Common pathology tests in every age

What do blood tests check for?

• Uncover hidden diseases like diabetes or kidney problems 
• Check your organ function, like your liver or thyroid 
• Monitor cholesterol levels and heart health 
• Assess vitamin and mineral deficiencies 
• Track your response to medications 

Commonly ordered blood tests by age

In teens

• Full blood count (FBC): Checks for anaemia (low red blood cell count), infections (high white blood cell count), and other blood disorders. 
• Iron studies: Measures iron levels in your blood. This is especially important for young women due to blood loss during menstruation. Low iron can lead to fatigue and shortness of breath. 

• Vitamin D: Checks the level of this sunshine vitamin, essential for bone health, immune function, and overall well-being. Deficiency in teens has become more common in Australia due to increased protection from sun exposure and reduced intake in the diet, which can lead to weak bones and fatigue. 
• Thyroid function tests: Measures thyroid hormones to ensure your metabolism is working correctly. An overactive or underactive thyroid can cause a range of symptoms from weight changes to mood swings. 
• Sexually transmitted infection (STI) screening: If you're sexually active, it's important to get screened for STIs. Early detection and treatment can prevent serious complications. 

In your 20s

• Lipid profile: Measures your cholesterol and triglyceride levels. High cholesterol can increase your risk of heart disease, so it's crucial to keep an eye on it. 
• Liver function tests: Checks how well your liver is working. This is important if you consume alcohol regularly or take medications that can affect your liver. 
• Kidney function tests: Assesses how well your kidneys are filtering waste products from your blood. Kidney disease often has no early symptoms, so these tests are crucial for early detection. 
• HbA1c: Measures your average blood sugar level over the past 2-3 months. This is used to screen for diabetes, especially if you have risk factors like family history or being overweight. 
• STI screening: If sexually active, continue with regular STI checks to protect your health and that of your partners. 

In your 30s

• All the tests from your 20s: Continue with these essential checks to monitor your overall health. 
• C-reactive protein (CRP): If indicated, is a non-specific indicator of inflammation in your body, which can be a sign of some chronic conditions. 
• Thyroid function tests: Especially important for women, as thyroid problems are more common in this group. 

In your 40s

• All the tests from your 30s: Continue with these tests to keep track of your health as you age. 
• Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test (for men): Measures a protein produced by the prostate gland. Elevated levels can indicate prostate cancer, but it's essential to discuss the benefits and risks of this test with your doctor, especially if you have a close family member who has been diagnosed with prostate cancer) 
• Faecal occult blood test (FOBT): Checks for hidden blood in your stool, which can be an early sign of colorectal cancer. 

In your 50s

• All the tests from your 40s: Continue monitoring your health with these tests. 
• Mammogram (for women): An X-ray of the breasts used to screen for breast cancer. Early detection is key to successful treatment. 
• Bone density scan: Measures the strength of your bones and checks for osteoporosis, a condition that makes bones more likely to break. 

In your 60s and beyond

• All the tests from your 50s: Continue with these crucial health checks. 
• Vitamin B12: This vitamin is essential for nerve function and red blood cell production. Levels can decline with age, so it's important to check them regularly. 

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