Cardiometabolic Health Test

About this test – Cardiometabolic Health Test

How It Works

You collect a small blood sample at home using a finger-prick method. The sample is then sent to a CLIA-certified laboratory for analysis.

Your results are delivered digitally once testing is complete.

Sample Collection

The test uses a dried blood spot (DBS) sample collected from your fingertip.

A few drops of blood are placed on a collection card and sent to the laboratory for analysis.

What This Test Measures

This panel includes markers related to lipid levels, blood sugar, insulin response, and inflammation:

• Total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, calculated LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides

• ApoB and Lp(a)

• Glucose and HbA1c

• Insulin and HOMA-IR

• hs-CRP

These markers provide insight into different aspects of cardiometabolic health.

When to Test and How to Prepare

Collect your sample in the morning, preferably before eating or drinking (except water).

Avoid strenuous exercise prior to testing, as this may influence results.

Who Should Consider This Test

This test is relevant for individuals who want a broader assessment of cardiovascular and metabolic health.

It may be particularly useful when exploring lipid levels, blood sugar regulation, insulin resistance, or when monitoring cardiometabolic risk factors over time.

Understanding CLIA Certification

Your sample is analyzed in a CLIA-certified laboratory, ensuring that testing is performed according to established U.S. quality standards.

Biomarkers included – Cardiometabolic Health Test

• High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP): High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) is a protein produced by the liver in response to inflammation. Unlike standard CRP tests, hs-CRP can detect very low levels of inflammation, making it a valuable marker for assessing an individual's risk of developing cardiovascular disease. Elevated hs-CRP levels indicate chronic, low-grade inflammation, which is a key contributor to the development a
• Glucose: Glucose is the body’s primary source of energy and is especially important for brain and muscle function. Blood glucose is tightly regulated by insulin and other hormones to keep levels within a healthy range. Measuring glucose is central to evaluating metabolic health and is used in the assessment of diabetes, insulin resistance, and hypoglycemia. Persistently elevated glucose may indicate impair
• Insulin: Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas that plays a crucial role in regulating blood glucose (sugar) levels. It facilitates the uptake of glucose from the bloodstream into cells for energy or storage. Abnormal insulin levels, either too high or too low, are key indicators of metabolic disorders such as diabetes and insulin resistance.
• Triglycerides: Triglycerides are a type of fat (lipid) found in your blood. Your body uses triglycerides for energy, but high levels can increase your risk of heart disease and other health problems. They are primarily measured to assess cardiovascular health and metabolic risk.
• Total Cholesterol: Total cholesterol is a measure of the total amount of cholesterol in your blood, including LDL (bad), HDL (good), and other lipid components. While it provides a general overview of cholesterol levels, it's important to consider the individual levels of LDL and HDL for a more complete assessment of cardiovascular risk. High total cholesterol can increase the risk of heart disease and stroke.
• Lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)]: Lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)) is a type of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) that contains an additional protein called apolipoprotein(a) which makes it highly atherogenic. Elevated Lp(a) levels are largely genetically determined and are an independent, causal risk factor for cardiovascular diseases like heart attack and stroke, even in people with otherwise normal cholesterol levels. It's important because
• HbA1c (Hemoglobin A1c): HbA1c (Hemoglobin A1c) measures the average blood glucose levels over the past 2-3 months by assessing the percentage of hemoglobin in red blood cells that is coated with sugar. It's a crucial indicator for diagnosing and monitoring diabetes, as persistently high levels denote poor long-term glucose control, increasing the risk of diabetes-related complications. This test provides a more stable an
• HDL (High-Density Lipoprotein): HDL (High-Density Lipoprotein) is a type of cholesterol often referred to as “good” cholesterol. It helps protect heart health by carrying excess cholesterol from the bloodstream to the liver, where it can be removed from the body. Higher HDL levels are associated with a lower risk of heart disease and stroke.
• HOMA-IR (Homeostatic Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance): HOMA-IR (Homeostatic Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance) – A calculated marker that estimates insulin resistance by combining fasting glucose and insulin levels. It provides insight into how effectively your body responds to insulin and can help identify early signs of metabolic imbalance.
• ApoB: Apolipoprotein B (ApoB) is the main structural protein found on atherogenic (“bad” cholesterol–carrying) lipoproteins, including LDL, VLDL, IDL, and lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)]. Each of these particles typically contains one ApoB molecule, which makes ApoB a practical measure of the total number of atherogenic particles in the bloodstream. Elevated ApoB levels indicate a higher concentration of particl
• Calculated LDL Cholesterol: Calculated LDL Cholesterol, often referred to as "bad" cholesterol, is a lipoprotein that transports cholesterol from the liver to the cells. High levels of LDL cholesterol can build up in the arteries, forming plaque and increasing the risk of heart disease and stroke.

How to prepare – Cardiometabolic Health Test

Fasting for 10-12 hours (water only) is required. Ensure you are well-hydrated.

Frequently asked questions – Cardiometabolic Health Test

Do I need to fast before taking this test?

Yes. To ensure accurate readings for Glucose, Triglycerides, and Insulin, you must fast for 10-12 hours before collecting your sample. Only water is permitted during this time.

How accurate is a finger-prick test compared to a doctor's visit?

Studies demonstrate that key biomarkers like ApoB and HbA1c are highly stable in dried blood spot (DBS) format. Our samples are processed in CLIA-certified laboratories to ensure that your results correlate accurately with traditional venous blood draws.

What is HOMA-IR and why does it matter?

HOMA-IR (Homeostatic Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance) is calculated using your fasting insulin and glucose levels. It is a validated clinical tool used to determine how hard your body is working to maintain stable blood sugar, making it essential for detecting early-stage metabolic dysfunction.

How long does it take to get my results?

Results are typically delivered to your secure digital dashboard within 1 to 3 days after the lab receives your sample, which is significantly faster than the industry average.

What does calculated LDL cholesterol mean?

Calculated LDL cholesterol is an estimated LDL-C value derived from other lipid markers, rather than being measured directly. It is commonly used to assess lipid-related cardiovascular risk and should be interpreted alongside markers such as total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, triglycerides, ApoB and Lp(a).

Is calculated LDL the same as directly measured LDL?

No. Calculated LDL is an estimate based on other lipid values, while directly measured LDL is analyzed as its own measurement. Calculated LDL can still provide useful information, but it should be interpreted in the context of the full lipid panel, especially when triglycerides, ApoB or Lp(a) are also included.

Why are ApoB and Lp(a) included with cholesterol markers?

ApoB and Lp(a) provide additional information beyond standard cholesterol markers. ApoB reflects the number of atherogenic lipoprotein particles, while Lp(a) is a genetically influenced lipoprotein associated with cardiovascular risk. Including these markers can provide a broader view of lipid-related risk than cholesterol values alone.

Customer reviews – Cardiometabolic Health Test

4.8/5 (5)

• 5/5 — Quick delivery and very easy to follow the instructions.
• 4/5 — The finger prick was a bit finicky for me, but the data is excellent. Really appreciated the HOMA-IR calculation being included.
• 5/5 — Much easier than scheduling a lab appointment.
• 5/5 — Simple process and fast turnaround.
• 5/5 — Glad to finally get my Lp(a) levels without a doctor's visit. Results were delivered to my phone in two days.