Stress Awareness Month: Cortisol and Other Labs to Consider for Chronic Stress

April is Stress Awareness Month, a great reminder that stress isn’t “just in your head.” Chronic stress can affect sleep, metabolism, immune function, blood pressure, mood, and more—often in ways that look like other health issues. 

Why Cortisol Gets All the Attention

Cortisol is a hormone made by your adrenal glands and is essential for your stress response. It also plays roles in blood sugar regulation, inflammation, metabolism, and blood pressure. That’s why it’s commonly called the “stress hormone.”

The important detail: cortisol changes throughout the day

Cortisol normally follows a daily rhythm: it rises after waking and gradually drops toward bedtime. When you’re under chronic stress (or your sleep is disrupted), that rhythm can become irregular.

Cortisol Testing Options (and What Each Can Tell You)

1) Cortisol Test

This is a blood test used to measure the level of cortisol in the blood. Cortisol (also called hydrocortisone) is released by the adrenal gland in response to stress and is part of the body’s “fight or flight” response—helping increase blood sugar, suppress the immune system, and support fat/protein/carbohydrate metabolism for energy.

Helpful for: a straightforward cortisol “snapshot” when you’re exploring symptoms that could relate to cortisol being too high or too low (fatigue, weight changes, blood pressure concerns, etc.)

2) Cortisol Hormone Test (Saliva)

The least invasive way to measure cortisol. Cortisol supports important functions like breaking down fat/protein, stimulating liver glucose production, maintaining blood pressure, helping regulate the immune system/inflammation, and responding to physical and emotional stress. 

Helpful for: people who want a non-blood option and want to discuss cortisol results with a provider in the context of stress, energy, immune/inflammation, and overall hormone balance.

3) Cortisol (AM & PM)

This option measures cortisol twice in the same day to better reflect how cortisol changes over time. Cortisol is important for stress response and regulation of blood sugar and blood pressure- timing matters because cortisol levels change throughout the day. You’ll provide two blood samples:

  • AM draw: between 7:00AM–9:00AM
  • PM draw: between 3:00PM–5:00PM

Helpful for: getting a more complete view than a single value—especially if you’re trying to understand how your body responds upon waking vs. later-day demands and stressors.

4) Sleep Balance Kit

This take-home kit is designed around the connection between hormones and sleep and emphasizes that restoring hormone balance starts with accurate measurement. Collection happens 4 times throughout the day to capture peaks/troughs: waking (nighttime melatonin), ~2 hours later (cortisol awakening response), evening (both should be low), and just before bed (melatonin rising for sleep + cortisol’s lowest point).

Helpful for: people focused on sleep quality who want data on melatonin and cortisol patterns across the day/night cycle.

5) Complete Hormone Health Panel

This panel frames hormones as your body’s “messaging system,” regulating metabolism, blood pressure balance, stress response, sexual function, reproduction, sleep cycle, and mood balance. Hormone shifts can contribute to symptoms like weight changes, fatigue, brain fog, mood disturbances, sleep changes, and changes in sex drive/fertility. This panel targets adrenal, pituitary, and thyroid function to give a complete picture of hormone balance as it relates to mental health, metabolic health, and sexual/reproductive function.

Helpful for: a broader “root cause” approach when stress symptoms overlap with sleep, mood, metabolism, or reproductive hormone concerns.

6) Weight Management Kit

This kit is positioned around the idea that undetected hormone imbalance can be the missing link when reaching/maintaining optimal weight hasn’t worked despite diet and exercise. 

Helpful for: connecting stress hormone patterns (diurnal cortisol) plus thyroid and metabolic markers (like insulin and A1c) to weight-management challenges.

When Testing is Especially Worth Considering

Consider testing if you have consistent symptoms such as:

  • Persistent fatigue even after sleep
  • Anxiety or feeling “wired,” especially at night
  • Sleep disruption (trouble falling asleep or waking frequently)
  • Weight changes you can’t explain
  • Irregular cycles, low libido, or mood swings
  • Frequent illness, headaches, or digestive issues

And seek urgent care immediately for chest pain, shortness of breath, fainting, severe depression, or thoughts of self-harm.

How Any Lab Test Now® Can Help

If you’re ready to turn stress into a plan, lab testing can give you objective data to bring to a clinician conversation. At Any Lab Test Now®, you can access a wide range of lab tests conveniently—with a doctor’s order included—so you can move forward with clarity and confidence.

Find a location near you to explore testing options. Take Control Of Your Health! with Any Lab Test Now®

Allergy Season: 3 Step Lab Testing Action Plan

If it feels like allergy season is hitting harder (and earlier) than it used to, you’re not imagining the impact. When symptoms ramp up fast—sneezing, watery eyes, congestion, cough, post-nasal drip, itchy skin, or “mystery” fatigue—the most empowering move is to stop guessing and start building a plan based on data.

Step 1: Decide What Kind of “Allergy Problem” You’re Dealing With

Before you test, match your symptoms to the most likely trigger type.

  1. Mostly Nose/Eyes/Sinuses (Seasonal “Hay Fever”)

Think: pollen, mold, dust, pets → prioritize inhalant/environmental testing.

  1. Symptoms Tied to Eating (Hives, Swelling, Itching, GI Upset, Wheeze)

Think: true food allergy vs. sensitivity/intolerance → prioritize food IgE panels (for allergy) or a food sensitivity panel (for delayed reactions).

  1. “Allergies” That Don’t Follow a Pattern

If symptoms come and go with no obvious trigger, broader testing can help you narrow your focus.

Step 2: Choose the Right Test(s) Available at Any Lab Test Now®

  1. 50 Inhalant Allergy (IgE) Panel (Environmental Triggers)

This blood test measures your body’s IgE response to 50 common airborne allergens—including pollen, mold, dust, and animal dander.
Why it’s helpful: many people aren’t allergic to all pollen—often just specific plants—so this helps pinpoint likely triggers.

Good fit if you have: seasonal sneezing, itchy/watery eyes, congestion, cough/post-nasal drip, symptoms that worsen outdoors or on windy/dry days.

  1. 50 Food Allergy (IgE) Panel (Food Allergy Screening)

This blood test looks at IgE responses to 50 foods across categories like dairy, shellfish/fish, egg/meat, fruits, grains/legumes/nuts, and vegetables.
Why it’s helpful: helps identify potential food allergy triggers to discuss with your provider.

Good fit if you have: symptoms that reliably happen after eating certain foods (especially fast onset).

  1. 96 Food Allergy (IgE) Panel (Broader Food Allergy Screening)

Similar concept, wider net: IgE testing across 96 foods.
Good fit if you have: ongoing food-related symptoms but no clear pattern (or multiple suspected foods).

  1. 50 Food Sensitivity & Intolerance Test

This is not an IgE allergy test. It’s designed to evaluate food sensitivities/intolerances, which can show up as bloating, gas/diarrhea, fatigue, headaches, or weight changes—and may occur hours or days later.
Good fit if you have: delayed digestive symptoms, “I feel off but can’t pin it on a food,” or persistent inflammation-type complaints.

Step 3: Turn Results into a Simple Action Plan (the Next 2–4 Weeks)

Week 1: Reduce Exposure + Track Symptoms

  • Start a quick daily log: symptoms (0–10), location, outdoor time, foods, and any meds used.
  • If your inhalant panel flags likely triggers, tailor habits:
    • Shower/change clothes after outdoor time
    • Keep windows closed on high-pollen days
    • Use HVAC filters consistently
    • Consider mask use during yardwork

Week 2: Targeted Avoidance (Don’t Over-Restrict)

  • For food IgE positives, don’t make drastic changes without guidance—share results with your provider (especially if you’ve had significant reactions).
  • For food sensitivity results, use a structured approach:
    • Remove the highest-reactivity items for a short window, then reintroduce methodically (your provider can help you do this safely).

Weeks 3–4: Follow-Up + Refine

  • If symptoms persist despite avoidance, you may need:
    • different medication strategies
    • further targeted testing
    • evaluation for other causes (sinus issues, asthma, infections, etc.)

Why get tested at Any Lab Test Now®?

Because guessing is exhausting. Any Lab Test Now® makes it easy to get answers with convenient, local testing—no doctor’s order needed.

Ready to build your allergy-season game plan? Find a location near you, view pricing, and schedule or walk in. Take Control Of Your Health! 

Seasonal Shift: Managing Allergies—What Testing Can and Can’t Tell You

When the seasons change, so can your symptoms—sneezing, coughing, watery eyes, congestion, and that “is this a cold or allergies?” feeling. The good news: you can use lab testing to get clearer answers about what may be triggering your symptoms. The important part is understanding what allergy testing does and doesn’t tell you.

At Any Lab Test Now®, we offer allergy testing panels that evaluate your body’s response to common environmental (inhalant) and food allergens—with walk-in convenience and a doctor’s order included. Here’s how to use these tests wisely as seasons shift.

Why Seasonal Changes Hit So Hard

Seasonal allergies typically flare when environmental triggers ramp up—think pollen from grasses/weeds, or indoor allergens that get worse when windows close and people spend more time inside (like dust and pet dander). If your symptoms seem to show up around the same time each year—or spike when weather changes—testing can help you narrow down likely culprits.

What Any Lab Test Now Allergy Testing Can Tell You

1) Whether Your Body Shows an IgE Response to Common Allergens

Allergy symptoms are linked to IgE antibodies, which can trigger histamine release and cause classic allergy symptoms (runny nose, itching, redness, breathing discomfort, etc.). Allergy panels look for IgE responses to specific substances so you can better understand what may be behind your symptoms.

2) Which Allergens May Be Triggering You—Inhalants, Foods, or Both

Any Lab Test Now® offers allergy testing options that can help pinpoint what may be driving your symptoms—whether that’s seasonal/environmental triggers (inhalants), certain foods, or a combination.

If you’re primarily concerned about environmental triggers, we also offer a 50 Inhalant Allergy (IgE) Panel, which tests for 50 common inhalant allergens and can provide helpful insight into possible causes of allergy symptoms.

3) A Clearer Direction for Next Steps

If your results point strongly toward a few triggers (for example, ragweed + dust mites), you can use that information to make smarter choices—like adjusting routines during peak pollen periods, or focusing indoor efforts where it matters most.

What Allergy Testing Can’t Tell You (and Why That Matters)

1) It Can’t Always Prove What’s Causing Your Symptoms Today

A positive IgE result shows sensitization—that your immune system recognizes something. But symptoms depend on real-life exposure, timing, and your body’s current sensitivity. Testing is extremely helpful for guidance, but it’s not always a perfect “this is definitely the cause” stamp.

2) It Can’t Replace the Full Picture (Symptoms + Season + Exposure)

Allergy testing works best when paired with what you’re experiencing:

  • When symptoms started
  • Whether they’re worse outdoors vs. indoors
  • Whether they spike during spring/fall, or persist year-round
  • Any patterns with foods

3) It Can’t Guarantee Severity

IgE-based testing helps identify potential triggers, but it doesn’t automatically predict how mild or severe your symptoms will be in every situation.

Take Control This Season

Seasonal allergies can feel unpredictable—but testing can bring clarity. If you’re tired of guessing every time the weather changes, an allergy panel can help you make more informed decisions.

Ready to get answers? Visit Any Lab Test Now® to explore allergy testing options and find your nearest location. Take Control Of Your Health!

ANY LAB TEST NOW® Named One of the Top 100 Franchises for Women in the Country

Franchise Business Review has named ANY LAB TEST NOW® to its 2026 Top 100 Franchises for Women. This is an annual ranking built entirely on satisfaction surveys from female franchise owners across 330 brands. 

At many ANY LAB TEST NOW® locations, the owner is a woman with a background in healthcare, corporate management, or another people-facing field who made a deliberate decision to build a business in her community. That context shapes how these locations operate, and has a significant impact on how you are treated when you walk through the doors.

What the Recognition is Based On

FBR surveyed more than 8,550 female franchise owners on 33 benchmark questions covering leadership, training, financial opportunity, and work/life balance. Results across the top 100 brands:

88%  of female franchise owners enjoy operating their business

88%  would recommend their brand to others

86%  enjoy being part of their franchise organization

83%  say fellow franchise owners support one another

82%  respect their franchisor’s leadership

Owners who are satisfied with their business invest in it differently – through staffing, the customer experience, and by being present and accountable to the community they serve.

Owner-Operated. Community-Focused.

The average female franchise owner on FBR’s list is 51 years old with seven years in business. Many come from careers in healthcare, corporate management, or education—backgrounds that translate directly into running a patient-facing operation.

“The number one thing franchisees tell us is: ‘I wish I had done it sooner.’” — Franchise Business Review

ANY LAB TEST NOW® owners tend to fit that profile. Most chose this business specifically because the mission resonated: affordable, direct-access healthcare is something their communities genuinely need.

What ANY LAB TEST NOW® Offers Customers

ANY LAB TEST NOW® has offered direct-access lab testing since 1992. Customers walk in, choose from thousands of available tests, and receive results—most within 24 to 48 hours—without a doctor’s order and without insurance. Pricing is posted upfront. There are no surprise bills.

Available tests include general health and wellness panels, hormone and thyroid testing, STD and HIV screening, paternity testing, drug testing, allergy testing, and more.

“The last 20 years of my career, I worked in diagnostics and labs. I’ve never had a more perfect fit. You’re finding a solution for people. And I don’t think a lot of businesses get to say that. All day, every day I would do it over again.” — Randi Beesing, ANY LAB TEST NOW®, Jacksonville, FL

With more than 250 locations nationwide, ANY LAB TEST NOW® is recognized on Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500, the INC. 5000, and the Franchise Times 400. Find a location near you at www.anylabtestnow.com

National Nutrition Month: Which Tests Pair Best with a New Eating Plan?

National Nutrition Month is the perfect time to refresh your habits—whether you’re going higher-protein, plant-forward, low-carb, gluten-free, or simply “more balanced.” But here’s the truth: your body’s needs are personal, and the best way to make your new eating plan smarter (and safer) is to pair it with lab testing.

At Any Lab Test Now®, you can get these tests directly—no doctor’s order required (a doctor’s order is included).

Start Here: The “New Eating Plan” Baseline

Before you make major changes—or within the first 2–4 weeks—get a baseline so you can track progress and spot potential deficiencies early.

Best Baseline Option: Annual Check-Up Panel

This panel is designed to establish your “baseline,” including blood counts, kidney/liver function, electrolytes, cholesterol numbers (HDL/LDL/triglycerides), and thyroid function values—helpful for monitoring how your health changes over time.

Pair it with your plan if you’re: starting any new eating program, focused on heart health, weight management, or overall wellness.

If You’re Going “Cleaner” or Calorie-Reduced: Check for Common Gaps

Cutting calories or food groups can unintentionally reduce key nutrients—especially iron, B vitamins, and vitamin D.

Best Match: Basic Nutritional Panel

This is a strong “nutrition reset” panel that includes:

  • CBC (Complete Blood Count)
  • CMP (Comprehensive Metabolic Panel)
  • Iron + Total Iron Binding Capacity (TIBC)
  • Ferritin
  • Vitamin B12 + Folate
  • Vitamin D + Vitamin C
  • Zinc, CoQ10, Homocysteine

Ideal if you’re feeling tired, training more, eating less, or just want to make sure your new plan is actually nourishing you.

If Your Goal Is Weight Loss or Better Energy: Add Blood Sugar Insights

Even “healthy” eating can miss the mark if blood sugar is swinging.

Best Match: Hemoglobin A1c (Diabetes Monitoring)

The A1c test reflects your average blood sugar over the past 2–3 months, and can help detect pre-diabetes, diagnose diabetes, or evaluate control.

If You Want a Bundled Option: Diabetes Maintenance Panel

This panel includes CBC and Hemoglobin A1c, plus a diabetic urinalysis to check for albumin/protein (a kidney health marker).

If You’re Focused on Heart Health (or Going Higher-Fat/Keto): Track Lipids

Nutrition changes can move cholesterol markers in different directions—so it’s smart to check.

Best Match: Cholesterol (Lipid) Panel

A lipid panel helps determine if cholesterol or triglycerides are abnormal and can help assess heart disease risk.

If You’re Changing Protein Intake or Using Supplements: Check Organ Function

New supplements and higher-protein diets often make people wonder, “Is this working for me?”

Best Match: Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP)

The CMP is included in the Basic Nutritional Panel and helps evaluate key markers tied to electrolytes, glucose, and liver/kidney function.

If You Suspect Food Reactions: Consider Sensitivities or Allergy Testing

If your eating plan is driven by bloating, headaches, skin flare-ups, or “mystery” symptoms, testing can help guide next steps.

Any Lab Test Now® locations offer many Food Intolerance & Sensitivities testing options and Allergy Testing options (availability may vary by location).

Simple Testing Strategy 

  1. Pick your goal (energy, weight, heart health, nutrient optimization)
  2. Test now to establish a baseline
  3. Retest in ~8–12 weeks (especially for A1c and nutrition markers) to see what’s improving

Ready to Match Your Eating Plan with the Right Labs?

Find a location near you and explore our testing options. Take Control Of Your Health!

Women’s Health Basics: Hormones, Thyroid, and Iron

March is Women’s History Month—a perfect reminder that taking control of your health isn’t just empowering, it’s practical. If you’ve been feeling “off” or you simply want a baseline, three areas are often worth a closer look: hormones, thyroid, and iron.

At Any Lab Test Now®, you can order many of these labs directly—no doctor’s order required.

1) Hormones: When Your Symptoms Don’t Match Your Lifestyle

Hormones influence energy, mood, metabolism, sleep, skin, and cycles. Because symptoms can overlap with stress, diet, or life stage changes, lab work can help you get clarity.

Consider checking hormones if you’re experiencing:

  • Irregular, painful, or heavy periods
  • New/worsening acne or unwanted hair growth
  • Low libido, mood shifts, or sleep changes
  • Fertility questions (trying to conceive, cycle tracking)
  • Perimenopause/menopause symptoms (hot flashes, night sweats)

Test Options at Any Lab Test Now

You can build a targeted hormone check or start broader:

Tip: Timing matters for certain hormone tests (cycle day, time of day). If you’re unsure what to order, your local Any Lab Test Now® can help you choose the right test set for your goals.

2) Thyroid: The “Small Gland” That Affects Nearly Everything

Your thyroid helps regulate how your body uses energy—so when it’s under- or over-functioning, you may notice changes across your whole body.

Consider checking your thyroid if you have:

  • Persistent fatigue (even with sleep)
  • Weight changes without clear cause
  • Feeling unusually cold or hot
  • Hair thinning, dry skin, constipation
  • Heart racing, anxiety, or shakiness

Test Options at Any Lab Test Now

Why two options? The basic panel is a solid screen; the comprehensive panel goes deeper—especially helpful when symptoms persist or autoimmune thyroid issues are a concern (TPO).

3) Iron: Low Iron Can Look Like “Burnout”

Iron status is one of the most common (and overlooked) contributors to fatigue—especially for women with heavy periods, postpartum changes, restrictive diets, or endurance training.

Consider checking iron if you have:

  • Fatigue, weakness, dizziness
  • Shortness of breath with activity
  • Frequent headaches
  • Cold hands/feet
  • Heavy menstrual bleeding
  • Hair shedding/thinning (sometimes linked)

Test Options at Any Lab Test Now

When Should You Check—Symptoms Vs. “Baseline”?

A smart approach is:

  • Now: if you have ongoing symptoms that don’t improve with rest, hydration, nutrition, or routine lifestyle changes
  • Baseline testing: if you’re starting a new wellness plan, entering a new life stage (postpartum, perimenopause), or simply want a clear snapshot to track over time

Why Women Love Testing With Any Lab Test Now®

  • No doctor’s order needed (doctor’s order included)
  • Transparent pricing and straightforward options
  • Convenient local locations—most visits are quick and confidential

Ready to get answers and feel more in control? Find a location near you and explore our testing options. Take Control Of Your Health!

Spring Break Safety: Fast, Confidential STI Testing Before You Travel

Spring Break is all about sunshine, spontaneity, and making memories. Before you take off, take one quick step that can help you feel more confident and in control: STI testing.

Even if you don’t have symptoms, it’s still possible to have an STI and pass it to someone else—so testing can be a smart, responsible part of your pre-trip checklist. At Any Lab Test Now®, testing is designed to be fast, confidential, and convenient, with a doctor’s order included.

Why Test Before You Travel?

Travel can make it harder to find care quickly if something feels “off.” Getting tested ahead of time helps you:

  • Start your trip with peace of mind
  • Avoid scrambling for urgent care in an unfamiliar city
  • Make informed decisions for yourself and your partner(s)

If you’ve had unprotected sex or you’re noticing unusual symptoms, testing is especially important.

Fast & Confidential STI Testing Options At Any Lab Test Now®

You can choose a single test or bundle multiple tests into a panel (often a more efficient, cost-effective way to check your status).

1) Basic STD Panel

A solid option if you want coverage of several common infections. The Basic STD Panel includes:

  • HIV
  • RPR (Syphilis)
  • Gonorrhea
  • Chlamydia
  • HSV 1 / 2 (Herpes Simplex Virus Types 1 & 2)

2) Comprehensive STD Panel (Urine + Blood)

If you want broader coverage in one visit, the Comprehensive STD Panel tests for multiple STDs at one low price, including:

  • HIV
  • Syphilis
  • Herpes I & II
  • Gonorrhea
  • Chlamydia
  • Hepatitis B & C

(And yes—many people choose comprehensive testing even without symptoms because being proactive matters.)

3) Comprehensive STD Plus

For an even more expanded panel, Comprehensive STD Plus includes:

  • HIV
  • Hepatitis B
  • Hepatitis C
  • Syphilis
  • Gonorrhea
  • Herpes Simplex Virus (I & II)
  • Chlamydia
  • Trichomonas vaginalis

4) Comprehensive STD Platinum Panel (Male & Female)

This option adds even more breadth and includes HPV in addition to the infections listed in the panel description.

5) Rapid HIV and Syphilis Test (Quick Screening)

Need something fast? The Rapid HIV and Syphilis Test is a quick screen for both infections, with screening results available in ~15 minutes from a simple blood draw.

6) Oral STD Panel (Saliva Sample)

Some STIs can be present in the oral cavity. Any Lab Test Now’s Oral STD Panel can be added to other STD testing or ordered on its own, using a quick saliva sample. It includes testing for:

  • Gonorrhea
  • Chlamydia
  • Syphilis (Treponema pallidum)
  • HSV I & II
  • Trichomoniasis
  • Mycoplasma genitalium
  • Ureaplasma urealyticum

Not Sure What to Choose? Here’s a Simple Way to Decide

  • Routine check / new partner / just want to know: Consider a panel (Basic or Comprehensive).
  • More complete snapshot: Consider Comprehensive STD Plus or Platinum.
  • Need quick screening ASAP: Consider the Rapid HIV & Syphilis option.
  • Concerned about oral exposure: Add an Oral STD Panel.

Make STI Testing Part of Your Spring Break Prep

Your trip checklist probably includes sunscreen, sunglasses, and reservations. Add one more item: know your status.

Find a location near you, view testing options, and get pricing here.

Kidney Health Month: Understanding eGFR, Creatinine, and Urinalysis

Kidneys are small (about fist-sized) but mighty. They filter waste and extra fluid from your blood, help balance electrolytes, and play a key role in overall health. When kidneys aren’t working well, waste can build up and fluid levels can shift—sometimes long before you feel obvious symptoms.

Kidney Health Month is the perfect time to get familiar with a few common lab markers you’ll often see on kidney-related results: creatinine, eGFR, and urinalysis. The good news? You can take a proactive approach with direct-access testing at Any Lab Test Now®—doctor’s order is included.

1) Creatinine: The “Starting Point” for Kidney Filtration

Creatinine is a waste product your body makes from normal muscle activity. Healthy kidneys remove creatinine from the blood, so when kidney function slows down, creatinine can rise.

  • Why it matters:
    • Creatinine is one of the most common ways to check how well your kidneys are filtering. It’s also a key value used to calculate eGFR (more on that next).
  • Available at Any Lab Test Now® (kidney-focused options):
    • Renal Function Panel – a comprehensive way to monitor kidney health (includes kidney-related markers and is designed to evaluate renal function)

2) eGFR: An Estimate of Kidney Filtration

eGFR stands for estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate. In plain terms: it’s an estimate of how well your kidneys are filtering blood. eGFR is typically calculated using your creatinine result along with factors such as age (and other demographic inputs depending on the method).

  • Why it matters:
    • eGFR can help flag reduced kidney function early—especially when you feel “fine” but your kidneys may be under strain.
  • A quick reminder:
    • eGFR is an estimate—so results should be viewed in context and followed up with a healthcare provider when values are out of range or trending down.

3) Urinalysis: A Simple Urine Test With a Lot to Say

A urinalysis checks your urine for a variety of clues—such as hydration status and indicators that may suggest kidney stress or urinary tract issues.

  • Why it matters for kidney health:
    • Urine can reveal early “signals,” including findings that may be associated with kidney concerns—sometimes before changes show up in bloodwork.
  • Available at Any Lab Test Now®:
    • Urinalysis– checks for albumin/protein as a kidney health indicator

The Easiest Way to Start: Renal Function Panel

If you want a strong starting point for Kidney Health Month, Any Lab Test Now® offers a Renal Function Panel designed to evaluate kidney function and monitor key body systems connected to the kidneys (like minerals, electrolytes, proteins, glucose, and waste products).

This kind of panel is ideal if you are:

  • Managing ongoing wellness goals
  • Monitoring results over time
  • Looking to be proactive (especially if kidney disease runs in your family)

Consider testing if you:

  • Want a baseline as part of a wellness routine
  • Have a personal or family history of kidney issues
  • Are managing diabetes or other metabolic health concerns
  • Simply want more clarity on your numbers (without the hassle of a doctor visit first)

Take Control Of Your Health!

Kidney Health Month is a great reminder that small, proactive steps can make a big difference. With Any Lab Test Now®, you can walk in, get tested, and get clear results—with a doctor’s order included.

Visit our website to explore kidney-related testing options and pricing. Take Control Of Your Health!

Ramadan & Eid Timing: Fasting Considerations and Lab Testing Tips

Ramadan is a meaningful month of reflection, community, and fasting from dawn to sunset—and it can also be a month when people try to stay on top of their health without disrupting their routine. As Eid approaches, schedules get even busier with travel, gatherings, and celebrations. If you’re planning lab work during Ramadan (or right before Eid), a little timing strategy can help you get the most accurate results while staying comfortable.

At Any Lab Test Now®, we make it simple to fit testing into your day with confidential service, transparent pricing, and doctor’s orders included—so you can walk in or schedule when it works for you.

1) Start With the Key Question: “Does My Test Require Fasting?”

Not all lab tests require fasting—but some do, and Ramadan fasting can affect how you plan your visit.

Examples of tests commonly associated with fasting needs:

Tip: When you choose your test, confirm whether fasting is required so you can time it appropriately.

2) Best Times to Test During Ramadan (Comfort + Accuracy)

Because fasting can change your eating and hydration patterns, these timing options are often easiest:

Option A: Test After Iftar (Evening Meal)

This can be a great choice for tests that do not require fasting, because you’re hydrated and have eaten.

Option B: Test Before Suhoor (Pre-Dawn Meal)

If you need a true fasting window (depending on the test), some people prefer going before suhoor (or scheduling based on the fasting instructions you’re given).

Option C: Schedule for After Ramadan / Around Eid (When Possible)

If your test isn’t urgent and your routine is packed, consider booking for just after Ramadan when your sleep and meal schedule normalizes.

3) Hydration Matters—Especially For Blood Draws

Fasting during Ramadan means no water during daylight hours, and dehydration can sometimes make blood draws more challenging. If your test does not require fasting, try to schedule after you’ve been able to drink fluids.

4) Common Wellness-Focused Testing People Prioritize During Ramadan

Many people use Ramadan as a reset month—especially when adjusting diet, sleep, workouts, or supplements. A few popular options at Any Lab Test Now® include:

  • Basic Nutritional Panel (includes CBC, CMP, iron studies, and key nutrients like Vitamin B12, Folate, Vitamin D, Vitamin C, Ferritin, Zinc, Homocysteine, and more).
  • Diabetes Maintenance Panel (includes CBC, Hemoglobin A1c, and other components used for diabetes monitoring).
  • Hemoglobin A1c (helps measure average blood glucose levels over 2–3 months for diabetes monitoring).

If you’re changing eating patterns during Ramadan, these kinds of tests can offer a helpful baseline to discuss with your healthcare provider.

5) Planning for Eid: Test Early to Avoid Last-Minute Stress

If you want results before Eid gatherings or travel, plan ahead. Many Any Lab Test Now® locations are designed for quick visits—often around 15 minutes.

Ready to Schedule Around Your Fasting Routine?

Whether you prefer to come in after Iftar, before Suhoor, or after Ramadan, we’re here to make it easy. Visit our website to find your nearest location, view pricing, and choose the right test for your goals. Take Control Of Your Health!

Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month: Why Early Screening Matters

March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month—an important reminder that colorectal cancer (colon + rectal cancer) is common, often silent early on, and highly treatable when found early.

The reality: colorectal cancer is more common than many people think.

Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer diagnosed in both men and women in the U.S. The American Cancer Society estimates that in 2026 there will be about 108,860 new colon cancer cases and 49,990 new rectal cancer cases—that’s 158,850 new colorectal cancer cases total. It’s also expected to cause about 55,230 deaths in 2026.

One more reason screening can’t wait: while rates have dropped overall largely due to screening, diagnoses are rising in people under 50.

Why Getting Screened Early is a Big Deal

Colorectal cancer typically develops from precancerous polyps over time. Screening can help detect warning signs early—sometimes even before cancer develops. And screening can also find colorectal cancer earlier, when treatment works best.

The CDC notes that most people should begin screening soon after turning 45. (If you have higher-risk factors—like a strong family history or certain GI conditions—talk with your healthcare provider about screening earlier.)

Colorectal Cancer Testing Options Available At Any Lab Test Now®

Below are the screening options you can access through Any Lab Test Now® (no doctor’s order needed—we provide the order as part of our service).

1) Colon Cancer Screening (FIT) Test (At-Home Stool Test)

The FIT (Fecal Immunochemical Test) detects hidden blood (hemoglobin) in the stool, which can be a sign of lower GI bleeding associated with conditions like polyps or colorectal cancer.

Why people like it:

  • Non-invasive, collected privately at home
  • Simple collection from one bowel movement
  • Kit can be picked up in-store (and may be available online/shipped where offered)

Timing notes: Results are typically reported about 5–7 business days after the lab receives the sample, and you should ship your sample within 2 days of collecting it.

2) Colon Cancer Screening (Blood) Test (In-Center Blood Draw)

The Colon Cancer Screening (Blood) Test is a simple blood draw that looks at three protein markers associated with colorectal cancer risk and is positioned as an option for adults 45+.

Important: Screening tests do not diagnose cancer by themselves. If a result is abnormal/positive, it’s essential to follow up with a healthcare provider for next steps (often including a colonoscopy).

Take Action This Month

If you’re 45+, have risk factors, or you’ve simply been putting it off, Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month is your sign to get screened. Find a location near you and Take Control Of Your Health!