There are a number of tests required for routine medical examination. Some of these are listed below:
Type of Test | Required for | Periodicity | Additional Points |
| Blood pressure check up | All adults | Annual | More frequent monitoring for those with BP of 135/85 or higher. |
| Cholesterol check | All adults | Annual after 30 years and more often if high LDL or low HDL or other risk factors | Obese and those with family history of heart disease may require more frequently. |
| Fasting blood glucose test | All above 40 and earlier for those at high risk | Annual | After age 30 for those with family history of diabetics. |
| Dental Examination | All adults | Every 6 months or as advised | Cleaning and screening for oral cancer also required. |
| Tetanus Diphtheria booster | All adults | Every 10 years | More regularly for aged above 50 |
| Hepatitis vaccine | All adults | As advised by physician | All newborns should be vaccinated |
| Chickenpox vaccine | All who have never had chickenpox | Once. But 2 shots are required for those above 13 years of age | Pregnant women should avoid. |
| Pap smear ( for early detection of cervical cancer) | All women over 18 & earlier if sexually active | Once every 3 years if earlier 3 annual tests are normal & more often for smokers and having multiple sex partners | May stop after 60 years of age |
| Breast cancer screening (mammography) | All women above 45 years | Annual | Self examination and clinical breast examination is also important |
| Colorectal cancer screening Fecal matter blood test, sigmoidoscopy, colonoscop | All 45 years age and above: earlier for those at high risk | Blood test annually, Sigmoidoscopy every 3-4 years and colonoscopy every 7-8 years or as advised by your physician | X-Ray with barium enema may also be done. |
| Thyroid disease screening | Women 50 years & above. Those with high cholesterol and family history of thyroid disease. | As advised by your physician or every 2-3 years | Ask your doctor about risk factors |
| Glaucoma screening | Diabetics and with family history of diabetics, Aged over 50, very nearsighted and suffering from sleep apnea | Bi-annual or as advised by your physician | Preferably all adults over 35 years of age |
| Chalmydia screening | Women 25 and younger, if sexually active | Annual or more often | Men & women of any age who are sexually active and at risk for sexually transmitted diseases. |
| Prostate cancer screening (prostate specific antigen)or PSA test and rectal exam | Those with family history after 40 years of age and others after 50 | Rectal exam annually & PSA on doctors advice | PSA screening only on advice. |
| Influenza vaccine | All aged 50 and above & those suffering from Lung/ heart disease or cancer | Annual | Even healthy younger adults should take it |
| Pneumococcal Vaccine | All aged 60 and above & others under high risk for complications | At least once | Lasts 5-10 years against most types of Pneumococcal pneumonia |
| Rubella Vaccine | All women of child bearing age | Once | Not to be taken during pregnancy |
There are other important preventive measures not listed above-the kind of commonsense steps that could prevent injury, illness, disability, and premature death. Here’s a checklist:
Someday may be genetic altering may improve immunity levels for disease but until then it is sensible to take adequate care and precautions.