Lab Testing

Lab testing provides valuable information about your health, screening for health conditions, and helping diagnose diseases. At Seaside Wellness Primary Care in Clearwater, Florida, Krista Shenkman, MSN, BBA, APRN, AGPCNP-BC, provides lab testing services, ordering the necessary tests to evaluate health and then interpreting results. Krista is a skilled and experienced nurse practitioner dedicated to providing comprehensive medical care. Call Seaside Wellness Primary Care today or use the online booking button to schedule an appointment.

Why do I need lab testing?

Krista explains why you need lab testing during your visit at Seaside Wellness Primary Care. She may order lab testing before your annual physical exam to screen for health conditions like diabetes or high cholesterol. 

She also uses lab testing to diagnose acute illnesses during sick visits. Lab testing is also part of chronic disease management, helping to monitor your disease to make adjustments to your treatment plan as needed. 

What does lab testing include?

Lab testing may include blood tests, urine tests, or body tissue tests (biopsy). Common lab tests are the following:

Complete blood count (CBC)

A CBC measures your blood cells, including white blood cells (WBC), red blood cells (RBC), and platelets. This test checks for anemia and infections. 

Basic metabolic panel (BMP)

A BMP measures your blood’s glucose and electrolyte levels, as well as blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine levels. This test can check for diabetes, evaluate fluid balance and hydration, and assess kidney function.

Complete metabolic panel (CMP)

The CMP includes the same tests as the BMP, along with tests that measure liver enzymes and protein levels in the blood, evaluating liver function and overall health.

Glucose test

The glucose measures blood glucose levels, usually after an overnight fast, to screen for and monitor diabetes.

Thyroid testing

Thyroid testing measures thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) levels to test for hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism. Your thyroid is a gland that produces hormones that run your body’s metabolism. 

Lipid panel

The lipid panel measures blood lipid levels, including cholesterol and triglycerides. Krista orders this test to check for high cholesterol.

Urinalysis

A urinalysis provides information about organ function and helps diagnose diseases like urinary tract infections (UTIs), kidney disease, and diabetes. 

Biopsy

A biopsy is a body tissue test that helps diagnose conditions like skin cancer.

Krista explains the type of lab testing you need and why at your visit.

When do I get the results from lab testing?

Krista tells you when you can expect results from your lab testing at the time of your visit. Some test results are available right away, while others may take a few days or weeks.

Call Seaside Wellness Primary Care today or book an appointment online to learn more about lab testing.