Blood work - Where to go / What to ask for

Hello.....

I'd like to get blood work done, and am not sure if it is possible to walk into a lab without a GP request...In Asia, y'all just walk in and no sweat.....

Does anyone have any ideas in KZN (PMB), and also, what to ask for?

Does anyone want to create a sticky for "BLOOD WORK - WHAT TO ASK FOR and WHAT YOUR RANGES SHOULD BE"

#notjustaprettyface

Please don't structure your posts all in caps, refer to the rules of the site.

It is your body and you can go in and request what you like.. Just dont expect medical aid to pay for it. And sometimes Ampath can be a bunch of chops, but I've learnt how to deal with them.

Your question has been asked countless times on what bloods to do.. Have a look using the search function, with regards to normal, they have a reference that you can look at once done, but show the results here and you can then raise a debate.

I got to Lancet Laboratories, you just tell them what you want tested, fill in a form and specify, they don't give you any ooosh and aaahs ....

Thanks guys..Won't do the caps again...will try Lancet - I called Ampath near where I live and they said "go to a doctor and ask him to give you a referral"...#knobs

Just called them - BOOM - what a difference. "no stress at all, come on in, we'll do it when you get here" - easy peasy!

Lancet Laboratories also have an app you can download.

I am able to access all my test result since 2013 from my phone.

Looks like we're in the same town

I use the SnS laboratory which is in Boschoff Street and is in the same complex as Duzimed. They do private blood tests, and are pretty reliable and half the price of Lancet.

As far as what to ask for, well, it depends what your agenda is - are you wanting to check yourself for T levels because you feel you may be low? Are you wanting to check yourself post cycle? Are you wanting a general check-up?

Bearing in mind the tests are the best part of R150 per individual test, and if you want a complete panel of bloods, you're looking at the best part of R8-10k....

My 6 monthly bloods that monitor my TRT related levels and lipid profile cost around R750

Xpornstar wrote: Looks like we're in the same town

I use the SnS laboratory which is in Boschoff Street and is in the same complex as Duzimed. They do private blood tests, and are pretty reliable and half the price of Lancet.

As far as what to ask for, well, it depends what your agenda is - are you wanting to check yourself for T levels because you feel you may be low? Are you wanting to check yourself post cycle? Are you wanting a general check-up?

Bearing in mind the tests are the best part of R150 per individual test, and if you want a complete panel of bloods, you're looking at the best part of R8-10k....

My 6 monthly bloods that monitor my TRT related levels and lipid profile cost around R750

Which 6 tests do you get done on a monthly basis if I may ask?

Damn son... I paid 2600..... inserts hard core crying face

...so after the cycle I know where to go..thanks.

Lol, PsyClown, I meant I take my blood work every 6 months, not 6 tests a month

I get a full lipid panel done, I have hassles keeping LDL and triglycerides in check despite eating clean so keep an eye on them. I also get my full T panel done, so total T, SHBG, free T, then I get E2 checked.

I think that covers the basics of TRT monitoring and isn't that expensive.

you need to get a full blood count done, you need to keep your Haemocrit, Haemoglobin and RBC in check on TRT.

Gentleman (and ladies)

I have received my results and would greatly appreciate some feedback... Given I am 4th week into a cycle, and will accept a severe flaming for not having it done before to establish a base level, the results may be skewed (but my quirky logic says they may confirm the quality of my gear )

I asked for PSA, and then using the search found a list of stuff I thought best to ask...

PSA Markers 1.50ng/ml

S-Progesterone 0.4 nmol/l

e2 (s-17b-oestradiaol) 69 pmol/L

Testosterone (Total) 79.9 nmol/L

SHBG 14.2 nmol/L

Free Testosterone 2967 pmol/L

FSH 0.2 U/L

LH 0.2 U/L

s-Cholesterol 4.5 nmol/L

Please could I have your comments, suggestions and guidance.... Thanks.

At least you know your Test is definitely legit for 400-500mg/week. Your PSA markers and cholesterol are fine. SHBG looks ideal, but E2 should ideally be a bit higher. What AI are you taking? I'd reduce the dose a bit. Each lab has it's own reference ranges so post them in future.

Thank you!!

I am taking aromasin M/W/F.... I could try cut it out completely as I have some Arimidex if needed, OR cut it to Tues/Thurs

Besides the negative effects of too much oestrogen, what are the negatives of not enough?

Wannagrow wrote: Thank you!!

I am taking aromasin M/W/F.... I could try cut it out completely as I have some Arimidex if needed, OR cut it to Tues/Thurs

Besides the negative effects of too much oestrogen, what are the negatives of not enough?

Take it twice a week. Estrogen is important for a huge range of functions. If it tanks it can screw with your mood and energy levels, you need healthy a level E2 level for optimal muscle growth, it's vital for cardiovascular and bone health. It protects you from inflammation. The only time you want low E2 is pre contest.

You, sir, are a gent. Thank you!

Just letting you guys know that if you are going to ask your doctor for bloods, ask them if they have a cash only form. Some of the doctors get a Cash only form for pathlabs, I got quoted 2k from lancet Untill the doc gave me the cash form, and I ended up paying r617. It's a long shot, but some docs have them.

Empire wrote: Just letting you guys know that if you are going to ask your doctor for bloods, ask them if they have a cash only form. Some of the doctors get a Cash only form for pathlabs, I got quoted 2k from lancet Untill the doc gave me the cash form, and I ended up paying r617. It's a long shot, but some docs have them.

Bump