In this final part of Lab Tests Explained, we bring everything together. Labs and hospitals offer dozens of "full-body checkup" packages, and it can be hard to know what you actually need. The right tests depend on your age, sex, family history and lifestyle. Use this guide as a starting point for a conversation with your doctor.
For everyone, at every age
- Blood pressure: at least once a year.
- Weight, BMI and waist size: a waist above about 90 cm in men or 80 cm in women is a risk marker for South Asians.
- Dental check: every 6 to 12 months.
- Eye check: every one to two years, more often after 40 or with diabetes.
- Vaccinations: keep tetanus and other recommended vaccines up to date.
In your 20s
- CBC (Part 1) to check for anaemia, especially for women.
- Blood sugar (fasting or HbA1c) if overweight or with a family history of diabetes.
- Lipid profile (Part 2) once, earlier if there is a family history of heart disease.
- Thyroid test if you have symptoms, or before planning a pregnancy.
- Women: cervical cancer screening with a Pap test is commonly advised from around 21 to 25 years, as per your gynaecologist.
In your 30s
- Everything above, plus:
- Fasting blood sugar and HbA1c every one to three years. India's national screening programme for diabetes and blood pressure starts at age 30.
- Lipid profile every few years, or yearly with risk factors.
- Liver function test (Part 3) if overweight, drinking alcohol or with fatty liver on ultrasound.
- Kidney function test (Part 4) and urine routine (Part 5) if you have diabetes or high blood pressure.
- Vitamin B12 and vitamin D if you have symptoms or are at higher risk.
- Women: HPV testing or Pap tests at intervals advised by your doctor.
In your 40s
- Yearly blood sugar, lipid profile, kidney and liver tests.
- ECG as a baseline, and further heart checks if you have risk factors or symptoms.
- Women: discuss breast cancer screening with mammography, often recommended from 40 to 50 depending on guidelines and risk.
- Regular eye pressure checks for glaucoma.
- Iron studies (Part 6) if anaemic, especially with heavy periods.
50 and above
- All of the above, typically every year.
- Colorectal cancer screening (stool tests or colonoscopy), commonly advised from 45 to 50.
- Men: discuss prostate checks, including the PSA test, with your doctor.
- Bone density (DEXA scan): for women after menopause and older men with risk factors.
- Vitamin B12 (Part 7), especially for vegetarians and people on metformin.
- Hearing checks and memory concerns should also be discussed.
Tips for choosing a checkup package
- Choose an accredited lab, such as one with NABL accreditation.
- Do not pay for many tests you do not need; more is not always better.
- Keep all your reports in one folder or app to track trends over the years.
- Always review results with a doctor rather than relying on internet searches alone.
Thank you for following the series
We hope Lab Tests Explained has helped you read your reports with more confidence. Regular checkups catch many problems early, when they are easiest to treat.
Lab Tests Explained: the full series
- Part 1: CBC (Complete Blood Count)
- Part 2: Lipid Profile
- Part 3: Liver Function Test
- Part 4: Kidney Function Test
- Part 5: Urine Routine Test
- Part 6: Iron Studies and Ferritin
- Part 7: Vitamin B12
- Part 8: Full-Body Checkup by Age (you are here)
Related reads: Blood sugar levels and HbA1c · Thyroid tests · Vitamin D test · Uric acid
Disclaimer: This article is for general information only and is not medical advice. Reference ranges vary between laboratories, so always read your report against the range printed on it and discuss results with a qualified doctor.
