Blood tests should be conducted 1 to 2 times annually for those aged 40 and above.

Important Considerations

1. Frequency: For most healthy individuals over 40, an annual wellness check including a CBC, CMP, and Lipid Panel, and HbA1c is standard. Hormone and Vitamin D testing may be done annually or less frequently based on baseline results and symptoms.

2. Consult Your Physician: This list is a general guide. Always consult with your primary care provider or specialist to determine the exact tests that are right for you, taking into account your specific medical history, family history, current medications, and lifestyle.

3. Fasting: Many of these tests, especially the lipid panel and glucose, require you to fast (no food or drink other than water) for 8–12 hours prior to the blood draw for accurate results.

1) Lipids and Cardiovascular Health - These tests assess your risk for heart disease and stroke. A fasting blood draw is typically required.

Standard Lipid Panel (Lipid Profile):

• Total Cholesterol

• Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL - "Bad" cholesterol)

• High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL - "Good" cholesterol)

• Triglycerides

Advanced Cardiovascular Markers (Often added based on risk):

• High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein (hs-CRP): A marker for inflammation, which is linked to cardiovascular disease risk.

• Lipoprotein (a) [Lp(a)]: A genetic risk factor for heart disease that is not included in standard panels.

2) Metabolic Health and Diabetes Screening - These tests assess how your body processes sugar and energy.

• Fasting Glucose: Measures your blood sugar level at the time of the draw.

• Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c): Provides a 2–3 month average of your blood sugar control. This is a critical screening tool for prediabetes and type 2 diabetes.

3) Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP) - The CMP is a core test that assesses kidney function, liver function, and electrolyte/fluid balance.

• Kidney Function:

  • Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN)

  • Creatinine

  • Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR)

• Liver Function:

  • Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT)

  • Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST)

  • Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP)

  • Total Bilirubin

• Electrolytes and Fluid Balance:

  • Sodium, Potassium, Chloride, Carbon Dioxide (HCO3​)

• Protein and Minerals:

  • Albumin and Total Protein

  • Calcium

4) Hormone and Thyroid Health - Hormonal balance often shifts significantly in the 40+ age group.

• Thyroid Panel:

  • Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH): Primary screen for thyroid function.

  • Free Triiodothyronine (Free T3) and Free Thyroxine (Free T4): May be added if TSH is abnormal or symptoms are present.

• Sex Hormones (Gender-Specific Recommendations):

  • Men: Total and Free Testosterone, Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin (SHBG).

  • Women (Especially perimenopausal/menopausal): Estradiol, Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH), Luteinizing Hormone (LH), and sometimes Progesterone or DHEA-S.

• Stress Hormone:

  • Cortisol (Often checked for fatigue or stress-related issues)

5) Complete Blood Count (CBC) - This standard test gives a snapshot of your blood cells, screening for conditions like anemia, infection, and some blood disorders.

• Red Blood Cell count (RBC, Hemoglobin, Hematocrit)

• White Blood Cell count (WBC, and Differential count of different WBC types)

• Platelet count

6) Vitamins, Minerals, and Other Markers- These are important for energy, bone health, and overall function.

• Vitamin D (25-hydroxyvitamin D): Crucial for bone health, immune function, and mood.

• Vitamin B12 and Folate (B9): Important for nerve function and preventing certain types of anemia.

• Iron Panel (Iron, Ferritin, TIBC): Screens for iron deficiency, especially common in women with menstruation.

7) Gender-Specific Screenings- These are important for energy, bone health, and overall function.

• Men:

  • Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA): Screening for prostate cancer, often discussed with a doctor for men beginning around age 40 or earlier if risk factors exist.