Health Assessment

Health Assessment Tests provide a clear, lab-based snapshot of your overall wellness. These panels evaluate blood counts, electrolytes, kidney and liver function, glucose control, cholesterol, thyroid, key nutrients, and inflammation. They’re ideal for annual exams, starting a new fitness or nutrition plan, or establishing a baseline with a new clinician.

A practical approach begins with a core panel—CBC, CMP/electrolytes, lipid panel, and A1c or fasting glucose—then adds TSH, iron studies (ferritin/iron/TIBC), vitamin D, vitamin B12/folate, magnesium, and hs-CRP based on your goals and history. Results help you and your clinician spot issues early and track trends, but they do not replace a medical exam, imaging, or urgent care when symptoms are serious.

Signs, Situations & Related Needs

• Annual wellness & prevention: establish or refresh your baseline

• New goals: beginning a training block, weight-management plan, or nutrition reset

• Risk factors: family history of heart disease/diabetes, high blood pressure, high BMI/waist, nicotine exposure

• Common symptoms: fatigue, low stamina, hair/skin changes, cramps, brain fog, mood shifts

• Medication check-ins: medicines that can affect kidneys, liver, thyroid, lipids, or glucose

• Red flags (seek urgent care): chest pain, severe shortness of breath, fainting, confusion, or stroke-like symptoms

Why These Tests Matter

What testing can do

• Identify cardiometabolic risks (cholesterol patterns, glucose/A1c) early

• Provide organ function context (kidney, liver, electrolytes) to guide safe decisions

• Reveal thyroid and nutrient clues that affect energy, mood, and performance

• Create a baseline so changes over time are easier to interpret

What testing cannot do

• Diagnose conditions without clinician review

• Predict events (like heart attack or stroke) with certainty

• Replace guideline screenings (e.g., cancer screening) or vaccinations

What These Tests Measure (at a glance)

• CBC (Complete Blood Count): red/white cells and platelets for anemia or infection clues. Hydration and training can shift hemoglobin/hematocrit.

• CMP / Electrolytes: sodium, potassium, chloride, CO2 (bicarbonate), kidney markers (BUN/creatinine/eGFR), liver enzymes (AST/ALT/ALP), proteins, glucose. Illness, hydration, and some meds influence results.

• Lipid Panel (± ApoB, Lp[a]): total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, triglycerides; ApoB refines risk; Lp(a) is inherited and stable.

• Glucose Control (Fasting Glucose, A1c ± Insulin): current and 3-month averages to flag prediabetes risk.

• Thyroid (TSH ± Free T4/T3): metabolism and energy; biotin supplements can interfere—hold if advised.

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

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

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

• hs-CRP (high-sensitivity C-reactive protein): low-grade inflammation marker; follow trends, not single spikes.

• Urinalysis / Urine Albumin-to-Creatinine (as indicated): hydration, kidney, and metabolic risk context.

Quick Build Guide

How the Testing Process Works

1. Choose your starter set: core panel (CBC, CMP, lipids, A1c or fasting glucose).

2. Add goal-based tests: TSH, iron studies, vitamin D, B12/folate, hs-CRP, magnesium, urinalysis.

3. Prepare for accuracy: follow fasting instructions; consider drawing on a rest/easy day; review supplement holds (e.g., biotin).

4. Get your draw: visit a nearby patient service center; most results post within a few days.

5. Review & plan: discuss results with your clinician; set goals and a follow-up cadence.

Interpreting Results (General Guidance)

• Use your baseline: “normal” ranges are broad; compare to your prior results and how you feel.

• Trends matter: repeat testing clarifies persistent vs. situational changes.

• Context counts: illness, hydration, strenuous exercise, and supplements can shift results.
  Always interpret labs with a qualified healthcare professional.

Choosing Panels vs. Individual Tests

• Quick check: CMP + Lipids + A1c (or fasting glucose)

• Broader wellness: CBC + CMP + Lipids + A1c + TSH + Vitamin D

• Symptom-guided add-ons: Iron Studies, B12/Folate, Magnesium, hs-CRP, Urinalysis

• Kidney risk context: Urine Albumin-to-Creatinine (especially with diabetes, hypertension, or high training loads)

FAQs

Do I need to fast?
Often yes for lipids and fasting glucose. Follow the instructions on your order.

Can supplements affect results?
Yes. High-dose biotin may affect thyroid assays; iron and vitamin D change levels. Check your order for any holds.

How often should I repeat these labs?
Many people repeat annually; your clinician may adjust timing based on risk and prior results.

Can I draw blood after a hard workout?
Prefer a rest/easy day; intense sessions can raise enzymes and shift electrolytes.

What if a value is just outside the reference range?
Don’t panic. Your clinician will interpret results using trends, symptoms, and medications.

Related Categories & Key Tests

• General Health Panels Hub

• Baseline Biomarkers • Blood Chemistry Tests • Cardiometabolic Health • Thyroid Testing • Vitamin & Nutrition Tests • Fitness & Performance

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

References

U.S. Preventive Services Task Force — Screening recommendations for cardiovascular risk and diabetes.
American Heart Association — Lipid and risk assessment guidance.
American Diabetes Association — Standards of Care in Diabetes (screening and monitoring).
Endocrine Society — Testing considerations for thyroid and biotin interference.
National Kidney Foundation — Albumin-to-creatinine ratio and kidney risk guidance.
National Lipid Association — ApoB and Lp(a) risk considerations.

For additional information on the Benefits of Health Assessment Lab Testing, click here.

Available Tests & Panels

Your Health Assessment Tests menu is pre-populated in the Ulta Lab Tests system. Select a core panel, add goal-based tests (thyroid, iron, vitamin D, B12/folate, hs-CRP, magnesium, urinalysis), follow any fasting/supplement instructions, and review results with your clinician to build a personalized plan.