Laboratory Tests for Eating Disorder Referral

Core Laboratory Tests

The American Psychiatric Association recommends a complete blood count and comprehensive metabolic panel, including electrolytes, liver enzymes, and renal function tests, for eating disorder referrals 1, 2, 3
A complete blood count is essential to assess for anemia, leukopenia, and other hematologic abnormalities commonly seen in malnutrition 1, 3
A comprehensive metabolic panel, including electrolytes, liver enzymes, and renal function tests, is crucial to detect hyponatremia, hypokalemia, hypochloremia, and metabolic alkalosis, particularly in patients with purging behaviors 1, 2, 3
Electrolytes, such as sodium, potassium, chloride, and bicarbonate, should be tested to detect hyponatremia, hypokalemia, hypochloremia, and metabolic alkalosis 3
Liver enzymes should be assessed to evaluate hepatic function, which may be affected in malnutrition 3
Renal function tests, including BUN and creatinine, should be evaluated to assess kidney function and hydration status 1, 3

An electrocardiogram is recommended for patients with restrictive eating disorders, severe purging behaviors, or those taking medications known to prolong QTc intervals 1, 4

Vital signs, including temperature, resting heart rate, blood pressure, orthostatic pulse, and orthostatic blood pressure, should be interpreted in the context of laboratory assessment 1, 5
Anthropometric measurements, including height, weight, and BMI, should be considered in the context of laboratory assessment 3, 5
Physical appearance, including signs of malnutrition or purging behaviors, should be evaluated in the context of laboratory assessment 5