Verbatim response from Perplexity
To get a full picture of your health annually, you should prioritize these five key blood tests: Complete Blood Count (CBC), Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP), Lipid Panel, Hemoglobin A1C, and Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH)[1][2].
These tests are routinely ordered during annual physical exams to monitor critical health indicators[1]. Here is what each test reveals about your body:
| Test | What It Monitors | Key Health Insights |
|---|---|---|
| Complete Blood Count (CBC) | Red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, hemoglobin | Detects anemia, infections, inflammation, and immune issues[1][3] |
| Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP) | Kidney/liver function, electrolytes, glucose, calcium | Evaluates kidney and liver health, dehydration, and screens for diabetes via fasting glucose[1][2] |
| Lipid Panel | HDL, LDL, triglycerides | Assesses heart disease risk by measuring "bad" and "good" cholesterol levels[1][5] |
| Hemoglobin A1C (HbA1C) | Average blood glucose over 3 months | Identifies prediabetes, diabetes, and insulin resistance more accurately than a single glucose test[2][4] |
| Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) | Thyroid hormone levels | Evaluates thyroid function; underactive or overactive thyroid can impact weight, energy, and metabolism[1][2] |
Beyond these core five, your doctor may recommend additional tests based on your age, risk factors, or specific symptoms[1]:
- Vitamin D and B12: To check for nutrient deficiencies that cause fatigue or mood issues[5][9]
- Vitamin D: Essential for immune function and bone health[1]
- PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen): Recommended for all men by age 50 to screen for prostate issues[5]
- High-sensitivity CRP (hsCRP): For patients with a family history of heart disease to check inflammation markers[9]
Important Considerations:
- Fasting Requirements: The CMP and Lipid Panel often require fasting for 8–12 hours before the test, meaning no food or drink (except water) beforehand[2][5].
- Personalized Needs: While these five are standard, your doctor may adjust the panel if you have persistent symptoms like sudden weight loss or new pain[5].
- Comprehensive Options: For an even broader picture, services like Function Health offer access to 160+ lab tests chosen by top doctors for a complete view of current and future health[10].
Always discuss these results with your primary care provider to interpret them in the context of your overall health history[1][8].