5. Labs

We have talked in depth about the frameworks we use to understand risk and how family history can help you assess your own risks. Now we will refine this understanding through a discussion of how we can gain insight into what is happening inside your body. Laboratory testing (mostly blood, though other modalities as well) gives us concrete information essential to figuring out a plan of action and tracking one’s progress. Knowing which labs you need and keeping track of potentially dozens of labs over many years can be quite tricky, even for the organizationally-minded among us. This module’s activity will help: in addition to helping you understand your labs, we will provide a format for you to keep track of your labs.