One of the most frequent questions I hear in my clinic is:
"Doctor, which tests should I do to be sure I’m healthy?"
My answer is always the same — the tests you need depend on your age, risk factors, and medical history. But there is a core set of investigations that every adult should know about, because they can detect silent disease long before symptoms appear.
I have seen too many patients discover serious conditions late, simply because they never had routine checkups. These 20 tests are not just for the unwell — they are for everyone who wants to stay well.
1. Blood Pressure Measurement
Simple, quick, and lifesaving. Hypertension is called the silent killer for a reason. Check at least once a year — more often if you’re over 40 or have risk factors.
2. Complete Blood Count (CBC)
Detects anemia, infections, blood disorders, and even early signs of some cancers.
3. Fasting Blood Sugar (FBS)
Screens for diabetes or prediabetes. If borderline, follow up with an HbA1c test.
4. HbA1c
Shows your average blood sugar over 3 months — far more reliable for diabetes management than a single sugar reading.
5. Lipid Profile
Checks cholesterol and triglycerides — key for heart and vascular health.
6. Kidney Function Tests (Urea, Creatinine, Electrolytes)
Detects early kidney disease, which is often symptom-less.
7. Liver Function Tests (LFTs)
Identifies liver inflammation, damage, or blockage before symptoms like jaundice appear.
8. Thyroid Function Test (TSH, T4)
Thyroid problems affect energy, mood, weight, and even heart rhythm — yet often go unnoticed.
9. Vitamin D Levels
Deficiency is common, especially in South Asia and the Middle East, leading to bone, muscle, and immune issues.
10. Vitamin B12 Levels
Low B12 can mimic dementia, depression, or nerve disease — easy to treat if caught early.
11. ECG (Electrocardiogram)
A quick way to detect heart rhythm problems, old silent heart attacks, or strain on the heart.
12. Chest X-ray
Still valuable for detecting lung infections, chronic lung disease, or early tumors.
13. Ultrasound Abdomen & Pelvis
Can reveal gallstones, fatty liver, kidney stones, tumors, or fluid collections.
14. Eye Examination (including intraocular pressure)
Glaucoma and retinal disease often have no early warning.
15. Dental Checkup
Poor oral health is linked to heart disease and diabetes — not just cavities.
16. Stool Occult Blood Test
Detects hidden blood in stool — an early sign of colon cancer or intestinal disease.
17. PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) for Men over 50
Helps detect prostate cancer early — but interpretation must be careful to avoid unnecessary interventions.
18. Mammogram for Women over 40
Detects breast cancer before it’s felt as a lump.
19. Pap Smear for Women (ages 25–65)
Screens for cervical cancer — one of the most preventable cancers with early detection.
20. Bone Density Scan (DEXA)
Checks for osteoporosis risk — especially in postmenopausal women and older men.
How Often Should You Do Them?
Not all these tests need repeating every year. Many can be done every 2–3 years if normal and risk factors are low. But if you have chronic diseases like diabetes, hypertension, or heart disease, some will be repeated more often.
Why This Matters
I often tell my patients: “Health is not just the absence of disease, it’s the presence of awareness.”
These tests are your health’s early warning system. They allow you to act while you still have time, rather than reacting when it’s too late.
Your body is not a mystery to modern medicine — but it still needs your cooperation.
Book a checkup, know your numbers, and keep them in a personal health file. This simple habit can add healthy years to your life.
Physician’s Advice Corner
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Your health is your responsibility — but you don’t have to manage it alone. The right knowledge, at the right time, can save lives.