Recommended Laboratory Tests for a 40-Year-Old Female Well Check
For a 40-year-old female, the recommended laboratory tests include complete lipid profile, fasting blood glucose or HbA1c, cervical cancer screening, and clinical breast examination with consideration of mammography.
Cardiovascular Risk Assessment
Lipid Profile: A complete lipid profile should be performed every 4-6 years between ages 20-79 years 1
- Target values: total cholesterol <200 mg/dL, HDL >50 mg/dL, LDL <100 mg/dL, and triglycerides <150 mg/dL 2
- More frequent testing may be indicated if abnormal results or additional risk factors are present
Blood Pressure Screening: Should be measured at every regular healthcare visit 1
- Target: <120/80 mmHg
- Elevated BP is defined as 120-129/<80 mmHg
- Stage 1 hypertension: 130-139/80-89 mmHg
- Stage 2 hypertension: ≥140/90 mmHg
Diabetes Screening
- Fasting Blood Glucose or HbA1c: Should be performed for women who are overweight (BMI ≥25 kg/m²) or have additional risk factors 1
- Risk factors include: first-degree relative with diabetes, high-risk race/ethnicity, history of CVD, hypertension, HDL <35 mg/dL, triglycerides >250 mg/dL, polycystic ovary syndrome, physical inactivity, or severe obesity
- If results are normal, repeat testing at minimum 3-year intervals 1
- Target values: fasting glucose <100 mg/dL or HbA1c <5.7%
Cancer Screening
Cervical Cancer Screening: Pap test should be performed every 3 years, or every 5 years if combined with HPV testing 1, 2
- After age 30, women with three normal test results in a row may be screened every 2-3 years with cervical cytology alone, or every 3 years with HPV DNA testing plus cervical cytology
Clinical Breast Examination: Should be performed annually starting at age 40 1
Mammography: Should begin at age 40 with annual screening 1, 2
- The American Cancer Society strongly recommends annual mammography starting at age 40
Additional Recommended Tests
Complete Blood Count (CBC): To screen for anemia, infection, and other blood disorders
Basic Metabolic Panel: To assess kidney function, electrolyte balance, and glucose levels
Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH): Consider screening, especially with symptoms of thyroid dysfunction 2
Urinalysis: To screen for kidney disease and urinary tract infections 2
Special Considerations
Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) Screening: For sexually active women or those at risk
- Consider gonorrhea, chlamydia, syphilis, and HIV testing based on risk factors
Hepatitis Screening: Consider for women at high risk 2
Depression Screening: Should be performed using standardized screening tools 1, 2
Cancer-Related Checkup
As part of the periodic health examination, the American Cancer Society recommends examination for cancers of the thyroid, ovaries, lymph nodes, oral cavity, and skin, as well as health counseling about tobacco use, sun exposure, diet and nutrition, risk factors, sexual practices, and environmental exposures 1, 2.
Important Note
For women with obesity (BMI ≥30 kg/m²), more intensive screening for diabetes and cardiovascular risk factors is warranted, as obesity is strongly associated with increased risk for these conditions 1.