Verbatim response from ChatGPT
Short answer: start with a core annual panel (CBC, metabolic panel, lipid panel, HbA1c, TSH, vitamin D, B12, ferritin/iron as indicated, and hs‑CRP) and add tests based on your age, sex, family history, medications and risk factors. Review results with your primary care clinician so abnormal findings are acted on.
Core tests to consider every year (good baseline for most adults)
- Complete blood count (CBC) — screens for anemia, infection, platelet problems.
- Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP) — kidney function (creatinine, eGFR), electrolytes, liver enzymes, albumin, glucose.
- Lipid panel (total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, triglycerides) — heart disease risk. (Fasting recommended if high triglycerides or provider asks.)
- Hemoglobin A1c (and/or fasting glucose) — screens for prediabetes/diabetes.
- Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) — common endocrine disorder; add free T4 if abnormal.
- 25‑hydroxy vitamin D — deficiency is common and treatable.
- Vitamin B12 — especially if older, vegetarian/vegan, or on metformin/PPI.
- Ferritin (iron studies) — if fatigue, heavy menses, or risk of iron overload.
- High‑sensitivity C‑reactive protein (hs‑CRP) — nonspecific inflammation and cardiovascular risk marker.
- Urinalysis (not blood but commonly done with annual labs) — kidney disease, glucose/protein, infection.
Additional tests to consider (based on age, sex, symptoms, or risk)
- Lipoprotein(a) and ApoB — one‑time or periodic advanced cardiovascular risk markers if family history of early heart disease.
- Fasting insulin or HOMA-IR — metabolic risk/insulin resistance (if concerned about metabolic syndrome).
- Hepatitis B and C screening — if risk factors (IVDU, transfusion history, high‑risk exposure).
- PSA — men: shared decision for ages ~55–69 (earlier if family history or high risk).
- Total and free testosterone — men with low libido, fatigue, muscle loss.
- Estradiol, FSH/LH or AMH — women with menopausal or fertility concerns.
- Vitamin and mineral checks (folate, calcium, magnesium, zinc) — if diet, meds, or symptoms suggest deficiency.
- HIV, syphilis and other STI tests — based on sexual history and risk.
- Inflammatory or autoimmune panels (e.g., ANA) — if symptoms suggest autoimmune disease.
- Genetic testing (cardiac/cancer genes) — not routine; do if strong family history; use clinical labs like Invitae for medical-grade testing.
How to get them — services and brands
- Your primary care clinician or local health system — best choice for ordering tests, medical context, and follow‑up.
- Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp — large national networks of draw locations; accept physician orders and many self‑pay options.
- Everlywell or LetsGetChecked — at‑home collection kits for common tests (convenient), but they have limits on which tests and follow‑up is more limited.
- InsideTracker, Thorne, WellnessFX (or Ontrak’s lab services) — deeper biomarker panels plus interpretation/coaching if you want a wellness/optimization focus.
- DirectLabs / HealthLabs — allow self‑ordering of many standard tests at common providers (price‑shopping can help).
Practical tips
- Talk with your clinician: age, family history, meds, and symptoms change which tests are needed and how often.
- Fasting: many providers ask for an 8–12 hour fast for lipid panels and fasting glucose; check instructions.
- Avoid heavy alcohol or intense exercise 24 hours before some tests (can skew liver enzymes, lipids, CK).
- Bring a medication list and note recent illnesses or vaccinations when getting labs.
- Ask for a copy of results and a plan for abnormal findings (repeat testing, referrals, lifestyle or medication changes).
If you want, tell me your age, sex, major medical conditions and family history and I’ll give a tailored annual‑test checklist and suggest which ones you should insist on yearly vs. every few years.