From the Guidelines
For individuals over 40, recommended annual laboratory tests typically include a comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP) to assess kidney and liver function, electrolyte levels, and blood sugar; a complete blood count (CBC) to evaluate overall blood health; a lipid panel to measure cholesterol levels including LDL, HDL, and triglycerides; and thyroid function tests such as TSH. Men should consider prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing, while both men and women should have hemoglobin A1C testing to screen for diabetes, especially if risk factors exist 1. Vitamin D levels may also be checked, as deficiency becomes more common with age. Urinalysis can detect early kidney issues or infections. These tests provide valuable baseline information and can identify potential health concerns before symptoms develop. The specific tests needed may vary based on individual health history, family history, and risk factors, so it's essential to consult with your healthcare provider who might recommend additional or fewer tests based on your personal health profile. Regular screening becomes increasingly important after 40 as the risk for many chronic conditions rises with age.
Some key points to consider:
- Annual assessment of blood pressure and smoking status is recommended 1
- Measurement of lipid levels every 5 years is a reasonable option 1
- Shorter intervals may be useful for persons whose risk levels are close to those warranting therapy, and longer intervals are appropriate for persons who are not at increased risk and have repeatedly normal levels 1
- Men aged 50 years and older should discuss the benefits and limitations of prostate cancer screening with their healthcare provider 1
- Women aged 40 years and older should have annual mammography and clinical breast examination 1
- Colorectal cancer screening should begin at age 50 years, with options including annual fecal occult blood test (FOBT), flexible sigmoidoscopy every 5 years, or colonoscopy every 10 years 1
From the Research
Recommended Annual Labs for Persons Over 40
The following annual labs are recommended for persons over 40:
- Complete Blood Count (CBC) to assess cardiovascular and metabolic diseases [ 2 ]
Components of CBC
The CBC components that are useful markers to predict cardiovascular disease (CVD) and metabolic diseases include:
- White blood cell (WBC) count
- Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR)
- Hemoglobin (Hb) level
- Mean corpuscular volume (MCV)
- Red cell distribution width (RDW)
- Platelet count
- Mean platelet volume (MPV)
- Platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) [ 2 ]