Lab Tests & Biomarkers — Complete Reference Guide
This visual reference helps you understand the most commonly ordered annual lab tests at a glance. Each marker includes a color-coded range bar showing where low, normal, and high values fall so you can quickly interpret your results and have more informed conversations with your doctor.
Table of Contents
How to Read the Range Bars
Each bar is divided into segments representing where your result falls. The numbers on each segment show the threshold values. Ranges shown are standard adult reference ranges; your lab may use slightly different values.
Complete Blood Count (CBC)
The CBC is the most frequently ordered blood test. It evaluates red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets to detect infections, anemia, clotting disorders, and immune system conditions.
WBC — White Blood Cells (×10³/µL)
RBC — Red Blood Cells, Male (×10⁶/µL)
RBC — Red Blood Cells, Female (×10⁶/µL)
Hemoglobin, Male (g/dL)
Hemoglobin, Female (g/dL)
Hematocrit, Male (%)
Hematocrit, Female (%)
Platelets (×10³/µL)
MCV — Mean Corpuscular Volume (fL)
Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP)
The CMP is a group of 14 tests that evaluate kidney function, liver function, electrolyte balance, and blood sugar — providing a broad overview of your body's chemical balance and metabolism.
Glucose, Fasting (mg/dL)
BUN — Blood Urea Nitrogen (mg/dL)
Creatinine (mg/dL)
eGFR — Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (mL/min)
Sodium (mEq/L)
Potassium (mEq/L)
Calcium (mg/dL)
Albumin (g/dL)
Total Protein (g/dL)
ALT — Alanine Aminotransferase (U/L)
AST — Aspartate Aminotransferase (U/L)
ALP — Alkaline Phosphatase (U/L)
Bilirubin, Total (mg/dL)
Lipid Panel
The lipid panel measures fats and fatty substances in the blood to assess cardiovascular disease risk. It is one of the most important screening tests for heart health.
Total Cholesterol (mg/dL)
LDL Cholesterol (mg/dL)
HDL Cholesterol (mg/dL)
Triglycerides (mg/dL)
VLDL Cholesterol (mg/dL)
Thyroid Panel
The thyroid panel evaluates how well your thyroid gland is functioning. Thyroid hormones regulate metabolism, energy, body temperature, heart rate, and many other vital processes.
TSH — Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone (mIU/L)
Free T4 — Thyroxine (ng/dL)
Free T3 — Triiodothyronine (pg/mL)
Iron Panel
The iron panel measures how much iron is in your blood and how well your body stores and transports it. Iron is essential for oxygen delivery, energy production, and immune function.
Serum Iron (µg/dL)
Ferritin, Male (ng/mL)
Ferritin, Female (ng/mL)
TIBC — Total Iron-Binding Capacity (µg/dL)
Transferrin Saturation (%)
Diabetes Markers
These markers assess blood sugar regulation and diabetes risk. HbA1c reflects your average blood sugar over the past 2-3 months, while fasting glucose and insulin provide a snapshot of current metabolic status.
HbA1c — Hemoglobin A1c (%)
Fasting Glucose (mg/dL)
Fasting Insulin (µIU/mL)
Inflammatory Markers
Chronic low-grade inflammation is linked to heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and autoimmune conditions. These tests help identify hidden inflammation before it progresses to serious disease.
hs-CRP — High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein (mg/L)
ESR, Male — Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (mm/hr)
ESR, Female — Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (mm/hr)
Homocysteine (µmol/L)
Hormone Panel
Hormones regulate virtually every process in your body — from energy and mood to reproductive health and body composition. Imbalances can cause fatigue, weight gain, depression, and many other symptoms.
Testosterone, Male (ng/dL)
Testosterone, Female (ng/dL)
Estradiol, Premenopausal (pg/mL)
Cortisol, Morning (µg/dL)
DHEA-S, Male (µg/dL)
DHEA-S, Female (µg/dL)
Vitamins & Minerals
Nutrient deficiencies are surprisingly common and can cause wide-ranging symptoms — from fatigue and brain fog to nerve damage and bone loss. These tests identify the most critical nutritional gaps.
Vitamin D (25-OH) (ng/mL)
Vitamin B12 (pg/mL)
Folate (ng/mL)
Magnesium (mg/dL)
Urinalysis
A urinalysis checks the appearance, concentration, and content of urine. It can detect kidney disease, urinary tract infections, diabetes, and other metabolic conditions.
pH
Specific Gravity
Protein
Glucose
Coagulation Panel
Coagulation tests measure how well your blood clots. They are essential before surgeries, for monitoring blood-thinning medications, and for diagnosing bleeding or clotting disorders.
PT — Prothrombin Time (seconds)
INR — International Normalized Ratio (therapeutic on warfarin: 2.0–3.0)
aPTT — Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time (seconds)
Other Important Tests
These additional tests are frequently ordered during annual physicals and can reveal conditions such as gout, liver dysfunction, and prostate issues.
Uric Acid, Male (mg/dL)
Uric Acid, Female (mg/dL)
GGT — Gamma-Glutamyl Transferase (U/L)
PSA — Prostate-Specific Antigen, Male (ng/mL)
Conventional vs. Functional/Optimal Ranges
Most lab reports use conventional reference ranges that are derived from population averages — which include many unhealthy individuals. Functional medicine practitioners often use narrower, optimal ranges based on healthy populations and peer-reviewed research. For example, a conventional TSH range might be 0.4–4.0, while a functional optimal range is 1.0–2.5. Similarly, conventional fasting glucose of 65–99 may be considered normal, but functional practitioners prefer 75–86.
If your results fall within conventional ranges but you still experience symptoms, consider asking your provider about functional/optimal ranges — early intervention at the "sub-optimal" stage can prevent progression to diagnosable disease.
IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER: This page is an educational reference to help you understand your lab results. It does NOT replace professional medical interpretation. Reference ranges may vary between laboratories. Always discuss your results with a qualified healthcare provider who can consider your complete health picture, symptoms, medications, and medical history.