BLOOD TESTS

What blood tests do I need to get done?

We are often asked what blood tests are needed.  In general, we strongly encourage individuals with hair loss to see their own general physician or dermatologist first for an initial appointment about their hair loss and to order blood tests.    Dr. Donovan does not order blood tests for individuals prior to their first appointment as they have not yet become his patients (a doctor can only order tests for his or her own patients). 

Please keep in mind that the Donovan Hair Clinic is a private clinic and patients needing blood tests will be given a standard requisition to visit a local lab. However, because our clinic is private, these fees for blood tests will NOT be covered under provincial plans (MSP, OHIP, Alberta Health, Saskatchewan Health). Typical fees vary from province to province and an estimate can be found here:  

TYPICAL FEES FOR BLOOD TESTS  

My doctor does not think I need blood tests, what should I do?

In general, we recommend the following tests for individuals with concerns about their hair as a starting point. These are typically ordered through the primary physician or dermatologist. When sending us results, please send us original copies as much as possible. Although some people like to summarize their results in Excel spreadsheets and other summary tables, please do not send these to us if at all possible. Dr Donovan likes to see original results.

a) MEN - 

These are required: CBC, TSH, ferritin, zinc, B12, standard cholesterol profile (HDL, LDL,Triglycerides).

These are highly recommended as well (but ok if missing): 25 hydroxy-vitamin D

b) PREMENOPAUSAL WOMEN CURRENTLY TAKING ORAL CONTRACEPTIVES or MIRENA IUD or NuvaRing:

These are required: CBC, TSH, ferritin, ESR, ANA, DHEAS, vitamin B12, zinc, standard cholesterol profile (HDL, LDL, Triglycerides), .

These are highly recommended as well (but ok if missing): 25 hydroxy-vitamin D, sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG).

c) PREMENOPAUSAL WOMEN WITH REGULAR PERIODS (not on ORAL CONTRACEPTIVES or MIRENA IUD or NuvaRing ):

These are required: CBC, TSH, ferritin, ESR, ANA, DHEAS, LH, FSH, free testosterone, total testosterone, androstenedione, vitamin B12, zinc, standard cholesterol profile (HDL, LDL, Triglycerides). Please have blood tests done on DAY 3-4 of the menstrual cycle if possible. This means having the blood test three days after the period starts. For example, if an individual's period starts on Monday, the blood tests should be done on Thursday or Friday.

These are highly recommended as well (but ok if missing): 25 hydroxy-vitamin D, sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG).

d) PREMENOPAUSAL WOMEN WITH IRREGULAR PERIODS (not on ORAL CONTRACEPTIVES or MIRENA IUD):

These are required: CBC, TSH, ferritin, ESR, ANA, DHEAS, LH, FSH, free testosterone, total testosterone, androstenedione, vitamin B12, zinc, standard cholesterol profile (HDL, LDL, Triglycerides), sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG). Please have done on DAY 3-4 of the menstrual cycle if possible. But if menstrual cycles are very irregular and the individual has not had a period for many months, the blood tests may be done at ANY time. 

These are highly recommended as well (but ok if missing): 25 hydroxy-vitamin D,

e) POST MENOPAUSAL WOMEN. 

These are required: CBC, TSH, ferritin, ESR, ANA, DHEAS, 25 hydroxy-vitamin D, testosterone, total testosterone, vitamin B12, zinc, standard cholesterol profile (HDL, LDL, Triglycerides), and calcium.

f) CHILDREN. Please submit or bring any blood tests that have been done but wait for the appointment with Dr. Donovan before getting other tests

**Please note that none of the recommended blood tests requires you to fast before heading to your local lab**

Where should I get my blood tests done?

Dr. Donovan recommends any commercial lab nearby to where a patient lives.

Is there a fee for blood tests ordered by Dr. Donovan?

Because our clinic is a private clinic, there may be additional fees for any blood tests that Dr. Donovan orders.