Verbatim response from Perplexity
If you want a practical annual blood-test set for a broad health picture, the most common baseline is CBC, CMP (or BMP), lipid panel, and HbA1c; many clinicians also add TSH when there are thyroid symptoms or risk factors.[1][3][4][5][8] Blood tests are often useful as part of a yearly physical, but the exact list should be tailored to your age, sex, family history, medications, and symptoms.[1][4][5]
- CBC (complete blood count): checks red cells, white cells, hemoglobin/hematocrit, and platelets; useful for anemia, infection, inflammation, and some blood disorders.[4][5][9]
- CMP (comprehensive metabolic panel): checks electrolytes, kidney function, liver function, glucose, calcium, and other markers of metabolic health.[4][6][8]
- Lipid panel: measures cholesterol and triglycerides to estimate cardiovascular risk.[2][4]
- HbA1c: shows average blood sugar over roughly the last 2–3 months and helps screen for prediabetes/diabetes.[2][3][4][5]
- TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone): useful if you have symptoms like fatigue, palpitations, weight change, constipation, or a thyroid history.[3][4][5]
A reasonable “full picture” annual package is therefore CBC + CMP + lipid panel + HbA1c, with TSH added for many adults and more tests only if your history suggests they’re needed.[3][4][6][8] Some vendors package these together as a “standard health” or “annual check-up” panel, but those bundled tests are still just a starting point, not a one-size-fits-all rule.[3][6][8]
What usually isn’t automatically included every year unless there’s a reason:
- Iron studies/ferritin if you have anemia, heavy menstrual bleeding, fatigue, or absorption issues.[4][5]
- Vitamin B12/folate if there’s anemia, neuropathy, or dietary risk.
- PSA for prostate screening when age- and risk-appropriate; it is not a universal annual test for everyone.[4]
- Kidney/liver extras or inflammatory markers only when symptoms, medications, or chronic conditions warrant them.[2][5]
If you want a simple annual plan to discuss with a clinician, ask for:
- CBC
- CMP
- Lipid panel
- HbA1c
- TSH if indicated by symptoms or family history[2][3][4][5][8]
If you tell me your age, sex, and any conditions or medications, I can suggest a more tailored yearly lab list.