Metabolic Tests

Metabolic tests measure how your body uses fuel—carbs, fats, and proteins—and how that affects energy, weight, and long-term health. These labs look at blood sugar control (A1c, glucose, insulin)cholesterol and particlesliver and kidney functioninflammation, and uric acid.

A proactive plan starts with a core screen (A1c or fasting glucose, lipid panel, comprehensive metabolic panel), then adds fasting insulin (insulin resistance), ApoB (particle number), urine albumin-creatinine (early kidney risk), and hs-CRP(low-grade inflammation) when helpful. Results support screeningdiagnosis where appropriate, and monitoring—but they do not replace a clinician’s evaluation, blood-pressure checks, or imaging when indicated.

Signs, Symptoms & Related Situations

  • Everyday clues: fatigue, mid-day crashes, carb cravings, weight gain around the abdomen, difficulty losing weight

  • Sugar balance: frequent thirst/urination, blurry vision, tingling in hands/feet, darkened skin patches (acanthosis)

  • Lipid & liver: high triglycerides, prior “fatty liver” mention, family history of early heart attack or stroke

  • Kidney & vascular: long-standing high blood pressure, swelling in feet/ankles

  • Inflammation & gout: sore joints (especially big toe), high uric acid history

  • Urgent care now: chest pain, severe shortness of breath, fainting, confusion, or one-sided weakness

Symptoms and risk factors require clinician evaluation.

Why These Tests Matter

What testing can do

  • Quantify risk for diabetes, heart disease, and fatty liver by measuring glucose control, particle burden, and organ health

  • Uncover insulin resistance early to guide prevention and follow-up

  • Track trends after lifestyle changes or therapy to confirm progress and safety

What testing cannot do

  • Diagnose from a single value without context

  • Replace blood-pressure management, physical exams, or imaging (e.g., liver ultrasound) when indicated

  • Predict events with certainty—patterns over time matter most

What These Tests Measure (at a glance)

  • A1c (glycated hemoglobin): average glucose over ~3 months; complements fasting glucose. Anemia or hemoglobin variants can affect results—interpret with your clinician.

  • Fasting Glucose ± 2-hr Glucose (OGTT): current glucose handling; OGTT helps when A1c and fasting results disagree.

  • Fasting Insulin (± HOMA-IR): context for insulin resistance; best interpreted with glucose and lipids. Assays vary; use trends.

  • Lipid Panel & non-HDL-C: cholesterol and triglycerides; non-HDL-C reflects all atherogenic cholesterol.

  • Apolipoprotein B (ApoB): counts atherogenic particle number; clarifies risk when triglycerides are high or LDL-C looks “acceptable.”

  • Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP): AST/ALT (liver), electrolytescreatinine/eGFR (kidneys). ALTtrends can reflect fatty-liver risk in context.

  • Urine Albumin-to-Creatinine Ratio (ACR): early kidney and vascular injury signal—even when eGFR is normal.

  • High-sensitivity CRP (hs-CRP): low-grade inflammation; trend over time (illness and hard training can spike results).

  • Uric Acid: gout risk and metabolic-syndrome context; interpret with symptoms and kidney function.

  • Optional adds (as directed): ApoA-ILp(a) (genetic lipid), GGTvitamin Dthyroid (TSH) for metabolic look-alikes.

Quick Build Guide

Goal Start with Add if needed
General metabolic screen A1c/Glucose • Lipid Panel • CMP ApoB • ACR • hs-CRP
Insulin resistance focus A1c/Glucose • Lipid Panel Fasting Insulin (± HOMA-IR) • ApoB • ACR
Fatty liver risk CMP (ALT/AST) • Lipid Panel • A1c GGT • ACR • ApoB
Cardiometabolic risk refinement Lipid Panel • A1c/Glucose ApoB • hs-CRP • Lp(a)
Kidney/HTN context A1c/Glucose • CMP Urine ACR • eGFR trend • Uric Acid
Mixed or discordant results Repeat core labs OGTT • ApoB • hs-CRP

How the Testing Process Works

  1. Choose your starting panel: at minimum A1c/GlucoseLipid Panel, and CMP.

  2. Add precision markers: ApoB for particle number, fasting insulin for resistance, ACR and hs-CRP for kidney/inflammation context.

  3. Prepare for accuracy: follow any fasting instructions; schedule on a recovery day; keep supplements consistent unless your order lists holds (biotin can affect some assays).

  4. Get your draw: visit a nearby patient service center; results post securely in your account.

  5. Review & plan: discuss results with your clinician and set a retest cadence—often 3–6 months after changes, then periodically.

Interpreting Results (General Guidance)

  • A1c + fasting glucose: together show average and snapshot control; unexpected combos may prompt OGTT.

  • Fasting insulin (± HOMA-IR): rising trends can indicate insulin resistance even before A1c changes.

  • Lipids & ApoB: if ApoB is high despite “okay” LDL-C, particle burden may still be elevated.

  • ALT/AST and GGT: persistent elevations need clinician review; consider fatty-liver risk and medications.

  • ACR & eGFR: even small ACR increases matter for vascular risk; track over time.

  • hs-CRP: interpret trends; retest after illness or hard workouts.
    Always interpret results with a qualified healthcare professional.

Choosing Panels vs. Individual Tests

  • Starter set (most adults): A1c/Glucose + Lipid Panel + CMP

  • Risk refinement: ApoB + ACR + hs-CRP (± Fasting Insulin)

  • Discordant picture: OGTT to clarify glucose handling; consider Lp(a) once for genetic risk

  • Ongoing monitoring: repeat the same methods to track trends after lifestyle or therapy changes

FAQs

Do I need to fast?
Often yes for lipidsglucose, and insulin. Follow the instructions on your order.

What’s the difference between A1c and fasting glucose?
A1c reflects your 3-month averagefasting glucose is a single-day snapshot. Both together give better context.

Should I check insulin if my A1c is normal?
It can help reveal early insulin resistance, especially with belly fat, high TGs, or strong family history.

Can these tests diagnose metabolic syndrome?
They measure the components (waist size, BP, lipids, glucose), but the diagnosis is clinical—made by your clinician using all data.

How often should I retest?
Commonly every 3–6 months after changes, then 6–12 months once stable. Your clinician will personalize timing.

Will hard workouts or illness affect results?
Yes—both can shift triglycerides and hs-CRP. Aim for a recovery-day draw.

Do supplements or meds interfere?
Some can. Biotin may affect certain assays. List all medications and supplements on your order.

Related Categories & Key Tests

  • Hormone Tests Hub

  • Diabetes Health • Insulin Resistance • Cardiovascular Disease Tests • Cholesterol Tests • Kidney Health • Liver Function Tests • Thyroid Testing

  • Key Tests : A1c • Fasting Glucose • OGTT (2-hr glucose) • Fasting Insulin (± HOMA-IR) • Lipid Panel & non-HDL-C • ApoB • CMP (ALT/AST, electrolytes, creatinine/eGFR) • Urine ACR • hs-CRP • Uric Acid • GGT • Lp(a) (once)

References

  • American Diabetes Association — Standards of Care in Diabetes (A1c, glucose, and screening).
  • American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association — Lipid management and cardiovascular risk assessment.
  • National Lipid Association — Guidance on ApoB and advanced lipoproteins.
  • AASLD — Practice guidance on metabolic dysfunction–associated fatty liver disease.
  • KDIGO — Chronic kidney disease evaluation and albumin-creatinine testing.
  • AHA/CDC — Inflammation markers and cardiovascular risk.

Available Tests & Panels

Your Metabolic Tests menu is pre-populated in the Ulta Lab Tests system. Start with A1c/Glucose, Lipid Panel, and CMP, then add ApoBfasting insulinurine ACRhs-CRPuric acid, or OGTT as needed. Follow any fasting/timing instructions, and review results with your clinician to personalize prevention and monitoring.

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Blood
Blood Draw, Phlebotomist

The Metabolic Syndrome & Glucose Control Panel evaluates key biomarkers—fasting glucose, insulin, lipids, and related metrics—to assess insulin resistance, glucose dysregulation, and cardiometabolic risk. This integrated panel helps clinicians identify metabolic syndrome early, monitor glycemic control, and guide interventions to reduce progression to type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.


The Adiponectin Test measures adiponectin, a hormone made by fat cells that helps regulate glucose levels and fatty acid breakdown. Low adiponectin is linked to insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular disease. Doctors use this test to evaluate metabolic health, assess risk for diabetes or heart disease, and monitor patients with weight-related or endocrine disorders. Results help guide prevention and treatment strategies.

Blood
Blood Draw
Also Known As: Fat Metabolism Test

The Albumin Test measures albumin, the main protein made by the liver that maintains fluid balance and transports hormones, vitamins, and medications. Low albumin may indicate liver disease, kidney problems, malnutrition, or chronic inflammation, while high levels may reflect dehydration. Doctors order this test to evaluate swelling, fatigue, or abnormal labs. Results provide key insight into nutritional status, liver and kidney function, and overall metabolic health.

Blood
Blood Draw
Also Known As: ALB Test

The ALP Test measures alkaline phosphatase enzyme levels in blood to evaluate liver, bone, and bile duct health. High ALP may indicate liver disease, bile duct obstruction, bone disorders, or certain cancers, while low levels may suggest malnutrition or deficiency. Doctors order this test to investigate symptoms like fatigue, abdominal pain, or bone pain and often pair it with other liver function tests. Results provide key insight into metabolic and organ health.

Blood
Blood Draw
Also Known As: Alkaline Phosphatase Test, Alk Phos Test, Alkp Test

The ALT Test measures alanine aminotransferase, an enzyme mainly found in the liver. Elevated ALT may indicate liver damage from hepatitis, fatty liver disease, cirrhosis, alcohol use, or medication effects. Doctors order this test to evaluate symptoms such as fatigue, abdominal pain, or jaundice and often pair it with AST for accurate liver assessment. Results provide essential insight into liver health, enzyme activity, and overall metabolic function.

Blood
Blood Draw
Also Known As: Alanine Aminotransferase Test, GPT Test, SGPT Test, Serum Glutamic Pyruvic Transaminase Test

The AST Test measures aspartate aminotransferase, an enzyme found in the liver, heart, muscles, and other tissues. Elevated AST may indicate liver disease, heart attack, muscle injury, or other organ damage. Doctors order this test to evaluate symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, or jaundice and often pair it with ALT for accurate liver assessment. Results provide key insight into liver function, muscle health, and overall metabolic balance.

Blood
Blood Draw
Also Known As: Aspartate Aminotransferase Test, Serum Glutamic-Oxaloacetic Transaminase Test, SGOT Test

The Basic Metabolic Panel (BMP) Test measures eight markers, including glucose, calcium, sodium, potassium, chloride, carbon dioxide, BUN, and creatinine, to evaluate kidney function, blood sugar, and electrolyte balance. Doctors use this panel to detect diabetes, dehydration, and kidney disease, or to monitor treatment. It is commonly ordered in routine exams, emergency care, or pre-surgical testing to assess overall metabolic and organ health.

Blood
Blood Draw
Also Known As: BMP Test, Chemistry Panel, Chemistry Screen, Chem 7, Chem 11, SMA 7, SMAC7, Basic Metabolic Test, Chem Test, Chem Panel Test 

The Basic Metabolic Panel Plasma Test measures key blood chemistries including glucose, calcium, sodium, potassium, chloride, carbon dioxide, blood urea nitrogen, and creatinine. These markers provide insight into kidney function, electrolyte balance, and metabolic health. Clinicians often use the results to assess conditions such as dehydration, renal disease, or metabolic disorders and to monitor overall systemic health.

Blood
Blood Draw

The Bile Acids Fractionated and Total Test measures both individual bile acid fractions and total bile acid concentration to evaluate liver function, bile flow, and metabolic integrity. This analysis helps detect cholestasis, hepatocellular injury, or impaired bile acid metabolism, supporting assessment of liver disorders, intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy, and other hepatobiliary conditions.

Blood
Blood Draw
Also Known As: Bile Acids Test

The Bilirubin Direct Test measures conjugated bilirubin in the blood to assess liver function and bile duct health. Elevated levels may indicate hepatitis, cirrhosis, gallstones, or bile duct obstruction, while low levels are generally normal. Doctors order this test for patients with jaundice, fatigue, or suspected liver disease. Results help diagnose and monitor liver disorders, guide treatment decisions, and evaluate overall hepatic and biliary health.

Blood
Blood Draw
Also Known As: Direct Bilirubin Test

The Fractionated Bilirubin Test separates total bilirubin into direct and indirect forms to assess liver and blood health. Elevated direct bilirubin may point to hepatitis, cirrhosis, or bile duct obstruction, while elevated indirect levels can signal hemolytic anemia or inherited disorders. Doctors order this test for jaundice, anemia, or suspected liver conditions. Results help guide diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring of liver and blood disorders.

Blood
Blood Draw
Also Known As: Fractionated Bilirubin Test

The Bilirubin Total Test measures the overall level of bilirubin in blood to assess liver function, red blood cell breakdown, and bile duct health. Elevated bilirubin may cause jaundice and indicate hepatitis, cirrhosis, gallstones, or hemolytic anemia. Doctors order this test for patients with yellowing skin, fatigue, or abnormal liver results. Results provide essential insight into liver disease, blood disorders, and bile flow problems, guiding diagnosis and treatment.

Blood
Blood Draw
Also Known As: Total Bilirubin Test

The Calcium Micronutrient Test measures calcium levels in the blood to assess nutritional status and detect imbalances. Calcium is essential for strong bones and teeth, muscle contraction, nerve signaling, and heart function. This test helps identify deficiencies, excess, or issues with absorption and metabolism, supporting diagnosis and management of bone health, hormonal balance, and overall wellness.

Patient must be 18 years of age or older.
Blood
Blood Draw
Also Known As: Ca Test, Serum Calcium Test, Calcium Blood Test

Most Popular

The Calcium Test measures calcium levels in blood to assess bone health, parathyroid function, and metabolic balance. Abnormal levels may indicate bone disease, parathyroid disorders, kidney disease, or certain cancers. Both low and high calcium can cause muscle spasms, weakness, or irregular heartbeat. Doctors order this test to monitor osteoporosis, kidney stones, or endocrine disorders. Results provide essential insight into bone, nerve, and overall metabolic health.

Blood
Blood Draw
Also Known As: Ca Test, Serum Calcium Test, Calcium Blood Test

The Heavy Metals Micronutrients Blood Test Panel measures levels of arsenic, cadmium, cobalt, lead, and mercury to assess exposure and potential toxicity. These metals, found in the environment, food, or workplaces, can affect the nervous system, kidneys, bones, and overall health. This panel helps detect harmful accumulation, guide treatment, and monitor risks from environmental or occupational exposure.

Patient must be 18 years of age or older.

The Carbon Dioxide Test measures CO2 levels in the blood to help assess acid-base balance and metabolic function. Abnormal results may reflect respiratory issues, kidney disorders, or metabolic imbalances such as acidosis or alkalosis. This test is often included in electrolyte panels to provide insights into overall health, fluid balance, and how the body maintains proper pH regulation through the respiratory and renal systems.

Blood
Blood Draw
Also Known As: CO2 Test

The Carnitine Test measures carnitine levels in the blood to evaluate fatty acid metabolism and energy production. Abnormal results may indicate primary or secondary carnitine deficiency, often linked to metabolic disorders, malnutrition, or certain medications. Doctors use this test to investigate muscle weakness, hypoglycemia, or developmental delays and to monitor patients receiving treatment for metabolic or mitochondrial disease.

Blood
Blood Draw

The Chloride Test measures chloride, an essential electrolyte that helps regulate fluid balance, acid-base status, and nerve and muscle function. Abnormal chloride levels may indicate dehydration, kidney disease, metabolic acidosis or alkalosis, or adrenal disorders. By assessing electrolyte balance, this test provides insight into hydration, metabolic function, and overall health of the renal and endocrine systems.

Blood
Blood Draw
Also Known As: Chloride Serum Test

The Chloride Random Urine Test measures chloride levels in a spot urine sample to help evaluate electrolyte and acid-base balance. Abnormal results may indicate dehydration, metabolic alkalosis, renal tubular disorders, or imbalances linked to adrenal gland conditions. This test provides clinical insight into kidney function, metabolic regulation, and systemic fluid balance by detecting changes in urinary chloride excretion.

Urine
Urine Collection
Also Known As: Random Urine Chloride Test

The Collagen Cross-Linked N-Telopeptide (NTx) 24 Hour Urine Test measures breakdown products of type I collagen, the main protein in bone. Elevated levels reflect increased bone resorption, which may be linked to osteoporosis, metabolic bone disease, or treatment monitoring. This test provides valuable insight into bone turnover, helping evaluate bone health, response to therapy, and risk of skeletal disorders.

Urine
Urine Collection
Also Known As: NTx Test

The Collagen Cross-Linked N-Telopeptide Urine Test measures type I collagen breakdown products to evaluate bone resorption and skeletal health. Elevated levels may indicate osteoporosis, metabolic bone disease, or increased bone turnover, while lower levels may reflect treatment response. This test provides insight into bone metabolism, helping clinicians assess risk of fractures, monitor therapy, and track long-term bone health.

Urine
Urine Collection
Also Known As: NTx Test

The Collagen Type I C-Telopeptide (CTX) Test measures CTX fragments released during bone breakdown, making it a key marker of bone resorption. Elevated levels may indicate osteoporosis, metabolic bone disease, or increased fracture risk. Doctors order this test to monitor bone loss, evaluate treatment for osteoporosis, or assess bone health in postmenopausal women. Results provide vital insight into bone turnover and long-term skeletal health management.

Blood
Blood Draw
Also Known As: CTx Test

The Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP) Test measures 21 markers to assess metabolic health, liver and kidney function, and electrolyte balance. It includes glucose, calcium, sodium, potassium, chloride, CO2, albumin, globulin, A/G ratio, total protein, bilirubin, ALP, AST, ALT, BUN, creatinine, BUN/creatinine ratio, and eGFR. The CMP helps detect diabetes, liver or kidney disease, and supports routine screening and chronic condition monitoring.

Blood
Blood Draw
Also Known As: CMP Test, Chemistry Panel Test, Chem Test, Chem 21 Test, Chem 14 Test 

The Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP) without ALT evaluates overall metabolic and organ health by measuring glucose, calcium, electrolytes, kidney function markers, and key liver enzymes (excluding ALT). Doctors order this test to assess diabetes, dehydration, kidney disease, or liver dysfunction. Results provide critical insight into metabolic balance, electrolyte disorders, and organ performance, helping guide diagnosis, treatment, and long-term health monitoring.

Blood
Blood Draw
Also Known As: CMP without ALT

Lab Tests to Identify and Monitor Metabolic Disorders

More than one in three adults in the United States has metabolic syndrome. Metabolic syndrome is a condition identified by the inability of the body's metabolic system to work properly. In sum, it is a collection of metabolic disorders.

Considering that metabolic disorders are so common, it's likely that you or someone you know has a metabolic disorder of some kind. These disorders can make it harder to control weight and energy.

To learn more about metabolic disorders and what metabolic tests you can take for them, keep reading.

What Are Metabolic Disorders?

By definition, a metabolic disorder is a condition in which the body's metabolism isn't functioning correctly. This broad categorization means that there is a wide range of classifications, causes, symptoms, and treatments.

Metabolism is the collection of processes that turn food into energy. These processes are chemical and hormonal, meaning that they can affect the whole body. 

Given that metabolism is a collection of many processes, different kinds of metabolic disorders can arise when different processes aren't working correctly.

A metabolic disorder may form from an incorrect enzyme, a faulty energy system, or a diseased organ.

Risk Factors for Metabolic Disorders

Unfortunately, there isn't a way to completely prevent metabolic disorders. The majority of these conditions are genetic.

Given that the true cause of these disorders is unknown, there is no way to determine absolute risk factors.

However, there are a few correlations that physicians and scientists have made. From those correlations, the medical community has determined that the risk factors for type II diabetes are closely tied to patients who have metabolic disorders.

Here are those risk factors:

  • Excess body fat
  • Unhealthy diet
  • Inactivity
  • Dehydration

By taking care of your body, you may improve your symptoms associated with metabolic syndrome. If it feels like your condition has hijacked your body, you may need to speak with your healthcare provider about further interventions.

Causes of Metabolic Disorders

As we briefly mentioned, there is no definitive cause for most metabolic disorders. Most of these conditions are passed down through genetics.

Our genes tell our bodies how to perform certain metabolic processes. Sometimes, these genes mutate and give incorrect directions, causing a changed enzyme or incorrect chemical to perform metabolic processes. 

If a mutation happens somewhere in the genetic line, that mutation can go down to offspring for generations.

Few metabolic disorders aren't passed down through genetics. These likely occur because of a disease process in the body or a damaged organ or gland. The most common examples are the pancreas in diabetes and the thyroid in thyroid disorders. 

Patients with these kinds of metabolic issues can find some relief with treatment. However, there is no guarantee that the patient's symptoms will be completely relieved with the treatment of their condition.

What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Metabolic Disorders?

Because metabolic disorders affect the entire body, their symptoms are widespread and plentiful. The signs that you may notice will depend on the kind of metabolic disorder you have.

For example, patients with Graves disease (an autoimmune disease of the thyroid associated with hyperthyroidism) may lose weight with their metabolic disorder. On the other hand, patients with Hashimoto's thyroiditis (an autoimmune disease of the thyroid associated with hypothyroidism) may gain weight with their metabolic disorder.

Here are the common signs and symptoms for all kinds of metabolic disorders:

  • Unintended weight loss
  • Unexpected weight gain
  • Chronic lack of energy
  • Abdominal pain
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Decreased appetite
  • Feeling hungry and thirsty despite already eating and drinking
  • Changes to the skin such as color changes, bruising easily, thinning, and healing slowly

Children and babies with metabolic disorders may experience developmental delays. You may notice that they aren't reaching developmental milestones like their peers are.

How Are Metabolic Disorders Diagnosed?

First, your healthcare provider will talk to you about any family history you may have of metabolic disorders. Then, they'll evaluate the symptoms that you're presenting.

From there, the physician may choose to order metabolic blood tests to see if the chemicals and hormones in your blood are at optimal levels. These tests will also give them insight into how to help you control your disorder if you have one.

The Lab Tests to Screen, Diagnose, and Monitor Metabolic Disorders

At Ulta Lab Tests, we have extensive testing for metabolic disorders. We test for all of the following biomarkers:

By getting all of these tests done, you'll be able to know more about your body. In turn, you can make better decisions about your health and understand your metabolic pathway better.

Get Your Metabolic Tests With Ulta Lab Tests

If you believe that you could have a metabolic disorder, you should order metabolic lab tests. The results will give you valuable information about your body that you need to make better decisions about your health.

Luckily, Ulta Lab Tests offer highly accurate and reliable metabolic blood tests. Here are a few of the benefits that you'll experience with Ulta Lab Tests:

  • You'll get secure and confidential results
  • You don't need health insurance
  • You don't need a physician's referral
  • You'll get affordable pricing
  • We offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee

Order your metabolic tests today, and we'll provide your results securely and confidentially online in 24 to 48 hours for most tests.

Take control of your health with Ulta Lab Tests today!