You can start being proactive about your health at any age, but like most things in life, the sooner you start, the better you will feel.
We have compiled a list of recommended pathology tests by age so you can take charge of your health and request a referral from your doctor.
In your 20s?
- Full blood count to get a good idea about your general health or any concerns you may have
- COVID-19 test if you are symptomatic or are a close contact of someone who has tested positive for COVID-19
- STI checks if you are sexually active
- Women aged 25+: cervical screening test every five years
- Thyroid function test if you experience some of these symptoms or are monitoring an existing condition
- Fertility test if you have been unable to conceive after 12 months of trying
In Your 30s?
- Full blood count to get a good idea about your general health or any concerns you may have
- Fertility test if you have been unable to conceive after 12 months of trying
- Women: cervical screening test every five years
- STI checks if you are sexually active
- COVID-19 test if you are symptomatic or are a close contact of someone who has tested positive for COVID-19
- Thyroid function test if you experience some of these symptoms or are monitoring an existing condition
- Liver function test from age 35 if your doctor requests
In Your 40s?
- Full blood count to get a good idea about your general health or any concerns you may have
- Fertility test if you have been unable to conceive after 12 months of trying
- Women: cervical screening test every five years
- From age 40: Type 2 diabetes screening every three years if your doctor places you at high risk
- From age 45: lipid profile every two years to monitor your cholesterol levels and assist in calculating your risk of developing cardiovascular disease
- If you have a high risk of developing cardiovascular disease, you are advised to repeat every 12 months
- COVID-19 test if you are symptomatic or are a close contact of someone who has tested positive for COVID-19
- Thyroid function test if you experience some of these symptoms or are monitoring an existing condition
- Liver function test upon doctor request
In Your 50s?
- Full blood count to get a good idea about your general health or any concerns you may have
- Women: cervical screening test every five years
- Type 2 diabetes screening every three years if your doctor places you at high risk
- Lipid profile every two years to monitor your cholesterol levels and assist in calculating your risk of developing cardiovascular disease
- If you have a high risk of developing cardiovascular disease, you are advised to repeat every 12 months
- COVID-19 test if you are symptomatic or are a close contact of someone who has tested positive for COVID-19
- Thyroid function test if you experience some of these symptoms or are monitoring an existing condition
- Liver function test upon doctor request
In Your 60s?
- Faecal occult blood test to screen for colorectal cancer every two years
- Lipid profile every two years to monitor your cholesterol levels and assist in calculating your risk of developing cardiovascular disease
- If you have a high risk of developing cardiovascular disease, you are advised to repeat every 12 months
- Type 2 diabetes screening every three years if your doctor places you at high risk
- Thyroid function test if you experience some of these symptoms or are monitoring an existing condition
- Women: cervical screening test every five years
- Full blood count to get a good idea about your general health or any concerns you may have
Are You 60+?
- Faecal occult blood test to screen for colorectal cancer every two years
- Lipid profile every two years to monitor your cholesterol levels and assist in calculating your risk of developing cardiovascular disease
- If you have a high risk of developing cardiovascular disease, you are advised to repeat every 12 months
- Type 2 diabetes screening every three years if your doctor places you at high risk
- Thyroid function test if you experience some of these symptoms or are monitoring an existing condition
- Women: cervical screening test every five years until age 74
- Full blood count to get a good idea about your general health or any concerns you may have
Our doctors are available for both scheduled and on-demand consultations so you can request pathology as needed.