7 lab tests your doctor doesn’t order but should

As I wrote about last month, I recently completed lab work and have my results. That’s the advantage of paying for labs out of pocket. I’m not letting any doctor hold my results hostage until I make their earliest available appointment five weeks out. I still need to meet with my doctor for a full assessment. Overall, my results are much better than my previous results from July of last year.

As I compared my results from previous years, I noticed how the labs differed depending on which doctor ordered them. They all request the same basic tests: complete blood count, metabolic panel, cholesterol panel, thyroid panel, and hormone panel. I have found that many other valuable tests aren’t commonly ordered but will tell you essential information about your health, and I’d like to share seven of these with you today.

Disclaimer: This is not medical advice. I am not a medical professional and do not have any credentials or certifications for practicing medicine. I’m sharing information that I’ve learned through my own experience. It’s important to find a health professional you trust and do your own research.

Speaking of researching, if you don’t know where to start, I highly recommend the e-book Common Sense Labs by Ken Berry, MD, and Kim Howerton. It’s about $15 and is an excellent primer with explanations in…