Frequency
Annual: CBC, lipid panel, glucose/HbA1c, CMP.
Every 1–2 years: Thyroid panel (sooner if symptomatic or with family history).
If you’re under 30, healthy, and have no family risk, primary care providers might adjust frequency – but baseline annual checks are valuable for tracking trends over time.
Preparation and interpretation
Fasting: 8–12 hours before lipid, glucose, and CMP for accurate readings.
Lab ranges: Results compare against ‘normal ranges’ applicable to age, sex, and lab method – discuss values with your doctor.
Trends matter: A single borderline value (e.g., LDL slightly high) may only need moderate lifestyle changes. But rising values over the years signal deeper metabolic shifts needing monitoring or intervention.
Beyond the basics
Depending on age, lifestyle, gender, or family history, your provider might recommend:
Vitamin D and B12 levels (common in Indian adults).
MLS Diagnostics Blog.
CRP or hs-CRP to detect low-grade inflammation and cardiovascular risk.
Iron studies (ferritin, serum iron) for diagnosing anemia or overload.
