Lab Panel Guides

Panels group related markers, such as the complete blood count or the lipid panel. Learn what each panel covers and how to read the results together.

• Blood sugar panelBlood sugar tests measure fasting glucose and hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) to screen for and monitor diabetes and prediabetes. Fasting glucose reflects blood sugar at one moment, while A1c shows average blood sugar over the past two to three months, helping assess overall control over time.
• BMPThe basic metabolic panel (BMP) is a blood test that measures fasting glucose, key electrolytes, and kidney function markers such as BUN and creatinine. Clinicians order it during routine checkups, to monitor chronic conditions, or to evaluate symptoms such as fatigue, confusion, or unusual thirst.
• CBC panelThe complete blood count (CBC) panel measures red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets to help check for anemia, infection, inflammation, and clotting problems. It is often used for routine screening or when symptoms such as fatigue, unusual bruising, or repeated infections occur in many people.
• Comprehensive metabolic panelThe comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP) is a group of 14 blood tests that check blood sugar, kidney function, liver function, and the balance of body fluids and electrolytes. It is often ordered at routine checkups or to help monitor certain conditions and medicines over time.
• Coagulation panelA coagulation panel measures how well blood clots by testing PT/INR, aPTT, and fibrinogen levels. Clinicians order it to check for bleeding or clotting problems, before surgery, or to monitor blood-thinning medicines, since these markers together show how clotting function is working overall.
• Electrolyte panelAn electrolyte panel checks sodium, potassium, chloride, and bicarbonate, often along with calcium and magnesium. These minerals help control fluid balance, nerve signals, muscle function, and heart rhythm. Clinicians order it to assess hydration, kidney function, and how the body responds to treatment or illness.
• Inflammation panelThe inflammation panel checks CRP and ESR, two blood tests that look for signs of inflammation. Clinicians often order them with symptoms and other tests to explore infections, autoimmune conditions, or other causes, not to identify a specific illness on its own without further testing.
• Iron studiesIron studies show how much iron the body stores and carries in blood, using ferritin, serum iron, TIBC, and TSAT. Clinicians read these markers together to spot patterns linked to iron deficiency, overload, or inflammation, guiding further testing or care decisions with a healthcare provider.
• Kidney panelA kidney panel is a group of blood tests that show how well the kidneys filter waste from the blood. It typically includes creatinine, eGFR, BUN or urea, and uric acid. Clinicians order it to screen for kidney disease, monitor chronic conditions, and check kidney health during treatment.
• Lipid panelA lipid panel measures total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, triglycerides, and non-HDL cholesterol to help assess heart disease risk. Doctors order it for routine checkups, to monitor cholesterol-lowering drugs and treatment, and to check risk when other factors such as high blood pressure or diabetes are present.
• Liver panelA liver panel (liver function tests) is a group of blood tests that measure liver enzymes, bilirubin, and blood proteins made by the liver. It helps clinicians check overall liver health, spot possible cell damage or bile duct issues, and monitor certain conditions or medicines over time.
• Thyroid panelA thyroid panel measures TSH, free T4, and free T3 to check how well the thyroid gland is working. It is used to evaluate symptoms like fatigue or weight changes and to monitor thyroid conditions or treatment.
• Vitamin panelA vitamin panel checks blood levels of vitamin D, vitamin B12, and folate. It helps clinicians look for deficiencies linked to bone, blood, and nerve problems, often when someone has fatigue, numbness, or other risk factors.