How to Prepare for Your Lab Appointment
Your Levels Labs appointment is your chance to get deep insights into your metabolic health. Here's everything you need to know to walk in prepared.
What to bring
- Requisition form
- We’ll email this to you after purchase.
- Have it ready on your phone.
- Photo ID
- Required for check-in at the lab.
Before your appointment
Fast for 8 hours
- Arrive fasted (water only).
- Skip food, alcohol, and coffee before your blood draw.
- Fasting gives you the most accurate baseline for your biomarkers.
Hydrate well
- Drink water throughout the morning of your appointment.
- Have a glass of water before you go.
- Good hydration can make the blood draw easier.
Pause supplements
- Consider pausing vitamins and dietary supplements for 48 to 72 hours before your appointment for a cleaner baseline.
- Do not stop any prescription medications without checking with your doctor.
Go easy on exercise
- Light movement is fine.
- Skip intense workouts before your appointment.
- Heavy exercise can affect some biomarker readings.
Journal your context
- Use the Levels app to log your meals, movement, sleep, and stress leading up to your appointment.
- If you're experiencing any symptoms, jot them down in a notebook.
- This context helps your physician interpret your results.
At your appointment
- Show up on time. You have a scheduled spot.
- Check in with your requisition form and photo ID.
- A licensed phlebotomist will draw your blood.
- The appointment takes around 15 to 30 minutes.
After your appointment
Results will appear in your Levels dashboard as they become available:
- Most results within 2 to 3 days
- All results within two weeks
- We'll email you when the first results are ready
You can view and manage your lab appointments anytime from your member portal.
Special considerations for menstruating members
If you menstruate, timing matters for the most accurate hormonal results. Days 2 to 4 of your cycle are optimal for the Comprehensive Panel.
If your appointment falls outside that window, make note of where you are in your cycle or consider rescheduling.
Learn more here: Lab Appointment Guidance for Menstruating Members