• 22 Apr, 2026
• AffectionHealth
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Blood Tests Done at a Yearly Physical | Affection Health

What to Expect From Blood Tests at Your Yearly Physical

You schedule your yearly physical, and the nurse tells you that you need some blood work. Maybe you feel a little nervous. Maybe you wonder why you need blood tests if you feel fine. The truth is, many health problems have no symptoms at first. Blood tests help your provider find problems early — before they become serious. Knowing what tests to expect can help you feel calm and ready.

A yearly physical is one of the best things you can do for your health. It gives your provider a full picture of how your body is working. Blood tests are a big part of that picture. Let’s walk through the most common blood tests ordered during a routine physical and what they check for.

Complete Blood Count (CBC)

A complete blood count, or CBC, is one of the most common blood tests ordered at a physical. It measures the different types of cells in your blood. This includes red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. Each type of cell does an important job in your body.

Red blood cells carry oxygen through your body. If your red blood cell count is low, you may have anemia. Anemia can make you feel very tired and weak. White blood cells help fight infection. A high white blood cell count can be a sign that your body is fighting off something. Platelets help your blood clot when you have a cut or injury.

The CBC gives your provider a lot of useful information with just one small blood draw. It can pick up on infections, anemia, and other blood conditions that you might not feel right away.

Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP)

A comprehensive metabolic panel, or CMP, checks 14 different substances in your blood. This test looks at how well your kidneys and liver are working. It also checks your blood sugar, electrolytes, and protein levels. Electrolytes like sodium and potassium help keep your heart and muscles working properly.

The CMP includes a fasting blood glucose test. This checks the level of sugar in your blood. High blood sugar can be an early sign of diabetes or prediabetes. Catching high blood sugar early gives you the best chance to make changes before the condition gets worse.

Liver and kidney markers in the CMP can show if these organs are under stress. Sometimes medications, alcohol use, or other health conditions can affect liver or kidney function without causing any symptoms you would notice.

Lipid Panel

A lipid panel measures the fats in your blood. This includes total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, and triglycerides. You may have heard LDL called “bad” cholesterol and HDL called “good” cholesterol. High LDL levels can build up in your arteries and increase your risk of heart disease and stroke.

Triglycerides are another type of fat found in your blood. High triglyceride levels are often linked to diet, weight, and lifestyle habits. Your provider will look at all of these numbers together — not just one number alone — to understand your heart health risk.

Most adults should have a lipid panel done regularly. Your provider will tell you how often based on your age, family history, and other health factors. This test usually requires you to fast for 9 to 12 hours before the blood draw for the most accurate results.

Blood Sugar Tests

Checking your blood sugar is a key part of a yearly physical. As mentioned above, the CMP includes fasting blood glucose. Your provider may also order a test called hemoglobin A1c, or HbA1c. This test gives a picture of your average blood sugar levels over the past two to three months.

Diabetes is very common and often has no symptoms in the early stages. The A1c test is one of the best tools for finding prediabetes or diabetes early. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends screening for type 2 diabetes in adults between ages 35 and 70 who are overweight or obese.

Catching blood sugar problems early can make a big difference. Lifestyle changes like eating better and moving more can sometimes bring blood sugar back to a healthy range when found early enough.

Thyroid Function Test

Your thyroid is a small gland in your neck. It makes hormones that control your metabolism, energy levels, mood, and much more. A thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) test checks how well your thyroid is working. It is one of the most common thyroid tests ordered at a physical.

An underactive thyroid, called hypothyroidism, can cause fatigue, weight gain, feeling cold, and depression. An overactive thyroid, called hyperthyroidism, can cause weight loss, a fast heartbeat, and anxiety. Both conditions can be hard to spot without a blood test because the symptoms can look like many other things.

Thyroid problems are more common in women, but they can affect anyone. Your provider will decide if a TSH test is right for you based on your symptoms, age, and health history.

Getting Your Blood Work Done at Affection Health Care

If you are due for a yearly physical, the team at Affection Health Care in Modesto, CA is here to help. A Board-Certified Family Nurse Practitioner leads the clinic and offers full primary care services, including blood work. Getting your labs done every year is one of the smartest steps you can take for your long-term health.

Your provider will look at all of your blood test results together. One number outside of range does not always mean something is wrong. Your provider considers your full health history, lifestyle, and symptoms before making any decisions about your care. The goal is to give you a clear and complete picture of your health.

Do not wait until you feel sick to get a check-up. Many serious conditions start quietly. A simple blood draw once a year can give you and your provider the information needed to keep you feeling your best. Call Affection Health Care today to schedule your yearly physical and take charge of your health.

References

• U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. “Prediabetes and Type 2 Diabetes: Screening.” USPSTF. 2021.
• National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. “Blood Tests.” NIH. 2022.
• Mayo Clinic Staff. “Complete Blood Count (CBC).” Mayo Clinic. 2023.
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Diabetes Tests.” CDC. 2023.
• American Association of Family Physicians. “Preventive Care Recommendations.” AAFP. 2023.