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Longevity & Optimization

Longevity Blood Tests Guide 2026: What to Test and Where

By Mike Hartnett
March 1, 2026 20 Min Read
10 0

Affiliate Disclosure: CoreStacks may earn a commission through links in this article. This never influences which tests or services we cover. We report what longevity researchers and physicians have publicly shared about their own testing protocols. All expert claims are attributed to their original source.

Table Of Content

The Short Answer: What Blood Tests Should You Get for Longevity?

The longevity experts we track — Peter Attia, Bryan Johnson, Andrew Huberman, and others — all share one conviction: you cannot optimize what you do not measure. At minimum, they recommend a comprehensive panel covering lipids (with ApoB, not just standard cholesterol), metabolic markers (fasting glucose, insulin, HbA1c), inflammatory markers (hsCRP, homocysteine), vitamin D, thyroid function, and a complete blood count. This guide breaks down every test they recommend, why each one matters, where to get them, and what “optimal” actually means versus the standard lab reference range that your doctor may use.

Master Biomarker Table: The Complete Longevity Testing Panel

This table consolidates the biomarkers most frequently recommended across the longevity experts we cover. Optimal ranges listed here are based on expert commentary, not standard lab reference ranges — see the “Optimal vs Normal” section below for why that matters.

Test What It Measures Optimal Range (Expert-Cited) How Often Who Recommends It
ApoB Atherogenic lipid particles < 60 mg/dL (Attia's aggressive target) Every 3-6 months Attia, Johnson
LDL-C Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol < 100 mg/dL (< 70 if high risk) Every 3-6 months All experts
HDL-C High-density lipoprotein cholesterol > 50 mg/dL (men), > 60 mg/dL (women) Every 3-6 months Attia, Patrick
Triglycerides Blood fats < 100 mg/dL Every 3-6 months Attia, Patrick
Lp(a) Genetic cardiovascular risk marker < 30 mg/dL (< 75 nmol/L) Once (genetic) Attia
Fasting Glucose Blood sugar baseline 72-85 mg/dL Every 3-6 months All experts
Fasting Insulin Insulin resistance indicator 2-6 uIU/mL Every 3-6 months Attia, Huberman
HbA1c 3-month glucose average 4.9-5.2% Every 3-6 months Attia, Johnson
hsCRP Systemic inflammation < 0.5 mg/L Every 3-6 months Attia, Patrick
Homocysteine Methylation, cardiovascular risk < 8 umol/L Every 6-12 months Patrick, Stanfield
Vitamin D (25-OH) Vitamin D status 40-60 ng/mL Every 6-12 months Huberman, Attia, Patrick
TSH Thyroid function 0.5-2.5 mIU/L Annually Attia, Huberman
Free T3 / Free T4 Active thyroid hormones Mid-range of lab reference Annually Attia
CBC Blood cell health, immunity Within reference ranges Annually All experts
Omega-3 Index EPA/DHA in red blood cells 8-12% Every 6-12 months Attia, Patrick
Testosterone (Total + Free) Androgen status Context-dependent (see section) Every 6-12 months Huberman, Attia
DHEA-S Adrenal androgen precursor Age-appropriate upper quartile Annually Huberman, Sinclair
Cortisol (AM) Stress hormone, adrenal function 10-18 ug/dL (morning draw) Annually Huberman
ALT / AST Liver function ALT < 25 U/L (Attia's preference) Every 3-6 months Attia, Johnson
GGT Liver, oxidative stress < 20 U/L Every 6-12 months Attia
Uric Acid Metabolic health, gout risk 4-5.5 mg/dL Every 6-12 months Attia

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Tier 1: Essential Longevity Blood Tests (Start Here)

These are the tests that virtually every longevity-focused physician and researcher considers non-negotiable. If you do nothing else, get these.

Lipid Panel with ApoB

Why it matters: Peter Attia has called cardiovascular disease “the leading cause of death that we can actually do something about,” and he has been vocal — across dozens of episodes of The Drive and throughout Outlive — that Apolipoprotein B (ApoB) is a far superior marker to standard LDL cholesterol.

The logic, as Attia has explained it: LDL-C measures the cholesterol content carried by LDL particles. ApoB measures the number of atherogenic particles themselves. Two people can have the same LDL-C number but vastly different ApoB levels — and it is the particle count that drives plaque formation. Attia has stated on The Drive that he targets an ApoB below 60 mg/dL for most of his patients, with some pushed below 40 mg/dL for those at elevated risk.

Rhonda Patrick has also discussed ApoB extensively on FoundMyFitness, noting that most standard lipid panels omit this marker entirely — meaning people walk away from their annual physical with an incomplete picture of their cardiovascular risk.

What to request:

  • Standard lipid panel (Total cholesterol, LDL-C, HDL-C, Triglycerides)
  • ApoB (must be specifically ordered — it is not included in a basic lipid panel)
  • Lp(a) (at least once — see Tier 2 for more detail)

Optimal ranges (expert-cited):

  • ApoB: < 60 mg/dL (Attia's general target)
  • LDL-C: < 100 mg/dL
  • HDL-C: > 50 mg/dL (men), > 60 mg/dL (women)
  • Triglycerides: < 100 mg/dL (Attia and Patrick both cite this)
  • Triglyceride-to-HDL ratio: < 1.5 (Patrick has discussed this as a metabolic health indicator)

For a full breakdown of Attia’s cardiovascular approach, see our Peter Attia Longevity Protocol 2026 guide.

Metabolic Panel (Fasting Glucose, Insulin, HbA1c)

Why it matters: Metabolic dysfunction is one of Attia’s “Four Horsemen” — and he has argued that by the time someone receives a Type 2 diabetes diagnosis, they have often been metabolically unhealthy for a decade or more. The standard diagnostic threshold for diabetes (fasting glucose > 126 mg/dL, HbA1c > 6.5%) represents late-stage metabolic failure, not early detection.

Attia has discussed on The Drive that he wants to see fasting glucose in the 70s to low 80s, HbA1c in the low 5s or even high 4s, and — crucially — fasting insulin tested alongside glucose. Insulin is the marker that moves first. A person can have “normal” fasting glucose while their insulin is already elevated, working overtime to maintain that glucose level. By the time glucose rises, insulin resistance is well-established.

Bryan Johnson tracks these markers obsessively as part of his Blueprint protocol and publishes his data publicly. His HbA1c has been reported in the 4.9-5.1% range.

What to request:

  • Fasting glucose
  • Fasting insulin (this is the one most doctors skip — you may need to request it specifically)
  • HbA1c (glycated hemoglobin — 3-month average of blood sugar)
  • Consider: HOMA-IR calculation (derived from fasting glucose and insulin — your doctor or testing service can calculate this)

Optimal ranges (expert-cited):

  • Fasting glucose: 72-85 mg/dL
  • Fasting insulin: 2-6 uIU/mL (Attia has cited this range)
  • HbA1c: 4.9-5.2%
  • HOMA-IR: < 1.0

Vitamin D (25-Hydroxyvitamin D)

Why it matters: Vitamin D is one of the most frequently discussed biomarkers across the longevity space, and there is substantial agreement among the experts we track. Andrew Huberman has discussed vitamin D on the Huberman Lab podcast, noting that deficiency is widespread and associated with impaired immune function, mood regulation, and bone health. Rhonda Patrick has been particularly vocal, citing research linking vitamin D levels to all-cause mortality risk. Peter Attia supplements with approximately 5,000 IU/day and monitors his blood levels.

The key issue: standard lab reference ranges often list 30 ng/mL as “sufficient.” Longevity researchers generally target much higher. Patrick has cited 40-60 ng/mL as her preferred range, and Huberman has discussed similar targets.

What to request:

  • 25-Hydroxyvitamin D (25-OH vitamin D) — this is the standard test

Optimal ranges (expert-cited):

  • 40-60 ng/mL (Huberman, Patrick, Attia all target this range)
  • Standard lab “sufficient” starts at 30 ng/mL — most longevity experts consider this inadequate

Thyroid Panel (TSH, Free T3, Free T4)

Why it matters: Thyroid function affects metabolism, energy, body composition, cognitive function, and mood. A basic screening with just TSH can miss subclinical thyroid dysfunction. Attia has discussed on The Drive that he runs a complete thyroid panel including free T3 and free T4, not just TSH alone. A “normal” TSH can mask early thyroid issues, particularly in the context of caloric restriction or aggressive fasting protocols that some longevity enthusiasts follow.

What to request:

  • TSH
  • Free T3
  • Free T4
  • Consider: thyroid antibodies (TPO, thyroglobulin) if thyroid issues are suspected

Optimal ranges (expert-cited):

  • TSH: 0.5-2.5 mIU/L (tighter than the standard 0.4-4.5 range)
  • Free T3 and Free T4: mid-range of lab reference values

Complete Blood Count (CBC)

Why it matters: The CBC is the workhorse of blood testing — it evaluates red blood cells, white blood cells, hemoglobin, hematocrit, and platelets. While it is not glamorous, it catches anemia, infection, immune function issues, and blood disorders. Every longevity physician includes it as a baseline. It is also important for anyone using peptides or exogenous hormones, as these can alter blood cell production.

What to request:

  • CBC with differential (the differential breaks down white blood cell subtypes)

Optimal ranges: Standard lab reference ranges are generally appropriate here. Flags to watch: low hemoglobin (anemia), elevated white blood cells (infection or chronic inflammation), low platelets, or elevated RDW (red cell distribution width — associated with all-cause mortality in some research).

Inflammatory Markers (hsCRP, Homocysteine)

Why it matters: Chronic low-grade inflammation is a driver of all four of Attia’s “Four Horsemen.” High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) is the most widely used blood marker for systemic inflammation, and Attia has discussed it as part of his standard panel on The Drive.

Homocysteine, while less commonly tested, has been discussed by Rhonda Patrick and Dr. Brad Stanfield as both a cardiovascular risk marker and an indicator of methylation status. Elevated homocysteine can signal B-vitamin deficiency (B12, folate, B6) and is associated with increased cardiovascular and neurodegenerative risk.

What to request:

  • hsCRP (high-sensitivity CRP — make sure it is the high-sensitivity version, not standard CRP)
  • Homocysteine

Optimal ranges (expert-cited):

  • hsCRP: < 0.5 mg/L (Attia's target; standard labs flag > 3.0 mg/L)
  • Homocysteine: < 8 umol/L (Patrick has cited this target; standard labs flag > 15 umol/L)

Tier 2: Advanced Longevity Markers

Once your Tier 1 foundation is solid, these markers provide deeper insight into specific risk factors and performance metrics that longevity researchers consider important.

ApoB and Lp(a) Deep-Dive

ApoB is listed in Tier 1 as part of the lipid panel, but it deserves its own discussion because of how strongly Attia advocates for it. On The Drive, Attia has stated that if he could only measure one thing to assess cardiovascular risk, it would be ApoB. He has also discussed his own aggressive approach: using a combination of a PCSK9 inhibitor and ezetimibe to drive his personal ApoB to extremely low levels.

Lp(a) — lipoprotein(a) — is a genetic marker that Attia has called “the most important thing most people have never heard of.” Unlike ApoB, which responds to diet, exercise, and medication, Lp(a) is largely genetically determined. You cannot meaningfully lower it through lifestyle changes. Attia has recommended that everyone get tested at least once, because an elevated Lp(a) significantly increases cardiovascular risk, and knowing your level affects how aggressively you should manage your other lipid markers.

What to request:

  • ApoB (if not already included in Tier 1 panel)
  • Lp(a) — only needs to be tested once unless you are on a treatment that may affect it

Optimal ranges (expert-cited):

  • Lp(a): < 30 mg/dL or < 75 nmol/L (testing units vary by lab)
  • If Lp(a) is elevated, Attia has discussed that this warrants more aggressive ApoB management

DEXA Scan (Body Composition + Bone Density)

Why it matters: A DEXA scan is not a blood test, but Attia includes it as a core component of his monitoring protocol and discusses it frequently on The Drive. It provides three critical data points that no blood test can: lean muscle mass (by body region), body fat percentage and distribution (including visceral fat), and bone mineral density.

Attia has argued that body composition — specifically lean muscle mass and visceral fat — is a stronger predictor of health outcomes than body weight or BMI. Bryan Johnson also uses regular DEXA scans as part of his Blueprint monitoring.

What to request:

  • Full-body DEXA scan (not just bone density — you want the body composition breakdown)

How often: Annually, or every 6 months if actively changing body composition

Where to get one: University medical centers, radiology clinics, and some specialized wellness clinics like DexaFit offer this. Cost is typically $75-200 without insurance.

VO2 Max Testing

Why it matters: Peter Attia has called VO2 max “the single most powerful predictor of all-cause mortality” — a claim he has backed with specific research citations on The Drive. He has noted that the difference in mortality risk between low cardiorespiratory fitness and high fitness is larger than the difference between a smoker and a non-smoker.

VO2 max measures the maximum amount of oxygen your body can utilize during intense exercise. It declines approximately 10% per decade after age 30, which is why Attia emphasizes building a large “reserve” through Zone 2 and VO2 max-specific training.

What to request:

  • VO2 max test (also called a CPET — Cardiopulmonary Exercise Test)

How often: Annually

Where to get one: Sports medicine clinics, university exercise science labs, some high-end gyms. Cost is typically $150-300.

For Attia’s complete exercise protocol built around VO2 max, see our Peter Attia Longevity Protocol 2026 guide.

Omega-3 Index

Why it matters: The Omega-3 Index measures the percentage of EPA and DHA in red blood cell membranes. Peter Attia takes high-dose fish oil and monitors this marker. Rhonda Patrick has been one of the most vocal advocates for omega-3 testing, citing research associating a higher Omega-3 Index with reduced cardiovascular risk and lower all-cause mortality.

What to request:

  • Omega-3 Index (EPA + DHA as a percentage of total red blood cell fatty acids)

Optimal ranges (expert-cited):

  • 8-12% (both Attia and Patrick cite this range)
  • The average American falls between 4-5%

How often: Every 6-12 months, or 3 months after changing your omega-3 supplementation to confirm levels are responding

Hormones (Testosterone, Estradiol, DHEA-S, Cortisol)

Why it matters: Hormonal health is a significant component of the longevity conversation. Andrew Huberman has dedicated multiple episodes of the Huberman Lab podcast to testosterone optimization, discussing both endogenous support (sleep, exercise, light exposure) and the importance of tracking levels. Attia monitors hormones as part of his comprehensive panel.

What to request:

  • Total testosterone
  • Free testosterone (calculated or measured directly)
  • SHBG (sex hormone-binding globulin — needed to interpret free testosterone)
  • Estradiol (sensitive assay for men)
  • DHEA-S
  • Morning cortisol (must be drawn before 9 AM for accuracy)

Optimal ranges (expert-cited):

  • Total testosterone: context-dependent, but Huberman has discussed 300-1,000 ng/dL as the wide reference range, with most longevity doctors preferring patients to be in the upper half for their age
  • Free testosterone: upper quartile of age-adjusted reference range
  • DHEA-S: age-appropriate upper quartile
  • Morning cortisol: 10-18 ug/dL
  • Estradiol (men): 20-35 pg/mL

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Tier 3: Cutting-Edge Longevity Tests

These tests represent the frontier of longevity monitoring. They are more expensive, less widely available, and in some cases still being validated. But they are what the most committed longevity practitioners — particularly Bryan Johnson — are using today.

Epigenetic Age Clocks (TruAge, GrimAge)

What they measure: Epigenetic clocks analyze DNA methylation patterns to estimate your biological age — how old your cells appear versus your chronological age. The most well-known clocks include Horvath’s original clock, GrimAge (which correlates with mortality risk), PhenoAge, and DunedinPACE (which measures the pace of aging rather than a static age estimate).

Who uses them: Bryan Johnson has made biological age testing central to his Blueprint protocol. He tracks his epigenetic age obsessively and has reported results suggesting a biological age significantly younger than his chronological age. Dr. David Sinclair has also discussed epigenetic clocks in the context of his research on aging reversal.

How to get tested: TruAge by TruDiagnostics is the most accessible consumer option. It provides biological age estimates using multiple clock algorithms.

Cost: $250-500 per test

How often: Every 6-12 months

Important caveat: Epigenetic clocks are still a developing field. Different algorithms can give different results for the same person. They are best used to track trends over time rather than to fixate on a single number. Attia has expressed cautious interest but has also noted on The Drive that the clinical utility of these tests is still being established.

For more on Johnson’s testing protocol, see our Bryan Johnson Blueprint Protocol 2026 guide.

Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM)

What it measures: A CGM is a small sensor worn on the arm that tracks blood glucose levels continuously, typically for 14 days at a time. Unlike a fasting glucose test, which is a single snapshot, CGM reveals your glucose responses to specific foods, exercise, sleep, and stress throughout the day.

Who uses them: Attia has discussed CGM use on The Drive and has used them with his patients. Huberman has also mentioned using CGM for a period to understand his own glucose responses. The Levels CGM platform has built its business around making this data accessible to non-diabetics.

Why longevity researchers care: Glucose variability — the spikes and crashes throughout the day — may matter as much as or more than average glucose for metabolic health. Research cited by both Attia and Patrick suggests that keeping glucose stable and minimizing post-meal spikes reduces insulin demand and may support long-term metabolic function.

Check current pricing on Amazon

Cost: $100-200/month depending on the platform

How often: Attia has suggested wearing one for at least one month to establish your personal patterns, then periodically (perhaps one month per year) to check how your responses may have changed.

Full Body MRI (Prenuvo and Similar)

What it measures: A full-body MRI provides a detailed scan of organs, tissues, and structures throughout the body without radiation exposure (unlike CT scans). Companies like Prenuvo have made this accessible as an elective screening tool rather than a diagnostic test ordered after symptoms appear.

Who uses them: Bryan Johnson includes full-body MRI as part of his Blueprint monitoring. The premise aligns with Attia’s Medicine 3.0 philosophy: detect abnormalities before they become symptomatic. A full-body MRI can identify tumors, aneurysms, organ abnormalities, and structural issues that blood tests cannot detect.

Cost: $1,500-2,500 depending on location and provider

How often: Annually (Johnson’s cadence) or every 2-3 years for those balancing cost

Important caveat: Full-body MRI screening in asymptomatic individuals is debated in the medical community. The concern is incidental findings — detecting something that looks abnormal but turns out to be benign, leading to unnecessary follow-up procedures and anxiety. Attia has discussed this tradeoff on The Drive, generally coming down in favor of screening but acknowledging the complexity.

Gut Microbiome Testing

What it measures: Microbiome tests (such as those from Viome or similar services) analyze the bacterial composition of your gut through a stool sample. The field is built on growing evidence that gut health influences immunity, inflammation, metabolism, and potentially even cognitive function.

Who discusses it: Rhonda Patrick has covered microbiome research on FoundMyFitness. Bryan Johnson has tested his microbiome as part of Blueprint.

Current reality: This is the least actionable test in Tier 3. While the science is advancing, the ability to make specific dietary or supplement changes based on microbiome test results is still limited. Most longevity physicians we track do not include microbiome testing in their standard protocols — it is more of a research interest than a clinical tool at this stage.

Cost: $100-400 per test

Where to Get Tested: Service Comparison

Not all testing services are created equal. Here is a comparison of the major options for getting comprehensive longevity blood work done in 2026.

InsideTracker

Check current pricing on Amazon

InsideTracker is a blood testing platform designed specifically for health optimization. It offers curated panels with longevity-relevant markers, provides AI-driven analysis that compares your results to “optimal zones” (not just standard lab ranges), and tracks changes over time. Their platform was designed with exactly this use case in mind — going beyond disease diagnosis to health optimization.

Pros:

  • Panels designed for optimization, not just disease screening
  • “Optimal zones” based on published research, not just lab reference ranges
  • Tracks biomarkers over time with trend analysis
  • Actionable recommendations (food, supplement, lifestyle)
  • InnerAge feature estimates biological age from blood markers

Cons:

  • Premium pricing ($200-600+ depending on panel)
  • Blood draw at Quest Diagnostics locations
  • Some markers still require add-ons

Best for: People who want guidance on what their results mean and how to act on them, not just raw numbers.

Marek Health

Check current pricing on Amazon

Marek Health offers comprehensive panels at competitive pricing, with a focus on hormone optimization and longevity markers. Their panels tend to be more extensive than standard direct-to-consumer options, and they offer physician consultations to review results.

Pros:

  • Extensive panels including hormones, metabolic markers, and inflammation
  • Physician review and consultation available
  • Competitive pricing for the breadth of markers included
  • Popular in the longevity and optimization community

Cons:

  • Less polished platform compared to InsideTracker
  • Less AI-driven analysis

Best for: People who want comprehensive panels with medical oversight, particularly if hormone optimization is a priority.

Quest Diagnostics / LabCorp (Direct-to-Consumer)

Quest and LabCorp both allow you to order blood work directly through their consumer-facing platforms (QuestDirect and Labcorp OnDemand) without a doctor’s order in most states.

Pros:

  • Most affordable option for individual markers
  • Extensive network of draw locations
  • Fast turnaround (typically 1-3 business days)
  • Can order exactly the markers you want, a la carte

Cons:

  • No optimization context — you get numbers without longevity-specific interpretation
  • No trend tracking or analysis platform
  • You need to know what to order (no curated panels for longevity)
  • Some states restrict direct-to-consumer ordering

Best for: People who already know what markers they want and are comfortable interpreting results themselves (or will review with their own physician).

Function Health

Function Health offers an annual membership model that includes extensive testing — reportedly 100+ biomarkers — with quarterly draws. The platform is positioned as “the most comprehensive blood testing membership available.”

Pros:

  • Extremely comprehensive panel (100+ biomarkers)
  • Quarterly testing included in membership
  • Clean, modern platform for tracking results
  • Includes many markers that other services charge extra for

Cons:

  • Annual membership required ($499/year as of early 2026)
  • Relatively new — smaller track record compared to InsideTracker or Quest
  • Availability may be limited by location

Best for: People committed to regular, comprehensive testing who want a single platform to manage everything.

Cost Comparison: Testing Services at a Glance

Service Starting Price What You Get Frequency Physician Review
InsideTracker ~$200 (basic), ~$600 (ultimate) Curated longevity panels + AI analysis Per-test or subscription No (recommendations only)
Marek Health ~$250-500 (comprehensive) Extensive panels + hormone focus Per-test Yes (add-on)
Quest/LabCorp Direct ~$30-100 per marker Individual markers, a la carte On-demand No
Function Health ~$499/year 100+ biomarkers, quarterly Quarterly (included) No
Your Doctor (insurance) Copay only Basic panel (often missing key markers) Annual Yes

The budget approach: Order specific markers through Quest/LabCorp direct. A comprehensive panel covering all Tier 1 markers costs approximately $200-350 when ordered individually.

The comprehensive approach: InsideTracker or Function Health provide curated panels with tracking, analysis, and optimization context. The added cost buys you interpretation, not just data.

The optimization approach: Marek Health with physician consultation, particularly if you are actively managing a supplement or peptide protocol and want medical oversight.

For how these testing protocols integrate with specific expert stacks, see our Longevity Expert Stacks Compared 2026 guide.

How Often Should You Test?

Testing frequency depends on what you are tracking and whether you are actively intervening. Here is a framework based on expert recommendations:

Quarterly (Every 3 Months)

  • Lipid panel with ApoB — if you are actively making changes (diet, medication, supplements)
  • Metabolic panel (glucose, insulin, HbA1c) — if actively managing metabolic health
  • Any marker where you have made a recent intervention and want to see response

Every 6 Months

  • Comprehensive panel once your baseline is established and stable
  • Omega-3 Index (after initial response to supplementation is confirmed)
  • Hormones (if monitoring testosterone optimization protocol)
  • hsCRP and homocysteine

Annually

  • DEXA scan
  • VO2 max test
  • Thyroid panel (if previous results were normal)
  • CBC
  • Vitamin D (once your supplementation dose is dialed in)
  • Epigenetic age testing (if using)
  • Full-body MRI (if using)

Once (or Rarely)

  • Lp(a) — genetically determined, one test establishes your level
  • Baseline comprehensive panel — your first test should be the most extensive

Bryan Johnson’s cadence is among the most aggressive: he tests dozens of biomarkers monthly. For most people, Attia’s more moderate approach — comprehensive panels quarterly to twice annually, with targeted re-tests when making specific interventions — is practical and sufficient.

Optimal vs Normal: Why Lab Reference Ranges Are Not Longevity-Optimized

This is one of the most important concepts in longevity blood testing, and it is a point that Attia, Patrick, Stanfield, and other longevity researchers have made repeatedly.

Standard lab reference ranges are designed to identify disease, not to define optimal health.

When a lab reports your results as “normal,” what they mean is: your value falls within the range observed in 95% of the people who have been tested at that lab. This population includes people who are overweight, metabolically unhealthy, sedentary, and pre-diabetic. “Normal” in a sick population is not the same as “optimal” for longevity.

Specific examples:

Marker Standard “Normal” Range Longevity “Optimal” Range Why It Matters
Fasting glucose 65-99 mg/dL 72-85 mg/dL Standard range includes pre-diabetic territory
HbA1c < 5.7% 4.9-5.2% 5.6% is “normal” but metabolically suboptimal
hsCRP < 3.0 mg/L < 0.5 mg/L Standard threshold misses chronic low-grade inflammation
Vitamin D 30-100 ng/mL 40-60 ng/mL 30 ng/mL is “sufficient” but below expert targets
TSH 0.4-4.5 mIU/L 0.5-2.5 mIU/L Upper end of standard range may indicate subclinical hypothyroidism
Homocysteine < 15 umol/L < 8 umol/L Standard cutoff misses elevated cardiovascular risk
ApoB < 130 mg/dL < 60 mg/dL Standard “normal” is far above what Attia targets
ALT < 40-56 U/L < 25 U/L Standard range was derived from populations with fatty liver disease

This is why platforms like InsideTracker, which use research-based “optimal zones” rather than standard lab ranges, can be valuable even for people who already have access to blood work through their primary care physician.

Dr. Brad Stanfield has made this point clearly on his YouTube channel: your doctor may tell you everything is “normal” based on standard reference ranges while multiple markers are outside the ranges that longevity research suggests are optimal.

For more on how Huberman tracks and optimizes his biomarkers, see our Huberman Supplement Stack 2026 guide.

Research Disclaimer

The information in this article is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice. We report on what longevity researchers and physicians have publicly shared about their own testing protocols and practices. Optimal ranges cited are based on expert commentary and published research, not universally agreed-upon clinical guidelines. Blood test results should always be reviewed with a qualified healthcare provider who can interpret them in the context of your individual health history. Do not make changes to medications, supplements, or health protocols based solely on this article.

Frequently Asked Questions

What blood tests should I get for longevity?

At minimum, longevity experts recommend a lipid panel with ApoB (not just standard cholesterol), a metabolic panel including fasting insulin and HbA1c, inflammatory markers (hsCRP and homocysteine), vitamin D, a thyroid panel, and a complete blood count. Peter Attia has been particularly vocal that ApoB and fasting insulin are the two markers most commonly missing from standard physicals.

How much does comprehensive blood work cost without insurance?

A comprehensive longevity panel covering all Tier 1 markers costs approximately $200-400 when ordered through Quest or LabCorp direct. Curated platforms like InsideTracker range from $200-600+ depending on the panel. Function Health offers annual memberships at approximately $499/year with quarterly testing included. Your primary care physician can order many of these through insurance, but you may need to specifically request markers like ApoB, fasting insulin, and homocysteine.

Why does Peter Attia emphasize ApoB so much?

Attia has explained on The Drive podcast that ApoB measures the number of atherogenic (plaque-forming) lipid particles in your blood, while LDL-C only measures the cholesterol content those particles carry. Two people with the same LDL-C can have very different particle counts. Since it is the particles that drive atherosclerosis, ApoB is a more direct measure of cardiovascular risk. Attia targets an ApoB below 60 mg/dL for most patients.

What is the difference between “normal” and “optimal” lab ranges?

Standard lab reference ranges are set to identify disease — they represent the range observed in 95% of the tested population, which includes many people who are not in good metabolic health. “Optimal” ranges, as cited by longevity researchers like Attia and Patrick, are tighter ranges associated with lower disease risk and better long-term health outcomes. For example, a fasting glucose of 98 mg/dL is “normal” by standard lab criteria but would be considered suboptimal by most longevity physicians.

How often should I get blood work done?

Most longevity-focused physicians recommend comprehensive panels every 3-6 months when you are actively making changes (new supplement protocol, dietary shift, new medication) and every 6-12 months once your markers are stable. Bryan Johnson tests monthly, but that cadence is extreme and not necessary for most people. The key principle: test before you start a new intervention, then re-test 8-12 weeks later to measure response.

Can I order blood tests without a doctor?

In most US states, yes. Quest Diagnostics (QuestDirect) and LabCorp (Labcorp OnDemand) offer direct-to-consumer ordering. Platforms like InsideTracker and Function Health handle the ordering process for you. A few states (New York, New Jersey, Rhode Island, and Maryland, among others) have restrictions on direct-to-consumer lab ordering. Check your state’s regulations.

What is Lp(a) and should I test it?

Lipoprotein(a), or Lp(a), is a genetic cardiovascular risk marker. Unlike LDL or ApoB, your Lp(a) level is determined almost entirely by your genes and does not respond meaningfully to lifestyle changes. Peter Attia has recommended that everyone get tested at least once. If your Lp(a) is elevated (above 30 mg/dL or 75 nmol/L), it means your cardiovascular risk is higher than your other lipid markers alone would suggest, and more aggressive ApoB management may be warranted.

Are epigenetic age tests worth it?

Epigenetic age tests like TruAge are scientifically interesting and can be motivating, but they are still a developing field. Different clock algorithms can produce different biological age estimates for the same person. They are best used to track trends over time (testing every 6-12 months and seeing if your pace of aging is slowing) rather than to fixate on a single number. Bryan Johnson and David Sinclair both use them. Peter Attia has expressed interest but has noted on The Drive that their clinical utility is still being established. For most people, the Tier 1 blood markers provide more actionable data per dollar spent.

Keep Reading

Sources

  • Peter Attia, Outlive: The Science and Art of Longevity (2023)
  • Peter Attia, The Drive podcast — multiple episodes on cardiovascular risk, ApoB, metabolic health, and blood testing
  • Andrew Huberman, Huberman Lab podcast — episodes on testosterone, vitamin D, and blood work optimization
  • Bryan Johnson, Blueprint protocol — publicly available biomarker data and testing protocol
  • Rhonda Patrick, FoundMyFitness — episodes on vitamin D, Omega-3 Index, and homocysteine
  • Dr. Brad Stanfield, YouTube — evidence-based longevity testing recommendations
  • David Sinclair — commentary on epigenetic age testing and NAD+ metabolism markers
  • InsideTracker research and optimal zone methodology
  • National Library of Medicine (PubMed) — referenced studies on biomarker-mortality associations

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Mike Hartnett

Mike tracks what leading longevity researchers actually take, test, and recommend. CoreStacks reports on expert protocols and published research to help you make informed decisions about your health.

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