The blood tests that matter
Pharmacist Adrian Ienin’s guide: which tests to do, what each one shows and why it is worth it.
- 34 general tests, each explained in plain words
- Hormone tests for women and for men
- Which ones your family doctor can usually order
- How to prepare, and how to read your results
- A checklist page to take to the lab
What is in the guide
Blood and inflammation
The starting point: what the blood cells look like and whether there is inflammation in the body.
- Complete blood count (CBC)
- ESR (sed rate)
- C-reactive protein (CRP)
- Fibrinogen
- Serum protein electrophoresis
- ASO (antistreptolysin O)
- Prothrombin time (PT/INR)
Blood sugar and metabolism
How the body handles sugar. The first signs show up here, years before diabetes.
- Fasting glucose
- Insulin
- HOMA index
- Glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c)
- Uric acid
Heart and blood fats
The lipid profile and the tests that show cardiovascular risk in more detail.
- Total cholesterol
- HDL / LDL cholesterol
- Triglycerides
- Apolipoprotein B (ApoB)
- Apolipoprotein A1 (ApoA1)
- Homocysteine
Liver and kidneys
The two organs that filter and clean the blood.
- AST, ALT (liver enzymes)
- Alkaline phosphatase
- Creatinine
- Urea
- Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR)
- Electrolytes
- Complete urinalysis
Iron and vitamins
The reserves the body uses for energy, healthy blood and healthy nerves.
- Serum iron
- Ferritin
- Vitamin B12
- Folate (folic acid)
- 25-hydroxy vitamin D
- Mercury in blood
Thyroid and stress
The gland that sets the pace of metabolism, and the stress hormone.
- TSH
- Anti-TPO antibodies
- Serum cortisol
Specific tests · hormonal metabolism
For women: Estradiol, Progesterone, Testosterone and free testosterone, DHEA (DHEA-S), AMH, SHBG, FSH and LH, CA 125, CA 19-9.
For men: Testosterone and free testosterone, Dihydrotestosterone (DHT), SHBG, PSA and free PSA, CA 19-9.
Adrian Ienin
Adrian Ienin is a naturopathic pharmacist and a nutrition and holistic health consultant, a graduate of the Faculty of Pharmacy at the “Victor Babeș” University of Medicine and Pharmacy in Timișoara, Romania. He has over 15 years of experience guiding people who want to change their lifestyle. He is co-founder of the naturopathic pharmacy Minunea Naturii, founder of MentorSano and author of the book “Jurnalul unui om sănătos” (A Healthy Person’s Journal). More about Adrian →
Your blood tests, explained, in MentorSano
I built MentorSano so people are no longer left alone with a lab report they don’t understand.
Get free access → Free to start · 2 minutes · no cardThis guide is educational. It is not a medical service, does not diagnose and does not replace a consultation with your doctor. Reference ranges and preparation for tests can differ between labs. If you have an acute problem, see a doctor.