Lab Draws

  • An autoimmune lab draw is a blood test (or panel of blood tests) ordered to help evaluate whether the body’s immune system is attacking its own tissues.

    The blood is then analyzed for specific markers that may suggest an autoimmune condition. Common tests that may be included are:

    • ANA (Antinuclear Antibody Test) – screens for antibodies that target the body’s own cell nuclei.

    • Rheumatoid Factor (RF) & Anti-CCP – used in evaluating rheumatoid arthritis.

    • ESR (Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate) & CRP (C-Reactive Protein) – measure inflammation levels.

    • Specific Antibody Tests – such as anti-dsDNA, anti-Smith, SSA/SSB, and others depending on suspected condition.

    The procedure itself typically takes just a few minutes, with minimal discomfort beyond the needle stick. Results help guide diagnosis and management of conditions like lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, Sjögren’s syndrome, scleroderma, and other autoimmune diseases.

  • A hormone replacement therapy (HRT) lab draw is a blood test used to monitor hormone levels before starting treatment and throughout therapy. The goal is to measure key hormones and make sure replacement therapy is safe and effective.

    During the test, a small sample of blood is taken from a vein in the arm. The blood is analyzed for hormone levels and related markers, which may include:

    • Estrogen (estradiol, estrone)

    • Progesterone

    • Testosterone (total and free)

    • DHEA-S (Dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate)

    • Thyroid function tests (TSH, T3, T4)

    • Cortisol or other adrenal markers

    • Liver function, cholesterol, and other safety labs (depending on therapy type)

    These results help providers adjust hormone therapy doses to relieve symptoms while keeping levels in a safe range.

  • An allergy testing lab draw is a blood test used to check for allergic reactions to specific substances (allergens). During the test, a small sample of blood is taken from a vein in the arm. The blood is then analyzed for IgE antibodies—immune system proteins that rise in response to allergens.

    Common allergens tested may include:

    • Environmental – pollen, mold, dust mites, pet dander

    • Foods – milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, wheat, soy, fish, shellfish

    • Other triggers – insect venom, medications, latex

    This test provides information about possible allergic sensitivities without direct exposure to allergens (unlike skin-prick testing). Results help guide treatment plans such as avoidance strategies, medications, or immunotherapy.

  • A metabolic lab draw is a blood test (often called a metabolic panel) used to check how the body is functioning, especially the kidneys, liver, electrolytes, and blood sugar levels. During the test, a small amount of blood is drawn from a vein in the arm and sent to the lab for analysis.

    These labs may include:

    • Basic Metabolic Panel (BMP): measures blood sugar, electrolytes (sodium, potassium, chloride, bicarbonate), kidney function (BUN, creatinine), and calcium.

    • Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP): includes all BMP tests plus liver function tests (ALT, AST, alkaline phosphatase, bilirubin, albumin, and total protein).

    Results help providers monitor overall health, detect conditions such as diabetes, kidney or liver disease, and guide medication or treatment adjustments.

  • A complete blood count (CBC) is a common blood test that measures the levels of different cells in the blood. A small sample is drawn from a vein in the arm and analyzed in the laboratory.

    The CBC provides information about:

    • Red blood cells (RBCs): carry oxygen throughout the body

    • Hemoglobin & Hematocrit: measure oxygen-carrying capacity

    • White blood cells (WBCs): help fight infection

    • Platelets: help with clotting and wound healing

    Results can help detect anemia, infection, immune system disorders, bleeding problems, and overall health status.

  • A thyroid lab draw is a blood test used to measure how well the thyroid gland is working. The thyroid produces hormones that regulate metabolism, energy, heart function, and growth. A small sample of blood is taken from a vein in the arm and analyzed in the laboratory.

    Common thyroid labs include:

    • TSH (Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone): helps regulate thyroid activity

    • Free T4 (Thyroxine) & Free T3 (Triiodothyronine): active thyroid hormones in the blood

    • Thyroid Antibodies (TPOAb, TgAb, TRAb): may be checked if autoimmune thyroid disease is suspected

    Results help detect conditions such as hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid), hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid), Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, or Graves’ disease.

  • An A1C (Hemoglobin A1C) lab draw is a blood test that measures the average blood sugar (glucose) level over the past 2–3 months. It works by checking the percentage of hemoglobin (a protein in red blood cells) that is coated with sugar.

    During the test, a small blood sample is taken from a vein in the arm.

    What it shows:

    • An A1C of 5.6% or below is considered normal.

    • 5.7%–6.4% may indicate prediabetes.

    • 6.5% or higher is typically consistent with diabetes.

    Providers use this test to diagnose diabetes, monitor how well blood sugar is controlled, and guide treatment plans.

  • A cholesterol lab draw is a blood test that measures the levels of fats (lipids) in the blood. These levels help assess the risk of heart disease, stroke, and other cardiovascular problems. A small blood sample is taken from a vein in the arm, usually after fasting for 8–12 hours (depending on the provider’s instructions).

    Common measurements include:

    • Total Cholesterol: overall level of cholesterol in the blood

    • LDL (“bad” cholesterol): can build up in arteries and increase heart disease risk

    • HDL (“good” cholesterol): helps remove extra cholesterol from the bloodstream

    • Triglycerides: another type of fat that, when high, may increase heart risk

    Results help guide lifestyle changes, medication decisions, and overall cardiovascular health monitoring.

  • An estrogen lab draw is a blood test that measures the amount of estrogen, a key hormone that regulates reproduction, menstrual cycles, bone health, and other body functions. A small sample of blood is taken from a vein in the arm and analyzed in the laboratory.

    Estrogen tests may include:

    • Estradiol (E2): the primary form of estrogen in women of childbearing age

    • Estrone (E1): the main estrogen after menopause

    • Estriol (E3): produced in higher amounts during pregnancy

    These results help providers evaluate menstrual or fertility concerns, symptoms of menopause, hormone replacement therapy, or conditions such as ovarian or pituitary disorders.

  • A progesterone lab draw is a blood test that measures the level of progesterone, a hormone that plays an important role in regulating the menstrual cycle, supporting pregnancy, and balancing other hormones. A small sample of blood is taken from a vein in the arm and analyzed in the laboratory.

    Why it’s done:

    • To check for ovulation and evaluate fertility

    • To monitor early pregnancy and support of the uterine lining

    • To help diagnose causes of irregular menstrual cycles or abnormal bleeding

    • To assess hormone balance during hormone replacement therapy

    Progesterone levels naturally fluctuate throughout the menstrual cycle and during pregnancy, so timing of the test may vary depending on the reason it’s ordered.

  • A testosterone lab draw is a blood test that measures the level of testosterone, a hormone important for muscle mass, bone strength, energy, mood, and reproductive health in both men and women. A small sample of blood is taken from a vein in the arm and analyzed in the laboratory.

    Tests may include:

    • Total Testosterone: overall amount of testosterone in the blood

    • Free Testosterone: measures the portion not bound to proteins and available for use by the body

    • Bioavailable Testosterone: sometimes measured to show the amount readily usable by tissues