Lab results
What Labs Should You Get Before a Physical?
The blood tests that make your annual physical more useful, how to prepare for them and why timing your labs saves a second visit.
The core labs most adults need
- Lipid panel (cholesterol): every 4 to 6 years from age 20 if normal, more often with risk factors.
- A1c or fasting glucose: for adults 35 to 70 with overweight, and anyone with risk factors.
- Metabolic panel (CMP): if you take medicines that affect kidneys or electrolytes, or have blood pressure or diabetes.
Labs that depend on you
- CBC if you are tired, have heavy periods or take certain medicines
- Ferritin for heavy periods, a plant-based diet or tiredness
- TSH for symptoms of thyroid problems or a strong family history
- Vitamin D or B12 with specific risk factors
- Urine albumin with diabetes or high blood pressure
- Hepatitis C and HIV screening at least once for adults
- PSA for men 55 to 69 after a shared decision
How to prepare
- Ask whether you need to fast (usually 8 to 12 hours, water allowed).
- Keep taking your regular medicines unless told otherwise.
- Stop biotin supplements two to three days before, as they can interfere with some tests.
- Drink water so the draw is easier.
- Bring a list of past results if you have them.
Try our pre-physical lab checklist to see which tests to ask about.
How we can help
We order labs a few days before your physical so your visit can focus on what the results mean and what to do next. Our discounted cash-pay labs are often less than an insurance copay, and you see the price first.
Questions people ask
Do I need to fast before my physical labs?
For a fasting glucose and the most accurate triglycerides, yes. Many other tests, including A1c, do not need fasting.
Should I ask for every test available?
No. Unnecessary tests can produce false positives that lead to more testing and worry. We choose tests that will change a decision.
How much do labs cost without insurance?
With our discounted cash-pay pricing, common panels often cost less than a typical copay. We tell you the price before the draw.
Talk it through with Lydia
Getting ready for a physical? We will make sure your labs are done first. See a board-certified nurse practitioner virtually anywhere in Virginia, in our Woodbridge office, or straight to your front door in much of Northern Virginia.
Visits start at $85, and every membership comes with a 30-day trial.
Prefer to ask first? Text us at (571) 402-2102 or message us on WhatsApp.
