A thorough physical exam should include several routine blood tests, along with one additional test you might want to request: a check of your vitamin D levels, as deficiency is common. Here are some essential tests you should undergo during a comprehensive physical:
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CBC (Complete Blood Count) with Differential
This test measures your red blood cells (responsible for oxygen transport), white blood cells (immune cells), and platelets (help with blood clotting), as well as the shapes, sub-types, and sizes of these cells. Trends in these results over time are often more telling than a single result. For instance, a low red blood cell count may indicate anemia. The differential analysis can help determine whether anemia is due to internal bleeding, iron deficiency, or a lack of B vitamins. Changes in white blood cell counts can signal bone marrow issues or general illness. -
Renal Panel
This panel assesses kidney function by measuring levels of sodium, potassium, calcium, urea nitrogen, creatinine, carbon dioxide, chloride, glucose, and phosphate. -
Liver Panel
This test measures liver enzymes, providing information on liver health and function. It’s particularly important to monitor this panel if you're taking medications that could affect liver health. -
Lipid (Cardiac) Panel
This panel requires at least an eight-hour fast and measures total cholesterol, LDL (“bad” cholesterol), HDL (“good” cholesterol), and triglycerides. If these tests aren't included, consider requesting additional markers: C-reactive protein (for inflammation and cardiac risk), homocysteine (a potentially toxic amino acid linked to heart disease risk), and fractionated LDL (which provides more detail on LDL characteristics, as not all LDL is harmful). -
Blood Glucose
Also requiring fasting, this test evaluates how well your body processes sugar. It’s useful for diagnosing and monitoring diabetes and assessing long-term blood sugar control. -
Urinalysis
Though not a blood test, a complete physical typically includes a urine sample. Urinalysis can detect issues that might not be noticeable yet, such as trace amounts of blood in the urine.
These tests provide a comprehensive overview of your health, offering early insight into potential issues before symptoms appear.