which tests should we perform regularly?
Blood laboratory tests are a simple, quick, and informative method of assessing health status.
Table of Contents
Blood tests assess the functional status of various organs and systems, detect early signs of disease, and identify risk factors so that additional tests or treatment can be planned in a timely manner if necessary.
Many chronic diseases, including diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and some kidney and liver diseases, can be detected at an early stage through laboratory tests.
General blood test
A complete blood count (CBC) is one of the most commonly ordered and important laboratory tests. It evaluates the major blood cells—red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets—and provides important information about your overall health.
A complete blood count helps your doctor detect infection, inflammation, anemia, and other hematological disorders. Also, changes in some indicators may be associated with a deficiency of vitamins and minerals, such as iron, vitamin B₁₂, or folic acid, which affect the normal formation of blood cells.
Regular monitoring of complete blood count values is important, as changes in them often affect both daily well-being and long-term health outcomes. For example, low hemoglobin levels can cause fatigue, weakness, and lack of energy, while low white blood cell counts can make the body more vulnerable to infections.
Metabolic panel
It combines basic biochemical tests and allows for an assessment of the overall metabolic state of the body. This test provides important information about liver and kidney function, blood glucose and protein levels, as well as electrolytes and acid-base balance.
A metabolic panel helps your doctor identify organ dysfunction, metabolic changes, and other conditions that often have no obvious symptoms in the early stages.
A metabolic panel is especially often prescribed for patients with chronic diseases such as diabetes, arterial hypertension, liver and kidney diseases, obesity and overweight, metabolic syndrome, etc. The results of the study allow the doctor to assess the course of the disease, the effectiveness of treatment, and identify possible complications in a timely manner.
Lipid metabolism profile
Measures the levels of fats in the blood, including total cholesterol, HDL ("good" cholesterol), LDL ("bad" cholesterol), and triglycerides. These indicators play an important role in assessing the risk of developing cardiovascular disease.
The general recommendation is to have relatively high HDL levels and target LDL and triglyceride levels. However, a lipid profile alone is not always sufficient to fully assess cardiovascular risk. In high-risk patients, your doctor may order additional tests such as apolipoprotein B (ApoB) and lipoprotein(a) Lp(a). However, for most people, a lipid profile is an important initial test for assessing and monitoring heart health.
Lipid metabolism profile study
Glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c)
Shows the average blood glucose level over the past approximately 3 months, unlike a single glucose test, which only reflects the level at the time of the test.
If a person is healthy, HbA1c control is recommended periodically, at least once a year. In patients with diabetes, the frequency of testing is determined individually and in some cases may be necessary several times a year.
Elevated HbA1c levels are not only associated with the risk of developing diabetes, but may also increase the likelihood of developing cardiovascular disease. Therefore, it is important to regularly monitor it and maintain the level within the optimal range determined by your doctor.
Vitamin D
Testing your vitamin D levels allows us to assess your body's vitamin D stores and identify vitamin D deficiency or insufficiency. Low vitamin D levels may be associated with bone health problems, muscle weakness, fatigue, and changes in immune system function.
Used to assess vitamin D status 25(OH)D (25-Hydroxyvitamin D) And a total vitamin D test — this reflects the total amount of vitamin D in the body. Based on the test results, the doctor assesses whether additional vitamin D intake is necessary and in what dosage.
Periodic monitoring of vitamin D levels is especially important in risk groups, including the elderly, pregnant women, people with less sun exposure, overweight people, and those with chronic diseases.
Iron and ferritin
Iron deficiency is one of the most common nutritional disorders and the main cause of iron deficiency anemia. A lack of iron in the body can cause fatigue, weakness, decreased energy, difficulty concentrating, and other complaints.
On the other hand, some chronic diseases can lead to excessive iron accumulation in the body, which is harmful to health. Therefore, it is important to periodically assess iron levels.
Iron status is assessed by measuring blood iron (Fe), ferritin, and transferrin—indicators that reflect iron stores in the body.
LiverFunctionalResearch
A group of laboratory tests that evaluate liver function, signs of cell damage, and the state of bile metabolism.
Main indicators: ALT (alanine aminotransferase), AST (aspartate aminotransferase), ALP (alkaline phosphatase), GGT (gamma-glutamyltransferase), total and direct bilirubin, total protein, and others.
These studies are used to evaluate and monitor liver inflammation, fibrotic degeneration, biliary tract damage, and other liver diseases.
Gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT)
A liver enzyme used to assess liver and biliary tract function. Elevated levels of GGT may be associated with inflammation and oxidative stress. Elevated levels of GGT, including sometimes high levels within the normal range, are also associated with an increased risk of developing diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and kidney disease.
Therefore, periodic monitoring of gamma-glutamyltransferase may be useful for assessing liver health and general metabolic status, especially in people with relevant risk factors.
Uric acid
Uric acid is an important, yet difficult to measure, indicator in the body. Its excess may be associated with the formation of kidney stones, gout, as well as an increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease and diabetes.
However, very low levels of uric acid are not always desirable, as it is a natural antioxidant in the body and helps protect cells from oxidative stress. Some studies suggest that uric acid may have a neuroprotective role and may be linked to brain health.
Therefore, it is important to maintain uric acid levels within the optimal range — both elevated and significantly decreased levels require evaluation by a doctor along with other clinical data.
Thyroid hormones and TSH
Thyroid hormones affect energy expenditure, cholesterol levels, insulin sensitivity, and various body functions. Underactive or overactive thyroid can cause weight gain, lack of energy, mood swings, and more.
One of the most commonly used tests to assess thyroid function is the thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH). Elevated levels indicate hypothyroidism (Hypothyroidism), and a reduced level indicates its increased activity (Hyperthyroidism).
Cardiac markers:
highSensitivity C-reactiveProtein (hs-CRP)
It is a laboratory test that evaluates low-intensity inflammatory processes in the body and is particularly used to assess the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases.
hs-CRP is a more sensitive method than conventional CRP and allows the detection of even small changes that may be associated with inflammatory processes in the walls of blood vessels. Its level can be increased by various factors, including infection, chronic inflammation, obesity, smoking, and other conditions.
When assessing cardiovascular risk, hs-CRP is interpreted in conjunction with other factors—lipid profile, blood pressure, age, lifestyle, and the patient's overall health.
High sensitivity C reactive protein
BNP (BtypeNatriureticPeptide NT-proBNP (
A hormone released by heart muscle cells when the heart is overloaded. This condition is often associated with congestive heart failure.
BNP levels are used to assess heart function. Based on the results, we can judge whether a patient's complaints (shortness of breath or swelling, etc.) are related to heart failure.
Creatine kinase (CK)
An enzyme found primarily in the brain, heart, and skeletal muscle tissue. When muscle tissue is damaged, creatine kinase is released into the blood, causing its levels to rise.
CK testing is used to evaluate muscle damage, inflammation, and various musculoskeletal disorders. Its results are interpreted in conjunction with other clinical data and, if necessary, additional testing.
creatine kinaseS MBFaction
(CK-MB) is an isoenzyme of creatine kinase, which is mainly found in the heart muscle. Its level in the blood may increase when the heart muscle is damaged, including myocardial infarction or other cardiac diseases.
The creatine kinase MB fraction test is used to assess myocardial damage and its results are considered in conjunction with other clinical signs and laboratory parameters.
Coagulation tests
Assesses the blood clotting process — how effectively and in what time a blood clot forms. These tests include the prothrombin time (PT) and fibrinogen activity test.
Coagulation test results are influenced by a person's general health, existing chronic diseases, medications, and other factors that can alter the blood clotting process. Therefore, results should always be evaluated by a physician in light of the patient's overall condition.
Fibrinogen
Fibrinogen is an important component of the blood clotting process, produced in the liver and itself participates in the formation of a thrombus.
Fibrinogen is a so-called acute phase protein, and its elevated levels may be associated with: cardiovascular disease, atherosclerosis, stroke risk, rheumatoid arthritis, and inflammatory kidney diseases.
Assessing fibrinogen levels is particularly important in the evaluation of diseases and inflammatory processes associated with blood clotting disorders.
DHEA-Sulfate (DHEA-S)research
Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is an adrenal hormone that is involved in the production of sex hormones and affects various body functions. Low levels in men may indicate hormonal disorders, while elevated DHEA-S in women may cause symptoms of androgen excess, such as excessive hair growth.
FreeTestosterone
Testosterone is a sex hormone that plays an important role in sexual maturation, reproductive function, and overall health. Declining levels as we age can affect energy, mood, muscle mass, and other physiological processes.
Free testosterone is the part of the hormone that is not bound to proteins and is considered the more biologically active form.
In women, elevated levels of free testosterone may be associated with hirsutism—excessive facial and body hair. Its decline may be reflected in decreased libido and general well-being.
In men, free testosterone testing is used to determine active testosterone levels and may help evaluate conditions such as metabolic disorders, abdominal obesity, cardiovascular risks, and mood swings.
Estradiol
Estradiol is one of the main forms of estrogen found in both women and men. Its optimal levels in both sexes are essential for normal body function.
In women, estradiol levels are used to assess changes in the menstrual cycle, reproductive status, and menopause. Elevated levels may be associated with an increased risk of endometrial and breast disease in some cases.
Sexually transmitted infections (STI) studies
Some sexually transmitted infections (STDs) can be diagnosed with a blood sample. Blood tests are often combined with urine and swab tests for a more accurate assessment.
It is important to note that a blood test after a recent infection does not always give an accurate result, as it takes time for antibodies to form.
That is why, in case of suspected infection or high-risk contact, it may be necessary to repeat the test according to the doctor's recommendation.
Research on sexually transmitted diseases
Why?noIssometimesOnlyBasic analysesEnough?
Many people get a few basic blood tests once a year, believing that they have a complete picture of their health. While such tests are important and provide valuable information about how the body is functioning, in some cases they may not be enough to provide a complete preventive health assessment.
For example:
- Blood tests cannot assess heart rhythm disorders
- Laboratory parameters do not allow us to visually assess internal organs.
- Does not fully detect some asymptomatic lifestyle risk factors
- Laboratory tests cannot replace a doctor's clinical evaluation and professional interpretation.
A comprehensive study of health status often requires a combination of instrumental and physical examinations in addition to laboratory profile studies.
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Resources
https://www.healthline.com/health/blood-tests
https://labs.selfdecode.com/blog/10-essential-blood-tests/
https://www.personalabs.com/blog/10-essential-annual-blood-tests/
