Ulta Lab Tests

Performance

Performance Tests help athletes and active adults monitor the biology behind energy, recovery, and training adaptation. These labs look at oxygen-carrying capacity, hydration and electrolytes, muscle load, thyroid status, and long-term cardiometabolic health. A smart approach starts with a core panel—CBC, CMP/electrolytes, lipid panel, and A1c or fasting glucose—then adds targeted markers such as ferritin/iron, vitamin D, TSH, creatine kinase (CK), hs-CRP, magnesium, and B12/folate based on your goals and symptoms.

Use your results to fine-tune fueling, recovery, and training blocks with a clinician or sports dietitian. Lab results support screening, diagnosis when appropriate, and monitoring, but they do not replace a medical exam, imaging, or a sports-medicine evaluation—especially if you have chest pain, severe shortness of breath, fainting, or injury.

Signs, Symptoms & Related Situations

  • Energy & stamina: persistent fatigue, heavy legs, slower splits, plateau

  • Recovery strain: lingering soreness, frequent “post-viral” dips, poor sleep recovery

  • Hydration & heat: cramps, dizziness, headaches, GI issues during long sessions or hot/humid conditions

  • Bone & soft tissue: stress-reaction concerns, frequent strains or tendon pain

  • Women’s health & REDs: cycle changes, low energy availability, iron concerns

  • Training checkpoints: pre-season baseline, mid-block tune-up, post-illness return, altitude or heat camps

Why These Tests Matter

What testing can do

  • Screen for fixable issues that limit performance (iron deficiency, low vitamin D, electrolyte imbalance).

  • Stratify risk for cardiometabolic health (lipids, glucose/A1c) and overuse strain (CK, hs-CRP trends).

  • Monitor trends across training cycles to guide nutrition, recovery, and follow-up.

What testing cannot do

  • Explain every cause of fatigue or pain without clinical context.

  • Replace ECG/cardiology work-ups, imaging, or sports-medicine exams when indicated.

  • Guarantee performance outcomes—labs inform decisions; training, sleep, and nutrition still matter.

What These Tests Measure (at a glance)

  • CBC (Complete Blood Count): red/white cells and platelets; screens for anemia or infection. Training status and hydration shift hemoglobin/hematocrit.

  • Iron Studies (Ferritin, Iron, TIBC/Transferrin, % Saturation): iron stores and transport for oxygen delivery. Ferritin rises with inflammation—pair with symptoms and hs-CRP.

  • CMP/Electrolytes: sodium, potassium, chloride, CO2, BUN/creatinine, glucose, AST/ALT, albumin. Dehydration and hard sessions can affect values.

  • Lipids (± ApoB, Lp[a]): LDL/HDL/triglycerides; ApoB refines risk; Lp(a) is inherited.

  • Glucose Control (Fasting Glucose, A1c ± Insulin): day-to-day and 3-month glucose; informs fueling and recovery.

  • Thyroid (TSH ± Free T4/T3): energy, thermoregulation, mood. High-dose biotin can interfere—hold if advised.

  • Vitamin D (25-OH): bone and muscle function; often low in indoor/winter training.

  • Vitamin B12 & Folate: red cell production and nerve health.

  • Magnesium (± RBC Mg) & Phosphorus: muscle contraction, cramping; sweat losses matter.

  • Creatine Kinase (CK): skeletal muscle breakdown; trend on rest days.

  • hs-CRP (high-sensitivity CRP): low-grade inflammation; trend over time, don’t chase single spikes.

  • Optional, case-by-case: ApoB/Lp(a) for family risk; urine albumin-creatinine in high-risk settings; hormones(e.g., testosterone/estradiol) per clinician guidance.

Quick View: Panels & Uses

Group Why it matters Notes
CBC + Iron Studies Oxygen delivery; iron stores Add ferritin; avoid testing during acute illness
CMP + Electrolytes Hydration, kidney/liver context Schedule after an easy/rest day
Lipids + A1c/Glucose Long-term heart & fuel status Consider ApoB/Lp(a) for family risk
Thyroid (TSH ± FT4/T3) Energy, thermoregulation Check biotin interference guidance
Vitamin D, B12, Folate Bone, muscle, nerve support Season, sun, and diet influence levels
CK + hs-CRP Muscle load & inflammation Draw on rest days; trend values

How the Testing Process Works

  1. Pick your starting set: most begin with CBC, CMP, Lipids, A1c or Fasting Glucose, plus Ferritin/Iron and Vitamin D.

  2. Add goal-based tests: TSH, CK, hs-CRP, Magnesium, B12/Folate; consider ApoB/Lp(a) for family or personal risk.

  3. Time your draw: aim for a rest or easy day (24–48 hours after hard training) and follow any fasting instructions.

  4. Get results securely: most post within a few days.

  5. Plan next steps: review with your clinician or sports RD to refine fueling, recovery, and follow-up.

Interpreting Results (General Guidance)

  • Trends beat single values: compare to your baseline and training log.

  • Account for timing: intense sessions can raise CK and liver enzymes and shift electrolytes and hematocrit.

  • Ferritin with context: pair with CBC and hs-CRP; ferritin may look “normal” despite low stores during inflammation.

  • Out-of-range findings need clinician review—avoid self-treating with high-dose supplements.

Choosing Panels vs. Individual Tests

  • General performance baseline: CBC • Ferritin/Iron Panel • CMP/Electrolytes • Lipid Panel • A1c or Fasting Glucose • Vitamin D • TSH

  • Recovery check (in-season): CK • hs-CRP • CMP/Electrolytes • Ferritin (if symptoms)

  • Strength/Power emphasis: CMP/Electrolytes • CK • Vitamin D • Magnesium • Lipids

  • Women’s health / REDs focus: CBC • Ferritin/Iron • Vitamin D • B12/Folate • TSH • CMP; discuss cycle timing with your clinician

  • Altitude or heat training: CBC/hemoglobin trend • CMP/Electrolytes • Ferritin/Iron • CK on rest days

FAQs

Do I need to fast?
Follow your order instructions. Fasting is common for lipids and glucose/insulin.

When should I schedule the blood draw?
On a rest day or at least 24–48 hours after a hard session to avoid CK and enzyme spikes.

Can supplements affect results?
Yes. Biotin can interfere with some thyroid assays; high-dose iron or vitamin D skews levels. Follow any holds listed on your order.

Are these anti-doping tests?
No. These labs support health and performance; anti-doping testing is handled by sport governing bodies.

How often should I repeat labs?
Common checkpoints are pre-season, mid-season, and post-season, or after illness/injury. Your clinician may tailor timing to your load and prior results.

Should I test hormones?
Hormone testing (e.g., testosterone, estradiol) is case-by-case. Discuss goals, symptoms, and timing with your clinician.

Related Categories & Key Tests

  • Fitness & Performance Tests Hub

  • Fitness & Training Tests • Blueprint Fitness • Endurance Athlete Blood Test • Strength & Power Profile • Hydration & Electrolyte Tests • Women’s Health & REDs

  • Key Tests: CBC • Ferritin/Iron/TIBC/TSAT • CMP/Electrolytes • Lipid Panel (± ApoB, Lp[a]) • A1c/Fasting Glucose (± Insulin) • TSH (± Free T4/T3) • Vitamin D (25-OH) • Vitamin B12 • Folate • Magnesium (± RBC Mg) • CK • hs-CRP • Urine Albumin-Creatinine

References

American College of Sports Medicine — Athlete biomarker and monitoring recommendations.
International Olympic Committee — Consensus statements on Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (REDs).
American Heart Association — Cardiometabolic risk assessment guidance.
Endocrine Society — Laboratory testing considerations (e.g., biotin interference).
British Journal of Sports Medicine — Athlete blood profiling and monitoring consensus.
National Athletic Trainers’ Association — Pre-participation and in-season screening best practices.

Available Tests & Panels

Your Performance Tests menu is pre-populated in the Ulta Lab Tests system. Start with a core health and performance panel, add goal-based tests, schedule your draw on a rest day, and review results with your clinician or sports dietitian to tailor training, fueling, and recovery.

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The Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG) Test measures SHBG, a protein that binds testosterone and estrogen, to assess how much active hormone is available in the body. Abnormal levels may indicate PCOS, infertility, low testosterone, liver disease, or thyroid disorders. Doctors order this test to investigate symptoms like low libido, irregular periods, acne, or hair loss and to evaluate hormone balance, endocrine function, and metabolic health in men and women.

Blood
Blood Draw
Also Known As: SHBG Test, TeBG Test, Testosterone-Estrogen Binding Globulin Test
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The T3 Reverse (rT3) Test measures reverse triiodothyronine, an inactive thyroid hormone, to assess thyroid and metabolic function. High rT3 may occur in hypothyroidism, chronic illness, stress, or during certain treatments, while low levels may reflect hormone imbalance. Doctors use this test along with TSH, Free T4, and Free T3 to evaluate fatigue, weight changes, or slow metabolism. The rT3 Test provides insight into thyroid regulation, energy balance, and endocrine health.

Blood
Blood Draw
Also Known As: Reverse T3 Test, RT3 Test, T3R Test
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The T3 Total Test measures total triiodothyronine (T3), a combination of both bound and unbound (free) T3, to assess thyroid function. Abnormal levels may indicate hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, goiter, or pituitary disorders. Doctors use this test to evaluate symptoms like fatigue, weight changes, anxiety, or irregular heartbeat and to monitor thyroid treatment. The T3 Total Test provides essential insight into metabolism, energy regulation, and overall endocrine health.

Also Known As: Total T3 Test, Total Triiodothyronine Test, T3 Test, Bound and Unbound T3
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The T3 Uptake Test estimates thyroid hormone-binding capacity by measuring how well proteins in the blood bind triiodothyronine (T3). It does not measure T3 directly but helps assess thyroid function when combined with Total T4. Abnormal results may indicate hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, pregnancy, or protein-binding disorders. Doctors use this test to investigate fatigue, weight changes, or irregular heartbeat and to guide thyroid treatment decisions.

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The T3 Free Test measures free triiodothyronine (T3), the active thyroid hormone not bound to proteins, to assess thyroid function. It helps diagnose hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, goiter, and pituitary disorders. Doctors order this test to evaluate symptoms like fatigue, weight changes, anxiety, or irregular heartbeat and to monitor thyroid replacement or antithyroid therapy. The Free T3 Test provides key insight into metabolism, energy regulation, and overall endocrine health.

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Blood Draw
Also Known As: Free T3 Test, Free Triiodothyronine Test, FT3 Test, T3F Test, Unbound T3 Test
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The T4 Total Test measures total thyroxine (T4) in blood, a combination of both bound and unbound (free) T4, to assess thyroid function. Abnormal levels may indicate hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, goiter, or pituitary disorders. Doctors use this test to evaluate symptoms like fatigue, weight changes, hair loss, or irregular heart rate and to monitor thyroid replacement or antithyroid therapy. The T4 Total Test provides key insight into metabolic, hormonal, and endocrine health.

Also Known As: Total T4 Test, Total Thyroxine Test, T4 Test, Bound and Unbound T4 Test
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The T4 Free Test measures the level of free thyroxine (T4) in blood, the active thyroid hormone not bound to proteins. It helps diagnose thyroid disorders such as hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, and goiter, as well as pituitary conditions affecting hormone regulation. Doctors use this test to evaluate symptoms like fatigue, weight changes, hair loss, or irregular heartbeat and to monitor thyroid replacement or antithyroid therapy, providing insight into metabolic and endocrine health.

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Blood Draw
Also Known As: Free T4 Test, Free Thyroxine Test, FT4 Test, T4F Test, Unbound T4 Test
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The Testosterone Free and Total Test measures total testosterone and free, bioavailable testosterone in blood for both men and women. It helps diagnose hormone imbalance, infertility, low libido, erectile dysfunction in men, irregular periods, or PCOS in women. Doctors also order it to assess fatigue, mood changes, or muscle weakness and to monitor hormone therapy. This test provides key insight into reproductive, endocrine, and overall metabolic health.

Blood
Blood Draw
Also Known As: Bound and Unbound Testosterone, Uncapped Testosterone Test
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The Testosterone Free and Total and Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG) Test measures total testosterone, free testosterone, and SHBG to assess hormone balance in men and women. It helps diagnose infertility, erectile dysfunction, low libido, irregular periods, PCOS, and abnormal puberty. Doctors also use it to evaluate fatigue, muscle weakness, or mood changes and to monitor hormone therapy. This test provides a comprehensive view of reproductive, endocrine, and metabolic health.

Also Known As: Bound and Unbound Testosterone with SHBG Test, Uncapped Testosterone Test
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The Transferrin Test measures transferrin, a blood protein that transports iron, to evaluate iron status and nutritional health. High levels may suggest iron deficiency anemia, while low levels may indicate liver disease, malnutrition, or chronic illness. Doctors use this test alongside iron and TIBC to investigate fatigue, weakness, or anemia symptoms. Results provide vital insight into iron balance, red blood cell production, and overall metabolic function.

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The Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) Test measures TSH levels in blood to assess thyroid function and diagnose hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism. It evaluates how the thyroid controls metabolism, energy, weight, and heart rate. Doctors use the TSH test to investigate symptoms such as fatigue, hair loss, or mood changes. Frequently included in routine health exams, it is also key for monitoring thyroid disease treatment and overall endocrine balance.

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Blood Draw
Also Known As: Thyroid Stimulating Hormone Test, Thyrotropin Test
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The Uric Acid Test measures uric acid levels in blood to assess kidney function and detect gout, a form of arthritis caused by uric acid buildup. High levels may also signal kidney disease, kidney stones, or metabolic disorders, while low levels can occur with liver disease. Doctors use this test to investigate joint pain, swelling, or frequent urination, and to monitor treatment for gout, kidney stones, or chemotherapy-related complications.

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Also Known As: Serum Urate Test
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The Urinalysis Complete Test evaluates urine for physical, chemical, and microscopic properties to assess kidney health, urinary tract infections, diabetes, and metabolic disorders. It measures appearance, concentration, pH, protein, glucose, ketones, blood, bilirubin, nitrites, leukocyte esterase, and microscopic cells or crystals. Doctors use this test in routine exams, to diagnose urinary symptoms, and to monitor chronic kidney or metabolic disease.

Urine
Urine Collection
Also Known As: Urine Analysis Test, UA Test, Complete Urinalysis Test
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The Vitamin B12 Micronutrient Test measures blood levels of vitamin B12, essential for red blood cell production, nerve health, and DNA synthesis. Deficiency can cause anemia, fatigue, neurological issues, and cognitive changes. This test helps identify dietary deficiencies, absorption problems, or related health conditions, supporting diagnosis and ongoing management of overall wellness.

Patient must be 18 years of age or older.
Blood
Blood Draw
Also Known As: B12 Test, Cobalamin Test
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The Vitamin B12 Test measures cobalamin levels in blood to evaluate nutritional health, red blood cell production, and nervous system function. Low B12 can cause anemia, fatigue, weakness, memory problems, and nerve damage, while high levels may indicate liver or kidney disease. Doctors use this test to detect B12 deficiency, monitor treatment, and assess malabsorption conditions like pernicious anemia, Crohn’s disease, or celiac disease.

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Also Known As: B12 Test, Cobalamin Test
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The QuestAssureD™ Vitamin D 25-Hydroxy Total Test measures Vitamin D2, Vitamin D3, and total 25-hydroxy vitamin D to assess overall vitamin D status. Adequate vitamin D supports bone strength, calcium absorption, immune health, and muscle function. Low levels may cause osteoporosis, weakness, or increased disease risk, while high levels can indicate toxicity. Doctors use this test to diagnose deficiency, monitor supplementation, and evaluate metabolic and endocrine health.

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Blood Draw
Also Known As: Vitamin D Test, Ergocalciferol Test, Vitamin D2 Test, Cholecalciferol Test, Vitamin D3 Test, Calcidiol Test, 25-hydroxyvitamin D Test, Calcifidiol Test, 25-hydroxy-vitamin D Test, Vitamin D Total Test
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The Zinc Micronutrient Test measures blood zinc levels to evaluate nutritional status and detect deficiencies or excess. Zinc is vital for immune function, wound healing, growth, reproduction, and enzyme activity. This test helps identify poor intake, malabsorption, or excessive supplementation, supporting diagnosis and management of overall health, immune balance, and metabolic function.

Patient must be 18 years of age or older.
Blood
Blood Draw
Also Known As: Zinc Plasma Test
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The Zinc Test measures zinc levels in blood to evaluate nutritional status and overall health. Zinc is essential for immune function, wound healing, growth, taste, and reproductive health. Abnormal levels may cause fatigue, hair loss, delayed healing, or increased infection risk. Doctors use this test to detect zinc deficiency or excess, monitor supplementation, and guide treatment for conditions linked to immune, metabolic, or endocrine imbalance.

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Blood Draw
Also Known As:  Zinc Plasma Test, Zn Test
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Blood, Varied
Blood Draw, Phlebotomist
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Blood Draw, Phlebotomist
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Learn More About Athletic Performance Lab Tests

As an athlete, you are continuously striving to become the best version of yourself. Over time, you may have noticed that there are some things that you simply cannot do.

This doesn't mean that you have peaked as an athlete. It could be the result of hormone or nutritional deficiencies or inflammation in the body.

With an athlete blood test, you can reach this goal of becoming a better athlete. Continue reading to learn how these blood tests can help you to improve your performance as an athlete.

Traditional Blood Work Panels Can Only Do So Much

Having bloodwork done at your yearly physical is great and all, but it won't actually tell you much. With run-of-the-mill blood testing, you may be able to prevent certain training issues. However, it won't actually give you food or lifestyle recommendations that will help you become a better athlete over time.

What Can Athlete Blood Tests Tell You?

Biomarkers measured in athlete blood tests make it so that you can optimize human performance, and they are readily available to consumers at an affordable price through Ulta Lab Tests. With an athlete blood test, you can test for biomarkers that give you insight into nutrition, hormones, and performance. It can also track deficiencies that may be holding you back as an athlete.

A blood analysis  specific to athletes can look into:

  • Overall health
  • Risks of injury
  • Muscle status
  • Hydration 
  • Nutrition

With the analysis of these things, you can see the reactions that your body may be producing as a result of your athletic lifestyle. 

The best thing about these tests is that the comparisons are based on others who have the same athletic lifestyle as you do. These tests will be able to give you recommendations for:

  • Energy boosts
  • Sleep regulation
  • Possible injuries
  • Possible illnesses
  • Enhanced performance

Athlete blood tests look at several factors, including inflammation, immunity, and deficiencies. 

Suppose the blood test shows signs of high cortisol and inflammation. In that case, it can point you towards healing any hormone deficiencies that you may be dealing with as a result of intense exercise regimens. Biomarkers for inflammation may point to the fact that you are overtraining and need to take a break. 

Having nutrition deficiencies can be causing you to have energy or performance issues. The most common nutrition deficiency seen in athletes is iron deficiency because it is so easy to lose iron through sweating or running. An iron deficiency causes weakness, extreme fatigue, and pain which can affect your performance.

An athlete's blood test can help to identify these issues. These tests can help to point you in the right direction towards becoming the best version of yourself.

Tests Available Through Ulta Lab Tests

Several different tests are available through Ulta Lab Tests that can test for key performance biomarkers in the blood.

Wellness Performance FX tests 116 biomarkers through a series of tests focusing on cardiovascular and metabolic health. It also evaluates blood, kidney, and liver health, along with electrolytes, vitamins, and minerals. 

The Comprehensive Performance test checks for 142 biomarkers through several tests, including:

  • Complete Blood Count (CBC) (include blood levels, differential, and platelets)
  • Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP)
  • Lipid Panel with Ratios
  • Lipoprotein Fractionation, Ion Mobility
  • Urinalysis (UA) Complete

Two tests focus on the health of an athlete based on the hormones: 

The Blueprint Fitness- 3 Performance Panel focuses on:

  • Metabolic performance (including the resting metabolic rate)
  • Training status
  • Endurance & conditioning

The multifaceted athlete blueprint blood test will look for discrepancies in several tests, including:

  • Complete Blood Count
  • Comprehensive Metabolic Panel
  • Estrogen/Testosterone
  • Immunoglobulin
  • Iron Total Iron Binding Capacity

These lab tests for enhancing performance focus on the benefits of testing and the types of tests used for optimal athletic performance. This means that these tests can be used to screen, diagnose, and monitor certain health conditions as well. 

Athletic Performance Determined by Biomarkers

The Complete Blood Count panel is great for getting the inside look into an athlete's performance. It highlights biomarkers, like Vitamin D and Ferritin, that impact the athlete's ability to perform to the best of their abilities. It also tests for cortisol and creatine levels in relation to overtraining and injury prevention. 

DHEA-S refers to the dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate test that checks for adrenal function/dysfunction. Having too low DHEA-S levels can cause diabetes, chronic fatigue, weakened bones (osteoporosis), while higher levels can point to adrenal cancer or PCOS. 

Thyroid testing is essential for athletes who are struggling with fatigue, unexplained weight gain, irregular menstrual cycles, muscle cramps, depression, and irritability. Having abnormal thyroid levels can cause all of these issues for no apparent reason. Once you know that your thyroid is causing issues, you can work with your doctor to get them back to normal.

In general, urine tests are completed to detect possible drug use in athletes. A Complete Urinalysis, however, tests urine to detect any dysfunction within the kidneys and urinary tract for infections or illnesses. 

Hormones play a huge part in athletic performance. Testing for growth hormone, thyroxine, testosterone, cortisol, estradiol, and progesterone has a predictive role in how training needs to be adapted for optimal athletic performance.

A Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP) measures the levels of glucose and electrolytes in the body. It also determines liver and kidney function. These levels are then used to determine how your diet and exercise regimen keep your body balanced and helps you to figure out what you need to change to become the best athlete you can be.

Order Your Athlete Lab Tests From Ulta Lab Tests

Several benefits come with the use of Ulta Lab Tests. These tests are highly accurate and reliable because they are performed in a lab by a phlebotomist (they are not at-home test kits). 

These tests are so reliable that they come with a 100% satisfaction guarantee. You don't need a physician's referral or health insurance coverage for them. You can count on receiving secure and confident results within 24 and 48 hours. 

Contact Ulta Lab Tests today with any questions that you may have about an athlete blood test.