What Blood work items recommended to check routinely

[bioshocked]

I tried searching for this and searching for the term blood work gave me quite a few different things to check. I didn't compile here the most common things, but was wondering about what to check on this Theranos form. I like how they list it all out with prices and caps on some of the pricing. And they are very convenient in my area. As some of you may already know, Theranos is under investigation for rumors of incorrect results. I don't know if that is specific to accuracy or precision. Or both. My last lab results from them are fairly consistent with some of my previous results from other labs so I am not too worried about that right now and will watch to see how the investigation goes.

Anyways. I have attached an image of the form with items that my doctor picked as well as a few that I added such as cholesterol since it is a cheap test. Is this a pretty good check list? Anything huge I am missing? And is there anything I really don't need to check? The Cholesterol, D3, and DHEA are just ones that I am checking as I am using D vitamins and DHEA sups to increase those numbers.

Mostly just wondering if I am missing anything major for routine blood work. My next check will be my first check since starting TRT. Thanks for the input.

[Mr.BB]

If you are on TRT your doctor will prescribe the correct tests.

[Proximal]

If you are on TRT your doctor will prescribe the correct tests.

Mr.BB, from some of bioshocked's past posts & even with my limited knowledge/experience, his TRT doc seems to be similar to many - that is, not as sharp and informed as they should be.

Bio, the only thing I see that I can speak of with any knowledge is to be sure that the estradiol test is a sensitive assay (needed for male levels of estradiol). Also, I'm now running liver enzyme panels (not sure exactly which one of the hepatic tests that would be on your sheet) - the reason being is that my past alcohol usage is contributing to higher numbers and want to start tracking. Sorry I couldn't be more helpful buddy, still learning myself.

[kelkel]

Lh & fsh.

[bioshocked]

Lh & fsh.

nice, those 2 won't add to the cost as that section gets capped in price. Thanks for the info.

[bioshocked]

If you are on TRT your doctor will prescribe the correct tests.

Most of the items on the form I showed, are what my MD checked for my first labs. So I don't know what they will check for the 2nd labs (first labs since starting the TRT plan). But since I don't have an established trust of their experience, I just want to have more input as the next labs come up. This way if I feel they are not looking at everything, I can add them if I want and then see what they say about the results.

Still, mostly just curious what people here with experience are checking all the time.

[kelkel]

nice, those 2 won't add to the cost as that section gets capped in price. Thanks for the info.

They only need to be checked once post TRT initiation. After that it's useless as they'll bottom out.

[bioshocked]

They only need to be checked once post TRT initiation. After that it's useless as they'll bottom out.

Interesting. So if they bottom out and that is expected, why measure them at all? To see if they don't drop out? Is it bad that LH and FSH drop out?

[kelkel]

It's expected as your hypothalamus and pituitary sense the exogenous testosterone and shut down production. It's simply checks and balances on the first "post TRT" test to make sure things are going properly.

[bioshocked]

It's amazing how much info they can pull from a blood draw!