Most of us know we should get regular checkups, but the lab side can be confusing. Which tests do you actually need? How often? Does it change as you get older?

This checklist is a simple starting point based on common national screening guidelines. Your own needs depend on your health history, family history, and lifestyle, so use this as a conversation starter with your healthcare provider, not a strict rulebook.

Tests for Every Adult

Some screenings apply to nearly every adult at least once, no matter your age:

• Hepatitis C. The CDC recommends all adults 18 and older get tested at least once.
• Hepatitis B. The CDC recommends all adults 18 and older get screened at least once.
• HIV. The CDC recommends everyone ages 13 to 64 get tested at least once as part of routine care, and more often if you have ongoing risk.
• Cholesterol. The American Heart Association recommends healthy adults 20 and older get a cholesterol check every four to six years.

Your 20s

Your 20s are a great time to set a baseline. When you have early results on file, it's much easier to spot changes later.

• Lipid panel. Get a baseline cholesterol check, then repeat at least every five years if normal.
• Metabolic panel. Checks blood sugar, kidney function, and electrolytes. Useful as a baseline.
• STD testing. The CDC recommends yearly chlamydia and gonorrhea testing for sexually active women under 25, and for older women with increased risk, such as a new partner or multiple partners. Men who have sex with men should be tested at least yearly for chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, and HIV, and more often with higher risk. Syphilis testing is also recommended during pregnancy and for anyone at increased risk. Anyone with a new partner or multiple partners should test regularly. 
• Blood titers. Often needed for school, nursing programs, or healthcare jobs to prove immunity to measles, mumps, rubella, chickenpox, or hepatitis B.
• Thyroid. It is worth checking if you have symptoms like fatigue, weight changes, or feeling cold all the time, or if thyroid disease runs in your family.

Your 30s

• Keep up with your 20s tests, including STD testing based on your risk.
• Diabetes screening. The US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends screening for prediabetes and type 2 diabetes for adults ages 35 to 70 who are overweight or obese. The American Diabetes Association (ADA) recommends starting at 35 for all adults, and earlier if you're overweight and have other risk factors, such as a family history of diabetes, a history of gestational diabetes, or PCOS. If results are normal, repeat at least every three years. A hemoglobin A1c test is an easy way to check, though a fasting glucose test may be a better choice if you have anemia or certain hemoglobin variants.
• Fertility and hormone testing. If you're planning a pregnancy or have been trying to conceive, fertility testing can give you useful information early.
• Thyroid. Thyroid problems become more common with age, especially for women.

Your 40s

Your 40s are when many risks start to climb, so routine testing matters more.

• Lipid panel. Many providers check more often in your 40s, especially if you have risk factors like high blood pressure, smoking, or a family history of heart disease.
• Diabetes screening. Continue at least every three years, or more often if your results are borderline.
• Colon cancer screening. The USPSTF recommends screening for adults starting at age 45. Stool-based tests you do at home are one screening option.
• Hormone testing. Women may start noticing perimenopause symptoms. Men may notice changes tied to lower testosterone, like low energy or a lower sex drive.
• Metabolic panel. Especially important if you take daily medications that can affect the kidneys or liver.

Your 50s

• Colon cancer screening. Continue on the schedule recommended for the test you use.
• Prostate screening. The USPSTF recommends that men ages 55 to 69 make an individual decision with their provider about PSA screening, and it recommends against PSA screening at age 70 and older. Black men and men with a family history of prostate cancer have a higher risk and may want to start the conversation earlier.
• Lipid panel and diabetes screening. Continue regularly. Heart disease and diabetes risks keep rising with age.
• Menopause and hormones. Hormone testing can help explain symptoms and guide conversations with your provider.
• Thyroid. Continue if you have symptoms or a history of thyroid issues.

60 and Beyond

• Heart health. Regular lipid panels and heart risk testing become even more important.
• Kidney function. Kidney function naturally declines with age, and many common medications can affect it. Regular metabolic panels help track it.
• Diabetes. Continue regular screening. The USPSTF recommendation covers ages 35 to 70, so talk with your provider about how often to keep testing after that.
• Colon cancer screening. The USPSTF recommends screening through age 75, and an individual decision with your provider from 76 to 85.
• Vitamin levels. Older adults absorb vitamin B12 less efficiently, so checking levels may be worthwhile, especially if you have fatigue or numbness.

When to Test More Often

You may need some tests more often if you:

• Have a family history of heart disease, diabetes, thyroid disease, or certain cancers
• Have high blood pressure or are overweight
• Smoke or drink heavily
• Take medications that affect your liver, kidneys, or blood sugar
• Have new symptoms or a recent abnormal result
• Are making lifestyle changes and want to track progress

Build Your Checklist With eNational Testing

eNational Testing offers the tests on this list in one place, including metabolic, heart, diabetes, thyroid, hormone, STD, hepatitis, and colon cancer screening. Order online, visit a collection site near you, and get your results sent straight to you.

Find your tests at enationaltesting.com or call 866-766-1631.