Yes! Sesame has partnered with over 1,500 Quest Diagnostic locations to offer blood testing - such as comprehensive female panel tests - without having to see a doctor first. When you visit a doctor’s office, you will usually have to pay for both the blood test and the doctor’s order for the test. When you schedule your blood test online through Sesame, the price of the doctor’s order is included with the price of the test. With labs purchased through Sesame, you are guaranteed the best cash price for your comprehensive female panel test - no insurance needed.
If you’re ready to book a lab test, follow these simple steps:
1) Search for the type of lab test you are looking for (e.g., “Comprehensive Female Panel”, or “Testosterone Lab Test”). 2) Browse Quest Diagnostics locations to find the patient service center that is most convenient for you. 3) Either book a walk-in appointment or schedule a visit for a time that works best for you. 4) Save 50-60% on your test with our online-only prices. Pay a one-time price upfront without ever having to see a doctor. 5) We send immediately send your order to the clinic of your choosing so that you can get your testing done that very same day. Either head to the office for a walk-in appointment, or show up at your scheduled appointment time.
Can’t find the test you’re looking for? Email us at support@sesamecare.com or call us at 1 (877) 947-6411 between 9 AM and 5 PM Central, Monday through Friday. We'll try to find you a lab or blood test as quickly as we can.
What is a Comprehensive Female Panel?
Comprehensive male panels are diagnostic blood tests that are used to check levels of certain hormones and substances in the body. While there is some overlap between comprehensive male and female panels, the female panel specifically screens hormones and substances that affect a women’s health and reproductive system. These include:
- Progesterone: Progesterone is a steroid hormone that is released from the ovaries to help regulate estrogen, the menstrual cycle, and the early stages of pregnancy.
- Estradiol: Estradiol helps regulate the menstrual cycle, as well as maintain the health of the female reproductive system.
- DHEA-S: DHEA is produced in the adrenal glands to promote the production of testosterone and estrogen. DHEA levels decrease with age but are commonly supplemented during hormone replacement therapy to counteract the symptoms of low testosterone or low estrogen (depending on whether you are a man or woman).
- Complete blood count (CBC): A complete blood count (CBC) evaluates your overall health by measuring several components of your blood, including white blood cells, hemoglobin, and platelets.
- Lipid Panel: A lipid panel measures cholesterol and other fats in your blood - which can help assess your risk of heart disease and stroke.
- Thyroid Panel: Thyroid panel tests are used to determine the levels of T3 and T4 hormones in your blood. Low amounts of these hormones indicate an underactive thyroid gland (hypothyroidism), where excessive levels of T3 and T4 indicate an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism). This panel will also generally include a TSH test, which measures levels of the thyroid-stimulating hormone you have in your body. This helps doctors determine thyroid function.
- Comprehensive Metabolic Panel: A comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP) measures 14 different substances in your blood to give your doctor important information about your body's chemical balance and metabolism. CMPs measure the levels of albumin, blood urea nitrogen, calcium, carbon dioxide, chloride, creatinine, glucose, potassium, sodium, total bilirubin and protein, and liver enzymes (alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, and aspartate aminotransferase).
- Hemoglobin A1c: Also called A1c, HbA1c, or glycated hemoglobin, this test measures the average amount of blood sugar (also called glucose) attached to your hemoglobin over the past three months. Hemoglobin is a protein in your red blood cells that carries oxygen throughout your body. An HbA1c test is generally used by doctors during a comprehensive female panel to check for diabetes.
- Total testosterone: This test measures the levels of testosterone in the blood. Testosterone helps regulate body fat, muscle mass, bone mass, red blood cell count, sperm count, and libido. Excessive or low levels of testosterone can lead to a diverse range of health conditions (such as high cholesterol) as well as affect the reproductive health of women.
Why are Comprehensive Female Panels performed?
Comprehensive female panels check levels of certain hormones and substances in the blood as a screen for certain health conditions that may be hard to detect without blood work. Some of these chemicals specifically affect a woman’s health, while others give doctors a more complete picture of your internal health. While comprehensive female panels are rarely used to definitively diagnose health conditions, they may alert doctors to the presence of problems such as:
- Thyroid hormone abnormalities (such as hyper or hypothyroidism)
- High cholesterol
- Autoimmune disorders
- Diabetes
- PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome)
In addition, comprehensive female lab panels specifically screen a number of female sex hormones. If your doctor suspects you may be experiencing abnormal hormone levels, or if they are tracking the efficacy of hormone replacement therapy, these tests can play a crucial role in detection and treatment. Imbalanced levels of female sex hormones (such as progesterone and estradiol) can lead to complications such as:
- Heavy or irregular periods
- Weight gain
- Osteoporosis (weak or brittle bones)
- Hot flashes
- Breast tenderness
- Acne
- Constipation or diarrhea
- Uterine bleeding
- Infertility
- Excessive body/ facial hair growth
- Deepening of the voice
- Thinning hair or hair loss
What is the difference between a Comprehensive Female Panel and a Male Panel?
Comprehensive female panels generally screen for progesterone and estradiol levels, whereas male lab panels will check dihydrotestosterone, prostate-specific antigens, and total testosterone. These different hormones specifically affect men’s or women’s health. However, a female panel may include a test for testosterone, as excessive levels of the male sex hormone can cause excessive body hair, high cholesterol, and other health conditions.
How are Comprehensive Female Panels performed?
Only a single sample of blood is required to measure the various substances screened during a comprehensive female panel. To draw blood, a thin needle is inserted into the arm (usually the forearm). Before the needle is put into your skin, the area will be sanitized. You may feel a pinch as the needle punctures your skin, but this discomfort should subside within a few seconds. The puncture site will be cleaned and bandaged after the needed amount of blood has been drawn from the arm.
Comprehensive female panels are quick and do not require sedation. You will be cleared to leave the clinic and resume your daily activities once the testing is finished.
In most cases, you’ll get your results within 24 hours of your test. If your results require a follow-up appointment, we will advise you on the next steps.
How do I prepare for a Comprehensive Female Panel?
Consult Quest Diagnostic’s site about specific preparation. No preparation may be needed prior to undergoing a comprehensive female panel, or you may be asked to fast for 8-12 hours before the procedure; for instance, if a lipid panel is also being performed. If fasting is required, it is recommended that you schedule your blood work first thing in the morning.
How long does it take to book a Comprehensive Female Panel?
Sesame is the fastest way to book a comprehensive female panel lab test - at the best cash price. Use our booking platform to schedule a lab test directly at the most convenient Quest lab near you. This takes about 2 minutes. Once you’ve finished checking out, we send your order directly to the lab so you can get your blood work done that day - often with results in 24 hours. That’s convenience you won’t find anywhere else.
