How often do I need routine blood work?

A blood test can reveal a lot about how healthy you are, whether you're experiencing symptoms or not. Regular health checks are essential for maintaining your wellbeing and preventing potential issues later in life. 

In this blog, we’ll explore the importance of blood tests, what you can expect from a blood test, and how often you should consider getting tested.

• What is a health check?
• Why are regular blood tests important?
• How often should you take a blood test?
• What happens during a blood test?
• What age to start blood tests?
• How to arrange an annual blood test

What is a health check?
 

A yearly health check helps find out if you are at risk for a disease or already have one. They include a review of your lifestyle and family history, important measurements such as height and weight, and blood tests.

Blood health checks are an essential part of this process, offering an up-to-date overview of your health and wellbeing. By identifying potential risks like diabetes or heart disease, you can take proactive steps to improve your health.

Why are regular blood tests important?
 

Routine blood tests are a great way to keep track of your health. You can use them to catch potential issues early, even before symptoms appear. Conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and hormonal imbalances all have biomarkers which can give an insight into your risk.

By tracking your biomarkers over time and having regular check-ups, you and your healthcare team can make informed decisions to improve your health.

Four benefits of annual testing:

• Identify what’s normal for you: Track any changes over time.
• Understand your health risks: Spot any biomarkers outside the healthy range.
• Make lifestyle changes: Take steps to prevent diseases linked to lifestyle factors.
• Peace of mind: Know where you stand health-wise as you move through different life stages.

Common biomarkers tested include:

• Cholesterol levels
• Blood sugar levels
• Liver function
• Kidney function
• Vitamin and mineral levels (e.g., vitamin D, B12, iron)

How often should you take a blood test?
 

It can be beneficial to get a general health check-up once a year to monitor your health. 

The exact frequency of routine blood tests depends on your health, age, and lifestyle factors. Here’s a general guide to when you should get tested:

1. Healthy adults

For people in good health with no existing medical conditions, an annual check-up with blood tests is recommended. This may include:

• Complete blood count (CBC)
• Lipid profile (cholesterol)
• Blood sugar levels (diabetes risk)
• Liver and kidney function tests
• Vitamin and mineral levels

An annual test of our Advanced Well Woman Blood Test or Advanced Well Man Blood Test covers all of these checks and more. 

2. People with existing health conditions

If you have conditions like diabetes, high cholesterol, or thyroid disease, you may need blood tests more frequently. Your doctor may recommend tests every three to six months to monitor your condition and make necessary adjustments.

3. High-risk groups

People with a family history of heart disease, diabetes, or high cholesterol should be tested more often. This includes those with unhealthy lifestyles or those on long-term medications. Testing is usually recommended every six to twelve months.

4. Key life stages

As we go through life, our bodies change, and so do our health needs. Certain times (like hitting your 40s or going through pregnancy) can bring shifts in hormones, metabolism, and overall wellbeing.

Regular blood tests can help you stay on top of these changes, catch potential issues early, and make informed decisions about your health.

Here are a few considerations for some stages:

• Men over 40 – As you get older, your risk of heart disease and prostate issues increases. A yearly check of your cholesterol, blood pressure, and PSA levels can help catch any concerns early.
• Women over 40 – Hormone changes, bone health, and vitamin levels become more important around this time. Getting tested every year or two for hormone balance, vitamin D, calcium, and bone health can help you stay strong and manage menopause symptoms.
• Pregnant women – Pregnancy puts extra demands on your body, so regular blood tests throughout can help monitor iron levels, nutrient levels, and overall health, making sure both you and your baby are well supported.

What happens during a blood test?
 

Blood tests typically involve providing a sample, either through a finger-prick test or a venous draw (from a vein in your arm). With Medichecks, you can choose from the following options:

• Finger-prick test: Quick and convenient for many types of tests.
• Venous blood sample: For tests that require more blood.
• Nurse visit at home: A nurse can come to you for a blood draw.

After your blood is collected, it will be sent to a lab for analysis. Once the results are ready, they will be available in your online portal, accompanied by doctor’s comments that provide actionable insights.

At what age do you start blood tests?
 

Blood health checks are suitable for adults of all ages, with different priorities depending on your life stage. Here’s a breakdown of what you should consider at various ages:

• In your 20s: Understand your fitness baseline and identify potential risks such as liver or kidney health.
• In your 30s: Monitor hormone levels, which can affect your mood, energy, fertility, and libido.
• In your 40s: Check for low energy, mood changes, low testosterone, or thyroid conditions.
• In your 50s: Investigate health conditions like menopause, high cholesterol, or diabetes.
• In your 60s+: Treat health checks like an MOT, identifying risks or conditions early.

How to arrange an annual blood test
 

With at-home testing options, it's easier than ever to manage your health. At Medichecks, we offer both finger-prick and venous blood tests. You can order your test online, collect your sample at home or at a partner clinic, and receive doctor-reviewed results directly through your online portal.

Which blood test should you choose?
 

If you're not sure where to start, these tests can provide key insights into your health:

• Advanced Well Man and Woman: A comprehensive check of essential biomarkers.
• Iron Blood Test: Identifies low iron levels, which can cause fatigue.
• Thyroid Function Test: Detects thyroid imbalances (underactive/overactive).
• Advanced Heart Disease Risk Blood Test: Measures cholesterol and inflammation markers.
• Diabetes (HbA1c) Blood Test: Checks blood sugar levels.
• Optimal Health Blood Test: A detailed analysis of 59 biomarkers for overall health.

You could also try our Test Finder tool and find the perfect test for your needs.