Annual Blood Test Check-Up: What to Get Every Year
An annual blood test is the single most powerful preventive health measure you can take. It catches problems years before symptoms appear — prediabetes, early kidney decline, creeping cholesterol, silent thyroid issues. But most people don’t know which tests to request, and results pile up in drawers without being compared year-over-year.
Recommended Blood Tests by Age
Based on Australian guidelines from the RACGP, Heart Foundation, and Diabetes Australia. Most routine tests are Medicare bulk-billed when ordered by your GP.
Core Panel
Full blood count
Iron studies
Vitamin D
Liver function
Kidney function
Consider Adding
+ STI screening if sexually active
+ Thyroid if family history
+ Fasting glucose if overweight
Core Panel
Full blood count
Lipid panel (cholesterol)
Fasting glucose + HbA1c
Iron studies
Vitamin D
Liver function
Kidney function
Thyroid (TSH)
Consider Adding
+ Hormone panel if fertility concerns
+ B12 if vegetarian
+ Coeliac screen if GI symptoms
Core Panel
Full blood count
Lipid panel
Fasting glucose + HbA1c
Liver function
Kidney function (eGFR)
Thyroid (TSH)
Iron studies
Vitamin D
Uric acid
Consider Adding
+ Fasting insulin + HOMA-IR
+ PSA for men (informed decision)
+ Cardiac risk assessment
+ Hormone panel if symptomatic
Core Panel
Full blood count
Lipid panel
Fasting glucose + HbA1c
Liver function
Kidney function (eGFR)
Thyroid (TSH)
Iron studies
Vitamin D
Uric acid
B12 + folate
CRP (inflammation)
Consider Adding
+ PSA for men
+ Bone health (calcium, ALP) for women
+ Tumour markers if family history
Core Panel
Full blood count
Lipid panel
Fasting glucose + HbA1c
Liver function
Kidney function (eGFR)
Thyroid (TSH)
Iron studies
Vitamin D
B12 + folate
Calcium + phosphate
CRP
Uric acid
Electrolytes
Consider Adding
+ INR if on warfarin
+ BNP if heart failure risk
+ Bone markers (P1NP, CTX)
+ Over-75s Health Assessment
Why Year-Over-Year Comparison Matters
Creeping cholesterol
4.8 → 5.2 → 5.6 → 6.1 over 4 years
Each test is "borderline". The trend shows steady progression toward medication.
Silent kidney decline
eGFR: 92 → 85 → 78 → 72 over 4 years
All above 60 threshold. The downward trend signals early CKD.
Iron depletion pattern
Ferritin: 65 → 45 → 28 → 15 over 3 years
Only the last result is flagged. The trend started 3 years ago.
Treatment working
HbA1c: 6.8% → 6.2% → 5.9% over 18 months
Confirms lifestyle changes are bringing diabetes under control.
Upload This Year’s Results — And Every Previous Year
The more history you upload, the more powerful the trend analysis becomes.
Get Started FreeMedicare Coverage for Annual Blood Tests
Standard Bulk-Billed Tests
FBC, lipids, glucose, HbA1c, liver, kidney, thyroid, iron, and vitamin D are routinely bulk-billed when your GP orders them.
GP Management Plans (CDM)
Chronic conditions (diabetes, heart disease, asthma) qualify for CDM plans that fund additional testing and allied health.
Over-75s Health Assessment
Medicare funds a comprehensive annual assessment for Australians aged 75+ including blood tests and cognitive screening.
Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander
The 715 Health Assessment is available annually for all ages, including a comprehensive blood panel.
Related Guides
Your Annual Check-Up Deserves More Than a Filing Cabinet
Upload every annual blood test — this year and previous years. See trends, catch problems early, and take a professional report to your next appointment. Free forever.
Get Started FreeMedical Disclaimer: These are general screening recommendations. Your GP may recommend different tests based on your personal history. Always discuss testing with your doctor.