🩸 Blood Work Requirements
Bloodwork is one of the most important steps before starting any peptide protocol. It establishes your baseline health, identifies contraindications, and gives you data to track your progress and safety.
Why Bloodwork Matters
Establishes your baseline before any changes
Identifies contraindications that could make a peptide dangerous
Allows you to objectively track progress and side effects
Required by most clinics before prescribing peptides
● Required — Clinics Won't Prescribe Without It
These peptides have strong medical reasons for mandatory bloodwork. Most clinics and telehealth providers require labs before prescribing.
Every 3-6 months while on therapy
Every 3-6 months while on therapy
Every 3-6 months while on therapy
Every 3-6 months while on therapy
Every 3-6 months while on therapy
Every 3-6 months while on therapy
Every 2-3 months during use (investigational)
Every 2-3 months during use (investigational)
Every 3-6 months while on therapy
Fasting glucose at 2 weeks, full panel at 4-6 weeks, then every 2-3 months
IGF-1 at 4-6 weeks, then every 3 months. Discontinue if IGF-1 >3x ULN
IGF-1 and fasting glucose at 4 weeks, then every 3 months
Hormone panel at 4 weeks, then every 2-3 months
Hormone panel at 4-6 weeks, then every 3 months
Hormone panel 2-4 weeks after dose, then monthly until recovery confirmed
IGF-1 and fasting glucose at 2-4 weeks, then every 2-3 months
IGF-1 and fasting glucose at 2 weeks, then every 2-3 months
Blood glucose before EVERY use. Full panel every 1-2 months
● Recommended — Strongly Advised
Bloodwork is strongly recommended to monitor safety and effectiveness. Some clinics may require it; responsible use demands it.
IGF-1 and fasting glucose at 4-6 weeks, then every 3 months
IGF-1 at 6 weeks, then every 3 months
IGF-1 and fasting glucose at 4-6 weeks, then every 3 months
IGF-1 at 6 weeks, then every 3 months
IGF-1 at 6 weeks, then every 3-6 months
IGF-1 and fasting glucose at 4-6 weeks, then every 3 months
IGF-1 and prolactin at 6 weeks, then every 3 months
IGF-1 and prolactin at 6 weeks, then every 3 months
IGF-1 and prolactin at 4 weeks, then every 2-3 months
As needed — typically used on-demand, not continuously
Dermatological check before and during use; blood panel every 3-6 months
● Optional — Nice to Have
General baseline panels are helpful but not strictly required for these peptides.
Dermatological check before and after tanning cycle
📋 General Baseline Panel for Any Peptide
Even if your peptide doesn't have specific requirements, these tests provide a useful health baseline:
CBC (Complete Blood Count)
General health, immune function, blood cell counts
CMP (Comprehensive Metabolic Panel)
Kidney, liver, electrolytes, glucose
Lipid Panel
Cholesterol, triglycerides, cardiovascular risk
Thyroid Panel (TSH)
Thyroid function baseline
Hormone Panel (if applicable)
Testosterone, estradiol, IGF-1 depending on goals
HbA1c
3-month blood sugar average
🏥 How to Get Bloodwork
Your Doctor / Primary Care
Ask your doctor to order labs. Most insurance covers routine bloodwork. Simply tell them you'd like a comprehensive metabolic and hormone panel.
Direct-to-Consumer Labs
Services like Quest Diagnostics, LabCorp, and Ulta Lab Tests allow you to order your own bloodwork without a doctor's order in most US states. Results typically in 1-3 business days.
Telehealth / Peptide Clinics
Many telehealth peptide clinics include bloodwork as part of their onboarding. They'll send you a lab order and review results before prescribing.
At-Home Testing
Companies like Marek Health, InsideTracker, and Everlywell offer at-home blood testing kits. Convenient but may have limited panel options.