5 important blood tests

Basic blood tests for levels of red blood cells, different types of white blood cells, lipids (like cholesterol), and chemicals that reveal the health of your liver and kidneys will likely be performed during your subsequent routine check-up. Additional tests can reveal significant health factors, but your doctor might not frequently offer them. In some circumstances, it may be worthwhile to do the next five tests.

1. Vitamin B12

Vitamin B12, also known as cobalamin, is crucial for maintaining the health of our brain and nervous system, generating DNA and red blood cells, and reducing homocysteine levels, which have been linked to chronic illnesses including dementia and heart disease.

We get our B12 from food, including dairy products (milk, yogurt), cattle, eggs, and chicken. We require stomach acid to shake the vitamin free from food so that we can absorb it. B12 is then bound to an intrinsic factor protein, which is produced in the stomach lining and allows for absorption via the small intestine and blood circulation.

B12 levels in some people are low. There are a number of prevalent causes for this:

They are vegetarians and avoid meals high in vitamin B12.
They don't produce as much stomach acid as they once did.
They use drugs, such as antacids for heartburn, that lower stomach acid.
They have pernicious anemia, a rare autoimmune condition that causes severe B12 deficiency.
Do you need to take the test? At age 65, everyone should have at least one B12 test and then periodic testing. Low B12 levels can cause anemia, cognitive issues, and difficulty walking.

The normal range of picograms per milliliter (pg/mL) for B12 tests is 160 to 950. A vitamin B12 supplement may be necessary in the event of a low-normal test result in the 200–300 pg/mL range.

2. Calcium
A small amount of vitamin D is obtained through food (such as fish, milk with added vitamins, and yoghurt), but the majority is produced by our bodies when the sun's ultraviolet B rays hit our skin. D is therefore referred to as the "sunshine vitamin." Despite living in a sunny area, many elderly people nevertheless have vitamin D deficiencies. " It doesn't matter if you live in Florida or California because, as you get older, your skin doesn't absorb sunlight as well.

Don't allow your vitamin D levels to fall. Vitamin D is crucial for strong bones, calcium absorption, reducing inflammation, immunological function, and other bodily functions. It may also help prevent cancer. In midlife or older adults who are of healthy weight, recent Harvard evidence suggests that taking a daily vitamin D supplement is connected with a decreased risk for advanced cancer, as we reported in June 2021.

Do you need to take the test? At least once in your life, get a baseline test, especially if you have weak bones or a gastrointestinal problem that impairs your capacity to absorb vitamin D. However, note that screening is a contentious issue.

What if your chance of developing cancer is high?" While knowing your vitamin D levels may make you feel better, an alternative is to forego the test and instead begin taking a supplement with 1,000 to 2,000 international units per day.

One type of vitamin D, 25-hydroxyvitamin D, has a normal result that is debatable but should be at least 20 nanograms per milliliter (ng/mL).



Hepatitis C 3
A viral infection called hepatitis C can cause cirrhosis, liver damage, liver cancer, or even liver collapse. It can be contracted through intravenous drug use, sex with an infected partner, getting a tattoo or body piercing with contaminated equipment, sharing razors, nail clippers, or toothbrushes, or receiving blood transfusions prior to 1992 (the year the first blood test for hepatitis C became available).

Baby boomers, who are five times more likely to have the virus than other people and were born between 1945 and 1964, may have contracted it between the 1960s and the 1980s. However, by 2015, only 13% of baby boomers had undergone testing. "I wouldn't be shocked if many doctors don't provide the test. It might be because of the stigma. According to Dr. Salamon, they might believe that their patients aren't at risk for hepatitis C.

Do you need to take the test? Adults in the United States should undergo testing at least once, and more frequently if they engage in risky behavior. The good news is that if you detect hepatitis C early, there is a treatment.

4. HIV
We have created potent antiviral drugs to stop the infection from spreading since the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and AIDS (the late-stage phase of HIV infection) first appeared decades ago. However, HIV testing carries the same stigma as hepatitis C testing.

When someone comes into contact with an infected person's bodily fluids, they can become infected with HIV. This may take place during vaginal or anal sex or when exchanging drug-related supplies like needles.

Do you need to take the test? Everyone between the ages of 13 and 64 should get tested at least once, according to the CDC, which also notes that older people are less likely to be screened because they (or their doctors) don't believe they are at risk for HIV. However, one in six HIV diagnoses in 2018 occurred in people 50 years of age or older. If you've never had one or are sexually active.

5. Blood sugar.
Elevated blood glucose (sugar) levels are a sign of diabetes or prediabetes. Medicare will pay for a blood sugar test ordered during a checkup that was conducted after a fast.

Do you need to take the test? A test every few years is fine if your blood sugar is normal, but you should still consider getting testing done annually. " Some people with diabetes are silent diabetics who don't have symptoms, and you wouldn't pick this up unless you ordered the test. People who are at high risk for developing diabetes, such as those who are obese or have a family history of the disease, may require more frequent testing.

Less than 100 mg/dL of blood is considered a normal fasting blood sugar reading; 126 mg/dL or higher may be a sign of diabetes." However, normal levels can occasionally be a little higher as people age. Your doctor must evaluate the findings.