What blood tests should you get every year?

Blood tests are one of the best tools for spotting changes early. But more testing isn't always better — the right panel depends on your age, history and risk factors.

What guidelines recommend

The US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends screening for prediabetes and type 2 diabetes in adults aged 35 to 70 who have overweight or obesity, typically with fasting glucose, HbA1c or an oral glucose tolerance test.

By contrast, the USPSTF concluded there is insufficient evidence to recommend routine vitamin D screening for adults without symptoms. That doesn't mean vitamin D never matters — just that testing everyone isn't clearly helpful.

Commonly checked markers

Depending on your situation, a clinician may order:

• Lipid panel: total, LDL and HDL cholesterol, triglycerides.
• Glucose or HbA1c: blood sugar control.
• Complete blood count: red and white cells, platelets.
• Metabolic panel: kidney function, electrolytes, liver enzymes.
• Situational tests: thyroid, ferritin, B12 or homocysteine when symptoms or history suggest it.

Getting more from your results

Keep your results in one place and look at trends year to year. A value creeping upward over several tests can be more informative than a single number just inside the range.

Blood tests and genetic tests answer different questions — see genetic testing vs blood testing. Read more in our preventative wellness guide, and always review results with a qualified clinician.

Before a draw, ask whether you need to fast, stay hydrated, and avoid hard exercise the day before, since intense training can temporarily shift some markers like liver enzymes and creatine kinase. Bring a list of supplements too — biotin, for example, can interfere with certain lab assays.