Annual health check-ups are an essential component of preventative healthcare. They allow healthcare providers to monitor your overall health and detect potential health issues before they become more serious. One of the most important parts of an annual health check-up is blood testing. Here we will discuss what tests you should be getting during your annual check-up.
Blood Tests You Should Check Annually
General Blood Tests
Let’s start with the general tests that should be done regardless of age, gender, or medical history. These include:
- Complete Blood Count (CBC): This test measures the number and quality of red and white blood cells, hemoglobin, and platelets in your blood. It can detect infections, anemia, and blood disorders.
- Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP): This panel of blood tests measures levels of electrolytes, glucose, kidney and liver function, and other important markers of overall health.
- Lipid Panel: This test measures levels of cholesterol and triglycerides in your blood. High levels can increase the risk of heart disease and stroke.
- Blood Sugar: This test measures your blood glucose levels using HbA1c and it can detect diabetes or pre-diabetes.
- Thyroid functions test: which includes Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH), Free thyroxine (F-T4) and Free triiodothyronine (F-T3). This test can detect thyroid disorders.
- Vitamins D & B12:
Helps assess bone health, fertility, immune health, brain health & nervous system.
Age-Specific Blood Tests
- Children: Pediatricians may perform additional blood tests to monitor development and growth.
- Adolescents and Young Adults: In addition to general blood tests, sex hormones (gonadocorticoids) profile and sexually transmitted infections panel for sexually active individuals.
- Adults (40-50 years): In addition to general blood tests, men are recommended for a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test to monitor for prostate cancer, and women may be recommended coagulation tests.
- Older Adults (65+ years): In addition to general blood tests, older adults may be recommended to monitor for osteoporosis.
Gender-Specific Blood Tests
For Females:
Hormone Levels: Blood tests to check levels of Follicle stimulating hormone, Luteinizing hormone, estrogen, progesterone, and sometimes AMH may be recommended for women with menstrual irregularities or fertility issues.
For Males:
Testosterone profile: and this includes, testosterone levels, sex hormone binding globulin and the free androgen index. This test checks levels of testosterone and may be recommended for men experiencing symptoms of low testosterone.
Family History and Health Condition-Specific Blood Tests
For individuals with a family history and/or specific health conditions, additional blood tests may be necessary during a yearly check-up:
- Diabetes: Individuals with diabetes may need to have their hemoglobin A1C levels monitored to assess their blood sugar control.
- Heart Disease: Individuals with heart disease may need to have their cardiac enzyme levels monitored to assess their heart function.
- Cancer: Individuals with a history of cancer may need to have tumor marker blood tests and imaging studies to monitor for recurrence.
In conclusion, yearly blood check-ups are crucial for maintaining good health and preventing potential health issues. Valeo can provide you with professional health advice by one of our health coaches to ensure that the appropriate blood tests are done during your check-up. By staying up-to-date with routine check-ups and tests, you can help detect potential health issues early and learn the best approach to manage your already present health issues, and how to reach your health goals
