Labs, Screenings, and Checkups: What You Actually Need and When
Labs & Screenings: What You Need and When
Not sure which tests and checkups are right for you? Dr. Sonia Durairaj breaks down preventive care by age and risk, so you can stay healthy with confidence.
A clear guide to preventive care for adults of all ages
One of the most important parts of staying healthy is keeping up with preventive care—but it’s not always easy to know which tests and screenings you actually need, or how often you should get them. At Elevated Health, Dr. Sonia Durairaj helps patients cut through the confusion with a personalized approach based on age, risk factors, and overall health.
Here’s a straightforward breakdown of the most common preventive labs, screenings, and checkups—and when they’re recommended.
Why Preventive Care Matters
An ounce of prevention really is worth a pound of cure
Preventive care isn’t just about avoiding illness—it’s about catching small issues before they become big problems. Regular screenings and labs can detect early signs of heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and other conditions, often before symptoms appear.
At Elevated Health, Dr. Durairaj tailors your preventive care plan to your unique needs—so you’re not over-tested, but you’re also not missing important opportunities for early detection.
Annual Checkups
Your yearly wellness foundation
Even if you feel healthy, an annual checkup is key for monitoring your health over time. This visit may include:
A full health history and lifestyle review
Vital signs (blood pressure, heart rate, BMI)
A physical exam
Discussion of mental health, sleep, diet, and exercise
Review of vaccines and any needed updates
Common Lab Tests by Age and Risk
Basic Labs (Most Adults, Annually)
Complete Blood Count (CBC) – Screens for anemia, infection, and more
Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP) – Checks liver, kidney, and electrolyte function
Lipid Panel – Monitors cholesterol and triglycerides
Blood Glucose / A1C – Screens for diabetes or prediabetes
Additional Labs (Based on Risk Factors)
Thyroid Function Tests – If you have symptoms or family history
Vitamin D & B12 Levels – For fatigue, bone health, or dietary concerns
Inflammatory Markers – Such as CRP, for certain chronic conditions
Screening Recommendations
20s–30s
Blood pressure every 3–5 years (more often if elevated)
Cholesterol every 4–6 years (more often if at risk)
Cervical cancer screening (women, per guidelines)
Skin exams for unusual moles or changes
40s–50s
Annual blood pressure and cholesterol checks
Blood glucose or A1C every 3 years (annually if at risk)
Mammogram every 1–2 years (women, per guidelines)
Colon cancer screening starting at age 45
Eye exam every 2–4 years (more often if vision changes)
60+
Screenings above, plus:
Bone density test (DEXA) for osteoporosis
Hearing checks every 1–3 years
Abdominal aortic aneurysm screening (men, one-time, if applicable)
Making Preventive Care Personal
No two patients are the same
While national guidelines provide a helpful starting point, your actual plan should be individualized. Your family history, personal health history, and lifestyle all play a role in determining which tests are right for you—and how often you should have them.
At Elevated Health, Dr. Durairaj partners with you to create a preventive care plan that makes sense for your life, so you can feel confident you’re getting exactly what you need—no more, no less.
The Bottom Line
Preventive care is one of the smartest investments you can make in your health. Knowing what labs, screenings, and checkups you need—and when—can help you stay ahead of illness and feel your best at every stage of adulthood.
Ready to Take Control of Your Health?
At Elevated Health, we make preventive care simple, accessible, and personalized. Contact us to learn more about our concierge membership model and how we can help you stay well.
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Sonia Durairaj, MD, MSCP
Dr. Sonia Durairaj, MD, MSCP, is a board-certified internal medicine physician and Menopause Society Certified Practitioner with more than 20 years of experience caring for adults across all stages of life. She is the founder of Elevated Health, a concierge internal medicine and menopause care practice in Austin's Westlake Hills area, where she provides personalized, unhurried care with a deep focus on prevention, hormonal health, and midlife wellness for women. Dr. Durairaj is a proud Ms.Medicine affiliate physician.