Lactate Testing for Athletes: Beyond Blood Lactate Threshold
Introduction A sensation familiar to almost everyone is the buildup of “lactic acid” in the muscles. In reality, lactate is…
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Thyroid Function in Athletes: Why TSH Alone Isn’t Enough
Introduction Athletes often come to my clinic due to slowed or stalled progress, fatigue, and lack of motivation. Laboratory testing…
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Which Blood Tests Do Athletes Actually Need? A Doctor’s Evidence-Based Guide
Introduction It’s completely understandable that athletes want to maximize their performance. That’s only natural. They already invest significant time and…
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Soluble Transferrin Receptor in Athletes: sTfR as The Advanced Iron Marker
Introduction: When Your Iron Test Doesn’t Tell the Whole Story Interpreting iron status in athletic patients is often more complex…
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RBC Count in Endurance Athletes: What Your Blood Test Is Actually Telling You
Introduction In my physically active patients, one of the most important basic laboratory tests is the basic or complete blood…
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Hematocrit in Athletes: What Your Blood Really Tells You About Performance
Introduction Hematocrit in athletes is a parameter included in both basic and extended blood counts. It has been measured in…
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TIBC in Athletes: What Total Iron-Binding Capacity Really Tells You
Introduction Most athletes who get their blood work done know to look at ferritin and hemoglobin, but fewer understand how…
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Vitamin D for Athletes: An Evidence-Based Guide to Performance, Injury Risk, and Clinical Interpretation
Introduction Vitamin D status is frequently assessed in athletes, yet its interpretation remains a common source of uncertainty in clinical…
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MCV Changes in Athletes: Understanding Mean Corpuscular Volume Variations in Training and Performance
Introduction Mean corpuscular volume represents one of the most fundamental yet frequently misunderstood markers in athletic blood work interpretation. This…
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Creatine Kinase Elevated in Athletes: Truths About High CK After a Workout
Introduction In my clinical work, I occasionally see elevated creatine kinase (CK) in athletes. This usually causes clinicians difficulty in…
