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What blood tests are run during a physical?

To complete the physical, your doctor may draw blood for several laboratory tests. These can include a complete blood count and a complete metabolic panel (also called a chemistry panel). The panel tests your blood plasma and can indicate any issues that exist in your kidneys, liver, blood chemistry, and immune system.

healthline.com - Physical Examination: What Tests to Expect - Healthline

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Overview A routine physical examination ensures that you stay in good health. A physical can also be a preventive step. It allows you to catch up on vaccinations or detect a serious condition, like cancer or diabetes, before it causes problems. During a routine physical, your doctor can also check vitals, including weight, heart rate, and blood pressure. What does a physical exam address? Your doctor will use a physical exam to see how your body is performing. Depending on your personal health history, your doctor may choose to focus on certain areas. If you have a family history of heart disease, for example, you may receive additional blood pressure checks, blood tests, and diabetes and cholesterol screenings. Based on test results, age, and personal health history, the exam is also an opportunity to discuss future prevention measures with your doctor. What does a physical exam entail? An average physical exam may include the following: Updated health history Your doctor may ask for an update on new developments and changes in your health history. This may include questions about your job and relationships, medications, allergies, supplements, or any recent surgeries. Vital sign checks This includes taking a blood pressure reading and checking your heart rate and respiratory rate. Your blood pressure should be checked at least once every year to once every three years, depending on your history. Visual exam Your doctor will review your appearance for signs of any potential conditions. They’ll check the parts of your body that could visually indicate any existing health issues. This includes examining the following: head

eyes

chest

abdomen

musculoskeletal system, such as your hands and wrists

nervous system functions, such as speech and walking Physical exams As the physical exam continues, the doctor will use tools to look in your eyes, ears, nose, and throat. They’ll listen to your heart and lungs. This exam also includes: touching, or “palpating,” parts of your body (like your abdomen) to feel for abnormalities

checking skin, hair, and nails

possibly examining your genitalia and rectum

testing your motor functions and reflexes Laboratory tests To complete the physical, your doctor may draw blood for several laboratory tests. These can include a complete blood count and a complete metabolic panel (also called a chemistry panel). The panel tests your blood plasma and can indicate any issues that exist in your kidneys, liver, blood chemistry, and immune system. This helps detect irregularities in your body that might indicate a larger problem. Your doctor may request a diabetes screen and a thyroid screen. If you have an increased risk of heart attack, heart disease, or stroke, they may also request a lipid panel (cholesterol test). Where and how will the exam be administered? Most full physical exams are performed during a routine physical in a doctor’s office. If you don’t already have a primary care provider, you can browse doctors in your area through the Healthline FindCare tool. When additional screenings or imaging tests are recommended, they may be completed at an imaging center or hospital. Blood draws can be performed at the doctor’s office before samples are sent to a lab for analysis.

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What are the risks of the test? Most portions of a physical exam carry no risks. Some mild discomfort and pain might occur during a blood test when the needle is inserted into the vein for blood withdrawal. A small bruise may also develop where the needle was inserted after it’s removed. This bruise should heal in a few days. While a physical exam is considered by many to be a great way to develop an overall picture of a person’s health, some experts are not convinced that it’s necessary every year. Some abnormal test results may cause unnecessary worry. Talk to your doctor about the best interval for your routine health exam. How do you prepare for the test? You don’t need to prepare for a physical exam unless your doctor requests a fast for a fasting blood test. Before you go to your test, however, take note of: anything you’re allergic to

your current medications

your symptoms, in case you’ve noticed any health issues

any recent lab test results

any device cards, if you have a pacemaker or other similar device

the names, phone numbers, and addresses of any doctors or specialists you’re currently seeing You should prepare some questions to ask your doctor, such as: What screening tests are recommended for my age?

Which vaccines do I need?

Is there anything in my family history that puts me at risk for certain health conditions?

What changes can I make in my routine to improve my health? You should also be prepared to answer some of your doctor’s questions, including: How often do you exercise?

Do you smoke, drink alcohol, or use any drugs?

What is your diet like?

Are you feeling any abnormal pain or discomfort?

Where do you feel the pain or discomfort?

How is your sleep?

healthline.com - Physical Examination: What Tests to Expect - Healthline

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