Symptom → lab tests
Which blood tests are used for shortness of breath?
Short answer
Breathlessness on exertion that builds over weeks is checked for anemia (CBC, ferritin, iron studies), heart strain (NT-proBNP) and thyroid disease (TSH). Sudden or severe shortness of breath, or breathlessness with chest pain, is an emergency and should never wait for a lab result.
Medically reviewed by Youmna DiStefano, MD · Last reviewed September 2026
When should you see a clinician instead of ordering a test?
- Sudden shortness of breath, breathlessness at rest, chest pain or pressure, blue lips, or fainting — call emergency services
- Breathlessness with a swollen, painful leg (possible clot) or coughing up blood — emergency care
- Waking at night gasping, or needing to sleep propped up — see a clinician promptly
Why these tests for shortness of breath?
Anemia means less oxygen-carrying capacity, so climbing stairs feels harder; the CBC and iron panel find it. NT-proBNP rises when the heart is under strain from heart failure. Thyroid disease in either direction causes breathlessness and palpitations. Lung causes need spirometry or imaging, not blood tests.
Which conditions do these tests help evaluate?
- Anemia — CBC, iron studies, ferritin, B12 and folate to find the cause of fatigue and low energy.
- Heart Disease Risk — Lipid panel, ApoB, Lp(a) and hs-CRP for a fuller cardiovascular risk picture.
Which tests, and what do they cost?
Prices are cash-pay; every order adds one $6 lab processing fee. Physician authorization is included; no insurance or referral needed.
| Test or panel | Type | Price | Fasting | Results |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Baseline Anemia PanelSaves $56.96 vs ordering the tests separately | Panel · 5 tests | $74.99 | Yes | 2–4 business days |
| Heart Health PanelSaves $47.96 vs ordering the tests separately | Panel · 5 tests | $99.99 | Yes | 3–5 business days |
| CBC with Differential | Test · 14 biomarkers | $21.99 | No | 1–3 business days |
| Ferritin | Test | $24.99 | No | 1–3 business days |
| Iron & TIBC | Test · 3 biomarkers | $25.99 | Yes | 1–3 business days |
| NT-proBNP (Heart Failure Marker) | Test | $224.99 | No | 1–3 business days |
| TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) | Test | $26.99 | No | 1–3 business days |
| Comprehensive Metabolic Panel | Test · 14 biomarkers | $22.99 | Yes | 1–3 business days |
Common questions
Can I order NT-proBNP myself?
Yes, and a normal result makes heart failure unlikely. An elevated result needs prompt clinical follow-up — bring it to a clinician rather than repeating the test.
Educational content, not a diagnosis. Lab results are one input; a clinician interprets them with your history and exam.