Comprehensive Metabolism Blood Test | Blood Work for Metabolism

This metabolism test checks the levels of hormones, dietary enzymes, and biproducts that impact metabolism. These biomarkers include cortisol, testosterone, thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) sulfate, glucose, hemoglobin A1c, vitamin B9 (folate), vitamin B12 (cobalamin), iodine, calcium, homocysteine, and methylmalonic acid. Metabolism is the sum of chemical processes that your body performs to turn food and drink into the energy it needs to function. There are countless processes that make up your metabolism with many factors that can affect how well they are completed. The effects of factors like genetics and aging cannot be controlled, however, hormonal health, sleep quality, exercising habits, and eating habits can be assessed and addressed to optimize your metabolism. Testing for hormonal imbalance and nutrient levels is beneficial for people who experience symptoms related to a slower metabolism or want to maintain their metabolic health.

No doctor’s visit needed. Buy this metabolism blood test, visit a nearby Quest location, and get fast results.

Sample type: Blood
Test type: In Person
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Preparation: You must schedule an appointment for sample collection in the morning only (between the hours of 7am and 9am). Fasting (not eating or drinking anything except water) for 8-12 hours is recommended.

This test may be right for you if any of the following are true:

You are noticing signs and symptoms (see section below) that lead you to believe your metabolism may be changing
You have difficulty losing weight
You have a chronic condition, such as diabetes, insulin resistance, or thyroid issues, that affects your metabolism and you are trying to monitor your levels

This test for metabolism biomarkers checks the levels of hormones, dietary enzymes, and biproducts commonly tested when evaluating metabolism health.

Cortisol aids in regulating inflammation, blood pressure, blood sugar, sleep cycles, and metabolism – especially in stressful situations. Normally the body will regulate cortisol levels to deal with stress and pressure, but sometimes our bodies remain in a stressed state for too long. Too much (hypercortisolism) or too little (hypocortisolism) cortisol can result in the body’s inability to complete its normal functions and may lead to health problems such as anxiety, depression, headaches, memory issues, digestion problems, trouble sleeping, weight gain, and heart disease.

Testosterone is often referred to as “the male sex hormone”, but it is also produced in (and important for) females. In males, testosterone helps regulate sex drive and erectile function, muscle mass and strength, body fat distribution, bone density, and sperm production. In females, the role of testosterone is only partially understood, but it helps produce estrogen and may help regulate how eggs develop in the ovaries. Abnormal testosterone levels in both males and females may result in changes to your overall health, metabolism, and physical appearance. This test measures total testosterone, which represents all biological pools of testosterone, including the free forms, as well as those bound to proteins in the blood. This test will determine whether your total testosterone level is normal, high, or low.

Noticeable changes in your metabolism (eg, weight, temperature, and energy) may be an indication of abnormal levels of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) in your blood. This test measures the TSH levels in your blood to help identify these abnormalities. High TSH levels may indicate an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism), while low TSH levels may suggest an overactive thyroid (ie, hyperthyroidism). In either case, T4 reflex testing will be performed at no additional cost to help identify a possible thyroid disorder.

DHEA is a hormone, produced in the adrenal gland, that helps make other hormones like testosterone and estrogen, and levels usually peak in early adulthood and slowly fall with age. Testing DHEA-S levels, the sulfated form of DHEA, helps healthcare providers determine the source of androgens in hyperandrogenic conditions like PCOS when testosterone levels are normal.

Blood glucose is the primary sugar found in your bloodstream. The sugar mainly comes from the food you eat and supplies energy to all cells in the body. High glucose levels may increase the risk of diabetes and associated disorders, such as heart disease.

When sugar enters the bloodstream, it attaches and sticks to hemoglobin molecules to form Hemoglobin A1c. The hemoglobin A1c test is an important tool used by healthcare professionals for the screening, diagnosis, and management of prediabetes and diabetes. This blood test measures your average blood sugar levels over the past 3 months.

Vitamin B9 is necessary for red and white blood cell development; tissue growth; cell function; the breakdown, usage, and creation of proteins; and the production of DNA. It is essential during pregnancy to help prevent birth defects and congenital disabilities of the brain (anencephaly) and spine (spina bifida) and enables the proper growth of fetal tissues and cells. Folate must be supplied by the diet or through supplementation because the body is not able to produce it independently. People who are deficient in vitamin B9 may or may not have any symptoms of anemia or nerve damage.

Vitamin B12 is essential in supporting the nervous system, making red blood cells, and creating DNA (the genetic material present in our cells). Vitamin B12 must be supplied by diet or supplementation because the body is not able to produce it independently. People who are deficient in vitamin B12 may or may not have any symptoms of anemia or nerve damage.

This iodine test measures the level of iodine in your urine. Iodine is a trace mineral that is essential for making thyroid hormones (triiodothyronine, or T3 and thyroxine, or T4). These hormones drive many bodily functions, such as regulating metabolism, growth, and development, and turning food into energy.

Calcium is an electrolyte and is one of the most abundant minerals in the human body. It plays a key role in multiple bodily functions such as the formation of bones and teeth, proper muscle and nerve function, and blood clotting. It also helps maintain a normal heart rhythm. If you don’t eat enough calcium-rich foods, or if your body doesn’t store or absorb enough of it, you may have low levels. Too much or too little calcium may lead to a variety of symptoms including, but limited to, headache, fatigue, irregular heartbeat, joint pain, constipation, and vomiting.

An elevated concentration of homocysteine is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease. When used in conjunction with methylmalonic acid (MMA), these tests are useful to diagnose and monitor vitamin B12 and vitamin B9 deficiency.

MMA is made when the body breaks down amino acids and proteins and the amount in your blood is influenced by your vitamin B12 levels. MMA is often measured in adults because high levels in either blood or urine can indicate a vitamin B12 deficiency.

Signs and symptoms of problems with your body’s metabolism may include:

Fatigue
Sleeping issues
Weight fluctuations, including increased fat or decreased muscle mass
Digestive Issues
Hair loss
Anxiety and/or stress
Sensitivity to cold
Dry skin

Purchaser: You must be 18 years of age or older to purchase a test on questhealth.com.

Patient: This test can be performed on patients between 18 and 100 years old.

Sample collection: This test requires sample collection at a Quest Diagnostics location. Collection is not available in AZ or HI.

You must schedule an appointment for sample collection in the morning only (between the hours of 7am and 9am). Fasting (not eating or drinking anything except water) for 8-12 hours is recommended.

After you provide your specimen, it generally takes a few business days to process and release your test results. However, processing times may vary. Your test results will be available in a clear and easy-to-read report. If you have or create a MyQuest® account, you may be able to review your new results there with your other Quest results. If your results differ from expected ranges, you may receive an alert call from an independent healthcare coordinator. Independent healthcare providers are available to discuss questions or concerns you may have regarding your results and may be able to prescribe treatment, if appropriate.

Included with your purchase, you have the ability to discuss your results with an independent healthcare provider who may be able to prescribe hypothyroidism specific treatment depending on your results.

If your thyroid (TSH) lab result is abnormal or out of expected range, the lab will perform an additional test (free thyroxine, T4) on the sample you have already provided at no extra cost to you. This additional testing can provide additional diagnostic information to help with care.

Compare products

Test For	Metabolism Test Panel — Expanded	Metabolism Test Panel — Basic
Cortisol
Testosterone
Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), with reflex to Free T4
DHEA sulfate
Glucose
Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c)
Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin)
Vitamin B9 (Folate)
Iodine
Calcium
Homocysteine
Methylmalonic acid (MMA)
	$369.00	$159.00 Learn More

Metabolism Test Panel — Expanded	Metabolism Test Panel — Basic
Cortisol
Testosterone
Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), with reflex to Free T4
DHEA sulfate
Glucose
Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c)
Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin)
Vitamin B9 (Folate)
Iodine
Calcium
Homocysteine
Methylmalonic acid (MMA)
$369.00	$159.00 Learn More

How it works

questhealth.com offers 150+ consumer-initiated Quest Diagnostics lab tests to empower you to have more control over your health journey. Choose from a variety of test types that best suit your needs.

1

Buy a lab test

No doctor visit is required for purchase, but an independent healthcare provider is involved throughout the process.

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2

Register your test
& schedule an appointment

Book a visit to one of 2000+ Quest locations.

Register your test

3

Visit Quest for sample collection

Complete your test sample collection during your scheduled appointment.

4

Get fast results

Access results online as soon as they’re available. You will be emailed when they are ready. Discuss your results with an independent healthcare provider at no extra cost. Treatment options may be available.

FAQs

What is metabolism?

Metabolism is the sum of chemical processes that your body performs to turn food and drink into the energy it needs to function. There are countless processes that make up your metabolism with many factors that can affect how well they are completed.

What factors can affect my metabolism?

Factors like genetics, aging, hormonal health, sleep quality, exercising habits, and eating habits can all affect metabolism. Not all factors can be controlled, like age and genetics, but changes in lifestyle can help control metabolic issues.

Why does my sample need to be collected between 7am and 9am?

Cortisol follows a natural daily rhythm—it peaks in the early morning and gradually declines throughout the day. This peak, which typically occurs between 7am and 9am, represents your body's baseline cortisol response and is the most clinically meaningful window for assessing whether your cortisol levels are within a normal range.

This test uses a single blood draw collected during that peak window to provide a snapshot of your cortisol level at its highest point in the day. Collecting outside this window—even by a few hours—can produce results that appear abnormal simply because cortisol levels are naturally lower later in the day, making them harder to interpret accurately. To get the most useful picture of your cortisol levels, timing your sample collection within this window is key.

Can I use my FSA or HSA funds to purchase tests on questhealth.com?

You may be able to use your FSA or HSA funds to purchase lab tests at questhealth.com. Please review your FSA/HSA plan or check with a tax professional to confirm specific requirements for individual eligibility.

Are tests purchased from questhealth.com covered by my health insurance?

Tests purchased on questhealth.com are intended for individuals paying directly—we do not bill insurance, and purchases cannot be submitted for insurance reimbursement.

If your doctor ordered a lab test for you and you are looking to book an appointment for sample collection, you can schedule an appointment here https://appointment.questdiagnostics.com/as-home.

For other questions related to a lab test your doctor ordered for you, including billing and results, you can visit the main Quest Diagnostics site here https://www.questdiagnostics.com.

Our references

WebMD. Understanding Your Metabolism. Accessed March 24, 2026. https://www.webmd.com/fitness-exercise/what-is-metabolism

WebMD. 15 Things That Slow Your Metabolism. Accessed March 24, 2026. https://www.webmd.com/obesity/ss/slideshow-slow-metabolism

NIH National Library of Medicine National Center for Biotechnology Information. Metabolic changes in aging humans: current evidence and therapeutic strategies. Accessed March 24, 2026. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK546690/

NIH National Library of Medicine National Center for Biotechnology Information. Physiology, Metabolism. Accessed March 24, 2026. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9374375/

NIH National Library of Medicine National Center for Biotechnology Information. Metabolism. Accessed March 24, 2026. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32830223/

Cleveland Clinic. Metabolism. Accessed March 24, 2026. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/21893-metabolism

MedlinePlus. Methylmalonic acidemia with homocystinuria. Accessed March 24, 2026. https://medlineplus.gov/genetics/condition/methylmalonic-acidemia-with-homocystinuria/

NIH National Library of Medicine National Center for Biotechnology Information. The metabolism and significance of homocysteine in nutrition and health. Accessed March 24, 2026. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5741875/

Tests purchased on questhealth.com are only for individuals who intend to pay directly for testing and do not want to submit a claim for reimbursement under their health insurance.