How Often Should You Get Blood Work?

Your doctor will likely recommend you to get bloodwork done once per year, during the time of your yearly physical. However, there are many reasons someone should get bloodwork more often.

Spencer Lee

Spencer is a Public Health & Biology undergraduate student at New York University.

Many doctors recommend that you get blood work once per year, during the time of your annual physical. However, the exact frequency at which you undergo blood work depends on the type of test, your specific risk factors, and any unusual symptoms you may be experiencing. Outlined below are the specific requirements for the major types of blood work tests.

Guidelines for Getting Blood Work

There are several different types of blood tests, and not all of them are required at the same frequency. It’s important for you to understand your risk factors, so you can clearly communicate them to your physician, who will determine which tests are best suited for your health concerns.

Risk Factors

Prior to seeking care from your physician, you should consider if you fall into any risk factor zone that your doctor recommends for the criteria below. The risk factors that will determine which type of blood work you undergo include:

• Age and Sex
• Medications
• Sexual Activity
• Family History of Disease
• Obesity
• Drinking, Smoking, and Drug-use Habits

Complete Blood Count

A Complete Blood Count (CBC) checks red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. This type of blood work is most often used to identify conditions such as anemia, heart disease, autoimmune diseases, leukemia, and other cancers. Everybody, regardless of risk factors, should receive a complete blood count annually. This is most often conducted at an annual physical with your primary care provider.

Basic Metabolic Panel

A Basic Metabolic Panel checks blood sugar levels, blood filtration, and electrolyte levels. This type of blood work can analyze kidney function, lung function, blood sugar, and detect issues like kidney problems, lung problems, diabetes, and pre-diabetes. Everybody should receive a Basic Metabolic Panel annually, most often during an annual physical with your primary care provider.

Complete Metabolic Panel

A Complete Metabolic Panel covers all tests in a Basic Metabolic Panel and also has additional tests that analyze liver function. This type of blood work can be used to identify all the illnesses in a Basic Metabolic Panel as well as other ailments. Although anybody can undergo a Complete Metabolic Panel, it is most often used for individuals with chronic diseases, such as diabetic or hypertensive patients. If you meet these criteria, you should seek a Complete Metabolic Panel annually, with 10-12 hours of fasting required prior to this blood test.

Lipid Panel

A Lipid Panel checks cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood and can detect the buildup of plaque in arteries. This test is important for early screening of coronary artery disease. Older adults should seek this test annually, or at the discretion of their physician. Younger adults should seek this test approximately every 5 years, or at the discretion of their physician.

Vitamin Level Tests

Vitamin Level Tests check for levels of certain minerals and vitamins that are low in many adults. This type of test can help inform dietary shortcomings and other underlying ailments. This test is recommended mainly for older adults according to a physician’s discretion, though younger adults can still undergo it if deemed necessary.

Thyroid Panel

Thyroid Panels analyze thyroid function, responsible for regulating hormones, mood, energy levels, and metabolism. Everybody should receive this type of blood work, though the frequency of testing differs between older and younger adults. Older adults should seek this test annually, while younger adults may be tested less frequently based on physician discretion.

A1C Tests

The A1C test measures average blood sugar levels over the past three months. It is commonly used to diagnose prediabetes and diabetes and is the main test for managing diabetes. Individuals over 45, especially those overweight, should get an A1C baseline test. If you have diabetes, you should get an A1C test at least twice a year — more often if there are changes in medication or health.

STI Tests

STI Tests check for common sexually transmitted infections (STIs). While not all STI Tests involve blood work, many significant STIs do. If you are sexually active and at high risk for STIs, you should get tested at least once per year, with physician recommendations potentially leading to more frequent testing.

Normal Ranges for the Major Blood Work Tests

The results of blood work tests can be confusing. The acceptable range varies per test and often differs between men and women. Consult your doctor if your blood test results fall outside these ranges.

Complete Blood Count

Complete Metabolic Panel & Basic Metabolic Panel

Lipid Panel

Vitamin Tests

Thyroid Panel

A1C Test

STI Tests

Covering the Costs of Blood Work Tests

Blood work with and without insurance can be expensive. Mira’s research indicates that some blood work can exceed $1000 without coverage. However, with a Mira membership, you can receive major blood tests for only $49. Mira’s same-day lab tests include screenings for Comprehensive Blood Counts, Metabolic Panels, Thyroid Function, STD Panels, Lipids Panel, A1c Test, and Vitamin D Test.

Costs of Blood Tests by Type

Affordability should never be a barrier to blood work. If you’re considering getting your blood work done, there are options available that can help minimize costs.

Bottom Line

Getting regular blood work done is a great preventative measure to ensure that you don’t have any hidden health issues. Aligning it with your annual physical is a good approach. Most people are overdue for blood tests. If that includes you, consider your options for getting tested.