Quick Answer
The Complete Blood Count (CBC) with Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP) is the best single blood test to check everything for baseline health. For optimal annual screening, add lipid panel, HbA1c, thyroid function (TSH), and vitamin D. This combination provides comprehensive assessment of organ function, metabolic health, and disease prevention.
Essential Annual Blood Tests
Complete Blood Count (CBC)
Screens for: Anemia, infections, blood cancers, immune function
- • Red blood cells (RBC) - oxygen carrying capacity
- • White blood cells (WBC) - immune system health
- • Platelets - blood clotting function
- • Hemoglobin and hematocrit - anemia screening
Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP)
Screens for: Diabetes, kidney disease, liver problems, electrolyte imbalances
- • Glucose - diabetes and metabolic health
- • Creatinine and BUN - kidney function
- • Liver enzymes (ALT, AST) - liver health
- • Electrolytes (sodium, potassium) - fluid balance
Lipid Panel
Screens for: Heart disease risk, stroke risk, metabolic dysfunction
- • Total cholesterol - cardiovascular risk
- • LDL cholesterol - "bad" cholesterol
- • HDL cholesterol - "good" cholesterol
- • Triglycerides - metabolic health marker
Additional Important Annual Tests
HbA1c
3-month average blood sugar
- • Normal: <5.7%
- • Prediabetes: 5.7-6.4%
- • Diabetes: ≥6.5%
- • Optimal for longevity: <5.0%
Thyroid Function (TSH)
Metabolism and energy regulation
- • TSH: 0.4-4.0 mIU/L (normal)
- • Optimal: 1.0-2.5 mIU/L
- • Add T3/T4 if symptoms present
- • Screen for thyroid antibodies
Vitamin D
Immune function and bone health
- • Deficient: <20 ng/mL
- • Insufficient: 20-29 ng/mL
- • Sufficient: 30-100 ng/mL
- • Optimal: 40-60 ng/mL
C-Reactive Protein (CRP)
Inflammation marker
- • Low risk: <1.0 mg/L
- • Average risk: 1.0-3.0 mg/L
- • High risk: >3.0 mg/L
- • Target: <1.0 mg/L
Annual Tests by Age Group
Ages 20-39: Foundation Testing
- • CBC, CMP, Lipids - core health markers
- • TSH, Vitamin D - common deficiencies
- • HbA1c - diabetes prevention
- • STD screening if sexually active
Ages 40-59: Expanded Monitoring
- • All foundation tests plus expanded panels
- • PSA (men) - prostate cancer screening
- • Hormone testing - testosterone, estrogen
- • Advanced lipids - LDL particle size
- • Inflammatory markers - CRP, ESR
Ages 60+: Comprehensive Screening
- • All previous tests plus additional screening
- • B12, Folate - cognitive health
- • Cancer markers - CEA, CA 19-9
- • Bone markers - calcium, phosphorus
- • Cardiac markers - BNP, troponin
What Do Longevity Experts Test Annually?
Comprehensive Longevity Panel
Core Biomarkers:
- • Complete blood count
- • Comprehensive metabolic panel
- • Advanced lipid panel
- • Inflammatory markers (CRP, ESR)
- • Thyroid function (TSH, T3, T4)
Optimization Markers:
- • Vitamin D, B12, Folate
- • Hormone panel (testosterone, estrogen)
- • Insulin and glucose markers
- • Kidney and liver function
- • Tumor markers (age-appropriate)
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to fast for annual blood work?
Yes, typically 12 hours for accurate lipid and glucose results. Some tests like CBC and TSH don't require fasting, but comprehensive panels usually do. Drink water and take medications as prescribed unless told otherwise.
Are annual blood tests covered by insurance?
Most basic wellness panels are covered by insurance annually. Comprehensive optimization panels with advanced markers may be out-of-pocket. Check with your provider about coverage for specific tests.
What if my results are "normal" but I feel unwell?
"Normal" reference ranges are based on average populations, not optimal health. Consider functional ranges used by longevity doctors, which are often tighter. Symptoms matter more than numbers within normal ranges.
Annual Blood Test Costs
Basic Panel
CBC, CMP, Lipids, TSH
Usually covered by insurance
Comprehensive Panel
Basic + vitamins, hormones, inflammation
Partially covered
Longevity Panel
Advanced optimization markers
Usually out-of-pocket
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