---
title: "Which blood tests are used for shortness of breath?"
type: symptom
url: "https://www.test-well.com/symptoms/shortness-of-breath"
symptom: Shortness of breath
aliases:
  - breathless
  - out of breath easily blood test
  - dyspnea tests
reviewed_at: 2026-09-06
review_status: reviewed
date_published: 2026-09-05
lab_fee_usd: 6
---

# Which blood tests are used for shortness of breath?

> 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.


## 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](https://www.test-well.com/conditions/anemia) — CBC, iron studies, ferritin, B12 and folate to find the cause of fatigue and low energy.
- [Heart Disease Risk](https://www.test-well.com/conditions/heart-disease-risk) — Lipid panel, ApoB, Lp(a) and hs-CRP for a fuller cardiovascular risk picture.

## Which tests, and what do they cost?

| Test or panel | Type | Price | All-in (one item + $6 fee) | Fasting | Results |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [Baseline Anemia Panel](https://www.test-well.com/tests/anemia-panel) | Panel (5 tests) | $74.99 | $80.99 | Yes | 2–4 business days |
| [Heart Health Panel](https://www.test-well.com/tests/heart-health-panel) | Panel (5 tests) | $99.99 | $105.99 | Yes | 3–5 business days |
| [CBC with Differential](https://www.test-well.com/tests/cbc-with-differential) | Test | $21.99 | $27.99 | No | 1–3 business days |
| [Ferritin](https://www.test-well.com/tests/ferritin) | Test | $24.99 | $30.99 | No | 1–3 business days |
| [Iron & TIBC](https://www.test-well.com/tests/iron-and-tibc) | Test | $25.99 | $31.99 | Yes | 1–3 business days |
| [NT-proBNP (Heart Failure Marker)](https://www.test-well.com/tests/nt-probnp-heart-failure-marker) | Test | $224.99 | $230.99 | No | 1–3 business days |
| [TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone)](https://www.test-well.com/tests/tsh) | Test | $26.99 | $32.99 | No | 1–3 business days |
| [Comprehensive Metabolic Panel](https://www.test-well.com/tests/comprehensive-metabolic-panel) | Test | $22.99 | $28.99 | Yes | 1–3 business days |

Prices are cash-pay; every order adds one $6.00 lab processing fee. Physician authorization included.

## 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.

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---

Medically reviewed by Youmna DiStefano, MD (Medical Reviewer, TestWell); last reviewed 2026-09-06. Review policy: https://www.test-well.com/editorial-policy

Canonical page: https://www.test-well.com/symptoms/shortness-of-breath
Machine-readable catalog: https://www.test-well.com/api/catalog.json · MCP server: https://www.test-well.com/mcp · Overview for agents: https://www.test-well.com/llms.txt

Prices are cash-pay, in USD, and include physician authorization; every order adds one flat $6 lab processing fee. Educational content is not a diagnosis — discuss results with a clinician.