What Are the Advantages of Metabolic Profiling?
Metabolic profiling, often ordered by a doctor as a comprehensive metabolic panel, is a series of blood tests. These tests can be used to diagnose medical problems or verify overall health. Many metabolic panels are ordered as 14 separate tests, including kidney screenings and those that monitor proteins and electrolytes. Other tests may check liver function, glucose levels, and calcium concentrations. Metabolic profiling can also be used by diet and weight loss clinics to formulate an individualized nutrition plan. The protein tests in a common metabolic profile may determine the albumin and total protein found in the blood. Albumin and total protein are used to test for liver disorders, kidney disease, or nutritional health. The doctor may order a protein blood test if a patient has unexpectedly lost weight or feels fatigued. These tests are also commonly included in blood screenings done as part of an annual physical examination.
