The Full Story
GLP-1 Medication
Blood Screening
Pre-Treatment Blood Testing for Weight Loss Medications in Cavan & Kildare
Ensure You Are Medically Suitable Before Starting GLP-1 Weight Loss Medication
Before starting GLP-1 medications such as Mounjaro® (tirzepatide) or Wegovy® (semaglutide), it is important to ensure that treatment is safe and appropriate for you.
Our GLP-1 Blood Screening Panel has been specifically designed to assess your overall health, identify any underlying medical conditions that may require further investigation, and provide a comprehensive baseline before treatment begins.
This baseline is equally important once treatment has started, as we recommend repeating this blood screen approximately six months after commencing GLP-1 medication to monitor your health, nutritional status and metabolic response to treatment.
At CUC Medical & Aesthetics, blood samples are analysed by Eurofins Biomnis, one of Europe's leading accredited medical laboratories, with appointments available at both our Cavan and Kildare clinics.
What Does This Health Screen Assess?
Although GLP-1 medications are generally safe and effective when prescribed appropriately, it is important to identify any underlying medical conditions that may influence treatment or require monitoring.
This blood screen helps assess:
Cardiovascular risk
Blood health
Thyroid function
Kidney function
Liver health
Blood sugar control
Iron and nutritional status
Vitamin levels
Electrolyte balance
Overall metabolic health
It also provides an important baseline so your results can be compared with repeat testing after approximately six months of treatment.
Is This Blood Test Right for You?
This blood screen is recommended for anyone who is:
-
Planning to start GLP-1 weight loss medication
-
Beginning treatment with Mounjaro® or Wegovy®
-
Already taking GLP-1 medication and approaching their six-month review
-
Looking to establish baseline blood results before significant weight loss
-
Wanting reassurance that there are no underlying health concerns before treatment
It is also suitable for patients experiencing symptoms that may indicate nutritional deficiencies or metabolic abnormalities before or during treatment.
Tests Included in the GLP-1 Blood Screening Panel
Full Blood Count (FBC) with 5-Part Differential
A Full Blood Count evaluates your red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets.
This helps identify:
-
Anaemia
-
Infection
-
Inflammation
-
Blood disorders
Symptoms may include:
-
Fatigue
-
Breathlessness
-
Frequent infections
-
Easy bruising
Kidney Function
Tests included: Creatinine and eGFR
These tests assess how effectively your kidneys are functioning and help ensure it is safe to commence treatment.
They may identify:
-
Reduced kidney function
-
Chronic kidney disease
-
Dehydration
Liver Function Profile
Tests included: Bilirubin, ALT, AST, ALP, GGT, Total Protein, Albumin and Globulin.
These tests assess liver health and establish a baseline before treatment.
They may identify:
-
Fatty liver disease
-
Liver inflammation
-
Bile duct disorders
-
Alcohol-related liver disease
Diabetes Assessment
Tests included: HbA1c and Glucose.
These tests evaluate both your current blood glucose level and your average blood sugar over the previous two to three months.
They are particularly important when assessing patients commencing weight loss medication.
Lipid Profile
Tests included: Total Cholesterol, HDL, LDL and Triglycerides.
Weight loss often improves cholesterol levels over time, making this an important baseline measurement before treatment begins.
Thyroid Function
Test included: TSH
An underactive thyroid can contribute to weight gain, fatigue and difficulty losing weight.
Assessing thyroid function helps identify whether additional treatment or investigation may be required.
Iron Studies
Tests included: Ferritin, Iron, Transferrin Saturation and Total Iron Binding Capacity.
Iron deficiency is common and may contribute to:
-
Fatigue
-
Hair loss
-
Poor concentration
-
Reduced exercise tolerance
These tests provide a comprehensive assessment of your iron status before treatment begins.
Vitamin Assessment
Tests included: Vitamin B12, Folate and Vitamin D.
Rapid weight loss and reduced food intake may affect nutritional status over time.
These vitamins are important for:
-
Energy production
-
Nerve function
-
Immune health
-
Bone health
-
Red blood cell production
Magnesium
Magnesium plays an essential role in muscle function, nerve conduction, heart rhythm and energy production.
Low magnesium levels may contribute to:
-
Muscle cramps
-
Fatigue
-
Weakness
-
Palpitations
Why These Tests Are Grouped Together
This panel has been specifically designed for patients commencing or already taking GLP-1 weight loss medication.
Rather than simply confirming suitability for treatment, it provides a comprehensive assessment of your overall health before starting medication and establishes an important baseline for future comparison.
Repeating this panel approximately six months after starting treatment allows your doctor to monitor changes in blood sugar control, cholesterol levels, nutritional status and organ function while ensuring treatment continues to be both safe and effective.
Understanding Your Results
Your blood sample will be analysed by Eurofins Biomnis, one of Europe's leading accredited medical laboratories.
Most results are available within 5–7 working days, although some routine tests may be reported sooner.
Every blood test result is reviewed by one of our doctors before being released.
You will receive your official laboratory PDF report, together with a personalised email explaining your results and highlighting any findings that may require further attention.
If any result requires urgent medical review, one of our doctors will contact you directly by telephone.
Should you wish to discuss your results in greater detail, you can book a Medical Consultation online. You are also welcome to share your laboratory report with your own GP.
Book Your GLP-1 Blood Screening
Whether you're preparing to start GLP-1 medication or you're due your six-month review, our GLP-1 Blood Screening provides a comprehensive assessment of your health before and during treatment.
Book your appointment online at CUC Medical & Aesthetics in Cavan or Kildare and begin your weight loss journey with confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to fast? For the most accurate cholesterol and glucose results, fasting may be recommended. We will advise you when booking your appointment.
How long do results take? Most results are available within 5–7 working days, with some routine tests available within 48 hours.
Do I need a GP referral? No. You can book directly with CUC Medical & Aesthetics without a referral.
Where can I have my blood test? Appointments are available at our clinics in Cavan and Kildare.
Can I discuss my results with a doctor? Yes. Every blood test result is reviewed by one of our doctors before being released. You will receive your official laboratory PDF report, together with a personalised email from our doctor explaining your results and highlighting any findings that may require further attention. If any result requires urgent medical review, one of our doctors will contact you directly by telephone. If you would like a more detailed discussion about your results, or wish to discuss treatment options or further investigations, you can book a Medical Consultation online with one of our doctors. You are also welcome to share your laboratory report with your own GP if you wish.
Will I receive a copy of my results? Yes. Once your results have been reviewed by one of our doctors, you will receive a copy of your official laboratory report in PDF format, along with a personalised explanation of your results for your records.