What Blood Test Should I Get? A Guide to the Right Lab Panels for You

Blood tests are one of the simplest and most effective ways to check in on your health. They can uncover nutrient deficiencies, screen for conditions like diabetes or thyroid disease, and measure your risk for heart problems, often before symptoms appear. 

But with so many options available, it’s common to wonder: What blood test should I get? 

The answer depends on your age, medical history, risk factors, and current health concerns. Some blood tests are recommended for most adults on an annual basis, while others are more tailored to specific symptoms or risks. 

Understanding the different types of lab panels can help you make informed choices and work with your healthcare provider to decide which tests are right for you.

Scheduling an annual wellness checkup is an important part of preventive care, even if you’re not sick or experiencing new or concerning health symptoms. Still, adherence to recommended testing testing is low.

Part of an annual visit with your healthcare provider is having bloodwork for standard biomarkers of health, which can inform next steps. Telehealth platforms provide an increasingly convenient option for blood testing. Labs by Hims, for example, offers access to doctor-developed lab testing and action plans.

If you’re wondering, What blood test should I get every year? Below are some of the common blood tests that everyone can benefit from and what data they provide.

Complete Blood Count (CBC)

A CBC measures different components of your blood, including red blood cells, white blood cells, hemoglobin, and platelets. 

It’s often part of routine screening because it can detect anemia, infections, immune system issues, and even some blood disorders. Think of it as a broad snapshot of your overall blood health.

Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP)

The CMP checks for how well major organs (like your liver and kidneys) are functioning. It also measures blood glucose, electrolytes, and proteins that reflect your body’s chemical balance, such as: 

• Albumin, the main protein made by your liver and found in your blood.

• Total protein in your blood, including albumin and globulins.

• Liver enzymes, including alkaline phosphatase (ALP), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and aspartate aminotransferase (AST).

• Bilirubin, the waste resulting from the breakdown of red blood cells and filtered by the liver. 

Because it covers multiple systems at once, the CMP helps spot concerns such as diabetes, dehydration, or liver disease early.

Basic Metabolic Panel

The BMP is a simpler version of the CMP that typically includes these markers:

• Calcium

• Glucose

• Sodium

• Potassium

• Bicarbonate

• Chloride

• Blood urea nitrogen

• Creatinine

It’s often used to monitor core health markers and is especially useful for identifying conditions like diabetes, impaired kidney function, or electrolyte imbalances.

Lipid Panel

A lipid panel measures circulating fats in your blood, both of which play a major role in heart health. It includes markers like total cholesterol, LDL “bad” cholesterol, HDL “good” cholesterol, and triglycerides.

High LDL or total cholesterol or triglyceride levels, and low HDL, can increase your risk for heart disease and stroke, so many providers recommend checking these numbers annually, especially as you get older or if you have a family history of heart problems, including heart attacks and strokes.

Thyroid Panel

A thyroid function panel measures hormones such as TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone), triiodothyronine (T3), and thyroxine (T4), which regulate your metabolism, energy, and weight. 

Abnormal thyroid levels can cause fatigue, changes in mood, body temperature, heart rate, weight fluctuations, or fertility issues. 

Annual thyroid screening may be recommended if you have symptoms, a family history of thyroid disease, or other risk factors.

Depending on your individual risk factors, you might consider (or your healthcare provider may recommend) additional screenings for specific markers. 

Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c)

The HbA1c test measures your average blood sugar over the past two to three months. 

It’s commonly used to diagnose or monitor diabetes and prediabetes, making it especially important for people with a family history of diabetes, unexplained weight concerns, or other metabolic risk factors.

Vitamin D Test

Vitamin D plays a key role in bone strength, immune function, and mood regulation. 

Low levels are common, especially in people who spend little time in sunlight, have darker skin, or live in northern climates. 

Testing can help identify deficiencies that may need dietary changes or supplementation, and inform the most appropriate dosage needed.

Vitamin B12 Test

A vitamin B12 test checks for deficiencies that can cause fatigue, numbness, memory problems, or anemia. 

Since B12 absorption decreases with age, older adults are at higher risk for low levels. Vegetarians and vegans may also benefit from routine B12 screening, as the vitamin is found mainly in animal products.

Inflammatory Markers

Tests like C-reactive protein (CRP) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) measure levels of inflammation in the body. 

While they don’t diagnose a specific condition, elevated results may signal chronic inflammation, autoimmune disorders, or higher cardiovascular risk. 

Experts say that ordering both at the same time is overkill and not recommended; instead, CRP is more sensitive and should take priority. 

Your care provider may order inflammatory marker tests if you have persistent symptoms like joint pain or unexplained fatigue, but which one(s) will depend on what’s most appropriate for your needs. 

Blood Clotting Tests

Blood clotting tests or coagulation panels measure how quickly your blood clots and whether it’s forming clots properly. 

While clotting is important to stop excessive bleeding, clots in your veins and arteries can be life-threatening if they block blood flow to your heart, brain, and lungs.

Common clotting measurements include prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), and INR (international normalized ratio). 

These tests are especially important if you take blood-thinning medications (like warfarin), have a history of clotting disorders, or are being evaluated for liver disease. 

Abnormal results may signal a higher risk of excessive bleeding or dangerous clot formation, both of which require medical follow-up.

In addition to the recommendations above, men can benefit from these more sex-specific tests. 

Testosterone Panel

A testosterone test measures levels of the primary male sex hormone, which plays a major role in energy, mood, muscle mass, libido, and overall vitality. 

Low testosterone may contribute to fatigue, reduced strength, weight changes, or sexual health concerns. Checking testosterone levels can help identify hormone imbalances and guide treatment if needed.

Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) Test

The PSA test measures levels of a protein produced by the prostate gland. Elevated PSA can indicate prostate enlargement, inflammation, or, in some cases, prostate cancer. 

While not recommended for every guy, it’s often suggested for those over age 50 or earlier if you have a family history of prostate cancer or other risk factors.

Many guys ask, What lab panel is right for me? And the answer is that the right blood test isn’t the same for everyone. 

It depends on your age, sex, medical history, and specific health concerns. While annual panels like the CBC, CMP or BMP, lipid panel, and thyroid panel form a solid foundation, additional testing may be needed to address individual risk factors.

Younger guys in their 20s and 30s may only need baseline screenings for cholesterol, blood sugar, and nutrient levels, especially if they’re generally healthy. 

By your 40s and 50s, monitoring heart health, hormone levels, and prostate health becomes more important, particularly if you have a family history of related conditions. 

For anyone experiencing symptoms such as fatigue, unexplained weight changes, or digestive issues, targeted panels like thyroid tests, vitamin levels, or inflammatory markers can provide valuable answers.

Working with a healthcare provider is key, since they can put your results in context and guide you toward tests that are clinically meaningful for your personal health goals. This ensures you get the most value from your lab work without unnecessary or redundant testing.

Blood tests are one of the best ways to catch potential health issues early and keep track of your overall health. The key is choosing panels that match your age, medical history, and personal health goals.

Here’s what to keep in mind when considering what blood tests to request:

• Annual screenings like CBC, CMP or BMP, lipid panel, and thyroid tests form a strong foundation for general health.

• Additional tests (HbA1c, vitamin levels, inflammation markers) may make sense based on risk factors or symptoms.

• Men’s health panels, such as testosterone and PSA, become more relevant with age and family history.

Don’t skip regular bloodwork just because you feel fine or aren’t experiencing any concerning symptoms by the time your wellness exam rolls around. 

Use annual blood work as a starting point, and partner with your provider to decide which additional tests will give you the clearest picture of your health.