Which blood tests do you need?
Recommended lab panels by life stage and situation - annual check-ups, men and women over 40, over 50, athletes and heart health.
Tests for an annual check-up
A routine yearly check-up usually pairs a couple of broad panels with a few key single markers to screen the main bod…
Tests for men over 40
From the 40s, screening often adds cardiovascular and metabolic markers, and a discussion of prostate (PSA) and testo…
Tests for women over 40
For women in their 40s, screening often adds thyroid, iron and vitamin D (common deficiencies) and bone-related marke…
Tests for adults over 50
After 50, routine screening tends to broaden - the standard panels plus closer attention to sugar, thyroid, vitamin D…
Tests for athletes
Active people are often screened for iron status (endurance drains it), blood counts, vitamin D and the basic metabol…
Tests for heart health
Cardiovascular screening centres on the lipid panel, plus markers of inflammation and longer-term risk (hs-CRP, homoc…