tubes are designed to stabilize them.

4) Fewer do-overs, faster next steps

  • Venous draws use the right tubes for each test and travel in a controlled chain, so rejections are rarer and turnaround is predictable.

  • You get a complete picture in one visit instead of chasing missing pieces.

5) Actionable answers for how you feel

The Plus panel ties symptoms to causes:

  • Low energy or poor recovery? CBC (anemia), CMP (liver/kidney/electrolytes), thyroid (TSH, Free T3).

  • Heart & longevity risk? ApoB, full lipid panel with ratios, CRP.

  • Strength, body comp, libido? Total & free testosterone with SHBG, plus estradiol.

  • Nutrient gaps? Vitamin D, Ferritin (iron stores).

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