Bloodwork Tips

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Bloodwork: Why Timing, Preparation, and Tracking Matter

Many people don’t realize how much when and how you get your bloodwork done affects the results. For example, if you’re dehydrated, your values may be skewed. Blood is more than 50% water. When you’re dehydrated, it’s like turning your blood into concentrated liquid. Your results might look “good” but actually be off. Bloodwork isn’t a “one and done” scenario. The best way to track your health is by comparing results year to year to identify trends. This empowers you to act before issues arise.

For instance, blood sugar rarely jumps from healthy to diabetic levels in a single year. It’s often a gradual process. By tracking trends, you can address rising levels before they require medication. Physicians typically focus on values that are “high” and may overlook subtle upward trends.

Here are my top tips for getting the most accurate bloodwork results:

Preparing for Bloodwork

• Always fast. Annual bloodwork should be done on an empty stomach.

• Be consistent. Schedule your labs at the same time of day each year.

• Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water for several days beforehand.

• Rest well. Sleep affects everything, including your test results.

• Avoid exercise. Don’t work out before your appointment.

• Skip alcohol. Avoid drinking alcohol in the days leading up to your test.

• Pause supplements. Stop taking vitamins and minerals three days before.

• Stay calm. Arrive early and relaxed; stress can impact your results.

Tests to Consider

In addition to standard tests, here are some additional bloodwork options that provide deeper insights into your health:

Cholesterol & Heart Health

• Cholesterol Particle Size and Number: This test goes beyond total cholesterol levels, showing if your particles are small and dense or large and fluffy. Large particles are less risky.

• Triglycerides, HDL, and LDL: Triglycerides can indicate insulin resistance. Combining this with HDL and LDL offers a clearer picture of heart health.

• ApoB: Measures the number of particles carrying cholesterol, a strong indicator of heart disease risk.

Blood Sugar & Insulin Resistance

• Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT): This involves drinking a sugary liquid and having your blood drawn in intervals to see how your body processes glucose.

• Fasting Plasma Glucose (FPG): Screens for prediabetes, type 2 diabetes, and gestational diabetes.

• HbA1C: Measures average blood glucose levels over the past three months.

• Triglyceride-Glucose Index (TyG): Assesses insulin resistance.

Hormones

Hormones act like a symphony, constantly changing. Blood tests only offer a snapshot. For women, I recommend the DUTCH test (Dried Urine Test for Comprehensive Hormones), a functional medicine test providing a comprehensive view of hormone levels. This test must be ordered by a functional medicine practitioner.

Thyroid Function

An extensive thyroid panel should include:

• TSH (Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone)

• Free T3 and Free T4

• Reverse T3

• Total T3

Doctors often order only TSH, T4, and T3, but these additional markers provide a fuller picture.

Other Important Tests

• Vitamin D, 25-OH: Vitamin D levels are often overlooked but are essential for overall health. Test, supplement, and reassess until stable.

• Iron Panel: Includes TIBC (Total Iron-Binding Capacity) and ferritin to evaluate iron levels.

• C-Reactive Protein (CRP): Tests for inflammation in the blood.

• Micronutrient Panel: While harder to get approved, this test identifies nutrient deficiencies, especially for those on acid-suppressing medications or showing symptoms of deficiency.

Tracking Your Results

Comparing bloodwork results year-to-year reveals trends that help you take proactive steps. For example, if your blood sugar levels gradually increase, you can adjust your diet to prevent diabetes. Or if your cholesterol particles are trending toward small and dense, you can address dietary and lifestyle factors to reduce your risk of heart disease.

Why Preparation Matters

Preparation is key to accurate results. A poorly hydrated, sleep-deprived, or stressed state can distort your labs, leading to unnecessary worry or missed warning signs. Think of your bloodwork as a snapshot of your body’s health; the clearer the picture, the better the insights.

If you’re interested in more detailed tests or ordering labs on your own, Labcorp offers affordable options in Dover, NH, and Freeport, ME. I can order labs for you.

A Final Note

None of the above is medical advice. These tips are for educational purposes only. Always consult with your healthcare provider for personalized recommendations.

Take care of yourself and stay well!

Annie Watts is a Functional Health Coach in Kennebunk. Follow her on Facebook and Instagram @AnnieWattsWellness or visit www.anniewattswellness.com.