Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility

Blood Tests You Should Get When You Turn 30

May 6, 2022

When you’re in your 20s, you may not feel concerned about your health – you’re young and you have your whole life ahead of you. Of course, it’s important to be proactive about your health at every age. Taking simple steps now to support your well-being, such as getting routine blood work, can have long-lasting effects. Below, TOPLAB® explains a few of the routine blood tests that may be recommended when you turn 30.

Diabetes Screening

When you turn 30, it’s a good idea to get an annual physical from your primary care physician. In addition to tracking your weight and height and listening to your heart and lungs, your doctor will take your blood pressure and other vital signs. If you have high blood pressure, your doctor may suggest that you get your blood sugar level checked – especially if you have diabetic family members or other risk factors for diabetes.

A simple blood test can assess your blood sugar levels. Depending on the type of blood sugar test your doctor recommends, you may need to fast the night before. A common test is the A1C test, which measures your average blood sugar over time:

  • If your A1C is below 5.7%, your blood sugar levels are normal.
  • If your A1C is between 5.7% and 6.4%, you may be prediabetic.
  • If your A1C is 6.5% or higher, you are in the range for diabetes.

If you are prediabetic, your doctor will suggest lifestyle changes to manage your blood sugar and lower your risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.

Cholesterol Screening

When you hit age 30, it’s a good idea to get your cholesterol levels checked, especially if high cholesterol runs in your family. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that healthy adults get a cholesterol screening every four to six years – and patients with certain risk factors should have more frequent screenings. Your doctor can order a test called a lipid panel that evaluates the cholesterol in your blood. Usually, this test measures:

  • High-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol
  • Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol
  • Total cholesterol
  • Triglycerides

Usually, you’ll need to fast before a lipid panel. If your LDL or total cholesterol levels are higher than average, your doctor may suggest certain changes to your diet, or they may have you begin taking medication to manage your cholesterol.

Metabolic Panel Tests

A basic metabolic panel (BMP) is a common blood test. The BMP is a group of eight separate tests that provide insights into an individual’s health. At age 30, a BMP is a great way to get a baseline assessment of your overall health. The test evaluates the following components of your blood:

  • Bicarbonate: This indicates the level of CO2 your blood.
  • Blood urea nitrogen (BUN): This measures how effectively your kidneys are removing urea from your blood.
  • Calcium: Blood calcium is essential for healthy cell function as well as blood clotting.
  • Chloride: This test assesses how well your body manages fluids.
  • Creatinine: A normal byproduct of muscle activity, creatinine is filtered out of your blood by your kidneys.
  • Glucose: Commonly known as blood sugar, glucose is a key source of energy.
  • Potassium: This is a mineral that helps your cells function.
  • Sodium: This test ensures that your cells and tissues are getting enough water.

Depending on your health history, your doctor might recommend a comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP). In addition to all the tests included in a basic metabolic panel, a CMP tests several additional blood components:

  • Alanine aminotransferase (ALT)
  • Albumin
  • Alkaline phosphatase
  • Aspartate aminotransferase (AST)
  • Bilirubin
  • Total protein

Both the BMP and CMP are routine blood tests that can be done quickly and safely at a laboratory.

Schedule Your Blood Work at TOPLAB®

For professional and reliable lab testing services, count on TOPLAB®. Our experienced team of phlebotomists and lab technicians uses state-of-the-art technology to provide efficient and accurate blood work. TOPLAB® is headquartered in New Jersey, but we provide lab services to healthcare providers and patients throughout the United States. And with our secure and user-friendly portal, customers can access their results 24/7 from anywhere. Our lab test directory lists our comprehensive test services. In addition to blood work, we provide:

We even provide direct-to-consumer blood testing – no need to wait for a doctor’s appointment or referral. To learn more about our lab testing services or schedule an appointment, contact us today.