This article is compiled by Sanjana Varma, a freelance writer at Proactive For Her.
Why do we need health screening?
Health screening should be done at regular intervals to ensure your body is functioning at its best. As we age, it affects how our body metabolism works. If we monitor our hormone levels and body function, we can identify and prevent the early onset of most diseases and conditions.
Your 30’s is a crucial time. More responsibility and work stress may lead to lifestyle diseases like hypertension and diabetes. In this blog, we will discuss some important tests every woman should do annually or as felt necessary.
Health screening consists of tests like blood or urine tests and other procedures like Pap smear, X-rays and ultrasound. It is usually done at regular intervals like once a year or once in two to three years, or when a person reaches a certain age. However, not all screening tests are necessary or helpful. It is best to consult your doctor before going for health screening.
Test Checklists
Doctors recommend these tests to be done when you hit your 30s.
- CBC - Complete Blood Count
What is the test?
A complete blood count (CBC) is a blood test used to evaluate your overall health and detect a wide range of disorders, including anaemia, infection and in rare cases, even blood cancer.
A complete blood count test measures several components of your blood, including:
- Red blood cells or erythrocytes (R.B.C’s): Red blood cells help carry oxygen. A change in their shape, size or appearance can indicate the presence of red blood cell disorders or an underlying deficiency of iron or vitamin B 12
- White blood cells or leukocytes (W.B.C’s): W.B.C’s, which fight infection. An increase or decrease above the normal range can indicate the presence of an underlying health condition
- Hemoglobin : Haemoglobin, the oxygen-carrying protein in red blood cells. Hemoglobin may be reduced in iron deficiency anemia or megaloblastic anemia which is due to deficiency of Vitamin B12.
- Hematocrit (Hct)/ PCV: Hematocrit, the proportion of red blood cells to the fluid component, or plasma, in your blood.
- Platelets: Platelets are small cells in our blood, which help with blood clotting. A very high platelet count or very low count both require medical attention. Counts are usually reduced after common infections like dengue and malaria. Platelet counts may be markedly increased following some infections and in certain platelet disorders.
What is the relevance of the test?
A complete blood count is a common blood test that's done for a variety of reasons:
- Regular tests to review your overall health
- Your doctor may suggest a complete blood count if you're experiencing weakness, fatigue, fever, inflammation, bruising or bleeding.
- To monitor a medical condition or effect of treatment you are undergoing.
At the brink of your 30’s the most common use of this test as a screening test is to detect anaemia and if possible, identify any common nutrient deficiencies that may cause the anaemia such as iron or B12.
2. Blood sugar test / Screening for diabetes
What is the test?
There are several tests that can be used to estimate the amount of blood glucose. Some of the tests may require you to be fasting for a minimum of 8 hours before you give a blood sample. Diabetes can cause your blood sugar (blood glucose) to rise to abnormally high levels. Diabetes is a condition that affects the body’s ability to either produce or use insulin. Insulin helps the body utilize blood sugar for energy. Most commonly you may be asked to test for the following -
- HbA1C
- Random Blood Sugar
- Fasting Blood Sugar
What is the relevance of each of these tests?
HbA1c
The HbA1c test / glycated hemoglobin test results give us an average estimate of what your blood sugar levels have been over approximately 3 months time thereby providing us with a long term gauge of blood glucose control. It measures how much glucose has attached itself to red blood cells in your body over the last two to three months. The results are measured in a percentage.
Results
- less than 5.7 % : Normal
- between 5.7 and 6.4 % : Prediabetes
- equal to or greater than 6.5 % : Diabetes.
Random blood sugar test
A random blood sugar test involves drawing blood at any given time, no matter when you last ate. Results equal to or greater than 200 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) indicate diabetes.
Fasting blood sugar test
Fasting blood sugar tests involves having your blood drawn after you’ve fasted overnight, which usually means not eating for 8 to 12 hours.
Results
- less than 100 mg/dL are normal.
- between 100 and 125 mg/dL indicate prediabetes.
- equal to or greater than 126 mg/dL indicate diabetes.
3. Lipid Profile
What is the test?
The lipid profile measures the amount of specific fat molecules called lipids in the blood. As a panel test, it measures multiple substances, including several types of cholesterol. This test helps to check for risk of coronary heart disease, or as a preventive measure to check any risks depending on factors like eating habits, diet, stress, exercise and lifestyle-related.
A typical lipid profile includes the following tests:
- High-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) - “ good cholesterol”
- Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) -“ bad cholesterol”
- Triglycerides
- Total cholesterol/HDL Ratio (calculated values)
Fasting samples need to be collected after a minimum of 12-14 hours of overnight fasting status. Clear fluids like water can be consumed during this period. Do not consume beverages like tea, coffee and milk in the morning until specimen collection is completed. What is the relevance?
Lipids are the fats and fatty substances that are stored in your blood and tissues and are used by the body as a source of energy. While lipids help keep the body functioning normally, high cholesterol can deposit in the blood vessels and eventually block it which may lead to life-threatening conditions like heart attacks, strokes, or coronary artery disease.
Cholesterol levels are measured in milligrams (mg) per deciliter (dL) of blood.
The normal values for a lipid profile are as follows:
LDL: < 100 mg/dL (the lower, the better)
HDL: more than 40 to 60 mg/dL (the higher, the better)
Total cholesterol: less than 200 mg/dL (the lower, the better)
Triglycerides: 10 to 150 mg/dL (the lower, the better)
If your results are outside the normal range, you might be at a higher risk of stroke, heart disease, etc. Initially, depending on how much your results are out of range, your doctor may recommend lifestyle modification before starting you on medications.
4. Liver Function Tests
What is the test?
Liver function tests, also known as liver chemistries, help determine the health of your liver by measuring the levels of proteins, liver enzymes, and bilirubin in your blood. A blood sample is taken to analyze the levels of:
- Alanine transaminase (ALT) test
- Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) test
- Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) test
- Bilirubin
- Albumin
What is the relevance?
Alanine transaminase (ALT) test
Alanine transaminase (ALT) is an enzyme that is used by your body to metabolize protein. If the liver is damaged or not functioning properly, ALT can be released into the blood. This causes ALT levels to increase.
A higher than normal result (ALT > 25 IU/L) on this test can be a sign of liver damage.
Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) test
Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) is an enzyme found in several parts of your body, including the heart, liver, and muscles. Since AST levels aren’t as specific for liver damage as ALT, it’s usually measured together with ALT to check for liver problems. When the liver is damaged, AST can be released into the bloodstream. Many patients who consume high amounts of alcohol and are alcohol-dependent and display elevated serum aminotransferase levels do not show a high AST/ALT ratio. This suggests that additional factors lead to the high AST/ALT ratio seen in some patients. One such factor may be the severity of liver disease.
A high result on an AST test might indicate a problem with the liver or muscles. The normal range for AST is typically up to 40 IU/L in adults and may be higher in infants and young children.
Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) test
Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) is an enzyme found in your bones, bile ducts, and liver. An ALP test is typically ordered in combination with several other tests. High levels of ALP may indicate liver inflammation, blockage of the bile ducts)ducts that drain bile from the liver into your gut), or bone disease. Pregnancy can also raise ALP levels. The normal range for ALP is typically up to 120 U/L in adults.
Albumin
Albumin is the main protein made by your liver. An albumin test measures how well your liver is making this particular protein. A low result on this test can indicate poor nutrition, infection, kidney disease or that your liver isn’t functioning properly. The normal range for albumin is 3.5–5.0 grams per deciliter (g/dL).
Bilirubin
Bilirubin is a waste product from the breakdown of red blood cells. It’s ordinarily processed by the liver. It passes through the liver before being excreted through your stool. A damaged liver can’t properly process bilirubin. This leads to an abnormally high level of bilirubin in the blood.
A high result on the bilirubin test may indicate that the liver isn’t functioning properly. The normal range for total bilirubin is typically 0.1–1.2 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL).
5. Urinalysis
What is the test?
A urinalysis or urine test is a non-invasive procedure to check for the composition of urine, which will help us identify any kidney disease, infections or conditions such as diabetes. The urine is checked for its appearance, concentration, and composition. It is a convenient, easy, and affordable procedure. It also has a quick turnaround time.
What is the relevance?
A person’s urine is not always perfect. There might be components that are not supposed to be there such as protein, glucose, blood cells both white and red, crystals, and bacteria which will help in diagnosing various conditions.
6. Kidney Function Tests
What is the test?
This test estimates how well your kidneys are functioning. Some of the parameters evaluated are
- Serum creatinine test
- Blood Urea Nitrogen
- Estimated GFR
What is the relevance?
Serum creatinine test
The kidneys usually completely filter creatinine from the blood. A high level of creatinine suggests that your kidneys aren't able to discard it as efficiently. Excess buildup of creatinine will affect the internal functioning of your body. . According to the National Kidney Foundation (NKF), a creatinine level higher than 1.2 milligrams/deciliter (mg/dL) for women is a sign of a kidney problem.
Blood urea nitrogen (BUN)
The blood urea nitrogen (BUN) test also checks for waste products in your blood. BUN tests measure the amount of nitrogen in the blood. Urea nitrogen is a breakdown product of protein. However, not all elevated BUN tests are due to kidney damage.
Common medications, including large doses of aspirin and some types of antibiotics, can also increase your BUN. It’s important to tell your doctor about any medications or supplements that you take regularly. You may need to stop certain drugs for a few days before the test. A normal BUN level is between 7 and 20 mg/dL. A higher value could suggest several different health problems.
Estimated GFR
This test estimates how well your kidneys are filtering waste. The test determines the rate by looking at factors, such as age, gender, race, height and weight. Any result lower than 60 millilitres/minute/1.73m2 may be a warning sign of kidney disease.
7. Thyroid Function Tests
What is the test?
Thyroid function tests are blood tests that help to check the function of your thyroid gland. They are mainly used to detect an underactive thyroid gland (hypothyroidism) and an overactive thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism). Available tests include the T3, T4, and TSH. A blood draw is a routine, minimally invasive procedure. Thyroid hormones regulate the way your body uses energy. It also plays an important role in regulating your weight, body temperature, muscle strength, menstrual cycle and even your mood.
What is the relevance?
Young menstruators often struggle with irregular periods, hormonal weight gain, hair loss and also struggle with infertility. Thyroid disorders are an important and common cause of all these symptoms. Getting this test done, helps you either diagnose or rule them out.
8. Vitamin B-12
What is the test?
Vitamin B-12 is an important vitamin for many bodily functions, such as brain health, blood cell production, and proper nerve functioning. There are several ways to test your B-12 levels. Vitamin B12 status is typically assessed by measurements of serum or plasma vitamin B12 levels. The cutoff between normal vitamin B12 levels and deficiency varies by method and laboratory, but most laboratories define subnormal serum or plasma values as those lower than 200 or 250 pg/mL.
What is the relevance?
Low levels of B-12 can suggest that your body lacks adequate stores of vitamin B12. That can be due to dietary deficiency, some medications you’re consuming or your body not being able to process and absorb the vitamin B12 you consume. If you have unexplained fatigue, tingling or numbness or are finding it hard to concentrate, this test could help you get answers. Vitamin B12 deficiency can lead to infertility, miscarriage and even fetal loss if untreated. Optimum levels of Vitamin B12 is required for ovulation, proper attachment of the egg in your uterus (implantation ) and normal development of the egg. So a disturbance in any of these stages in any of these can lead to infertility. Vitamin B 12 deficiency is associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes for both mother and fetus. The fetus may develop neural tube defects, neurological disturbances and intrauterine growth retardation. Vitamin B 12 deficiency also increases the risk of preeclampsia and miscarriage in the antenatal period. A deficiency of Vitamin B12 can also increase the amount of homocysteine in your blood, which in turn damages your blood vessels and put you at risk for heart disease, stroke and also cause recurrent miscarriage.
A defect in any of these steps can lead to infertility
9. Vitamin D
What is the test?
Vitamin D is a nutrient that is essential for healthy bones and teeth. Two forms of vitamin D that are important are: vitamin D2 and vitamin D3. Vitamin D2 mainly comes from fortified foods like breakfast cereals, milk, and other dairy items. Vitamin D3 is made by your own body when you are exposed to sunlight. It is also found in some foods, including eggs and fatty fish, such as salmon, tuna, and mackerel.A vitamin D test is used to screen for or monitor bone disorders.
What is the relevance?
The test may be ordered if you are at a higher risk for a vitamin D deficiency. Risk factors include chances of developing bone disorders, obesity and difficulty in absorbing fat in your diet.
A low result may also mean your body is having trouble using the vitamin as it should, and may indicate kidney or liver disease. If your results show you have an excess of vitamin D, it is most likely due to taking too many vitamin pills or other supplements. You’ll need to stop taking these supplements to reduce your vitamin D levels. Too much vitamin D can cause damage to your organs and blood vessels.
10. Tests to screen for STI's
What is the test?
If you're sexually active, using protection and getting tested is important because a person can have sexually transmitted infections without knowing it. In many cases, there aren't any signs or symptoms. Chlamydia, gonorrhoea, syphilis, HIV, Hepatitis B and Herpes are some of the most common ones. Tests can vary from blood tests, urine tests or swab tests.
What is the relevance?
Doctors screen people for chlamydia and gonorrhoea by taking a urine test or a swab from the cervix in women. Younger teens should be tested if they have a high risk of an STI. The CDC advises yearly HIV testing if you're at high risk of infection. Blood tests can confirm the presence of antibodies that the body produces to fight infection. The antibodies to the syphilis-causing bacteria remain in your body for years, so the test can be used to determine a current or past infection.
No good screening test exists for herpes — a viral infection. Most people with herpes infection never have any symptoms but can still transmit the virus to others. Your doctor may take a tissue scraping or culture of blisters or early ulcers, if you have them, to be examined in a lab.
Certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV) can cause cervical cancer while other varieties of HPV can cause genital warts. If you test positive for an STI, the next step is to consider further testing and then get treatment as recommended by your doctor. In addition, inform your sex partners. Your partners need to be evaluated and treated because you can pass some infections back and forth.
11. Pap smear
A Pap smear, also called a Pap test, is a screening procedure for cervical cancer. Detecting cervical cancer early with a Pap smear gives you a greater chance at a cure. A Pap smear can also detect changes in your cervical cells that suggest cancer may develop in the future. During the routine procedure, cells from your cervix are gently scraped away and later examined under the microscope for abnormal cells or any infection. It is recommended that Pap testing is repeated every three years for women ages 21 to 65. Women age 30 and older can consider co-testing every 5 years which would combine a Pap smear with the HPV test.
HPV is a virus that causes warts and increases the chance of cervical cancer. HPV types 16 and 18 are the primary causes of cervical cancer. If you have HPV, you may be at an increased risk of developing cervical cancer.
Bottom Line
Staying healthy is not the most difficult thing you’ll ever do, but it does take some effort and vigilance. One part of that effort is getting appropriate screening tests, which are used to detect potential health problems when they’re still treatable. The screening tests you’ll need will change as you age. The thirties are the new twenties. Stay healthy, stay happy!
Disclaimer - This information is provided for educational purposes and should not be construed as medical advice. Please consult with your healthcare practitioners before undertaking any changes in your diet or adding supplements.
Proactive is a digital clinic for women, offering accessible, personalized, and confidential healthcare solutions. We offer products and services for out-patient health concerns of Indian women, across their lifetime - from puberty to pregnancy to menopause. To know more on the sexual and reproductive health of women, visit https://www.proactiveforher.com/