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Why This Lab Is Important

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Optimal health depends on having adequate levels of key vitamins, minerals and essential fatty acids to support vital processes in the body, including energy production, immune defense, brain function and cardiovascular health. When nutrient levels fall too low, symptoms such as fatigue, brain fog, reduced immune resilience and changes in metabolic function may develop. The Durable NUTRIENTS ESSENTIAL panel evaluates several of the most clinically meaningful nutrient markers—including vitamin D, vitamin B12 and folate, iron status (iron, TIBC and ferritin) and omega fatty acids—to provide valuable insight into how well the body is absorbing and utilizing essential nutrients.*

Dr. Passero uses the Durable NUTRIENTS ESSENTIAL panel as a foundational assessment of overall nutrient status. Vitamin D helps regulate immune activity and supports bone and cardiovascular health, while B12 and folate are essential for red blood cell formation and healthy nerve function. Iron plays a critical role in oxygen transport and cellular energy production, and omega fatty acids influence inflammatory balance, brain function and heart health. Measuring these markers provides insight into whether the body has adequate levels of essential nutrients and can help guide more personalized nutrition, supplementation and lifestyle strategies to support long-term health and wellness.*

Dr. Passero recommends the Durable NUTRIENTS ESSENTIAL panel for anyone seeking to:*
  • Identify common nutrient deficiencies that may contribute to fatigue, low immunity, brain fog or other health concerns
  • Evaluate vitamin D, vitamin B12, iron status and omega fatty acid balance
  • Monitor how diet, supplementation or lifestyle changes are influencing nutrient levels
  • Take a proactive approach to supporting immune, cognitive, metabolic and cardiovascular health
For most adults, Dr. Passero recommends checking this test every 3-6 months.*

What’s Included in the Durable NUTRIENTS ESSENTIAL Panel
This panel tests for the following key markers that influence nutritional status and overall health:*
  • Vitamin D (25-Hydroxyvitamin D)—25-hydroxyvitamin D is the primary circulating form of vitamin D and the most accurate marker of overall vitamin D status. It reflects vitamin D produced from sunlight as well as what is obtained through food and supplementation. Adequate levels support many aspects of health including calcium absorption, bone strength, heart health and balanced immune function, while low levels are common and may contribute to symptoms like fatigue, reduced immune resilience and broader long-term health concerns.

  • Vitamin B12 & Folate—Vitamin B12 and folate are essential B vitamins involved in red blood cell formation, DNA synthesis and nervous system function. Adequate levels support energy production, cognitive health and healthy nerve function. Low levels may contribute to fatigue, brain fog, mood changes and impaired neurological function.

  • Iron Panel (Iron, TIBC & Ferritin)— Iron is an essential mineral required for oxygen transport, energy production and red blood cell formation. This panel measures three markers that reflect different aspects of iron status to provide a more complete picture of iron levels in the body. Serum iron reflects the amount of iron currently circulating in the blood. TIBC (total iron-binding capacity) measures the blood’s capacity to transport iron by reflecting how much transferrin—the protein responsible for carrying iron through the bloodstream—is available. Ferritin reflects the body’s stored iron and is considered the most reliable marker for detecting iron deficiency. Together, these markers help identify patterns of low iron, depleted iron stores or imbalances in iron metabolism that may affect energy levels and overall health.

  • OmegaCheck (omega-3 & omega-6 fatty acids)—OmegaCheck measures the balance of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids in the blood, which play important roles in cardiovascular health, brain function and inflammation regulation. Adequate omega-3 levels are associated with healthier inflammatory balance and heart health, while imbalances between omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids may contribute to increased inflammatory stress.

What to Expect After Ordering Your Lab Test
After purchasing a lab test from Durable, you’ll receive an order confirmation right away. Your lab order will be emailed separately within two business days. All lab-related communications—including your lab order, instructions and results notifications—are sent via encrypted, HIPAA-compliant email from labs@livedurable.com. To ensure timely delivery, we recommend adding this address to your contacts and checking your spam or promotions folder.

Lab Locations
We've partnered with LabCorp and Quest Diagnostics for convenient blood draw locations nationwide. Once your lab order is emailed to you, it will designate the most convenient location based on your address. You should contact the lab directly to schedule an appointment, and we recommend having your blood draw performed within 2-4 weeks. If you have any concerns about the selected location, please email labs@livedurable.com to explore alternative options.

Timing of Results
Once your blood draw is complete, most results are available within one week. You’ll receive an email notification from labs@livedurable.com when your results are ready to review.

How to Interpret Results
All test results include a lab-generated reference range reflecting values commonly seen in a healthy population. Results are flagged only when they fall outside this range as high or low. While these reference ranges provide helpful context, results are best interpreted alongside your health history, symptoms and trends over time and should be reviewed with your healthcare practitioner.

If you are interested in a virtual lab review with Dr. Passero, you may email his office at GetHealthy@DrKevinPassero.com to schedule an appointment.

Lab-Specific FAQs

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What does the Durable NUTRIENTS ESSENTIAL panel test for?
Vitamin D, vitamin B12 and folate, iron panel (iron, TIBC, ferritin) and omega fatty acids.*

Do I need to fast or follow any special instructions prior to this test?
No, the Durable NUTRIENTS ESSENTIAL panel does not require fasting or special prep prior to testing.*

Can I take medications beforehand?
Yes. Most medications do not interfere with the tests in this panel. Do not stop medications unless directed by your healthcare practitioner.*

Will recent diet or alcohol intake affect my results?
No. Short-term dietary choices or alcohol intake do not significantly influence the tests in this panel.*

How often should I get this test?
Dr. Passero recommends routine monitoring of these markers, with testing every 3-6 months for most adults. Re-testing at the recommended interval allows you and your healthcare practitioner to monitor trends over time, assess how your body is responding to lifestyle or nutritional changes and make informed adjustments. Testing frequency should be individualized based on risk factors, clinical context and your doctor’s recommendations.*

Does insurance cover the cost of my tests?
Lab tests must be paid for in full at checkout using a credit card, a supported payment platform (such as Shop Pay, PayPal, Google Pay or Venmo), or an eligible FSA/HSA debit card. In some cases, health insurance providers may reimburse individuals for lab testing. You can contact your insurance provider directly to determine whether reimbursement is available. Please note that Durable is unable to provide insurance paperwork or assist with claim submission.

Can I get a refund if I choose not to get my lab work?
Yes. You may request a refund within 365 days of purchase, as long as you have not visited the lab and had your blood drawn.

Can I use a coupon when purchasing my lab test?
At this time, promotions and coupons cannot be applied to lab testing. Lab pricing reflects the cost of clinical testing and processing, and discounts are not available for these services. However, you can redeem Durable REWARDS points at checkout, and when you purchase a lab order, you’ll earn additional points.

Is this blood test for adults only?
Durable lab testing is intended for adults 18 years and older. Testing for individuals under 18 is only recommended when directed by a qualified healthcare provider.*

Durable NUTRIENTS ESSENTIAL Panel®


Dr. Passero recommends this panel to assess key nutrient markers—including vitamin D, vitamin B12 and folate, iron status (iron, TIBC, ferritin) and omega fatty acids—providing insight into energy production, immunity, brain health and nutritional status.*

Suggested Frequency: Every 3-6 Months

Why This Lab Is Important

+
Optimal health depends on having adequate levels of key vitamins, minerals and essential fatty acids to support vital processes in the body, including energy production, immune defense, brain function and cardiovascular health. When nutrient levels fall too low, symptoms such as fatigue, brain fog, reduced immune resilience and changes in metabolic function may develop. The Durable NUTRIENTS ESSENTIAL panel evaluates several of the most clinically meaningful nutrient markers—including vitamin D, vitamin B12 and folate, iron status (iron, TIBC and ferritin) and omega fatty acids—to provide valuable insight into how well the body is absorbing and utilizing essential nutrients.*

Dr. Passero uses the Durable NUTRIENTS ESSENTIAL panel as a foundational assessment of overall nutrient status. Vitamin D helps regulate immune activity and supports bone and cardiovascular health, while B12 and folate are essential for red blood cell formation and healthy nerve function. Iron plays a critical role in oxygen transport and cellular energy production, and omega fatty acids influence inflammatory balance, brain function and heart health. Measuring these markers provides insight into whether the body has adequate levels of essential nutrients and can help guide more personalized nutrition, supplementation and lifestyle strategies to support long-term health and wellness.*

Dr. Passero recommends the Durable NUTRIENTS ESSENTIAL panel for anyone seeking to:*
  • Identify common nutrient deficiencies that may contribute to fatigue, low immunity, brain fog or other health concerns
  • Evaluate vitamin D, vitamin B12, iron status and omega fatty acid balance
  • Monitor how diet, supplementation or lifestyle changes are influencing nutrient levels
  • Take a proactive approach to supporting immune, cognitive, metabolic and cardiovascular health
For most adults, Dr. Passero recommends checking this test every 3-6 months.*

What’s Included in the Durable NUTRIENTS ESSENTIAL Panel
This panel tests for the following key markers that influence nutritional status and overall health:*
  • Vitamin D (25-Hydroxyvitamin D)—25-hydroxyvitamin D is the primary circulating form of vitamin D and the most accurate marker of overall vitamin D status. It reflects vitamin D produced from sunlight as well as what is obtained through food and supplementation. Adequate levels support many aspects of health including calcium absorption, bone strength, heart health and balanced immune function, while low levels are common and may contribute to symptoms like fatigue, reduced immune resilience and broader long-term health concerns.

  • Vitamin B12 & Folate—Vitamin B12 and folate are essential B vitamins involved in red blood cell formation, DNA synthesis and nervous system function. Adequate levels support energy production, cognitive health and healthy nerve function. Low levels may contribute to fatigue, brain fog, mood changes and impaired neurological function.

  • Iron Panel (Iron, TIBC & Ferritin)— Iron is an essential mineral required for oxygen transport, energy production and red blood cell formation. This panel measures three markers that reflect different aspects of iron status to provide a more complete picture of iron levels in the body. Serum iron reflects the amount of iron currently circulating in the blood. TIBC (total iron-binding capacity) measures the blood’s capacity to transport iron by reflecting how much transferrin—the protein responsible for carrying iron through the bloodstream—is available. Ferritin reflects the body’s stored iron and is considered the most reliable marker for detecting iron deficiency. Together, these markers help identify patterns of low iron, depleted iron stores or imbalances in iron metabolism that may affect energy levels and overall health.

  • OmegaCheck (omega-3 & omega-6 fatty acids)—OmegaCheck measures the balance of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids in the blood, which play important roles in cardiovascular health, brain function and inflammation regulation. Adequate omega-3 levels are associated with healthier inflammatory balance and heart health, while imbalances between omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids may contribute to increased inflammatory stress.

What to Expect After Ordering Your Lab Test
After purchasing a lab test from Durable, you’ll receive an order confirmation right away. Your lab order will be emailed separately within two business days. All lab-related communications—including your lab order, instructions and results notifications—are sent via encrypted, HIPAA-compliant email from labs@livedurable.com. To ensure timely delivery, we recommend adding this address to your contacts and checking your spam or promotions folder.

Lab Locations
We've partnered with LabCorp and Quest Diagnostics for convenient blood draw locations nationwide. Once your lab order is emailed to you, it will designate the most convenient location based on your address. You should contact the lab directly to schedule an appointment, and we recommend having your blood draw performed within 2-4 weeks. If you have any concerns about the selected location, please email labs@livedurable.com to explore alternative options.

Timing of Results
Once your blood draw is complete, most results are available within one week. You’ll receive an email notification from labs@livedurable.com when your results are ready to review.

How to Interpret Results
All test results include a lab-generated reference range reflecting values commonly seen in a healthy population. Results are flagged only when they fall outside this range as high or low. While these reference ranges provide helpful context, results are best interpreted alongside your health history, symptoms and trends over time and should be reviewed with your healthcare practitioner.

If you are interested in a virtual lab review with Dr. Passero, you may email his office at GetHealthy@DrKevinPassero.com to schedule an appointment.

Lab-Specific FAQs

+
What does the Durable NUTRIENTS ESSENTIAL panel test for?
Vitamin D, vitamin B12 and folate, iron panel (iron, TIBC, ferritin) and omega fatty acids.*

Do I need to fast or follow any special instructions prior to this test?
No, the Durable NUTRIENTS ESSENTIAL panel does not require fasting or special prep prior to testing.*

Can I take medications beforehand?
Yes. Most medications do not interfere with the tests in this panel. Do not stop medications unless directed by your healthcare practitioner.*

Will recent diet or alcohol intake affect my results?
No. Short-term dietary choices or alcohol intake do not significantly influence the tests in this panel.*

How often should I get this test?
Dr. Passero recommends routine monitoring of these markers, with testing every 3-6 months for most adults. Re-testing at the recommended interval allows you and your healthcare practitioner to monitor trends over time, assess how your body is responding to lifestyle or nutritional changes and make informed adjustments. Testing frequency should be individualized based on risk factors, clinical context and your doctor’s recommendations.*

Does insurance cover the cost of my tests?
Lab tests must be paid for in full at checkout using a credit card, a supported payment platform (such as Shop Pay, PayPal, Google Pay or Venmo), or an eligible FSA/HSA debit card. In some cases, health insurance providers may reimburse individuals for lab testing. You can contact your insurance provider directly to determine whether reimbursement is available. Please note that Durable is unable to provide insurance paperwork or assist with claim submission.

Can I get a refund if I choose not to get my lab work?
Yes. You may request a refund within 365 days of purchase, as long as you have not visited the lab and had your blood drawn.

Can I use a coupon when purchasing my lab test?
At this time, promotions and coupons cannot be applied to lab testing. Lab pricing reflects the cost of clinical testing and processing, and discounts are not available for these services. However, you can redeem Durable REWARDS points at checkout, and when you purchase a lab order, you’ll earn additional points.

Is this blood test for adults only?
Durable lab testing is intended for adults 18 years and older. Testing for individuals under 18 is only recommended when directed by a qualified healthcare provider.*