Lab Testing
Fast Results & Easy Accessibility
No need to search for "lab testing near me" after an appointment. At Stages of Life, we have an in-office laboratory to save you the drive and make sure we have the screening test you need.
Discover what lab testing options Stages of Life in Longwood has, and answers to commonly asked questions.
How Stages of Life Medical Institute's Lab Testing Helps Patients
About 48% of Americans face logistical barriers, such as conflicts with work hours and taking off time for appointments, which results in many putting off recommended screening, like lab tests. It's hard enough taking time off work just for the appointment, let alone lab testing. Luckily, at Stages of Life, the lab tests are done in-house, making checking your health and wellness more efficient and timely.
The Lab Testing Process
All laboratory services are performed with an emphasis on accuracy, clinical relevance, and efficiency. Blood and urine samples are collected on site, with many chemistries, toxicology studies, and urinalysis performed in-office for rapid availability of results.
When specialized testing, such as cultures, sensitivities, or advanced molecular diagnostics, is required, specimens are securely transferred to reference laboratories.
Every test we order is selected deliberately, based on clinical need, and interpreted in context rather than in isolation. This approach reduces unnecessary testing while improving diagnostic clarity.
Most importantly, laboratory data at our practice is never viewed as a static set of numbers. Results are carefully reviewed with each patient and used to guide individualized care plans, track trends over time, and assess response to treatment.
Types of Lab Tests We Perform
Our in-office laboratory is designed to support a comprehensive, physiology-driven approach to medical care.
Rather than relying on limited screening tests, we perform thorough panels that evaluate hormonal balance, thyroid function, metabolic health, immune activity, renal function, adrenal performance, infectious processes, and more.
By integrating sex hormone testing with detailed thyroid and adrenal evaluation, insulin resistance and metabolic markers, autoimmune screening, and advanced urinary diagnostics, we are able to assess how multiple systems interact in real time.
About Our Lab Testing Services
Learn more about lab testing options near you at Stages of Life Medical Institute. These tests can help pinpoint medical issues and lead to a treatment plan for easier everyday living and longevity.
Hormone Testing
Hormone testing evaluates key sex and adrenal hormones that influence energy, mood, metabolism, weight, sleep, bone health, and overall well-being in both men and women. It helps identify hormonal imbalances that commonly contribute to fatigue, mood changes, weight resistance, and age-related symptoms.
Thyroid Testing
Comprehensive thyroid testing goes beyond TSH to assess active thyroid hormones and autoimmune markers that affect metabolism, energy, weight, mood, and cholesterol. It helps explain persistent symptoms even when basic thyroid labs appear “normal.”
Insulin Resistance & Metabolic Testing
This testing evaluates how effectively your body responds to insulin, often identifying metabolic problems years before diabetes develops. It is essential for understanding weight-loss resistance, cardiovascular risk, and long-term metabolic health.
Insulin Resistance & Metabolic Testing
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Urinary Tract Infection Testing
UTI testing uses urinalysis and advanced methods when needed to accurately detect infection, even when standard tests are normal. It is especially important for recurrent symptoms or unexplained cognitive or systemic changes.
Autoimmune Testing
Autoimmune testing looks for immune system markers that may explain chronic fatigue, joint pain, rashes, or inflammation. Results are interpreted carefully alongside symptoms, as these tests support—but do not alone confirm—autoimmune disease.
Renal & Adrenal Panel Testing
Renal and adrenal panels assess kidney function, electrolyte balance, and stress hormones like cortisol that affect energy, blood pressure, and sleep. These tests help detect early dysfunction and guide both preventive and personalized care.
We Are Dedicated To Improving And Preserving A High Quality Of Life
Patients who travel from all over the U.S. have access to in-house lab testing at Stages of Life.
Earlier Clarity
You're not waiting months to get the answers and guidance you deserve.
Comfort In Nationwide Access
You can use any lab in the U.S. for the blood draw and have specimens shipped to Stages of Life for processing and physician-guided interpretation.
Earlier Access To Therapy
The sooner you know your risk is high, the sooner you an start focus on improving outcomes.
Empowered With Next Steps
If results are positive or indeterminate, a PET/CSF confirmation is necessary. If negative, we can target the real cause of your symptoms.
Monitoring & Prevention
For those at-risk genetically but who are cognitively intact, it's reassuring to screen, then confirm to optimize sleep, mood, cardiovascular risk, and lifestyle.
Secure In Their Privacy
For an additional $150, Dr. Klein can keep your report confidential and off insurance records (a private pay service so results aren't visible to insurers or employers).
Four Easy Steps To Identifying The Unknown
The process is simple and effective, and one of the easiest ways to gauge potential cognitive issues.
Consultation & Screening Plan
Brief history, medication review, and assessment. Based on our consultation, we'll decide which tests to order.
Get Blood Drawn Near You
Visit the Stages of Life Medical Institute and see Dr. Klein directly for in-house lab testing. We conduct analysis and interpretation at our clinic.
Results Review & Two-Step Pathway
You will get access to all available results as soon as the tests are processed.
Personalized Plan
This includes written recommendations covering things like sleep hygiene, mood support, pain management, cardiovascular risk reduction, exercise/nutrition, cognitive rehab, supplements (when evidence-supported), and follow-up intervals.
Explore Stages of Life's Most Commonly Asked Lab Testing Questions
Below, we have a wide range of frequently asked questions for Dr. Klein, covering topics like hormone testing, thyroid testing, insulin resistance, urinary tract infection, autoimmune testing, and adrenal panels.
Hormone Testing FAQs
Can hormone testing explain mood changing?
Yes. Conditions such as PMS, menopausal depression, anxiety, and irritability are frequently hormonally mediated.
What does sex hormone testing evaluate?
Sex hormone testing measures hormones that influence libido, but more importantly, they are essential for the proper evaluation of thyroid and adrenal function. These include testosterone, estradiol, progesterone, DHEA, and related markers that influence energy, mood, metabolism, cognition, sleep, immune function, and bone health.
Are hormone tests done fasting?
Some hormone panels require fasting. Dr. Klein will give patients specific instructions beforehand, depending on which tests are ordered.
Why would a man need hormone testing?
Hormone testing evaluates fatigue, low libido, muscle loss, mood changes, metabolic concerns, sleep disturbance, and cognitive changes. These hormones are also critical to understanding thyroid and adrenal disorders and their downstream effects on immune function and bone health.
Is hormone testing done with blood work?
Yes. Blood testing is the most precise and clinically meaningful method for hormone assessment. Salivary testing measures hormone levels only in saliva and is not considered reliable for clinical decision-making.
Why would a woman need hormone testing?
Hormone testing assesses menstrual irregularities, menopausal symptoms, mood changes, bone health, sleep disruption, and unexplained weight gain. Men and women require evaluation of the same hormones for the same physiologic reasons, although normal ranges differ substantially between genders.
Thyroid Testing FAQs
What makes your thyroid testing comprehensive?
We assess multiple markers, not just TSH. Panels commonly include TSH, free T3, free T4, thyroid peroxidase antibodies, antithyroglobulin antibodies, and thyroid receptor antibodies when Graves’ disease is suspected.
Can thyroid labs be normal but symptoms persist?
Yes. This is sometimes referred to as euthyroid sick syndrome and may warrant further evaluation.
Do you test free T3 and free T4?
Yes, when appropriate. These represent biologically active thyroid hormones and are interpreted in a clinical context.
Is thyroid testing done fasting?
Fasting is not required for thyroid testing itself, but may be recommended if metabolic markers are included.
What symptoms suggest thyroid dysfunction?
Fatigue, weight changes, hair loss, cold intolerance, brain fog, depression, and cholesterol abnormalities.
Do you test thyroid antibodies?
Yes. Antibody testing helps identify autoimmune thyroid disease.
Insulin Resistance & Metabolic Testing FAQs
Why is insulin resistance important?
Insulin resistance is important since it often precedes diabetes and contributes to cardiovascular disease.
Does insulin resistance affect weight loss?
Yes. Insulin resistance can make weight loss significantly more difficult by promoting fat storage and impairing metabolic flexibility. Addressing insulin resistance often improves weight loss outcomes.
Do you test fasting insulin?
Yes. Fasting insulin testing is one of the most important early markers of insulin resistance. Elevated fasting insulin often appears years before abnormal glucose or HbA1c levels.
Is fasting required for insulin resistance testing?
Yes. Most insulin resistance panels require fasting for accurate and reliable results. Our team provides clear instructions prior to testing.
Is glucose testing alone enough to assess metabolic health?
No. While glucose levels are important, insulin levels provide earlier and more sensitive insight into metabolic dysfunction. Many patients have normal glucose but elevated insulin.
Do you test lipid markers along with insulin resistance?
Yes. Cholesterol, triglycerides, and other lipid markers are closely interconnected with insulin resistance and cardiovascular risk. We assess these together for a complete metabolic picture.
Autoimmune Testing FAQs
What does autoimmune testing evaluate?
Autoimmune testing evaluates immune system markers that may indicate abnormal immune activity, chronic inflammation, or immune dysregulation. These tests help identify patterns.
Does a positive autoimmune test confirm an autoimmune disease?
No. A positive result alone does not confirm an autoimmune diagnosis. Lab findings must be correlated with symptoms, physical examination, and clinical history.
Do you test ANA?
Yes. Antinuclear antibody (ANA) testing is commonly used as a screening tool. Because ANA is nonspecific, results are always interpreted cautiously and in the context of symptoms and medical history.
Do you test inflammatory markers?
Yes. When appropriate, we test inflammatory markers such as C-reactive protein (CRP) to help assess systemic inflammation and immune activity.
What symptoms may prompt autoimmune testing?
Autoimmune testing is often considered for symptoms such as persistent fatigue, joint or muscle pain, skin rashes, unexplained inflammation, brain fog, or other chronic, unexplained health concerns.
Are autoimmune panels customized?
Yes. Autoimmune panels are tailored to each patient based on symptoms, personal history, and risk factors. This targeted approach improves diagnostic clarity and avoids unnecessary testing.
Urinary Tract Infection FAQs
How do you test for urinary tract infections?
We evaluate urinary tract infections using in-office urinalysis and, when clinically appropriate, advanced testing methods such as catalase reactions and PCR testing. This comprehensive approach helps identify both common and complex infections.
Is PCR testing available for UTIs?
Yes. PCR testing is available and is particularly helpful for recurrent, resistant, or complex urinary tract infections. PCR can detect organisms that may not grow on standard cultures.
Is urine testing performed in the office?
Yes. At The Stages of Life Institute in Longwood, FL, we perform urine chemistries, toxicology screening, and catalase reactions onsite. Urine cultures and advanced analyses are processed through specialized reference laboratories.
What does a standard urinalysis show?
A standard urinalysis assesses key markers of urinary health, including signs of infection, blood, protein, inflammation, and urine concentration. It provides valuable initial insight into urinary tract function.
Does UTI testing confirm that an infection is fully cleared?
Testing provides important data, but results must always be interpreted alongside symptoms and clinical findings. Laboratory results help guide care but are not the sole determinant of infection resolution.
Can UTI symptoms occur with a normal urinalysis?
Yes. Symptoms such as urinary urgency, burning, or pelvic discomfort can occur even when a standard urinalysis appears normal. In these cases, additional or advanced testing may be necessary.
Renal & Adrenal FAQs
What does renal (kidney) lab testing assess?
Renal lab testing assesses kidney filtration, electrolyte balance, and waste removal. These markers help providers evaluate kidney function and overall metabolic health.
Is “adrenal fatigue” a formal medical diagnosis?
Adrenal fatigue is not a formal medical diagnosis, but it is a descriptive term used to explain certain symptoms. Adrenal lab testing evaluates measurable cortisol and hormone levels to assess adrenal function.
Are adrenal panels performed fasting?
Adrenal lab testing may require specific timing or preparation depending on the hormones being measured. Dr. Klein will give clear instructions to ensure accurate results.
Is adrenal testing done by blood or saliva?
Adrenal lab testing is most commonly performed using blood samples to measure cortisol and related hormones. Other testing methods may be used selectively based on individual needs.
What symptoms may suggest kidney dysfunction?
Symptoms that may suggest kidney dysfunction include swelling, fatigue, and changes in urination. Lab testing helps detect kidney concerns early, even before symptoms become severe.
What symptoms suggest adrenal dysfunction?
Symptoms of adrenal dysfunction may include fatigue, poor stress tolerance, and sleep disturbances. Adrenal lab testing helps identify hormone imbalances that may contribute to these symptoms.