MEPS

Specialties Government

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Specializes in Critical Care.

Hey all

Just wondered if they screened for cholesterol and liver enzymes at MEPS? From what I read they feed recruits breakfast the morning of your physical (at least on the enlisted side) so that would mean you would not be fasting for the blood test so seems unlikely they would test for cholesterol? Anyone know the specific tests they run? Due to my love of beer (in moderation) my liver enzymes were elevated once a while back and I don't wanna get hit with a DQ. Anyone with knowledge of the specific labs they draw please let me know. This is my first post here and I don't think i can receive pvt messages. I'm a 30 y.o. male submitting my packet soon, just need to pass MEPS. Othewise very healthy.

Thanks!

*edit - I'm an RN, BSN applying to be commissioned in the fall.

also i had an Hep A,B and C test in january and all negative so my doc thinks the elevated liver is just due to drinking beer from time to time and not worrysome at this point.

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Specializes in Emergency Nursing (CEN).

I just went to MEPS in December and they drew a CBC and AIDS test I believe. We did have breakfast the morning of, no fasting BS. We peed in a cup and did a Breathalyzer. (Yes, even at 5 AM they did one!!) Don't think they did a lipid panel, but could be wrong...

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Specializes in Critical Care.

ok cool. my recruiter told me that he thought they only tested for lipids if youre over 40. I'm wondering about liver enzymes but that would be on a CMP and those are $$$. any idea? did they draw a green top? lol

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Specializes in Emergency Nursing (CEN).

No, they were all the same color...red I believe. I'm still a student, so I'm not familiar with each top, but I definitely remember that it was only one color, I was focusing on them while they were sticking me, I'm a hard stick! What made you decide Navy? I sign my Nurse Candidate Program paperwork and my Oath of Office next week. Still have 1 year of school left.

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Specializes in Critical Care.

Navy has always interested me and I have roots in San Diego (and wanna be close to the beach haha) so hoping to get to go there at some point. why did you choose navy? i've been an RN for 3 years

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Specializes in Emergency Nursing (CEN).

I chose Navy because they had what I was looking for. I really love the beach too, and pretty much, being Navy guarantees you a beach!! I am actually an Air Force brat, but grew up with a love for our military and am excited to join the Navy. It's kind of fun being the black sheep of the family too!! My brother is an officer in the Air Force right now and my dad is a civilian contractor with the AF, so I get to be the different one!

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Yup over 40 gets the joy of fasting lipid panel and prostate exam.

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Specializes in ED, Cardiology.

They did not take any blood when I went, was seen at a private clinic/occupational health. Was in and out in 30 min. The army set up the appointment.

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If you are over 40 or will be 40 by the time you commission then they will run a blood pannel on you which checks lipid levels and cholesterol. You will have to fast before going. If you are less than 40 then you wont have those panels run. Just a heads up, I currenlty work at a MEPS and most people who have the over 40 panels fail for cholesterol and lipid levels. Dont let that worry you though, everyone seems to get that waiver approved pretty quickly.

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Specializes in Critical Care.

hey Joker

do they test liver panel? from what i've read its just H&H, urine test, RSR, HIV that correct?

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Specializes in ED. ICU, PICU, infection prevention, aeromedical e.

I had the over 40 physical... they put a big 40 on my tag in RED. lol. I was told to fast before as well. If you are female, take copies of last PAP and mammogram, they need it and it slowed me down by a couple weeks (even though I had copies at home and faxed them in.).

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As part of the normal screening they dont run the liver panel. They run Lipids, Triglycerides, and cholesterol. The only way the would do any liver panel would be if you listed anything about liver issues on your initial screening paperwork.

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