Essential routine medical check-ups you should have

Many people only visit a doctor when they’re sick, but routine medical check-ups are crucial for early disease detection, prevention, and better treatment outcomes.  

What are the essential check-ups?

While there are specific check-ups for different ages, genders, and people with predisposing risk factors, there are certain tests that are standard for most age groups. 

The following are standard tests recommended for most adults:

1. Basic physical examination and vital signs

Every check-up starts with:

Vital signs – Blood pressure, pulse, respiratory rate, temperature and oxygen saturation.

BMI calculation – Weight and height assessment for obesity/nutritional status.

Medical history review – Past illnesses, family history, lifestyle habits.

2.Essential laboratory tests (recommended yearly)

From the above assessment, the patient will then be sent for laboratory baseline tests that basically show whether the key organs are physiologically normal or if there is need to investigate further.

The tests can be done once every year. They include;

Full Hemogram (complete blood count) 

This is a fundamental and highly informative test that provides a comprehensive overview of a patient's blood health. The tests include a white cell count, haemoglobin level, platelet count, among others. The tests are important in screening for diseases of the blood like infections, anaemia or bleeding disorders. A full haemogram has also been a useful tool for early detection of blood malignancies like leukaemia.

Renal function tests

These tests are essential for assessing kidney health, electrolyte balance, and metabolic waste clearance. They help detect early kidney dysfunction, metabolic disorders or obstructive conditions of the urinary tract.

Liver function tests
They are a group of blood tests that assess the health, function, and integrity of the liver. They help detect liver damage, inflammation, infection, metabolic disorders, and biliary obstruction.

Urinalysis

Urinalysis is a simple yet powerful diagnostic tool that evaluates the physical, chemical, and microscopic properties of urine. It helps detect urinary tract disorders, kidney disease, metabolic conditions (like diabetes), and systemic illnesses.

3 Additional important tests 

Cholesterol

A lipid profile measures different types of cholesterol and fats in the blood, helping assess cardiovascular risk and guiding dietary, lifestyle, and medical interventions.
This test looks at the level of cholesterol and fats in the blood, which can be divided into two categories: high density lipoprotein - the “good cholesterol” and a low-density lipoprotein (LDL) – the “bad cholesterol”. An additional test is known as a triglyceride level.These tests guide dietary, lifestyle, and medical interventions, especially for patients who have underlying comorbidities like hypertension or pre-hypertensive patients and those with a higher body mass index. High LDL levels have been associated with cardiac disease and may predispose one to a stroke. 

 Stool test
The test is not mandatory but is important in screening for disorders of the gastro-intestinal tract. The test checks for faecal occult blood, ova and cysts, and can help evaluate/screen for infections, diseases of the GI tract, haemorrhoids/ piles and even raise an index of suspicion for malignancies in the tract in patients with constitutional symptoms.  

4.Focused additional tests

These are tests recommended as part of routine medical check-ups for certain cadre or group of patients. They include:

Prostate specific antigen (PSA)

 A PSA is a protein produced by normal prostate cells and rising levels of these proteins are associated with various conditions like prostate cancer, infections of the prostate also known as prostatitis or benign prostatic hyperplasia. Most clinicians determine which men should undergo PSA testing based on age, symptoms, family history, general medical condition, physical examination findings and sometimes a patient’s request. The recommended age group range for a PSA screening is between 40- 55 years depending on local guidelines, family history or suggestive symptoms from the history. It is important to note that there are many other factors that may influence the PSA levels and these are discussed with patient before taking a blood sample for screening.  

Cervical cancer screening

 Cervical cancer is still the most common malignancy in women worldwide and remains the leading cause of cancer-related mortality among women in developing countries. Cervical cancer screening is also dependent on the age group based on different local guidelines. The American College of Obstetrician guidelines recommends screening form age 21-65.

Different screening techniques are recommended for different age groups. Younger women may require a pap smear alone, while ages 30-60 may require HPV and cytology testing in three-five years.

Breast cancer screening

This test includes self-examination, clinical breast examination where the doctor does the evaluation, radiological imaging like ultrasonography, mammography or an MRI. The American College of Obstetricians recommends that women aged between 25 and 39 should have a clinical breast exam every one to three years, while those aged 40 and older should have one annually. 

The mammogram offers the gold standard for breast cancer detection and is recommended in patients aged 40-49 years with an interval screening of annually or biennially.
 
Dr Gathu is assistant professor and consultant family physician at Aga Khan University Hospital, Family Medicine Department