Which blood tests should I ask about?
Pre-Physical Lab Checklist
See which lab tests people like you commonly discuss before an annual physical, so you can walk in prepared.
How to use it
How to use the lab checklist
Step 1
Enter your age and sex assigned at birth.
Step 2
Tick any conditions, medicines or symptoms that apply.
Step 3
Get a short list of tests to ask about, with plain-English explanations.
How it works
Which tests appear, and why
Three tests are on every list. The rest are added when your age or answers make them relevant.
| Test | Added when | What it checks |
|---|---|---|
| CBC (complete blood count) | Always | Red and white cells and platelets |
| CMP (metabolic panel) | Always | Kidney and liver function, blood sugar, electrolytes |
| Lipid panel | Always (flagged from 40, or with high cholesterol or family history) | Cholesterol and triglycerides |
| Hemoglobin A1c | Ages 35 to 70, or diabetes, overweight or family history | Average blood sugar over about three months |
| TSH | Thyroid condition or medicine, or ongoing tiredness | Thyroid function |
| Urine albumin-to-creatinine | Diabetes, high blood pressure or kidney concerns | Early kidney changes |
| Vitamin B12 | Metformin or a vegan or vegetarian diet | B12 levels, which can run low |
| Ferritin and iron | Tiredness, heavy periods or a plant-based diet | Iron stores |
| Hepatitis C and HIV | Hepatitis C: 18 to 79. HIV: up to 65 | One-time screening |
| PSA | Men 55 to 69 | Prostate screening, a personal decision |
Understanding your result
Getting ready for your blood test
Ask about fasting
Some tests, such as certain cholesterol or glucose tests, may need you to fast for 8 to 12 hours. Ask when your labs are ordered.
Drink water
Unless told otherwise, water is fine and makes the blood draw easier.
Keep taking your medicines
Do not stop anything unless your clinician tells you to. Bring a list, including supplements.
Bring past results
Earlier results help show trends, which often matter more than one number.
Not on the list? Vitamin D and “full hormone panels” are not routinely recommended for everyone. Ask if you have a specific reason. WheelHouse patients get discounted cash-pay lab pricing.
Next steps
When not to wait for your physical
Get simple health tips by email
Practical, seasonal health tips and reminders from our nurse practitioner, about once or twice a month.
Keep exploring
Related pages and reading
Sources
- Complete blood count MedlinePlus
- Comprehensive metabolic panel MedlinePlus
- Cholesterol levels MedlinePlus
- Hemoglobin A1c test MedlinePlus
- TSH test MedlinePlus
- How to prepare for a lab test MedlinePlus
- Hepatitis C: screening USPSTF
Common questions
About this tool
General information, not a diagnosis. For an emergency, call 911.
Your clinician decides what is useful for you. Not every test is needed every year.
Not for every test. Some cholesterol and glucose tests may need 8 to 12 hours of fasting. We will tell you when your labs are ordered.
WheelHouse patients get discounted cash-pay lab pricing. Ask us for the price before your blood draw.
It depends on your age, health and risk factors. Your clinician will suggest a schedule that fits you.
Yes. Bring or upload recent results so we can avoid repeating tests.
Ready when you are