Typically, primary care physicians will recommend our patients get routine blood work at least once a year, usually around the same time as their yearly physical. A few reasons to get lab tests like blood tests done include: - Experiencing unusual and persistent symptoms - Looking to optimize your health - Reduce the risk of disease or complications Some of the most common lab tests requested from primary care providers are: - Blood count The most common blood test performed. Blood count measures the number of cells in the blood including red and white blood cells and platelets. - Prothrombin time Measures how long it takes blood to clot. - Basic metabolic panel The basic metabolic panel test measures glucose, sodium, potassium, calcium, carbon dioxide, blood urea nitrogen, and creatinine which can help to determine blood sugar levels, electrolyte, and fluid balance as well as kidney function. - Comprehensive metabolic panel This test is normally combined with the basic metabolic panel and six other tests for a comprehensive evaluation of metabolic functions focusing on organ systems. - Lipid panel Group of tests used to evaluate cardiac risk. - Liver panel A combination of tests is used to assess liver function and establish any possible presence of liver tumors. - Thyroid-stimulating hormone Screens and monitors for the function of the thyroid. - Hemoglobin A1C Diagnoses and monitors diabetes. - Urinalysis Another common lab test that is requested, is a general screening test used to check for early signs of disease. - Cultures To test for the diagnoses and treatment of infections.