Feeling off? Routine blood tests to consider by age

You can usually tell when something feels “off” with your health.

Fatigue, unexplained aches or constant thirst are signals your body sends when it needs attention. But not every health concern announces itself with obvious symptoms. Many serious conditions develop gradually and quietly, long before you notice anything unusual.

That’s where bloodwork becomes essential. A simple blood test can uncover early warning signs, explain persistent symptoms and detect underlying conditions before they progress — giving you the information needed to feel better and head off disease.

“Staying up to date on recommended lab work can help detect risk factors for heart disease, diabetes, thyroid disorders and other conditions early, when they’re most treatable,” said Laura Raheb, MD, an internal medicine physician with Endeavor Health. “It can also help us track trends over time. If something is moving in a direction we don’t want to see, we can address that before it becomes a problem.”

A lab visit won’t take much time out of your day, especially at an Endeavor Health lab. Blood draws for routine lab tests usually take less than 30 minutes, and results are often available within 1 or 2 days. You could even stay in your vehicle with a drive-through appointment at the lab location in Downers Grove, where Dr. Raheb’s clinic is located.

Starting at age 20, most adults should have periodic lab work as part of their annual physical exam, including:

• Complete blood count (CBC). A complete blood count (CBC) evaluates your general health. It can also detect a range of diseases, so doctors order this test to shed light on symptoms like fatigue or bruises. The CBC checks your levels of white blood cells, red blood cells and platelets. White blood cells help fight infection, so you’d have a higher number if that’s the case. A high or low number of red blood cells could indicate different diseases. Platelets, which help your blood clot, outside a normal range could also indicate disease.
• Standard lipid panel (cholesterol screening). Your doctor will order a lipid panel to get a picture of your cholesterol. Cholesterol is broken up into “good” (HDL) and “bad” (LDL). When LDL or “bad” cholesterol builds up in your arteries, it can slow your blood flow, potentially leading to a heart attack or stroke. High cholesterol typically has no symptoms, yet it’s a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke. Regular cholesterol screening helps your doctor assess your cardiovascular risk early.

You want your HDL cholesterol to be higher than 45 milligrams (mg) of cholesterol per deciliter (dL) of blood. You want your LDL to be less than 130 mg/dL. Triglycerides should be less than 150 mg/dL, and your total cholesterol shouldn’t break 200 mg/dL. If you’re at an average risk of developing heart disease, it’s a good idea to get your cholesterol checked every five years.

• Basic or comprehensive metabolic panel. A basic metabolic panel (BMP) tests your blood glucose (blood sugar), kidney function, and levels of calcium, sodium and potassium. The comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP) includes all those tests plus liver function tests. These tests are often part of routine preventive health screenings and help identify early changes in organ function as well as screen for diabetes and kidney disease.

At age 35, your doctor may begin testing your thyroid function.

• Thyroid function (TSH test). This test checks the level of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) in your blood. A high count could signify hypothyroidism (which can cause fatigue, weight gain and constipation), a low count, hyperthyroidism (which can cause weight loss, sweating and rapid heart rate). This test can help your doctor rule out other diseases. This test is usually run every five years.

Around age 40, your doctor may increase the frequency of the previous test, and order these additional tests:

• Hemoglobin A1c (diabetes screening). This test measures your blood sugar levels and is used to check for prediabetes or diabetes. Higher A1C levels usually indicate prediabetes or diabetes. If the test reveals your A1C level is above 5.7 percent, your doctor may order additional tests.
• Prostate test. A prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test measures a protein in the blood and is sometimes used in prostate cancer screening. PSA levels above 4 ng/mL may prompt further evaluation, though screening decisions are individualized based on risk and family history.

Stay on top of your health with annual visits with your primary care doctor that include routine bloodwork, and be sure to let your doctor know when you’re feeling achy, tired, or otherwise unwell.