Learn which labs to order, when to test, where to order them, and how to establish your protocol baseline.
# How to Run Baseline Labs Before Starting Any Protocol Baseline labs are non-negotiable. Without them, you have no way to measure protocol effects or identify adverse changes. A proper baseline takes 4-6 weeks to prepare and establish—rushing this step wastes time and money.
Baseline labs serve three critical functions:
1. Safety gate: They catch contraindications before you start. Elevated liver enzymes, thyroid dysfunction, or uncontrolled blood pressure mean you shouldn't start certain protocols without medical oversight.
2. Effect measurement: You can't measure change without a starting point. "I feel better" is subjective. "IGF-1 rose from 145 to 210" is measurable.
3. Reversion tracking: When you finish a protocol, baseline lets you see how completely you return to pre-protocol values. Some markers revert quickly; others take weeks.
Order this panel 4-6 weeks before starting:
Metabolic & liver function:
Lipids:
Thyroid (complete):
Kidney function:
Blood cell counts:
Inflammation markers:
Minerals:
Reproductive hormones (add for sex-specific protocols):
Growth factors (add for GH protocols):
Immune (add for immune peptides):
If running GLP-1 peptides, add:
If running GH-releasing peptides, add:
If running thymosin peptides, add:
If running collagen peptides or BPC-157, add:
If running GHK-Cu or other copper compounds, add:
Option 1: Direct-to-consumer lab testing (fastest, often cheapest)
Option 2: Your primary care doctor
Option 3: Functional medicine / naturopathic doctor
Best approach: Use direct-to-consumer labs for baseline (fast, complete), have results reviewed by a doctor.
Timing: Test in the morning, fasted (12 hours, water only). Testosterone, cortisol, glucose all vary by time of day and fed/fasted state.
4 weeks pre-baseline: Stop taking any novel supplements or compounds (resume after baseline). You want true baseline, not "baseline with extra variables."
3 days before test: Don't crush yourself with intense exercise (can elevate CK, which clouds interpretation). Light movement only.
24 hours before: No alcohol. Alcohol affects liver enzymes and lipids.
Day of test:
Digital backup: Many labs email results as PDF. Store in a cloud backup (Google Drive, Dropbox). Don't lose this—you need it for comparisons.
MyProtocolStack storage: Upload your baseline panel to MyProtocolStack before starting your protocol. The platform lets you store complete lab histories and compare values across time. When you upload follow-up labs mid-protocol and post-protocol, having baseline side-by-side makes pattern recognition immediate.
Spreadsheet backup: Create a simple spreadsheet with dates and key markers (IGF-1, testosterone, AST, glucose, etc.). Print it—paper copies don't disappear.
Starting protocol without truly fasted glucose/insulin: You'll get false high readings. Retest when fasted.
Not getting repeat baseline testing after 4-6 weeks: Initial labs might reflect recent stress or illness. Retest once you're in a stable baseline phase.
Skipping lipids because "you feel healthy": Lipids shift with peptide protocols. You need the baseline to see the change.
Testing too soon after stopping a previous protocol: Wait 4-6 weeks after stopping one protocol before baselining another. Your body needs time to revert.
Not organizing results: After 3 protocols, you'll have 9-12 lab panels. Without organization, comparison is impossible.
Week -6: Decide to start protocol on Week 0
Week -6: Order baseline labs (universal + protocol-specific panel)
Week -5: Get blood drawn (morning, fasted)
Week -5: Results returned by day 3-5; store digitally and in MyProtocolStack
Week -4: Consult with provider if any red flags; finalize protocol plan
Week -3: Source peptides, prepare injection supplies
Week -2: Establish tracking system (dosing log, symptom notes)
Week -1: Review protocol, prepare for start
Week 0: Begin protocol with complete confidence in baseline numbers
This workflow takes only 1 week of active work (ordering and drawing) but ensures you have complete information before starting.
This article is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a licensed healthcare provider before starting, adjusting, or stopping any peptide protocol. MyProtocolStack is a protocol tracking and blood work analysis platform — it is not a medical device and does not provide clinical recommendations.
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