Blood Tests -- What you need -- What we need to help you.

[Lestat]

Thanks to reading Dr. JMW's posts I got my blood tests done.

I have not used AAS, however I would like to know where I am now, so that In the future I have a frame of reference should things change. It can't hurt, you'll thank yourself in a year or two to have something to look back on and compare to.

 

[newpump]

for those of us not in the medical field, and completely CLUELESS about this whole blood test thing.. can someone answer a few questions for me?

Where do I get a blood test done? I've asked my doctor before, but I understand that if you ask too many times for a blood test, you run the risk of being denied medial insurance. Is there a better place to get a blood test done? Is there an online/mail order service? How many times per year can you get a blood test done (assuming the answer is my doc needs to do it?) What should I ask the doc to insure that I get "the right test" and "don't generate too much suspicion"?

Sorry if I'm so ignorant - this sounds like an important part of being safe with AAS, and I htink this info could benefit may people on the board .

 

[Seth Roberts]

reasons

Your doctor works for you. If he will not order tests that you request then find a new doctor -- the only reason you should need is "I want them done". I have never heard of anyone being denied medical coverage for getting blood tests done too often -- but someone more in tune with insurance companies might have more info.
Here are the tests in the chem-20 -- also, these tests should be done after an overnight fast

albumin
alkaline phosphatase
ALT (SGPT)
AST (SGOT)
BUN
calcium - serum
serum chloride
CO2
creatinine
direct bilirubin
gamma-GT
glucose test
LDH
phosphorus - serum
potassium test
serum sodium
total bilirubin
total cholesterol
total protein
uric acid

CBC:
The number of red blood cells (RBCs)
The number of white blood cells (WBCs)
The total amount of hemoglobin in the blood
The fraction of the blood composed of red blood cells (hematocrit)
The mean corpuscular volume (MCV) -- the size of the red blood cells
CBC also includes information about the red blood cells that is calculated from the other measurements:

MCH (mean corpuscular hemoglobin)
MCHC (mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration)
The platelet count is also usually included in the CBC.

 

[easy]

I have a thread going right now about my levels. If you've never had blood work done I can strongly sugest you get to your doc for a physical. Becaus e I went in I now know I have less natural test than a 3 yr old girl. Since I'm only 28 and have never used AAS, I probably would have never known except for the fact that I can look at doughnuts and get fat and my nipples look better than my wifes.

 

[DrJMW]

Re: reasons

Your doctor works for you. If he will not order tests that you request then find a new doctor -- the only reason you should need is "I want them done". I have never heard of anyone being denied medical coverage for getting blood tests done too often -- but someone more in tune with insurance companies might have more info.

Morally, I agree with this statement. Unfortunately, many docs won't order tests without a "medical reason." Technically, Quest and insurance companies require medical reasons for each test. We docs write ICD codes (diagnostic codes) on the Requisition Forms we give the patient to take to the Lab. Many insurance companies to not cover "non-routine" lab tests--like Testosterone levels, IGF and IGFBP levels,etc. That is their right. They also have the right to restrict how many times a year they will cover repetitive testing. Each insurance company is different. An insurance company that doesn't cover testing is no excuse for not getting the testing done.

You really only need three batteries of testing--before you start, during, and recovery..then periodic checks every year or every other year. Someday, docs will routine check test levels and the other "nonroutine" tests.

 

[Seth Roberts]

Thanks Doc

Thanks for the input doc. I have never had problems with getting blood tests from my doc or my insurance company but then again, I usually only stick with the following:
CBC
Chem-20
Complete Thyroid screen (T-3 uptake, Total T4, Free T4, total T3, Free T3, Free T4 index, TSH, TBG)
Prolactin
Total test
Free test
LH, FSH

These are pretty routine tests and my doc has never raised an eyebrow when I've asked for them. The fact that docs need to put down a diagnostic code is not a problem for docs that want to work with you. Also, I don't go to a lab for tests -- my docs office draws the blood and submits them to lab for tests -- perhaps this is also a difference.

 

[DrJMW]

As many of you know, I will authorize the tests I have listed. I have an account with Quest Diagnostics--which is the largest Lab in the USA and they have outlets everywhere. They also have a website www.questdiagnostics.com. I will send you the Requisition form, receive and interpret the results, and email you the results along with commentary. Of course, I need all of the info that Seth Roberts has mentioned at the top of this thread--I need to know if you are pre-cycle, "in cycle," or post-cycle recovery and I need to know what meds you are/were taking. You can email me for more details.

Guys, consider the money spent an investment. Don't make excuses because your insurance won't pay. It is your health we are taking about. The full battery of testing could run $1,000.00, but remember, you only have to do the full battery two or three times and then just check T levels periodically. It is up to you.

 

[mvmaxx]

I've had blood tests run by DrJMW as well. Very solid bro and very helpful.

 

[PatBateman]

best post I've seen in a while

 

[KILLER2001]

Agreed, this is a excellent thread. Answered 99% of my questions.