Quick Answer
The preventive care lab tests most often discussed are a cholesterol panel, a blood sugar test such as A1c, and one-time screening for hepatitis C and HIV. Other tests, such as a blood count, kidney and liver function, thyroid testing or vitamin levels, are ordered based on your symptoms, medications and risk factors rather than for everyone. More tests are not always better, so labs are chosen to match your situation.
Who this is for: adults heading into a checkup who want to know which lab tests are commonly recommended and why.
Labs Commonly Recommended for Screening
- Lipid panel: measures cholesterol and triglycerides, used with other factors to estimate heart disease risk and guide decisions about statins, commonly for adults 40 to 75[1]
- A1c or fasting glucose: screens for prediabetes and type 2 diabetes, recommended for adults 35 to 70 with overweight or obesity and for others with risk factors[1][2]
- Hepatitis C: a one-time test for adults 18 to 79[1]
- HIV: at least once for people 15 to 65, and more often with ongoing risk[1]
Labs Ordered Based on Your Health
- Complete blood count: checks for anemia and other blood problems, often when symptoms such as fatigue are present
- Metabolic panel: checks kidney and liver function, electrolytes and blood sugar, often for people taking certain medications or with chronic conditions
- Thyroid testing: for symptoms such as fatigue, weight changes or feeling cold, rather than routine screening for everyone
- Vitamin D and B12: for symptoms, risk factors or certain medications, rather than routine screening
- Urine tests: for kidney health in people with diabetes or high blood pressure
- PSA: for men 55 to 69 who choose prostate cancer screening after a discussion with their provider
Preventive labs are chosen based on age, history and risk factors.
Why Not Test for Everything?
It can seem safer to run every available test, but broad testing has downsides. With many tests, it becomes likely that at least one result will fall slightly outside the normal range just by chance, which can lead to worry, repeat testing and procedures that are not needed. Some tests also have limited evidence of benefit when used in people without symptoms.
The goal is to choose tests that are likely to change your care, based on your age, history, symptoms and risk factors.
Preparing for Your Lab Work
- Ask whether you need to fast, and for how long
- Drink water unless told otherwise
- Take your usual medications unless your provider says otherwise
- Tell your provider about supplements, especially biotin, which can affect some test results
- Ask when and how you will get your results
Preventive Labs at Lake Forest Regenesis
For Direct Primary Care members, Allana chooses preventive labs based on your age, health history, medications and goals, and explains why each test is being ordered. Results are reviewed with you in the context of your overall health and compared with your past results, so trends are not missed.
When to See a Provider
Contact your provider promptly if you are told a lab result is critical or needs urgent attention. Do not wait for preventive labs if you have new symptoms such as extreme thirst, unexplained weight loss, severe fatigue or yellowing of the skin; schedule a visit instead.
Heading into a checkup? Allana chooses labs based on your age, history and goals and explains why each one is ordered.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to fast for preventive labs?
It depends on the tests. A1c does not require fasting, and many cholesterol tests can be done without fasting, but some providers still request it. Follow your provider's instructions.
Should I ask for a full panel of tests?
It is reasonable to ask which tests make sense for you, but more tests are not always better. Testing works best when it is matched to your health and risk.
How often should cholesterol be checked?
It depends on your age, results and risk factors. Many adults are checked every few years, and more often if results are abnormal or you take medication.
Is thyroid testing part of a routine physical?
Not routinely for everyone. It is commonly ordered when symptoms or risk factors suggest a thyroid problem.
References
- U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. A and B recommendations. View the recommendations
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. The A1C test and diabetes. Read the article
This article is for general education and is not a substitute for individual medical advice. See our medical disclaimer.
