Most of us only have a blood test when something feels wrong. Yet many medical conditions develop gradually, often without causing any symptoms in their early stages.
Regular blood testing can identify changes that might otherwise go unnoticed – and give you the chance to act before problems become established. Here’s what we include in a comprehensive annual blood test at Preologi, and why repeating it each year tells you more than a single result can.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Many conditions develop silently, so a blood test can pick up changes before you notice anything.
- A comprehensive annual test covers blood count and nutrition, heart health, blood sugar, organ function, minerals and thyroid.
- Men can add PSA testing (and Stockholm3 if PSA is raised); women can add hormone testing, particularly around the menopause.
- Comparing results year on year can reveal meaningful changes – even within the normal range.
Why have a blood test when you feel well?
Many medical conditions develop gradually. In their early stages, they often cause no symptoms at all.
Regular blood testing can identify changes in health that might otherwise go unnoticed. That provides an opportunity to intervene before problems become established.
What does a comprehensive annual blood test include?
At Preologi, we recommend a comprehensive annual blood test covering a number of important areas.
| Area | What we test | What it helps show |
| Blood count and nutrition | Full blood count, iron studies, vitamin B12, folate | Anaemia and nutritional deficiencies |
| Heart and circulation | Cholesterol, apolipoprotein B (ApoB), lipoprotein(a), high-sensitivity CRP | Additional information about cardiovascular risk |
| Blood sugar | HbA1c | Longer-term blood glucose control and early diabetes |
| Organ function and minerals | Liver, kidney and bone profiles (including calcium), magnesium | Organ function and mineral balance |
| Thyroid | Thyroid function | How the thyroid is working |
At a glance: the core areas covered by Preologi’s annual blood test.
Blood count and nutrition
A full blood count, iron studies, vitamin B12 and folate help identify anaemia and nutritional deficiencies.
Heart and circulation
A detailed cardiovascular profile includes cholesterol, apolipoprotein B (ApoB), lipoprotein(a) and high-sensitivity CRP. Together, these provide additional information about cardiovascular risk. If heart health is a priority for you, read about how silent heart disease develops.
Blood sugar
HbA1c assesses longer-term blood glucose control and can identify early diabetes.
Organ function and minerals
Liver, kidney and bone profiles assess organ function and mineral balance, including calcium levels. We also measure magnesium.
Thyroid
We include thyroid function as part of the core panel.
Additional tests for men and women
For men: PSA and Stockholm3
For men, the programme can also include PSA testing. If PSA is elevated, the more advanced Stockholm3 test can be added.
For women: hormone testing
For women, additional hormone testing may be useful, particularly when investigating symptoms associated with the menopause.
Why testing every year matters
One of the main benefits of annual testing is the ability to compare results over time.
Changes within the normal range can sometimes be informative.
A single result shows where you are today. A series of results shows which way things are moving – particularly when considered alongside your medical history and other investigations.
The takeaway
An annual blood test is a simple way to keep track of your health while you still feel well. By covering a broad range of markers – and comparing them year on year – it can highlight changes early, when there is more opportunity to act.
Related reading
- Silent heart disease: what three major studies reveal
- Bowel cancer screening in the UK: FIT tests, blood tests and what comes next
- The Galleri® multi-cancer early detection test
Frequently asked questions
What does an annual blood test check?
Preologi’s comprehensive annual blood test covers full blood count, iron studies, vitamin B12 and folate; a cardiovascular profile including cholesterol, ApoB, lipoprotein(a) and high-sensitivity CRP; HbA1c; liver, kidney and bone profiles; magnesium; and thyroid function.
Why test every year rather than once?
Annual testing lets you compare results over time. Changes within the normal range can sometimes be informative, particularly alongside your medical history and other investigations.
Can men include a prostate test?
Yes. The programme can include PSA testing for men and, if PSA is elevated, the more advanced Stockholm3 test.
