Lab Test Fantasy Draft: 2024 Edition

With the 2024 NFL season kicking off, we decided to hold a fantasy draft for laboratory tests. Some great tests didn't make the list, but there's no shame in that because the league is extremely deep this year. Not every great player will get drafted and not every good team will make the playoffs. Here goes.

1. Complete Blood Count (CBC)

The cornerstone of any diagnostic evaluation, the Complete Blood Count (CBC) is the Tom Brady of lab tests. It provides a comprehensive overview of a patient’s general health, revealing critical insights into the body’s production of blood cells. With its ability to detect conditions ranging from anemia to infection and leukemia, the CBC is an easy first-round pick. Its utility in both routine checkups and acute diagnostic scenarios makes it the go-to test for clinicians everywhere. Despite a torn MCV in last year's playoffs, preseason training has the CBC looking 100%.

NFL comp: Patrick Mahomes (Chiefs)

2. Basic Metabolic Panel (BMP)

This test could have easily been taken with the top pick but was taken closely behind the CBC. The Basic Metabolic Panel (BMP), like a versatile linebacker, covers a lot of ground. This panel measures key substances like electrolytes, glucose, calcium, and kidney function markers such as urea (BUN). It’s crucial for assessing a patient’s metabolic state and identifying issues like electrolyte imbalances, renal dysfunction, and more. The BMP’s ability to catch potential problems early on justifies its high draft status. It the BMP wants to reach G.O.A.T. status, it will need to go up a level to a Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP).

NFL comp: Fred Warner (49ers)

3. Liver Function Tests (LFTs)

The Liver Function Tests (LFTs) are a powerful combo of tests that function like an elite run defense, protecting the body from the dangers of liver disease. These tests evaluate enzymes and proteins produced by the liver, offering insight into hepatic injury, inflammation, and bile duct issues. With liver disease on the rise globally, having LFTs in your arsenal is a strategic must and fits well with a BMP for a complete defense.

NFL comp: Vita Vea (Buccaneers)

4. Lipid Panel

A solid pick for cardiovascular health, the Lipid Panel evaluates cholesterol levels, including LDL, HDL, and triglycerides. Much like a star wide receiver that runs consistent routes while providing a deep threat, this test provides critical information that helps clinicians predict and prevent cardiovascular events like heart attacks and strokes while helping with general health surveillance. Given the importance of managing heart disease, the Lipid Panel is a necessary part of any healthcare team's playbook.

NFL comp: Justin Jefferson (Vikings)

5. Urinalysis

Urinalysis, often overlooked, is the hidden gem in any lab test lineup, akin to a versatile, reliable running back that keeps the chains moving. This test provides a wealth of information about the kidneys, urinary tract, and metabolic processes. From detecting urinary tract infections to monitoring diabetes, urinalysis can quickly identify several health issues, making it a no-brainer early round pick. The UA will require some skill development to perform well on the microscopic and become more than just a dipstick in this league.

NFL comp: Derrick Henry (Ravens)

6. Hemoglobin A1c

As diabetes remains a major public health concern, the Hemoglobin A1c test is a critical selection. This test, which measures average blood glucose levels over the past 2-3 months, is like the seasoned quarterback who consistently delivers through adversity. It’s essential for diagnosing and monitoring diabetes, helping to guide long-term management and prevent complications. The A1c is the backup quarterback who can thrive in the right situation.

NFL comp: Gardner Minshew (Raiders)

7. Prothrombin Time/INR (PT/INR)

The PT/INR test is the successful kicking unit of the lab test world, crucial for patients on anticoagulant therapy or as part of a trauma battery. This test assesses how quickly blood clots, which is vital for patients taking blood thinners like warfarin. The PT consistently puts points on the board, day in, day out. In conditions where clotting risk must be closely monitored, PT/INR is indispensable, justifying its high position in the draft.

NFL comp: Justin Tucker (Ravens)

8. Thyroid Function Tests (TFTs)

Thyroid Function Tests, including TSH, Free T4, and Free T3, are like a dual threat quarterback, controlling the pace of the game and keeping clinicians guessing. These tests are essential for diagnosing thyroid disorders such as hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism, which affect metabolism, energy levels, and overall health. Their role in managing endocrine health makes TFTs a crucial draft choice in the today’s offensive schemes.

NFL comp: Jalen Hurts (Eagles)

9. C-Reactive Protein (CRP)

CRP is the defensive captain of inflammatory markers that impacts the game on multiple levels. Elevated CRP levels can indicate inflammation or infection, making it a key player in diagnosing conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, infections, and cardiovascular disease. Its ability to quickly assess systemic inflammation gives CRP a solid standing on any medical team’s draft board.

NFL comp: Myles Garrett (Browns)

10. Blood Culture

Blood cultures are the shutdown cornerbacks of diagnostic microbiology, used to detect bacteremia and sepsis. These tests are critical in identifying the causative pathogens in bloodstream infections, guiding targeted antibiotic therapy. With the rise of antibiotic resistance, blood cultures are essential for managing serious infections, making them a must-have in the second round.

NFL comp: Sauce Gardner (Jets)

11. Serum Potassium

The overall athletic pick, potassium fits well in a quick-strike offense and has a place returning on special teams when necessary. Potassium’s presence on both sides of the ball allows for the speedy evaluation of organ function, electrolyte balance, and metabolic health, making it invaluable for routine and emergency assessments.

NFL comp: Tyreek Hill (Dophins)

12. Troponin

Troponin is the long-time go in the backfield for diagnosing myocardial infarction (heart attack). This test detects cardiac-specific proteins released when heart muscle damage occurs, making it crucial for evaluating chest pain and suspected AMI. With heart disease being a leading cause of death, Troponin is a high-impact pick that honestly could have gone higher in this draft. A certain first-ballot hall-of-famer that continues to produce at a high level.

NFL comp: Bobby Wagner (Commanders)

13. D-Dimer

D-Dimer is the clutch performer for ruling out thromboembolic disorders like deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE). When elevated, it suggests the presence of abnormal blood clotting, necessitating further investigation. Its ability to quickly guide diagnostic decisions in life-threatening conditions makes D-Dimer a key mid-round selection. If D-Dimer stays healthy, it could mean a deep run into the playoffs.

NFL comp: Christian McCaffery (49ers)

14. POC Glucose

A consistent tone-setter over the years at center, CLIA-waived point-of-care glucose testing can ease the burden of the lab team. This test allows health care professional access to quick monitoring of serum glucose levels. With its experience, it can be that veteran presence that every successful team needs in its locker room.

NFL comp: Frank Ragnow (Lions)

15. Serum Creatinine

Serum creatinine is a workhorse for assessing kidney function, much like a reliable offensive lineman. Elevated levels indicate impaired renal function, making this test essential for diagnosing and monitoring chronic kidney disease and acute kidney injuries. As kidney health is foundational to overall well-being, serum creatinine is a solid mid-round pick.

NFL comp: TJ Watt (Steelers)

16. Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH)

LDH is the utility player, involved in diagnosing tissue damage and hemolysis. While not specific to any one condition, elevated LDH levels can indicate a range of issues, from cancer to heart attack, making it valuable in differential diagnosis. Its broad applicability in assessing cellular damage makes LDH a worthy choice. It’s a surprise to see it go this high in the draft, but the care team is shoring up a shaky defensive line and it’s going to need all the help it can get when it faces idiopathic offenses this season.

NFL comp: David Onyemata (Falcons)

17. Arterial Blood Gas (ABG)

The ABG test is like the field general in critical care, providing crucial information on a patient’s respiratory and metabolic status. It measures pH, oxygen, and carbon dioxide levels in the blood, helping to diagnose respiratory failure, metabolic acidosis, and more. Its role in acute care settings makes ABG a key pick and could have gone higher. The ABG comes up big when the pressure is highest and the lights are the brightest.

NFL comp: Josh Allen (Bills)

18. Brain-type Natriuretic Peptide (BNP)

BNP is likely to be a defensive MVP for heart failure diagnosis. Elevated BNP levels correlate with heart failure severity, making it indispensable for assessing patients with dyspnea or suspected cardiac decompensation. With heart failure being a leading cause of hospitalization, BNP’s diagnostic prowess secures its place in the draft.

NFL comp: Micah Parsons (Cowboys)

19. Fecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT)

FOBT is the unsung hero in colorectal cancer screening despite consistently producing at a high level. This test detects hidden blood in the stool, an early sign of colorectal cancer or gastrointestinal bleeding. With colorectal cancer being one of the most preventable cancers, FOBT is an essential tool in early detection, earning it a late-round selection.

NFL comp: Deebo Samuel (49ers)

20. Antinuclear Antibody (ANA)

We love this pick in the right scheme. ANA testing is always a deep-ball threat and can break open a game at any point. This test screens for antibodies that attack the body’s own tissues, helping diagnose conditions like lupus and other connective tissue disorders. ANA’s role in managing complex autoimmune conditions makes it a valuable pick as the draft winds down.

NFL comp: DK Metcalf (Seahawks)

Honorable mentions:

Wound culture: Has found some resistance in the run game.

Type and screen: Looking to get healthy and find the right match.