Laboratory tests are often part of a routine checkup to look for changes in your health. They also help providers diagnose medical conditions, plan or evaluate treatments, and monitor diseases.Many different health conditions often cause similar symptoms. To help differentiate between possible diagnoses and to adequately treat the diagnoses, it is essential to review symptoms, medical history, family health history, and laboratory testing.

Lab work involves analyzing samples of blood, urine, or body tissues to get information about your health. Common lab tests include glucose tests, a cholesterol test, a complete blood count, a basic metabolic panel, and much more.