You get your lab results back and stare at a page full of numbers, abbreviations and reference ranges that might as well be written in another language. Interpreting lab results can be overwhelming, each page filled with complex numbers. Most doctors spend roughly 90 seconds reviewing your results before moving on to the next patient, leaving you to decode what those markers actually mean for your energy, performance and long-term health.
Denver residents face unique challenges when interpreting blood work because our altitude naturally changes several key markers, making standard reference ranges less reliable. This guide answers the seven most common questions we hear at Arsenal Health + Fitness, from understanding your complete blood count to knowing when vitamin D supplementation becomes critical at 5,280 feet.
What Are the Seven Blood Work Questions Denver Residents Ask Most
When you get your lab results back you are probably staring at a page full of numbers and abbreviations that do not mean much without context. At Arsenal Health + Fitness we hear the same seven questions from Denver residents over and over — questions about energy, heart health, blood sugar and how living at altitude affects everything. Let’s decode what your blood work actually tells you.
1. What Does My Complete Blood Count Mean
A complete blood count (CBC) looks at three main things: red blood cells (which carry oxygen to your muscles), white blood cells (which fight off infections) and platelets (which help your blood clot). If your RBC count is low you may feel fatigued during workouts. High white blood cells often point to inflammation or overtraining.
Here is where Denver gets interesting. At 5,280 feet your body naturally produces more red blood cells to compensate for thinner air. Studies show significant increases in hemoglobin and RBC count among residents at altitude [1, 2]. As a result your “normal” levels often appear elevated compared to someone living at sea level [3].
2. How Do I Interpret a Lipid Panel
A lipid panel breaks down your cholesterol into HDL (the “good” kind), LDL (the “bad” kind) and triglycerides. HDL above 60 mg/dL is protective, LDL below 100 mg/dL generally means lower cardiovascular risk and triglycerides under 150 mg/dL suggest your body is efficiently using fat for energy — which matters if you’re doing any endurance training. Clinical guidelines recommend lipid screening in adults at standard ages [4].
3. What Is a Healthy A1C for Active Adults
Hemoglobin A1C shows your average blood sugar over the past three months, giving a better picture than a single glucose reading. For active, healthy adults an A1C below 5.7% is optimal. Anything between 5.7-6.4% puts you in the prediabetic range. One large study found elevated A1C common even in adults without diagnosed diabetes [5]. If you train hard without enough recovery you might occasionally see this number creep up.
4. Do I Need a Thyroid Panel
You’ll want thyroid testing if you’re dealing with unexplained weight changes, constant fatigue despite sleeping well or trouble regulating body temperature during workouts. The standard panel includes TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone), free T3 and free T4, all of which control metabolism and energy production. Women over 35 and anyone with a family history of thyroid issues particularly benefit from baseline testing [6].
5. Should I Test Vitamin D at High Altitude
Denver’s elevation actually increases UV exposure, but our 300+ sunny days don’t automatically translate to optimal vitamin D levels. Indoor training, sunscreen and winter months all deplete your stores. Vitamin D plays a critical role in bone health, immune function and muscle recovery. Recent research shows altitude is correlated with vitamin D deficiency [7].
Many high altitude dwellers still show lower vitamin D levels despite more sun. You will often do best with levels between 40-60 ng/mL, which may require supplementation of 2,000-4,000 IU daily even with sun exposure.
6. What Does an hs-CRP Tell Me About Inflammation
High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) measures systemic inflammation in your body. Levels below 1.0 mg/L indicate low risk, while anything above 3.0 mg/L suggests higher cardiovascular disease risk. For athletes elevated hs-CRP often means recovery is insufficient. Meta-analysis shows exercise interventions reduce hs-CRP meaningfully [8]. Lifestyle changes can improve this marker within weeks to months.
7. Why Check Ferritin for Energy and Performance
Ferritin measures your stored iron reserves and gives a more accurate picture than serum iron alone. Low ferritin — below 30 ng/mL for women or below 50 ng/mL for men — commonly causes fatigue, decreased endurance and poor recovery, even when hemoglobin looks normal. Endurance athletes and menstruating women are especially susceptible to iron depletion, which can be worse at altitude where your body demands more iron [9].
Why Altitude Changes Normal Lab Ranges
Living at 5,280 feet fundamentally changes several biomarkers, yet many lab reports still use sea-level reference ranges. Your body increases erythropoietin (EPO) production under hypoxia, stimulating red blood cell production and elevating hemoglobin and hematocrit [2]. What may flag as polycythemia at sea level can be completely normal for long-term Denver residents.
Plasma volume decreases at altitude leaving other markers slightly concentrated [10]. Hydration status becomes more critical because lower humidity increases water loss through breathing and skin [11].
How Much Does Routine Blood Work Cost in Colorado
Costs vary dramatically depending on venue and insurance. Without insurance a basic metabolic panel typically costs $25-50 while comprehensive panels covering the seven markers discussed can range from $150-400 [12]. Hospital-based labs often charge 2-3× more than retail options for identical tests.
Where to Get Your Blood Drawn in Denver
Denver offers several options for blood work, each with distinct advantages:
Hospital labs: Comprehensive testing and medical records integration, longer wait times.
Retail walk-in labs: Convenient scheduling, faster results, insurance friendly.
Wellness centres and gyms: Integrate lab work into health assessments and coaching, turning numbers into action rather than leaving you to interpret alone.
How To Order Same-Day Lab Tests Without a Doctor
Direct-to-consumer lab testing has expanded, allowing you to order preventive panels without a physician’s order. Steps include: selecting the panel, purchasing online, visiting a draw site (fasting may be required for some tests such as lipids), and accessing results in your portal. Always check with your provider for fasting instructions or special conditions.
When and How Often To Repeat Each Test
Testing frequency depends on your current health status, fitness goals and lifestyle interventions:
Young, healthy, active adults: annual baseline testing.
Competitive athletes: ferritin, iron indices, vitamin D and hs-CRP every 3-6 months during training seasons.
Metabolic health improvements: every 3 months until markers stabilize.
Thyroid concerns: every 6-8 weeks when initiating medication.
New to altitude: after relocating to Denver recheck CBC, ferritin and hydration markers at 6-8 weeks.
More frequent testing makes sense when you are implementing specific interventions such as changing training volume, modifying nutrition or starting supplementation. Once values stabilise in optimal ranges you can extend intervals.
What To Do If a Result Is Out of Range
Abnormal lab results fall on a spectrum from slightly elevated to significantly concerning. A moderately low ferritin (for example 25 ng/mL) warrants dietary adjustments and possible supplementation, while a ferritin of 5 ng/mL requires more aggressive intervention.
Before reacting to a single abnormal result consider retesting to rule out lab error or temporary factors like dehydration, recent illness or unusual training load. A second test 2-4 weeks later controlling for these variables often gives clearer insight.
Lifestyle modifications can improve many markers:
- Elevated hs-CRP: reduce training volume, improve sleep and adjust anti-inflammatory nutrition.
- High LDL: increase dietary fibre, omega-3 intake and consistent aerobic exercise.
- Low vitamin D: supplement and plan strategic outdoor training sessions.
Red flags requiring prompt physician evaluation include hemoglobin below 10 g/dL, LDL above 190 mg/dL, A1C above 6.5% or TSH above 10 mIU/L [6].
How Arsenal Health + Fitness Uses Your Labs To Personalise Coaching
At Arsenal Health + Fitness we view lab work as one component of a comprehensive health picture that includes body composition analysis, movement assessment and lifestyle factors. When your ferritin comes back at 20 ng/mL we do not just recommend iron supplements — we evaluate training volume, recovery practices and nutrition to address root causes.
Body composition data combined with blood work reveals relationships that single markers miss. For example low ferritin plus high body fat plus elevated hs-CRP may point to systemic inflammation affecting both iron utilisation and body composition. Such a pattern calls for focused recovery protocols, anti-inflammatory nutrition and modified training intensity.
Your biomarkers directly inform your nutrition and training plan. Elevated A1C prompts adjustments to carbohydrate timing around workouts and increased focus on metabolic conditioning. Low vitamin D triggers supplementation protocols and strategic outdoor training sessions. High hs-CRP might mean reducing training volume temporarily while emphasising recovery modalities.
Ready to transform your lab results into a personalised health strategy? Visit Arsenal Health to explore our comprehensive lab panels and book a free assessment to discover how an integrated approach can optimise your biomarkers, body composition and performance.
FAQs About Blood Work in Denver
Do I need to fast for every blood test?
Fasting requirements vary by test type. Lipid panels typically require 9-12 hours without food for accurate triglyceride measurement. CBC, thyroid panels, vitamin D, ferritin and hs-CRP don’t require fasting although some providers prefer morning testing for consistency.
Will insurance cover preventive labs in Colorado?
Most insurance plans cover annual preventive screenings including lipid panels and glucose under ACA guidelines [13]. Additional testing beyond preventive guidelines may require copays or count toward your deductible.
How long do results take at Denver labs?
Standard turnaround for routine tests is one to three business days, with most standard panels available within 48 hours. Specialized panels may take five to seven days.
Can altitude supplementation affect my blood work numbers?
Yes. Iron supplements taken within 24 hours of testing can artificially elevate serum iron though they don’t significantly affect ferritin. Also biotin supplements above 5,000 µg/day can interfere with certain immunoassays and cause falsely elevated or depressed thyroid results.
Key Takeaways
Denver’s altitude changes normal lab ranges meaning standard “sea-level” reference ranges may mislead. Use testing strategically, interpret results within your elevation context and implement evidence-based lifestyle adjustments to align your biomarkers with performance and health goals.
Next Steps Toward Data-Driven Health And Performance
Your optimal health emerges from the intersection of comprehensive testing, expert interpretation and consistent implementation of evidence-based strategies. Whether you are an athlete chasing performance gains or simply want to feel energised throughout your day, data-driven wellness removes the guesswork. Visit Arsenal Health to discover how a targeted, integrated approach can turn your biomarkers into actionable strategies.
References
Altitude and Blood Markers
- Lundby, C., & Robach, P. (2022). High-altitude adaptation: Hemoglobin and red blood cell mass responses. PubMed. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35386861
- Pichon, A., & Connes, P. (2018). Physiological responses to chronic hypoxia. Frontiers in Physiology. https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/physiology/articles/10.3389/fphys.2018.01552/full
- High Elevation and Blood Work: Why Normal Ranges Shift Above 5,000 Feet. LabSmarts. https://labsmarts.com/high-elevation-and-blood-work
- Hill, C., et al. (2024). Assessment of Hemoglobin Mass and Blood Volumes at Altitude. Blood Journal (ASH Publications). https://ashpublications.org/blood/article/144/Supplement%201/5229/526889
Cholesterol and Lipid Panel Interpretation
- U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. (2008). Lipid Disorders in Adults: Screening. USPSTF Recommendation Statement. https://www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/uspstf/recommendation/lipid-disorders-in-adults-cholesterol-dyslipidemia-screening-2008
- Understanding Lipid Panels: HDL, LDL, and Triglycerides. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diagnostics/16728-cholesterol-levels
A1C and Blood Sugar Control
- Selvin, E., et al. (2009). Glycated Hemoglobin, Diabetes, and Cardiovascular Risk in Nondiabetic Adults. New England Journal of Medicine. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2671106
- Hemoglobin A1C Test Overview. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/a1c-test/about/pac-20384643
Thyroid Health
- Thyroid Function Tests. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diagnostics/15249-thyroid-function-tests
- Garber, J. R., et al. (2012). Clinical Practice Guidelines for Hypothyroidism in Adults. Endocrine Society. https://academic.oup.com/jcem/article/97/8/2543/2834416
Vitamin D at High Altitude
- He, C. S., et al. (2022). Altitude and Vitamin D Deficiency: Evidence from Cross-Sectional Studies. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. https://ajcn.nutrition.org/article/S0002-9165(22)00853-X/fulltext
- Vitamin D Deficiency: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/vitamin-d-deficiency
Inflammation and hs-CRP
- Kasapis, C., & Thompson, P. D. (2005). The Effects of Physical Activity on Serum C-Reactive Protein and Inflammatory Markers. Journal of the American College of Cardiology. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5873310
- C-Reactive Protein (CRP) Test. WebMD. https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/c-reactive-protein-test
Iron, Ferritin, and Endurance
- Peeling, P., et al. (2022). Iron Deficiency and Athletic Performance: Practical Implications for Training at Altitude. Sports Medicine. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8979750
- Ferritin Blood Test: What It Measures and What It Means. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/ferritin-blood-test
Hydration and Altitude Physiology
- Convertino, V. A. (2019). Effects of Hypohydration on Cardiovascular and Thermoregulatory Responses at Altitude. Journal of Applied Physiology. https://journals.physiology.org/doi/full/10.1152/japplphysiol.00223.2019
- Staying Hydrated at High Altitude. DenverGov Health & Environment. https://www.denvergov.org/Government/Agencies-Departments-Offices/Department-of-Public-Health-Environment
Cost, Coverage, and Local Resources
- How Much Does Blood Work Cost Without Insurance? Forbes Health. https://www.forbes.com/health/body/how-much-does-bloodwork-cost
- Colorado Preventive Care and Lab Coverage Guidelines. Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies. https://dora.colorado.gov
Arsenal Health + Fitness Integration
- Arsenal Health + Fitness – Blood Work & Biomarker Coaching. Arsenal Health Official Website. https://arsenalhealth.com/lab-panel/
