Lab Tests & Diagnostics

Direct microscopic examination to identify superficial fungal and yeast infections of skin, hair, or nails.

Sample type:

Skin scraping, nail clipping, or hair root

Preparation:

Avoid antifungal creams, moisturizers, or medicated soaps for 48 hours before testing.

Microscopic tissue examination to evaluate complex rashes, chronic dermatoses, or suspicious growths.

Sample type:

Small skin tissue punch biopsy

Preparation:

Minor clinic procedure under local anesthesia; inform your doctor if you take blood thinners.

Identifies specific contact allergens responsible for allergic contact dermatitis and unexplained eczema.

Sample type:

Non-invasive allergen patches applied to the upper back

Preparation:

Keep the upper back dry for 72 hours after the patches are applied; do not apply steroid creams to the back for 1 week before the test.

Handheld transillumination to assess pigment depth in vitiligo or melasma and detect skin bacterial/fungal activity.

Sample type:

Non-invasive handheld light examination in clinic

Preparation:

Skin must be clean; avoid makeup, ointments, or oils on the day of examination.

Measures circulating vitamin D levels related to hair shedding, skin barrier health, and bone wellness.

Sample type:

Venous blood sample

Preparation:

Standard blood draw; no fasting required.

Checks vitamin B12 levels essential for hair follicle vitality, red blood cells, and nerve health.

Sample type:

Venous blood sample

Preparation:

Overnight fasting (8–10 hours) preferred before blood collection.

Evaluates stored iron levels crucial for treating diffuse hair thinning and telogen shedding.

Sample type:

Venous blood sample

Preparation:

Morning blood collection preferred; fasting 8–10 hours recommended.

Assesses thyroid gland activity influencing hair loss, dry skin, and metabolic wellness.

Sample type:

Venous blood sample

Preparation:

Morning blood collection recommended before taking daily thyroid medication.

Screens for anemia, systemic infection, platelet levels, and general cellular health.

Sample type:

Venous blood sample

Preparation:

No fasting required.

Measures inflammatory markers to detect active systemic or dermatologic inflammation.

Sample type:

Venous blood sample

Preparation:

No fasting required.

Baseline liver enzymes and proteins evaluated before and during oral dermatologic medications.

Sample type:

Venous blood sample

Preparation:

Fasting 8–10 hours required; avoid fatty food the night before.

Monitors kidney filtration, urea, and creatinine for overall renal safety.

Sample type:

Venous blood sample

Preparation:

Fasting 8–10 hours recommended; stay normally hydrated with water.

Assesses blood glucose control, insulin resistance, and 3-month glycemic history.

Sample type:

Venous blood sample

Preparation:

Fasting sugar requires strict 8–10 hours overnight fast (water allowed); HbA1c does not require fasting.

Measures cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL, and LDL prior to systemic retinoid or aesthetic therapies.

Sample type:

Venous blood sample

Preparation:

Strict 10–12 hours overnight fasting required (plain water only).

Screens for urinary tract infection, microscopic blood, protein, and kidney signs.

Sample type:

20–30 mL fresh midstream urine sample

Preparation:

First morning clean-catch midstream sample preferred; avoid testing during active menstruation.