Annual checkups and routine lab work go hand in hand. But what exactly do those blood tests show about your health? The answer is quite a lot.
During your yearly checkup, your primary care provider (PCP) may order several blood tests to evaluate your overall health. These screenings are designed to prevent health problems before they develop and to detect potential issues early, when they are easier to treat.
It is remarkable how much information can come from a small blood sample. From cholesterol levels to red and white blood cell counts, routine lab work provides a valuable snapshot of your health.
Common Blood Tests in Routine Lab Work
Whether you are in good health or managing a chronic condition, your provider may order some or all of the following blood tests:
Complete Blood Count (CBC)
A CBC measures the main components of your blood, including:
Red blood cells: Low levels may indicate anemia.
White blood cells: High levels may signal infection or an immune disorder.
Platelets: Important for blood clotting.
It also evaluates hemoglobin, hematocrit, and mean corpuscular volume. Together, these measurements help identify a variety of conditions, from infections to blood disorders.
Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP)
The CMP measures 14 substances in the blood to assess kidney, liver, and metabolic health. It includes:
Kidney function: Creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, albumin
Liver function: Bilirubin, total protein, and liver enzymes (ALT, ALP, AST)
Electrolytes: Sodium, potassium, chloride, bicarbonate
Glucose: To check for prediabetes or diabetes
Calcium: To measure bone and muscle health
In some cases, your provider may order a Basic Metabolic Panel (BMP) instead, which measures eight of these substances.
Lipid Panel (Cholesterol Test)
A lipid panel measures the types of fat in your blood, including:
High-density lipoprotein (HDL), good cholesterol
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL), bad cholesterol
Total cholesterol, the sum of your HDL, LDL, and 20 percent of your triglyceride level
Triglycerides, a type of fat in the blood
High cholesterol is a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke, making this test an important part of preventive care.
Additional Blood Tests Your Provider May Recommend
Depending on your age, risk factors, or symptoms, your provider may suggest other tests such as:
Hemoglobin A1C: Measures average blood sugar levels over three months to help diagnose prediabetes or diabetes.
Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH): Evaluates thyroid function.
Vitamin D test: Detects vitamin D deficiency, which can affect bone and immune health.
Allergy blood test: Checks for elevated antibodies that indicate allergies.
Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test: For men, measures PSA levels to help detect prostate concerns.
What Blood Tests You Need and When
The best way to know which tests are right for you is to talk with your primary care provider. Your provider will consider your medical history, age, lifestyle, and risk factors before ordering routine lab work or additional screenings.
If results show abnormalities, your provider can recommend next steps, such as lifestyle changes, medications, or referrals to specialists.
Comprehensive Care Close to Home
West Tennessee Healthcare is committed to helping you stay healthy through preventive care, primary care, and laboratory services. Our dedicated providers are here to monitor your health and guide you toward better wellness.
Find the West Tennessee Healthcare location that is most convenient for you and schedule your annual checkup today.
