I've been on Atkins for just over 3 months now. I would like to get my cholesterol and iron levels checked but I don't know what test to ask for? Actually, a full workup would be better. Is there some standard blood test that I should ask for? Also, I think DANDR mentions that you might see a cholesterol spike when you first start this WOE and then it will start decreasing. Is 3 months long enough to wait before getting an accurate reading? Thanks in advance!

I think that would be a fine amount of time.

I got a full panel done. I think you can just ask for that. Or, if you don't want to pay for everything, ask for a Lipid Profile.

Your doctor should know when you mention that you'd like your cholesterol and iron (hemoglobin) checked- but a full workup (Complete Blood Count, Chem. Panel, Electrolytes etc) should be done as well. If you need more info here is a good site

http://www.labtestsonline.org

It's a good idea to get a full blood work up once a year. My doctor forget to order one at my annual. But I have to get a test for a medicine I'm on in November to get more, so I think I'll ask that doctor to do a full work up.

My doctor gives me a prescription every 4 months to take to the lab for blood profile. His office gets the results, and then they email me a copy.


I think there are some walk-in clinics/labs that will do the same without primary physician involvement, but you should let your doctor review the results.



Cheers,
Brent

A full panel is what I would ask for. That way, you know it will all be covered

Just a note to make sure you ask for a ferritin test for iron - this will determin how much iron your body has stored in cells for future use. Iron in blood serum can be low but stored iron in cells can be normal, alternatively, blood serum levels can be within normal ranges and ferritin can be low.

Nat