lab-guides
How to read your biomarkers: HbA1c, TSH, lipid panel, vitamin D, ApoB and more — what each marker means, optimal ranges by age, every claim sourced.
IGF-1 — Growth Hormone Marker
IGF-1 manages the effects of growth hormone and is steadier than growth hormone itself. Read it against your lab's age-specific range.
GGT — Liver + Alcohol Marker
GGT is a liver enzyme that may signal a liver or bile-duct problem when high; drinking alcohol raises it. It cannot name the cause, so it is read with other liver tests.
SHBG — Sex Hormone Binding Globulin
SHBG binds sex hormones in the blood, so it helps explain how much of your testosterone is available to tissues — even when total testosterone reads normal.
Zinc — Immune Mineral Status
Zinc is a mineral the immune system needs. Serum zinc is the usual status measure, with limits. How to read your result against the lab's range.
Morning Cortisol — Stress Axis Marker
Morning cortisol measures the adrenal stress hormone, drawn early because levels vary through the day. How to read your result against the lab's 8 a.m. range.
Uric Acid — Metabolic + Gout Marker
Uric acid is made when the body breaks down purines. A high blood level (hyperuricemia) can cause gout, kidney stones or kidney disease.
Homocysteine — B-Vitamin + Vascular Marker
Homocysteine is broken down using vitamin B12, B6 and folate. A high level may mean that process is not working or B vitamins are lacking, and is linked to heart disease risk.
Testosterone, Total and Free (Men)
Total testosterone measures bound and unbound hormone; free testosterone is the unbound fraction. Draw between 7 and 10 a.m., and confirm a low result on a second morning sample.
Omega-3 Index — EPA + DHA Blood Test
The omega-3 index is a blood test for EPA and DHA, the omega-3s found in fish. How to read it against your lab's range.
Lp(a) — Genetic Cardiovascular Risk
Lipoprotein(a) is a mostly inherited cholesterol-carrying particle that a regular lipid panel does not measure. How to read your result against the AHA/ACC thresholds.
Lipid Panel — LDL, HDL, Triglycerides
A lipid panel measures LDL, HDL and triglycerides. Too much LDL raises coronary artery disease risk, and your own LDL goal depends on your risk.
hs-CRP — Systemic Inflammation
hs-CRP measures small rises in C-reactive protein, a non-specific inflammation marker. The AHA classes below 1.0 mg/L as low cardiovascular risk.