Description

Comprehensive At-Home Blood Spot Test for Men’s Health

The DBS (Dried Blood Spot) Men’s Wellness Panel from Labs By Request offers an in-depth look at male health—without the need for a traditional blood draw.

This test is performed using a simple at-home blood spot collection kit, shipped directly to your door with nationwide delivery and return shipping included.

It measures a wide range of biomarkers related to hormone balance, cardiovascular health, inflammation, metabolic function, and essential fatty acid levels. It’s ideal for men interested in optimizing energy, performance, longevity, and overall wellness.

Fasting: Not required.

Biomarkers Measured and What They Mean

Hormones

  • Testosterone (Total) – Measures all testosterone (bound + unbound); important for sexual health, strength, and vitality.
  • Free Testosterone – The bioavailable, active form of testosterone.
  • DHEA-S – A precursor hormone supporting testosterone; affected by stress and age.
  • SHBG – Binds to testosterone; high levels can lower free testosterone.
  • Total PSA – Screens for prostate inflammation or cancer risk.
  • TSH – Controls thyroid hormone production; important for energy and metabolism.

Lipids & Cardiovascular Health

  • Total Cholesterol – Overall cholesterol level; used with other markers to assess heart health.
  • LDL – "Bad" cholesterol; contributes to artery plaque buildup.
  • HDL – "Good" cholesterol; helps clear cholesterol from the bloodstream.
  • Triglycerides – Blood fats; high levels can signal metabolic issues.
  • non-HDL Cholesterol – Includes all harmful cholesterol types; a strong risk predictor.
  • HDL/TG Ratio – Low ratio may indicate insulin resistance.
  • TC/HDL Ratio – Used to assess heart disease risk.
  • Lp(a) – A genetic LDL variant linked to high cardiovascular risk.
  • sdLDL – Small dense LDL particles; more harmful than regular LDL.
  • % sdLDL – Percentage of LDL that’s small and dense; higher = greater risk.

Inflammation

  • hs-CRP – A sensitive marker of chronic inflammation; elevated levels are linked to heart disease, diabetes, and aging.

Metabolic Function

  • Glucose – Blood sugar level; key in detecting insulin resistance or diabetes.

Essential Fatty Acids

  • Omega-3 Index – Measures heart-healthy fats (EPA + DHA); higher is better.
  • Omega-6 Index – Pro-inflammatory fats; excess levels can contribute to disease.
  • Omega-3/Omega-6 Ratio – Ideal balance reduces inflammation and supports heart health.
  • EPA – Anti-inflammatory omega-3; supports heart, joints, and mood.
  • DHA – Brain-boosting omega-3; important for cognitive and neurological health.
  • Arachidonic Acid – Omega-6 involved in inflammation; excess can worsen chronic issues.
  • AA/EPA Ratio – Indicates inflammation potential; high = more inflammatory.
  • EPA/AA Ratio – Inverse of above; higher values are better for reducing inflammation.
  • MUFA Index – Measures monounsaturated fats (like olive oil); supports heart health and metabolism.