Lab Education
|
July 26, 2024

Lab Values That Indicate Dehydration: A Guide for Practitioners and Patients

Medically Reviewed by
Updated On
October 3, 2024

Water is essential to human survival and wellness, playing critical roles in many bodily processes. When inadequate water intake and dehydration occur, various health consequences and potential dysfunction result. Dehydration can affect all individuals but is especially dangerous in vulnerable populations such as children and the elderly.

This article explores the lab values and tests that indicate dehydration and covers common causes, symptoms, and conditions that can lead to dehydrated states. Accurate diagnosis and prompt treatment are crucial to prevent serious complications. Understanding these lab values is vital to managing and treating dehydration effectively.

[signup]

Dehydration: Causes and Symptoms

Dehydration is when the total amount of water excreted from the body exceeds the total water intake from foods and ingested fluids. Water losses occur via the kidneys as urine, through the skin as sweat, by the lungs during exhalation, and through the gastrointestinal tract as stool or vomit.Β 

Dehydration is relatively common, impacting up to 28% of the adult population, and can critically impact human health, leading to adverse outcomes if not treated quickly.Β 

Common Causes of Dehydration

There are many reasons why individuals become dehydrated, the most common of which include:Β 

  • Excessive sweating from heat, exercise, or fever
  • Insufficient water intake through diet and fluids
  • Medications such as diuretics that cause increased urination
  • Vomiting/diarrheaΒ 
  • Excessive laxative use

Symptoms of Dehydration

The presenting symptoms of mild dehydration include:

  • Thirst
  • Headache
  • Fatigue
  • Dry mouth or lips
  • Muscle cramps
  • Infrequent urination and/or dark urine
  • Increased heart rate
  • Decreased appetite
  • Lightheadedness, dizzinessΒ 

If dehydration remains untreated, it can progress to a more severe state, resulting in symptoms such as:

  • Rapid pulse
  • Rapid breathing rate
  • Feeling faint or fainting
  • Confusion and/or delirium
  • Lack of urination
  • Lack of sweating
  • Seizures

Acute and Chronic Conditions That Cause Dehydration

  • Heat exhaustion and heat stroke: These conditions can occur during prolonged exposure to extremely high temperatures. They lead to a breakdown in the body's thermoregulation ability and severe dehydration.Β 
  • Cognitive impairment and immobility: A common cause in elderly patients, reduced mobility and cognition can lead to inadequate dietary intake of fluids.Β 
  • Severe burns: Burns can affect the skin's ability to protect against water loss, leading to greater dehydration risk.Β 
  • Food-borne illnesses: Increased vomiting and diarrhea lead to excess water loss and electrolyte imbalance.Β 
  • Diabetes insipidus: In this condition, the kidneys are unable to concentrate urine, leading to significantly increased urine output that quickly leads to dehydration.
  • Diabetes mellitus: High blood glucose levels can lead to increased urination as the body tries to eliminate the excess sugar through the kidneys.
  • Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): Ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease can cause chronic diarrhea and increased vomiting, which increases the risk of dehydration. Inflammation in the bowel can also lead to impaired water absorption from the colon.Β 
  • Cystic fibrosis: In cystic fibrosis, chloride reabsorption is impaired, leading to increased sweating, which can cause dehydration if fluids are not replenished.Β 

Lab Tests for Detecting Dehydration

Several lab tests can help detect dehydration:

Comprehensive Metabolic PanelΒ 

A comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP) tests basic metabolic functioning and includes markers for electrolyte balance, kidney health, and liver health. Imbalances in some of these markers can indicate potential dehydration.Β 

Electrolytes are minerals that carry an electric charge when dissolved in water and blood. They are affected by hydration status as they help to balance the body's water levels.Β 

When water levels are too high, electrolyte concentrations can drop if not replenished. Conversely, if water levels are too low, then electrolyte concentrations rise. Therefore, increased levels of serum electrolytes on a CMP can signal possible dehydration. These include:

As the kidneys are responsible for concentrating urine and filtering out and excreting waste products, decreased fluid intake can affect kidney function, leading to changes in kidney markers on a CMP:

  • Elevated blood urea nitrogen (BUN): Urea is a metabolic waste product that is filtered and excreted by the kidneys. BUN increases during dehydration due to a decrease in blood flow to the kidneys, which reduces overall filtration and excretion.Β 
  • Elevated creatinine levels: Similar to BUN, creatinine is a waste product typically excreted by the kidneys, and its levels increase with reduced water intake.
  • Low estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR): eGFR is the kidney filtration rate. Reduced fluid intake leads to less kidney filtration, lowering eGFR levels.Β 
  • High BUN to creatinine ratio: When dehydrated, BUN increases more than creatinine, creating a higher BUN level than creatinine.Β 

Albumin is a protein made by the liver and is present in the blood. It helps maintain proper oncotic pressure in blood plasma, balancing fluid levels between the vessels and tissues of the body. High serum albumin levels most often result from concentrated protein levels due to a decreased proportion of water in the blood from dehydration.Β 

Complete Blood Count

A complete blood count (CBC) is a routine blood test that evaluates the quantity and quality of red and white blood cells and their components. It involves analyzing a sample of whole blood, including red blood cells and plasma (the liquid component of blood).Β 

Dehydration reduces the plasma volume, thereby increasing the concentration of red blood cells proportionally, resulting in:

  • Elevated hemoglobin: The protein in red blood cells that binds and transports oxygen.
  • Elevated hematocrit: The measurable proportion of red blood cells compared to total blood volume.Β 

Urinalysis

A urinalysis is a simple, non-invasive diagnostic tool that uses physical and chemical markers in the urine to detect conditions such as urinary tract infections and diabetes and to evaluate hydration status.Β 

The primary marker for dehydration is specific gravity, which evaluates urine concentration levels. As dehydration lowers the kidneys' filtering capacity, it leads to a higher concentration of dissolved substances in the urine and increases specific gravity.Β 

Using Lab Values to Diagnose and Manage Dehydration

Diagnosis of dehydration requires a comprehensive approach, as no single lab test can definitively diagnose this condition. Many of the markers within the CBC, CMP, and urinalysis can be affected by other diseases and are not reliable on their own.Β 

Therefore, lab values are interpreted alongside presenting physical signs, symptoms, and relevant history to determine hydration status. Physical signs of dehydration include:

Treatment and Rehydration Strategies

Treatment depends on the severity level and cause of dehydration. For mild cases of dehydration, rehydration can be achieved at home by increasing oral intake of water and electrolytes to replenish lost fluids. Signs and symptoms can be monitored for improvement to ensure hydration achievement.

More severe states require medical attention and intravenous saline fluids to restore healthy hydration levels. These cases will often be monitored through lab work to confirm rehydration and may require routine follow-up when chronic conditions such as diabetes insipidus are present.Β 

[signup]

Key Takeaways

  • Crucial labs for assessing dehydration include:some text
    • Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP): Elevated sodium, chloride, calcium, and potassium indicate dehydration. Raised BUN, creatinine, and high BUN to creatinine ratio reflect kidney stress due to low fluid intake. High albumin indicates water loss.Β 
    • Complete Blood Count (CBC): Elevated hemoglobin and hematocrit suggest reduced plasma volume from dehydration.
    • Urinalysis: High specific gravity indicates concentrated urine, a key marker of dehydration.
  • Recognizing dehydration early allows for prompt treatment, preventing severe health issues such as confusion, rapid pulse, and seizures.
  • Accurate diagnosis using lab tests and symptom evaluation ensures effective rehydration strategies.
  • If experiencing symptoms like intense thirst, dizziness, or rapid heartbeat, seek medical help immediately.
  • Early intervention can avert serious complications, particularly in vulnerable populations like the elderly.

Water is essential to human survival and wellness, playing critical roles in many bodily processes. When inadequate water intake and dehydration occur, various health consequences and potential dysfunction can result. Dehydration can affect all individuals but is especially concerning in vulnerable populations such as children and the elderly.

This article explores the lab values and tests that may indicate dehydration and covers common causes, symptoms, and conditions that can lead to dehydrated states. Accurate diagnosis and prompt management are crucial to help prevent serious complications. Understanding these lab values is vital to managing dehydration effectively.

[signup]

Dehydration: Causes and Symptoms

Dehydration occurs when the total amount of water excreted from the body exceeds the total water intake from foods and ingested fluids. Water losses occur via the kidneys as urine, through the skin as sweat, by the lungs during exhalation, and through the gastrointestinal tract as stool or vomit.Β 

Dehydration is relatively common, impacting up to 28% of the adult population, and can significantly impact human health, potentially leading to adverse outcomes if not addressed quickly.Β 

Common Causes of Dehydration

There are many reasons why individuals may become dehydrated, the most common of which include:Β 

  • Excessive sweating from heat, exercise, or fever
  • Insufficient water intake through diet and fluids
  • Medications such as diuretics that cause increased urination
  • Vomiting/diarrheaΒ 
  • Excessive laxative use

Symptoms of Dehydration

The presenting symptoms of mild dehydration may include:

  • Thirst
  • Headache
  • Fatigue
  • Dry mouth or lips
  • Muscle cramps
  • Infrequent urination and/or dark urine
  • Increased heart rate
  • Decreased appetite
  • Lightheadedness, dizzinessΒ 

If dehydration remains unaddressed, it can progress to a more severe state, potentially resulting in symptoms such as:

  • Rapid pulse
  • Rapid breathing rate
  • Feeling faint or fainting
  • Confusion and/or delirium
  • Lack of urination
  • Lack of sweating
  • Seizures

Acute and Chronic Conditions That May Contribute to Dehydration

  • Heat exhaustion and heat stroke: These conditions can occur during prolonged exposure to extremely high temperatures. They may lead to a breakdown in the body's thermoregulation ability and severe dehydration.Β 
  • Cognitive impairment and immobility: A common cause in elderly patients, reduced mobility and cognition can lead to inadequate dietary intake of fluids.Β 
  • Severe burns: Burns can affect the skin's ability to protect against water loss, leading to greater dehydration risk.Β 
  • Food-borne illnesses: Increased vomiting and diarrhea may lead to excess water loss and electrolyte imbalance.Β 
  • Diabetes insipidus: In this condition, the kidneys may be unable to concentrate urine, leading to significantly increased urine output that can quickly lead to dehydration.
  • Diabetes mellitus: High blood glucose levels can lead to increased urination as the body tries to eliminate the excess sugar through the kidneys.
  • Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): Ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease can cause chronic diarrhea and increased vomiting, which may increase the risk of dehydration. Inflammation in the bowel can also lead to impaired water absorption from the colon.Β 
  • Cystic fibrosis: In cystic fibrosis, chloride reabsorption may be impaired, leading to increased sweating, which can cause dehydration if fluids are not replenished.Β 

Lab Tests for Detecting Dehydration

Several lab tests can help detect dehydration:

Comprehensive Metabolic PanelΒ 

A comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP) tests basic metabolic functioning and includes markers for electrolyte balance, kidney health, and liver health. Imbalances in some of these markers may indicate potential dehydration.Β 

Electrolytes are minerals that carry an electric charge when dissolved in water and blood. They are affected by hydration status as they help to balance the body's water levels.Β 

When water levels are too high, electrolyte concentrations can drop if not replenished. Conversely, if water levels are too low, then electrolyte concentrations rise. Therefore, increased levels of serum electrolytes on a CMP can signal possible dehydration. These include:

As the kidneys are responsible for concentrating urine and filtering out and excreting waste products, decreased fluid intake can affect kidney function, leading to changes in kidney markers on a CMP:

  • Elevated blood urea nitrogen (BUN): Urea is a metabolic waste product that is filtered and excreted by the kidneys. BUN may increase during dehydration due to a decrease in blood flow to the kidneys, which reduces overall filtration and excretion.Β 
  • Elevated creatinine levels: Similar to BUN, creatinine is a waste product typically excreted by the kidneys, and its levels may increase with reduced water intake.
  • Low estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR): eGFR is the kidney filtration rate. Reduced fluid intake may lead to less kidney filtration, lowering eGFR levels.Β 
  • High BUN to creatinine ratio: When dehydrated, BUN may increase more than creatinine, creating a higher BUN level than creatinine.Β 

Albumin is a protein made by the liver and is present in the blood. It helps maintain proper oncotic pressure in blood plasma, balancing fluid levels between the vessels and tissues of the body. High serum albumin levels most often result from concentrated protein levels due to a decreased proportion of water in the blood from dehydration.Β 

Complete Blood Count

A complete blood count (CBC) is a routine blood test that evaluates the quantity and quality of red and white blood cells and their components. It involves analyzing a sample of whole blood, including red blood cells and plasma (the liquid component of blood).Β 

Dehydration may reduce the plasma volume, thereby increasing the concentration of red blood cells proportionally, resulting in:

  • Elevated hemoglobin: The protein in red blood cells that binds and transports oxygen.
  • Elevated hematocrit: The measurable proportion of red blood cells compared to total blood volume.Β 

Urinalysis

A urinalysis is a simple, non-invasive diagnostic tool that uses physical and chemical markers in the urine to detect conditions such as urinary tract infections and diabetes and to evaluate hydration status.Β 

The primary marker for dehydration is specific gravity, which evaluates urine concentration levels. As dehydration may lower the kidneys' filtering capacity, it can lead to a higher concentration of dissolved substances in the urine and increases specific gravity.Β 

Using Lab Values to Help Manage Dehydration

Diagnosis of dehydration requires a comprehensive approach, as no single lab test can definitively diagnose this condition. Many of the markers within the CBC, CMP, and urinalysis can be affected by other diseases and are not reliable on their own.Β 

Therefore, lab values are interpreted alongside presenting physical signs, symptoms, and relevant history to help determine hydration status. Physical signs of dehydration may include:

Rehydration Strategies

Management depends on the severity level and cause of dehydration. For mild cases of dehydration, rehydration can be achieved at home by increasing oral intake of water and electrolytes to help replenish lost fluids. Signs and symptoms can be monitored for improvement to ensure hydration achievement.

More severe states may require medical attention and intravenous saline fluids to restore healthy hydration levels. These cases will often be monitored through lab work to confirm rehydration and may require routine follow-up when chronic conditions such as diabetes insipidus are present.Β 

[signup]

Key Takeaways

  • Crucial labs for assessing dehydration include:
    • Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP): Elevated sodium, chloride, calcium, and potassium may indicate dehydration. Raised BUN, creatinine, and high BUN to creatinine ratio may reflect kidney stress due to low fluid intake. High albumin may indicate water loss.Β 
    • Complete Blood Count (CBC): Elevated hemoglobin and hematocrit may suggest reduced plasma volume from dehydration.
    • Urinalysis: High specific gravity may indicate concentrated urine, a key marker of dehydration.
  • Recognizing dehydration early allows for prompt management, potentially preventing severe health issues such as confusion, rapid pulse, and seizures.
  • Accurate diagnosis using lab tests and symptom evaluation can help ensure effective rehydration strategies.
  • If experiencing symptoms like intense thirst, dizziness, or rapid heartbeat, consider seeking medical help immediately.
  • Early intervention can help avert serious complications, particularly in vulnerable populations like the elderly.
The information in this article is designed for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for informed medical advice or care. This information should not be used to diagnose or treat any health problems or illnesses without consulting a doctor. Consult with a health care practitioner before relying on any information in this article or on this website.

Learn more

No items found.

Lab Tests in This Article

No lab tests!
  1. Albumin. (n.d.). Rupa Health. Retrieved June 5, 2024, from https://www.rupahealth.com/biomarkers/albumin
  2. Anderson, S. (2022, September 14). This is What Happens to Your Body When You are Dehydrated. Rupa Health. https://www.rupahealth.com/post/this-is-what-happens-to-your-body-when-you-are-dehydrated
  3. Ashraf, M. M., & Rea, R. (2017). Effect of dehydration on blood tests. Practical Diabetes, 34(5), 169–171. https://doi.org/10.1002/pdi.2111
  4. Barkas, F., Liberopoulos, E., Kei, A., & Elisaf, M. (2013). Electrolyte and acid-base disorders in inflammatory bowel disease. Annals of gastroenterology, 26(1), 23–28.
  5. Blood Urea Nitrogen. (n.d.). Rupa Health. Retrieved June 5, 2024, from https://www.rupahealth.com/biomarkers/bun
  6. CDC. (2022, May 13). CDC - Heat Stress - Heat Related Illness - NIOSH Workplace Safety and Health Topic. CDC. https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/heatstress/heatrelillness.html
  7. CDC. (2024, May 22). Managing Diabetes in the Heat. Diabetes. https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/articles/managing-diabetes-in-the-heat.html
  8. Cleveland Clinic. (2023, June 5). Dehydration. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9013-dehydration
  9. Cleveland Clinic. (2019, December 16). Food Poisoning: People at Risk, Symptoms, Treatment, Prevention. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21167-food-poisoning
  10. Cloyd, J. (2022, December 8). 3 Natural Treatments For Inflammatory Bowel Disease. Rupa Health. https://www.rupahealth.com/post/inflammatory-bowel-disease-ibd-treatments-for-flares-and-remission
  11. Cloyd, J. (2023a, March 7). An integrative medicine approach to fatigue. Rupa Health. https://www.rupahealth.com/post/an-integrative-medicine-approach-to-fatigue
  12. Cloyd, J. (2023b, March 29). An Integrative Medicine Guide to Ulcerative Colitis. Rupa Health. https://www.rupahealth.com/post/an-integrative-medicine-guide-to-ulcerative-colitis
  13. Cloyd, J. (2023c, July 13). A Functional Medicine UTI Protocol: Specialized Testing, Therapeutic Diet, and Supplements. Rupa Health. https://www.rupahealth.com/post/a-functional-medicine-uti-protocol-specialized-testing-therapeutic-diet-and-supplements
  14. Cloyd, J. (2023d, September 28). Integrative medicine approach to treating hypotension. Rupa Health. https://www.rupahealth.com/post/integrative-medicine-approach-to-treating-hypotension
  15. Cloyd, J. (2023e, December 1). How to Interpret CBC Results: A Comprehensive Guide. Rupa Health. https://www.rupahealth.com/post/how-to-interpret-cbc-results-a-comprehensive-guide
  16. Cloyd, J. (2024, January 24). The Value of Urinalysis in Functional Medicine: A Tool for Comprehensive Health Assessment. Rupa Health. https://www.rupahealth.com/post/the-value-of-urinalysis-in-functional-medicine-a-tool-for-comprehensive-health-assessment
  17. Creatinine. (n.d.). Rupa Health. Retrieved June 5, 2024, from https://www.rupahealth.com/biomarkers/creatinine
  18. DePorto, T. (2023, January 5). Signs you have an electrolyte imbalance & how to fix it. Rupa Health. https://www.rupahealth.com/post/electrolytes
  19. Diabetes Insipidus - NIDDK. (n.d.). National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Retrieved June 5, 2024, from https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/kidney-disease/diabetes-insipidus
  20. Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate. (n.d.). Rupa Health. Retrieved June 5, 2024, from https://www.rupahealth.com/biomarkers/egfr
  21. Hematocrit. (n.d.). Rupa Health. Retrieved June 5, 2024, from https://www.rupahealth.com/biomarkers/hematocrit
  22. Hemoglobin. (n.d.). Rupa Health. Retrieved June 5, 2024, from https://www.rupahealth.com/biomarkers/hemoglobin
  23. Kranz, R. (2024, January 2). Symptoms of dehydration: What they are and what to do if you experience them. Harvard Health. https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/symptoms-of-dehydration-what-they-are-and-what-to-do-if-you-experience-them
  24. Lee, S., Harris, L. M., Miller, A. C., Cavanaugh, J. E., Nizar, J. M., Simmering, J. E., Mahmoud, Polgreen, L. A., & Polgreen, P. M. (2024). Risk for Dehydration and Fluid and Electrolyte Disorders Among Cystic Fibrosis Carriers. American Journal of Kidney Diseases, 83(5), 695–697. https://doi.org/10.1053/j.ajkd.2023.09.011
  25. Mayo Clinic. (2021). What to know about diuretics (water pills). Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/high-blood-pressure/in-depth/diuretics/art-20048129
  26. Medline Plus. (2019). Dehydration. Medlineplus.gov; National Library of Medicine. https://medlineplus.gov/dehydration.html
  27. MedlinePlus. (2023, October 17). Fluid and Electrolyte Balance. Medlineplus.gov; National Library of Medicine. https://medlineplus.gov/fluidandelectrolytebalance.html
  28. Miller, H. J. (2015). Dehydration in the Older Adult. Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 41(9), 8–13. https://doi.org/10.3928/00989134-20150814-02
  29. Nagami, G. T. (2016). Hyperchloremia – Why and how. NefrologΓ­a, 36(4), 347–353. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nefro.2016.04.001
  30. Namdar, T., Stollwerck, P. L., Stang, F. H., Siemers, F., MailΓ€nder, P., & Lange, T. (2010). Transdermal fluid loss in severely burned patients. German Medical Science: GMS E-Journal, 8, Doc28. https://doi.org/10.3205/000117
  31. Neibling, K. (2023, February 27). Integrative medicine treatment for headaches. Rupa Health. https://www.rupahealth.com/post/integrative-medicine-treatment-for-headaches
  32. Sadiq, N. M., Naganathan, S., & Badireddy, M. (2023, September 4). Hypercalcemia. PubMed; StatPearls Publishing. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK430714/
  33. Shah, M. M., & Pujyitha Mandiga. (2019, June 21). Physiology, Plasma Osmolality and Oncotic Pressure. Nih.gov; StatPearls Publishing. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK544365/
  34. Simerville, J. A., Maxted, W. C., & Pahira, J. J. (2005). Urinalysis: A Comprehensive Review. American Family Physician, 71(6), 1153–1162. https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2005/0315/p1153.html
  35. Simon, L. V., Hashmi, M. F., & Farrell, M. W. (2024). Hyperkalemia. PubMed; StatPearls Publishing. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470284/
  36. Skin turgor: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia. (n.d.). Medlineplus.gov. Retrieved June 5, 2024, from https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003281.htm
  37. Specific Gravity. (n.d.). Rupa Health. Retrieved June 5, 2024, from https://www.rupahealth.com/biomarkers/specific-gravity
  38. Srividya Naganathan, & Al-Dhahir, M. A. (2018). Hypernatremia. Nih.gov; StatPearls Publishing. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK441960/
  39. Sweetnich, J. (2023a, March 15). Sodium 101: Lab Tests, Disorders, & How Much To Consume Daily. Rupa Health. https://www.rupahealth.com/post/sodium-101
  40. Sweetnich, J. (2023b, March 28). Calcium 101: Testing, top foods, & supplements. Rupa Health. https://www.rupahealth.com/post/calcium-101-testing-top-foods-supplements
  41. Sweetnich, J. (2023c, April 4). What is Potassium's Role in The Body? Rupa Health. https://www.rupahealth.com/post/potassium-101
  42. Sweetnich, J. (2023d, April 7). Testing Chloride Levels: The Queen of Electrolytes. Rupa Health. https://www.rupahealth.com/post/testing-chloride-levels-the-queen-of-electrolytes
  43. Sweetnich, J. (2023e, April 25). Complementary and Integrative Medicine Approaches to Type 2 Diabetes Management. Rupa Health. https://www.rupahealth.com/post/complementary-and-integrative-medicine-approaches-to-type-2-diabetes-management
  44. Taylor, K., & Jones, E. B. (2021). Adult Dehydration. PubMed; StatPearls Publishing. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK555956/
  45. Weinberg, J. (2022, April 14). 4 lifestyle changes that help manage Crohn’s disease. Rupa Health. https://www.rupahealth.com/post/a-functional-medicine-approach-to-crohns-disease
  46. Yoshimura, H. (2023a, March 30). The Importance of Running Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP) on Your Patients. Rupa Health. https://www.rupahealth.com/post/the-importance-of-running-comprehensive-metabolic-panel-cmp-on-your-patients
  47. Yoshimura, H. (2023b, April 14). Understanding The Important of Testing for BUN and Creatinine In Functional Medicine. Rupa Health. https://www.rupahealth.com/post/understanding-the-important-of-testing-for-bun-and-creatinine-in-functional-medicine
  48. Yoshimura, H. (2023c, August 15). A Comprehensive and Integrative Approach to Cystic Fibrosis. Rupa Health. https://www.rupahealth.com/post/a-comprehensive-and-integrative-approach-to-cystic-fibrosis
Order from 30+ labs in 20 seconds (DUTCH, Mosaic, Genova & More!)
We make ordering quick and painless β€” and best of all, it's free for practitioners.

Latest Articles

View more on Lab Education
Subscribe to the magazine for expert-written articles straight to your inbox
Join the thousands of savvy readers who get root cause medicine articles written by doctors in their inbox every week!
Thanks for subscribing!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
Are you a healthcare practitioner?
Thanks for subscribing!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
Subscribe to the Magazine for free to keep reading!
Subscribe for free to keep reading, If you are already subscribed, enter your email address to log back in.
Thanks for subscribing!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
Are you a healthcare practitioner?
Thanks for subscribing!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
Trusted Source
Rupa Health
Medical Education Platform
Visit Source
Visit Source
American Cancer Society
Foundation for Cancer Research
Visit Source
Visit Source
National Library of Medicine
Government Authority
Visit Source
Visit Source
Journal of The American College of Radiology
Peer Reviewed Journal
Visit Source
Visit Source
National Cancer Institute
Government Authority
Visit Source
Visit Source
World Health Organization (WHO)
Government Authority
Visit Source
Visit Source
The Journal of Pediatrics
Peer Reviewed Journal
Visit Source
Visit Source
CDC
Government Authority
Visit Source
Visit Source
Office of Dietary Supplements
Government Authority
Visit Source
Visit Source
National Heart Lung and Blood Institute
Government Authority
Visit Source
Visit Source
National Institutes of Health
Government Authority
Visit Source
Visit Source
Clinical Infectious Diseases
Peer Reviewed Journal
Visit Source
Visit Source
Brain
Peer Reviewed Journal
Visit Source
Visit Source
The Journal of Rheumatology
Peer Reviewed Journal
Visit Source
Visit Source
Journal of the National Cancer Institute (JNCI)
Peer Reviewed Journal
Visit Source
Visit Source
Journal of Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance
Peer Reviewed Journal
Visit Source
Visit Source
Hepatology
Peer Reviewed Journal
Visit Source
Visit Source
The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition
Peer Reviewed Journal
Visit Source
Visit Source
The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery
Peer Reviewed Journal
Visit Source
Visit Source
Kidney International
Peer Reviewed Journal
Visit Source
Visit Source
The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology
Peer Reviewed Journal
Visit Source
Visit Source
Annals of Surgery
Peer Reviewed Journal
Visit Source
Visit Source
Chest
Peer Reviewed Journal
Visit Source
Visit Source
The Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery & Psychiatry
Peer Reviewed Journal
Visit Source
Visit Source
Blood
Peer Reviewed Journal
Visit Source
Visit Source
Gastroenterology
Peer Reviewed Journal
Visit Source
Visit Source
The American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine
Peer Reviewed Journal
Visit Source
Visit Source
The American Journal of Psychiatry
Peer Reviewed Journal
Visit Source
Visit Source
Diabetes Care
Peer Reviewed Journal
Visit Source
Visit Source
The Journal of the American College of Cardiology (JACC)
Peer Reviewed Journal
Visit Source
Visit Source
The Journal of Clinical Oncology (JCO)
Peer Reviewed Journal
Visit Source
Visit Source
Journal of Clinical Investigation (JCI)
Peer Reviewed Journal
Visit Source
Visit Source
Circulation
Peer Reviewed Journal
Visit Source
Visit Source
JAMA Internal Medicine
Peer Reviewed Journal
Visit Source
Visit Source
PLOS Medicine
Peer Reviewed Journal
Visit Source
Visit Source
Annals of Internal Medicine
Peer Reviewed Journal
Visit Source
Visit Source
Nature Medicine
Peer Reviewed Journal
Visit Source
Visit Source
The BMJ (British Medical Journal)
Peer Reviewed Journal
Visit Source
Visit Source
The Lancet
Peer Reviewed Journal
Visit Source
Visit Source
Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA)
Peer Reviewed Journal
Visit Source
Visit Source
Pubmed
Comprehensive biomedical database
Visit Source
Visit Source
Harvard
Educational/Medical Institution
Visit Source
Visit Source
Cleveland Clinic
Educational/Medical Institution
Visit Source
Visit Source
Mayo Clinic
Educational/Medical Institution
Visit Source
Visit Source
The New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM)
Peer Reviewed Journal
Visit Source
Visit Source
Johns Hopkins
Educational/Medical Institution
Visit Source
Visit Source

Hey practitioners! πŸ‘‹ Join Dr. Chris Magryta and Dr. Erik Lundquist for a comprehensive 6-week course on evaluating functional medicine labs from two perspectives: adult and pediatric. In this course, you’ll explore the convergence of lab results across different diseases and age groups, understanding how human lab values vary on a continuum influenced by age, genetics, and time. Register Here! Register Here.

Hey practitioners! πŸ‘‹ Join Dr. Terry Wahls for a 3-week bootcamp on integrating functional medicine into conventional practice, focusing on complex cases like Multiple Sclerosis. Learn to analyze labs through a functional lens, perform nutrition-focused physical exams, and develop personalized care strategies. Register Here.