What laboratory tests are recommended for a yearly check-up for an adult woman?

Recommended Laboratory Tests for Annual Check-up in Adult Women

For adult women, yearly check-ups should include screening for breast cancer, cervical cancer, colorectal cancer (after age 50), cardiovascular risk factors, diabetes, and depression. 1

Core Laboratory Tests for All Adult Women

• Complete Blood Count (CBC) - To screen for anemia, which affects approximately 20% of women 2
• Lipid Profile - Check total cholesterol, HDL, LDL, and triglycerides every 1-2 years 1
  • Target values: Total cholesterol <200 mg/dL, HDL >50 mg/dL, LDL <100 mg/dL, Triglycerides <150 mg/dL
• Fasting Blood Glucose - Screen for diabetes every 1-2 years 1
  • Target: <100 mg/dL
• Blood Pressure Measurement - Target: <120/80 mmHg 1
• Body Mass Index (BMI) - Target: <25 kg/m² 1
• Depression Screening - Using standardized screening tools 1

Age-Specific Laboratory Tests

Ages 20-39

• Pap Test - Every 3 years starting approximately 3 years after beginning sexual activity, but no later than age 21 1
• Clinical Breast Examination - Every 3 years 1
• STI Screening - Annual gonorrhea and chlamydia testing for sexually active women under 25 or at risk 1
• HIV Testing - At least once for all adults 1

Ages 40-49

• Mammography - Begin annual screening at age 40 1
• Clinical Breast Examination - Annually 1
• Pap Test - Every 2-3 years if previous tests normal 1
• Hepatitis C Screening - One-time screening for those born between 1945-1965 3

Ages 50 and older

• Colorectal Cancer Screening - Beginning at age 50, choose one of the following options 1:
  • Annual fecal occult blood test (FOBT) or fecal immunochemical test (FIT)
  • Flexible sigmoidoscopy every 5 years
  • Colonoscopy every 10 years
  • CT colonography every 5 years
• Bone Density Testing - For women 65 and older or younger postmenopausal women with risk factors 1
• Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) - Consider screening, especially with symptoms

Special Considerations

• Waist Circumference - Target: <35 inches 1
• Hepatitis B Screening - For women at high risk 1
• Vitamin D Level - Consider in women at risk for deficiency
• Urinalysis - To screen for kidney disease and urinary tract infections

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

1. Over-testing - Ordering tests without clear indications can lead to false positives and unnecessary follow-up procedures
2. Under-testing - Missing recommended screenings based on age and risk factors
3. Ignoring patient-specific risk factors - Family history, lifestyle, and ethnicity may warrant additional or earlier screening
4. Focusing only on laboratory tests - A comprehensive check-up should include counseling on diet, exercise, smoking cessation, and alcohol use
5. Neglecting immunization status - Ensure all vaccinations are up to date according to CDC guidelines

Remember that these recommendations are for average-risk women. Women with specific risk factors (family history, genetic predisposition, previous abnormal findings) may require more frequent or additional testing. The American Cancer Society recommends a cancer-related checkup that includes examination for cancers of the thyroid, ovaries, lymph nodes, oral cavity, and skin as part of periodic health examinations 1.