10 Blood Tests Everyone Should Get Annually

Experiencing confusion about which blood tests to prioritise for annual health screening is a primary symptom affecting preventive healthcare decisions across India. Understanding the 10 essential blood tests everyone should get annually (routine diagnostic investigations measuring critical biomarkers that detect diseases early, monitor chronic conditions, and establish baseline health data) empowers individuals to make informed screening choices, identify health risks before symptoms appear, and maintain optimal wellness through proactive monitoring rather than reactive treatment.

Since 2007, healthcare nt sickcare has served over 2,600 families across Pune through comprehensive blood testing services combining NABL-accredited laboratory partnerships, convenient home sample collection, and affordable preventive health packages. This guide explains which blood tests form the foundation of annual health screening, what each test reveals about your body's functioning, and why regular monitoring protects against India's rising burden of non-communicable diseases including diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and liver dysfunction.

Why Should You Get Blood Tests Done Annually?

Annual blood testing detects diseases early when treatment is most effective and prevents complications from undiagnosed conditions.

Regular blood testing provides several critical health benefits including early disease detection before symptoms appear (diabetes, thyroid disorders, kidney disease, liver problems, and vitamin deficiencies often develop silently over years), baseline health data establishing your normal values for comparison when future symptoms develop or health changes occur, chronic condition monitoring for individuals managing diabetes, hypertension, thyroid disorders, or high cholesterol ensuring medications work effectively and adjusting treatment when biomarkers drift outside target ranges, prevention of serious complications by identifying prediabetes before it progresses to diabetes, detecting high cholesterol before heart attacks occur, or catching kidney dysfunction before dialysis becomes necessary, and cost-effective healthcare since treating early-stage diseases costs significantly less than managing advanced complications requiring hospitalisation, surgery, or lifelong medication. According to the World Health Organization, non-communicable diseases cause 71% of global deaths annually, with cardiovascular disease, diabetes, chronic respiratory disease, and cancer accounting for most mortality — conditions preventable or manageable through early detection via blood testing. For comprehensive preventive screening, explore our full body checkup packages in Pune combining essential annual tests.

10 Essential Blood Tests Everyone Should Get Annually

These ten blood tests form the foundation of preventive health screening for adults of all ages.

#1 Complete Blood Count (CBC) — Overall Blood Health Assessment

CBC is the most frequently ordered blood test measuring red blood cells, white blood cells, haemoglobin, haematocrit, and platelets.

Complete Blood Count provides comprehensive assessment of blood health by measuring red blood cells (oxygen carriers — low levels indicate anaemia causing fatigue, weakness, shortness of breath), white blood cells (infection fighters — elevated counts signal acute infection, whilst very low counts suggest immune system problems), haemoglobin (oxygen-carrying protein — deficiency causes anaemia particularly common in Indian women due to iron deficiency), haematocrit (percentage of blood volume occupied by red cells — indicates blood's oxygen-carrying capacity), and platelets (clotting cells — low levels increase bleeding risk whilst high levels raise clotting concerns). CBC detects anaemia (affecting 53% of Indian women and 23% of men according to National Family Health Survey), infections requiring antibiotic treatment, blood cancers like leukaemia or lymphoma requiring specialist referral, bleeding disorders affecting clotting function, and bone marrow problems producing abnormal blood cells. This test requires no fasting and can be performed at any time, making it the ideal first-line screening investigation before more specific testing.

#2 Fasting Blood Glucose — Diabetes Screening and Monitoring

Fasting glucose measures blood sugar after 8–12 hours without food, diagnosing diabetes and prediabetes.

Fasting Blood Glucose (FBG) evaluates how effectively your body regulates blood sugar by measuring glucose concentration after overnight fasting, with normal values under 100 mg/dL indicating proper insulin function and glucose metabolism. Results between 100–125 mg/dL signal prediabetes (insulin resistance — a reversible condition affecting 10% of Indian adults where lifestyle modifications prevent progression to diabetes), whilst values 126 mg/dL or higher on two separate tests confirm diabetes diagnosis requiring medication and lifestyle intervention. India faces a diabetes epidemic with 77 million adults affected and 25 million in the prediabetes stage who remain undiagnosed until complications develop. Uncontrolled high blood sugar over years damages blood vessels causing heart attacks, strokes, kidney failure requiring dialysis, vision loss from diabetic retinopathy, nerve damage causing foot ulcers and amputations, and increased infection susceptibility. Annual fasting glucose screening after age 30 (or earlier if overweight, family history of diabetes, sedentary lifestyle, or PCOS in women) enables early intervention preventing irreversible complications.

#3 HbA1c (Glycated Haemoglobin) — Long-term Blood Sugar Control

HbA1c shows average blood sugar levels over the previous three months, superior to single-point glucose measurements.

Haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c or glycated haemoglobin) measures the percentage of haemoglobin proteins coated with glucose, reflecting average blood sugar control over 8–12 weeks rather than a single moment like fasting glucose. Normal HbA1c is below 5.7%, prediabetes range is 5.7%–6.4%, and diabetes is confirmed at 6.5% or higher. HbA1c offers several advantages including no fasting requirement (can be tested any time), resistance to daily fluctuations from recent meals or stress, better long-term control assessment than daily glucose checks, and superior diabetes complication prediction. For individuals with diagnosed diabetes, HbA1c should be tested every three months to verify treatment effectiveness, whilst those with prediabetes or at high risk should check annually. Maintaining HbA1c below 7% in diabetics significantly reduces heart disease, kidney failure, and vision loss risk. Learn more about diabetes testing in our guide on HbA1c testing.

#4 Lipid Profile — Cardiovascular Risk Assessment

Lipid profile measures cholesterol and triglycerides predicting heart attack and stroke risk decades before events occur.

Lipid Profile evaluates cardiovascular disease risk by measuring total cholesterol (all cholesterol types combined — optimal under 200 mg/dL), LDL cholesterol (low-density lipoprotein called "bad cholesterol" that deposits in artery walls causing blockages — optimal under 100 mg/dL, high risk over 190 mg/dL), HDL cholesterol (high-density lipoprotein called "good cholesterol" that removes deposits from arteries — protective above 60 mg/dL, risk factor below 40 mg/dL in men or below 50 mg/dL in women), and triglycerides (fat molecules raising heart disease risk — optimal under 150 mg/dL, high risk over 200 mg/dL). High LDL cholesterol combined with low HDL cholesterol creates dangerous conditions where fatty deposits accumulate in coronary arteries eventually blocking blood flow causing heart attacks, or in brain arteries causing strokes. Cardiovascular disease causes 28% of Indian deaths annually, with high cholesterol affecting millions of young adults due to urbanisation, sedentary lifestyles, and high-fat diets. Annual lipid screening after age 30 (earlier if family history, obesity, diabetes, or hypertension) enables lifestyle modifications and medications preventing heart attacks whilst arteries remain healthy. This test requires 10–12 hours fasting for accurate triglyceride measurement.

#5 Thyroid Function Tests (TSH, T3, T4) — Metabolism Regulation Assessment

Thyroid tests measure hormone levels controlling metabolism, energy, weight, temperature, and nearly every body function.

Thyroid Function Tests evaluate thyroid gland performance through TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone produced by pituitary gland — elevated TSH indicates hypothyroidism, suppressed TSH suggests hyperthyroidism), Total T3 and Free T3 (triiodothyronine — the active thyroid hormone), and Total T4 and Free T4 (thyroxine — the storage thyroid hormone converted to T3). Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid affecting 10% of Indian adults, particularly women) causes fatigue, weight gain, depression, cold sensitivity, constipation, dry skin, hair loss, and irregular menstrual cycles, whilst hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) produces weight loss, anxiety, rapid heartbeat, heat sensitivity, tremors, and insomnia. Thyroid disorders often develop gradually making symptoms easy to dismiss as stress or ageing until significantly impaired. Untreated hypothyroidism increases heart disease risk, worsens depression, and causes pregnancy complications, whilst untreated hyperthyroidism damages the heart and bones. Annual thyroid screening especially for women over 35, those with family history, or anyone experiencing unexplained symptoms enables early treatment preventing complications. Learn more in our article on understanding T3, T4, and TSH significance.

#6 Liver Function Tests (LFT) — Liver Health Monitoring

LFT measures enzymes and proteins revealing liver inflammation, damage, or functional decline before symptoms appear.

Liver Function Tests assess liver health through enzymes including ALT (alanine aminotransferase — liver-specific enzyme elevated when liver cells are damaged), AST (aspartate aminotransferase — found in liver, heart, and muscles), alkaline phosphatase (elevated in bile duct obstruction or bone disease), and GGT (gamma-glutamyl transferase — sensitive marker of alcohol-related liver damage), plus proteins including total protein, albumin (major protein produced by liver — low levels indicate chronic liver disease or malnutrition), and bilirubin (yellow pigment from red blood cell breakdown — elevated levels cause jaundice). Liver disease prevalence is rising in India due to fatty liver disease affecting 9–32% of population (linked to obesity, diabetes, and sedentary lifestyles), alcohol consumption increasing across demographics, viral hepatitis B and C affecting millions, and medication overuse particularly painkillers causing drug-induced liver injury. Liver disease develops silently over years before symptoms like jaundice, abdominal swelling, or bleeding appear, by which point irreversible cirrhosis may exist. Annual LFT screening enables early lifestyle intervention for fatty liver, antiviral treatment for hepatitis, or medication adjustments preventing progression to cirrhosis and liver failure.

#7 Kidney Function Tests (KFT) — Renal Health Assessment

KFT evaluates how effectively kidneys filter waste products and maintain electrolyte balance critical for survival.

Kidney Function Tests measure kidney performance through serum creatinine (waste product from muscle metabolism — elevated levels indicate reduced kidney filtration), blood urea nitrogen (BUN — waste from protein breakdown — high levels suggest kidney dysfunction or dehydration), uric acid (elevated in gout and kidney stones), and electrolytes including sodium, potassium, chloride, and bicarbonate whose imbalance can be life-threatening. Additional markers include estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR calculated from creatinine — normal above 90 mL/min/1.73m², kidney disease confirmed below 60 for three months), and urine albumin detecting early kidney damage before blood tests become abnormal. Chronic kidney disease affects 17% of Indian adults, driven primarily by diabetes and hypertension which gradually damage kidney blood vessels over decades. Kidney disease remains silent until 70–80% of kidney function is lost, by which point dialysis or transplantation becomes necessary. Annual kidney testing particularly for individuals with diabetes, hypertension, family history of kidney disease, or prolonged NSAID painkiller use detects early dysfunction when medications and blood pressure control can prevent progression to kidney failure.

#8 Vitamin D Test — Bone Health and Immunity Marker

Vitamin D testing identifies deficiency affecting 70–90% of Indians, causing bone weakness, immunity problems, and chronic diseases.

Vitamin D (25-hydroxyvitamin D) measurement evaluates vitamin D status, with optimal levels 30–100 ng/mL, insufficiency 20–30 ng/mL, and deficiency below 20 ng/mL (severe deficiency below 10 ng/mL causing rickets in children or osteomalacia in adults). Despite abundant sunshine, vitamin D deficiency affects 70–90% of Indian population due to dark skin requiring longer sun exposure for vitamin D synthesis, cultural practices limiting sun exposure particularly in women, indoor lifestyles reducing sunlight contact, air pollution blocking UV rays needed for vitamin D production, and dietary deficiency since few Indian foods contain vitamin D naturally. Vitamin D deficiency causes weak bones leading to fractures particularly in elderly, muscle weakness and pain, increased infection susceptibility including respiratory infections, worsened asthma and allergies, higher autoimmune disease risk, depression and mood disorders, and increased risk of cardiovascular disease and certain cancers. Annual vitamin D testing enables supplementation correcting deficiency, improving bone density, reducing fracture risk, and enhancing immunity. Read more about vitamin D testing.

#9 Vitamin B12 and Iron Studies — Energy and Blood Health Markers

B12 and iron testing identifies common deficiencies causing anaemia, fatigue, and neurological problems.

Vitamin B12 (cobalamin) is essential for red blood cell formation, DNA synthesis, and nervous system function, with deficiency causing megaloblastic anaemia (large immature red blood cells that don't carry oxygen efficiently), fatigue and weakness, numbness and tingling in hands and feet, memory problems and confusion, depression, and balance difficulties. B12 deficiency affects 47% of Indians, particularly vegetarians and vegans since B12 exists primarily in animal products, elderly individuals with reduced stomach acid impairing absorption, and those taking metformin for diabetes or proton pump inhibitors for acidity. Iron Studies including serum iron, ferritin (iron storage protein — most reliable deficiency marker), TIBC (total iron binding capacity), and transferrin saturation identify iron deficiency anaemia affecting 53% of Indian women and 23% of men, causing fatigue, weakness, pale skin, shortness of breath, dizziness, cold hands and feet, brittle nails, and restless leg syndrome. Iron deficiency results from inadequate dietary intake particularly in vegetarians, heavy menstrual bleeding in women, pregnancy and breastfeeding increasing requirements, and chronic blood loss from ulcers or gastrointestinal conditions. Annual B12 and iron testing particularly for vegetarians, pregnant women, elderly individuals, and those experiencing unexplained fatigue enables supplementation improving energy, cognitive function, and quality of life.

#10 C-Reactive Protein (CRP) — Inflammation and Cardiac Risk Marker

CRP measures inflammation levels throughout the body, predicting heart attack and stroke risk independent of cholesterol.

C-Reactive Protein is produced by the liver in response to inflammation anywhere in the body, making it a sensitive marker for infections, autoimmune diseases, and cardiovascular risk. High-sensitivity CRP (hs-CRP) specifically assesses cardiovascular risk, with low risk below 1.0 mg/L, moderate risk 1.0–3.0 mg/L, and high risk above 3.0 mg/L. Elevated CRP indicates chronic inflammation that damages artery walls even when cholesterol levels are normal, explaining why some people with normal lipid profiles suffer heart attacks whilst others with high cholesterol remain healthy for decades. Chronic low-grade inflammation results from obesity (fat tissue produces inflammatory chemicals), sedentary lifestyle, poor diet high in refined carbohydrates and unhealthy fats, smoking, chronic stress, sleep deprivation, and uncontrolled chronic diseases. Elevated hs-CRP combined with high LDL cholesterol creates extremely high cardiovascular risk requiring aggressive prevention through lifestyle modifications, anti-inflammatory diet, regular exercise, weight loss, and potentially statin medications. Annual hs-CRP testing particularly for individuals with other cardiovascular risk factors enables comprehensive risk assessment guiding prevention strategies beyond cholesterol management alone.

When Should You Get Your First Health Checkup?

Baseline health screening should begin by age 30 even without symptoms, enabling early detection and trend tracking.

Healthy adults should establish baseline health data through comprehensive blood testing by age 30 years including CBC, fasting glucose, lipid profile, liver function tests, kidney function tests, and thyroid tests even if symptom-free, since this creates reference values for comparison when future health changes occur. Individuals with risk factors including family history of diabetes, heart disease, cancer, or autoimmune disorders, obesity (BMI over 25), sedentary lifestyle with minimal physical activity, high-stress occupations, smoking or alcohol consumption, or previous abnormal blood test results should begin screening earlier at age 25 or even younger if significant risk factors exist. Women planning pregnancy should undergo comprehensive testing before conception to optimise health, identify and treat deficiencies, and reduce pregnancy complications. Annual testing thereafter enables trend monitoring — even small changes within normal ranges may signal developing problems requiring intervention before disease manifests. For comprehensive baseline screening, explore our preventive health checkup packages combining essential annual tests.

How Often Should You Get Blood Tests Done?

Testing frequency depends on age, health status, and risk factors ranging from annual to quarterly monitoring.

Healthy adults without chronic conditions should undergo comprehensive blood testing including the 10 essential tests annually to monitor trends and detect emerging problems before symptoms appear. Individuals aged 50 and above or those with risk factors (family history, obesity, sedentary lifestyle, smoking) benefit from testing every six months to catch age-related changes earlier. People managing chronic conditions require more frequent monitoring including diabetics needing quarterly HbA1c testing to adjust medications, individuals on cholesterol-lowering statins checking lipid profiles every 3–6 months ensuring treatment effectiveness, thyroid disorder patients monitoring TSH every 3–6 months when adjusting medication doses, those with kidney disease checking kidney function every 3–6 months to slow progression, and individuals taking medications affecting liver or kidneys requiring periodic monitoring as prescribed. Pregnant women undergo extensive blood testing throughout pregnancy monitoring maternal and foetal health. Always follow your physician's specific recommendations based on individual health circumstances, as personalised testing schedules optimise disease management and prevention.

What Blood Tests Require Fasting?

Some blood tests require 10–12 hours fasting for accurate results whilst others can be performed any time.

Tests requiring fasting include lipid profile (cholesterol and triglycerides — food consumption significantly elevates triglycerides producing inaccurate results), fasting blood glucose (measures baseline blood sugar without food interference), and some liver function tests (for most accurate enzyme measurements). Tests that do NOT require fasting include complete blood count (CBC measuring blood cells unaffected by food), thyroid function tests (TSH, T3, T4 — hormone levels stable throughout day), HbA1c (reflects long-term blood sugar over three months), kidney function tests (though often done with fasting tests for convenience), vitamin D (measures stored vitamin levels), vitamin B12 and iron studies (storage levels unaffected by recent meals), and C-reactive protein (inflammatory marker stable regardless of meal timing). When fasting is required, avoid all food and beverages except water for 10–12 hours before sample collection, continue essential medications like blood pressure tablets or thyroid medication with small sips of water unless specifically instructed otherwise, stay well hydrated by drinking water which improves vein visibility and blood flow, and schedule early morning appointments so fasting coincides with overnight sleep making it more tolerable.

Frequently Asked Questions About Annual Blood Tests

Take the Next Step with healthcare nt sickcare

Proactive health monitoring through annual blood testing doesn't have to be complicated or expensive. With healthcare nt sickcare, you receive NABL-accredited laboratory quality, transparent pricing, convenient home collection across Pune, and expert guidance interpreting your results. Don't wait until symptoms appear — establish your baseline health data and monitor trends annually to catch problems early when treatment is most effective. Ready to prioritise your health? Explore our comprehensive health checkup packages or contact us at +91 97660 60629 to schedule home blood collection today!