Blood Testing in Germany

A basic haematological screen measuring red blood cells, total white blood cell count (without differential), haemoglobin, haematocrit, red cell indices, and platelet count. The kleines Blutbild provides core blood parameters without the five-part white cell breakdown, making it a cost-effective first-line screening for anaemia, polycythaemia, and general cellular blood health.

A full haematological analysis measuring red blood cells, white blood cells with five-part differential, haemoglobin, haematocrit, MCV, MCH, MCHC, and platelet count. The großes Blutbild extends the basic blood count by breaking white blood cells into neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils, and basophils — essential for identifying infection patterns, allergic responses, and haematological abnormalities.

An immunochemical faecal occult blood test (iFOBT) that detects human haemoglobin in stool samples using antibodies specific to the globin portion of haemoglobin. Unlike older guaiac-based tests, the iFOBT does not react to dietary meat or plant peroxidases, eliminating false positives from food. It is the recommended first-line screening for colorectal cancer in asymptomatic adults aged 50 and above.

Glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) for diabetes and pre-diabetes screening. Reflects average blood sugar over 3 months — more reliable than a single fasting glucose. At €11.66 (plus blood draw), one of the most affordable HbA1c tests in Germany.

Thyroid function screening with TSH — the primary gatekeeper test for thyroid disorders. At €14.57 (plus blood draw), an affordable first-line screen. Normal TSH effectively rules out most thyroid dysfunction; abnormal TSH triggers follow-up with free T3/T4.

Serum vitamin B12 measurement for deficiency screening. At €14.57 (plus blood draw), a targeted test for vegetarians, vegans, older adults, and metformin users — the groups at highest risk of B12 depletion.

A core metabolic screening panel covering fasting glucose, kidney function (creatinine, eGFR, urea), liver enzymes (GPT, GOT, GGT), electrolytes (sodium, potassium, calcium), and uric acid. This panel evaluates the major metabolic organ systems and is the standard first-line assessment for patients presenting with non-specific symptoms like fatigue, appetite changes, or unexplained weight fluctuation.

Focused diabetes screening panel analyzing 2 key glucose biomarkers for diabetes diagnosis and monitoring. Venous blood sample with 12-hour fasting required for accurate fasting glucose measurement. Results within 24 hours. Essential for: family history of diabetes, overweight/obesity (BMI >25), sedentary lifestyle, history of gestational diabetes, prediabetes diagnosis, unexplained fatigue/thirst/urination. American Diabetes Association and German guidelines recommend screening every 3 years for adults over 45, annually if risk factors present. Biomarkers tested: Fasting Glucose - blood sugar after overnight fast, diagnostic criteria: <100 mg/dL normal, 100-125 mg/dL prediabetes, ≥126 mg/dL diabetes (requires confirmation), detects current glycemic control but only snapshot of one moment; HbA1c (Glycated Hemoglobin) - percentage of hemoglobin with attached glucose, reflects average blood sugar over past 2-3 months (lifespan of red blood cells), diagnostic criteria: <5.7% normal, 5.7-6.4% prediabetes, ≥6.5% diabetes, gold standard for diabetes diagnosis and monitoring, not affected by recent meals or daily fluctuations, correlates directly with diabetes complications risk (every 1% increase in HbA1c increases microvascular complications ~30%). Panel advantages: fasting glucose detects current dysglycemia, HbA1c confirms chronic hyperglycemia and tracks long-term control, combination improves diagnostic sensitivity. Early diabetes detection enables: lifestyle interventions preventing progression (weight loss, exercise, diet), metformin therapy for prediabetes, avoiding complications (neuropathy, retinopathy, nephropathy, cardiovascular disease). For diagnosed diabetics, panel monitors treatment effectiveness (target HbA1c <7% for most, <6.5% for some, individualized). Cost-effective focused screening €16.09, can be added to any package. Recommended frequency: prediabetes every 3-6 months, established diabetes every 3 months. GOÄ pricing.

Measurement of glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c), which reflects average blood glucose levels over the preceding 8 to 12 weeks. Unlike fasting glucose, HbA1c is not affected by short-term dietary changes or acute stress, making it the most reliable single marker for diagnosing and monitoring diabetes. Values of 5.7 to 6.4 percent indicate pre-diabetes, while 6.5 percent and above confirms diabetes according to WHO and ADA criteria.

Entry-level health screening profile covering essential metabolic and organ function markers. At €18.65 (plus €4.19 blood draw), this is an affordable annual baseline check. Includes glucose, cholesterol, liver enzymes, and kidney function markers — the core parameters for detecting the most common lifestyle-related conditions.

Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D measurement. At €18.65 (plus blood draw), an affordable seasonal screen for anyone living at Leipzig's latitude (51°N) where UV-driven synthesis is limited October through March.

Entry-level sports performance panel focusing on the biomarkers most affected by regular training: iron stores, vitamin D, magnesium, and thyroid function. At €19.82 (plus blood draw), an affordable screen for recreational athletes.

Hepatitis C antibody screening via venous blood draw. Detects anti-HCV antibodies indicating current or past infection. A reactive result triggers confirmatory HCV-RNA PCR testing to distinguish resolved from active infection. The most affordable hepatitis screening option at Checkpoint München.

A single-marker thyroid screening test measuring TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone). TSH is the most sensitive first-line indicator of thyroid dysfunction — elevated levels suggest hypothyroidism while suppressed levels point toward hyperthyroidism. This test is the standard starting point before proceeding to the full thyroid panel if results are abnormal.

A fourth-generation HIV screening test detecting both HIV-1/2 antibodies and p24 antigen simultaneously. This combination test shortens the diagnostic window to approximately 2 to 6 weeks post-exposure compared to 12 weeks for antibody-only assays. Reactive results are automatically confirmed with a supplementary Western blot or immunoblot assay at no additional charge.

A single-marker 25-hydroxyvitamin D measurement from a venous blood sample, assessing vitamin D status — a nutrient that is widely deficient in northern European populations, particularly during the winter months. The test provides a clear reading to guide supplementation decisions.

Standalone HIV test available as either a rapid fingerprick antibody test with same-visit results or a fourth-generation laboratory test detecting both antibodies and p24 antigen for earlier detection. Includes pre- and post-test counselling. Anonymous — no insurance card or GP referral needed.

The most affordable health screening panel in Dresden at €26.81. Covers a small blood count, lipid profile (cholesterol, HDL, LDL, triglycerides), liver enzyme (GGT), diabetes marker (HbA1c), and kidney function (creatinine with GFR). A practical annual baseline that catches the most common lifestyle-related conditions.

Focused diabetes screening with fasting glucose and HbA1c. HbA1c reflects average blood sugar over the past three months, providing a more reliable indicator than a single fasting measurement. The most affordable panel available, designed for regular monitoring of diabetes risk and glucose management.

Diabetes screening panel combining fasting glucose with HbA1c (glycated haemoglobin). Fasting glucose provides a snapshot of current glycaemic status, while HbA1c reflects average blood glucose control over the preceding 8-12 weeks. Together they detect diabetes and pre-diabetes with higher sensitivity than either marker alone. EUR 27.69 under GOAe 1.0x rates.

Serum vitamin B12 (cobalamin) measurement screening for deficiency that causes neurological damage, macrocytic anaemia, and cognitive impairment. At EUR 28.36 under GOAe 1.0x rates. Particularly important for vegetarians, vegans, older adults, and patients on metformin or proton pump inhibitors -- all groups at elevated risk of B12 depletion.

Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test for early detection of prostate issues including benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and prostate cancer. Single biomarker blood test. Results within 2-3 days. Recommended for men over 45, or earlier with family history of prostate cancer. Biomarker tested: PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) - protein produced by prostate gland, elevated levels may indicate prostate enlargement, inflammation (prostatitis), or cancer. Normal ranges: <4 ng/mL generally normal; 4-10 ng/mL borderline requiring further evaluation; >10 ng/mL higher concern warranting urological consultation. Important notes: PSA can be temporarily elevated by ejaculation (abstain 48 hours before test), cycling, prostate examination, urinary tract infection. Low PSA doesn't completely rule out cancer. Test is screening tool, not diagnostic - elevated levels require follow-up with urologist for digital rectal exam, MRI, or biopsy. Price includes blood draw and 19% VAT. Annual testing recommended for men 50+, starting at 45 with family history or African ancestry. Early detection significantly improves treatment outcomes.

Targeted nutritional assessment for plant-based diets: ferritin, folate, and vitamin B12. At €29.14, the essential trio of nutrients most commonly deficient in vegetarians and vegans. A practical annual check for anyone on a restricted diet.

Cardiovascular risk assessment panel analyzing cholesterol profile and heart disease markers. Blood sample. Essential for assessing long-term heart disease risk, monitoring cardiovascular health, and evaluating effectiveness of lifestyle or medication interventions. Results within 48 hours. Biomarkers tested: Total Cholesterol - overall cholesterol level; HDL Cholesterol - "good" cholesterol protecting against heart disease; LDL Cholesterol - "bad" cholesterol contributing to plaque buildup; Non-HDL Cholesterol - all atherogenic cholesterol particles; Triglycerides - fat molecules indicating cardiovascular and metabolic risk; Apolipoprotein B (Apo B) - advanced marker counting all atherogenic particles, more accurate predictor of heart disease than LDL alone; Lipoprotein(a) - genetic cardiovascular risk marker independent of lifestyle; hs-CRP (High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein) - inflammation marker associated with cardiovascular disease risk. AwarePro price: €25 (17% discount). Recommended for anyone with family history of heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, or over age 35. Useful for tracking impact of diet changes, exercise programs, or cholesterol-lowering medications.