Recently, I came across several labs offering full-body health packages at incredibly low prices—ranging from LKR 1400 to 2400 for five or six tests. While it might sound like a good deal, I’ve seen firsthand that many of these reports contain incorrect or unbelievable results, particularly for tests like Serum Creatinine (S. Cr) and Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT). What’s even more alarming is that some labs offer these “pin work” (referring to good karma work in Buddhist tradition) services on Poya days, misleading patients under the guise of goodwill.
Unfortunately, the consequences can be severe. For instance, patients with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) might present these faulty lab reports at government hospitals, where the results could get recorded in their clinic book as normal. In some cases, this has led to dangerous medical errors, like prescribing metformin—a drug that shouldn’t be given to CKD patients. That’s why it’s crucial to understand the importance of each basic test and be aware of potential scams when choosing where to get your health screening done.
Today, I’ll guide you through the essential health screening tests everyone should consider for a full-body check-up, explaining the purpose and importance of each one. I’ll also share some tips on how to prepare for these tests to get the most accurate results.
Essential Health Screening Tests You Should Consider
When you’re getting a full-body check-up, it’s important to focus on tests that give a comprehensive overview of your health. Here are the essential ones for an average person:
1. Complete Blood Count (CBC)
A CBC measures the levels of different cells in your blood, including red blood cells (which carry oxygen), white blood cells (which fight infections), and platelets (which help with clotting). Abnormal CBC results could indicate conditions such as anemia, infections, or even blood disorders like leukemia. It’s a basic but crucial test that helps doctors evaluate your overall health.
2. Blood Glucose (FBS – Fasting Blood Sugar)
This test measures your blood sugar levels after fasting for at least 8-10 hours. Elevated fasting blood sugar is a key indicator of diabetes or pre-diabetes. Catching high blood sugar early can help prevent long-term complications such as heart disease, kidney damage, and vision loss.
3. Lipid Profile (Total Cholesterol, LDL, HDL, and Triglycerides)
A lipid profile checks your cholesterol levels and helps evaluate your risk for heart disease. High levels of LDL (the “bad” cholesterol) and triglycerides can lead to clogged arteries, increasing the risk of heart attacks and strokes, while HDL (the “good” cholesterol) helps protect your heart. Monitoring these numbers is essential for maintaining a healthy heart.
4. Kidney Function Tests (S. Cr – Serum Creatinine)
Serum creatinine is a marker of kidney function. Elevated levels suggest that your kidneys may not be filtering waste from the blood efficiently, a condition that often occurs in Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD). Given how frequently I’ve seen incorrect results in cheap health packages, ensuring the accuracy of this test is vital, especially for people at risk of kidney problems.
5. Thyroid Function Test (TSH – Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone)
The TSH test measures how well your thyroid is functioning. An abnormal TSH level can indicate hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) or hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid). Both conditions can lead to a wide range of symptoms, including weight changes, fatigue, and mood disturbances, so it’s important to keep your thyroid in check.
6. Urinalysis (UFR – Urine Full Report)
A urinalysis tests your urine for a variety of factors, such as pH, protein, glucose, and signs of infection. This simple test can uncover early signs of kidney disease, diabetes, or urinary tract infections (UTIs), making it an important part of a routine health check-up.
7. Chest X-Ray PA
A Chest X-ray is particularly useful for checking lung health, especially in smokers or those with respiratory symptoms. It can reveal issues like lung infections, tuberculosis, or even early signs of lung cancer. If you’re feeling short of breath or have a persistent cough, this test can provide valuable insight.
8. Electrocardiogram (ECG)
An ECG records the electrical activity of your heart. It’s a non-invasive test that can detect heart arrhythmias, coronary artery disease, or even heart attacks. With heart disease on the rise, especially among young people, this test is crucial for early detection.
9. Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR)
The ESR measures inflammation in the body. Elevated levels can indicate chronic conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, infections, or even cancers. Though it’s not a diagnostic tool by itself, an abnormal ESR can prompt further investigations to find the root cause.
10. Blood Pressure Measurement (BP)
High blood pressure is often called the “silent killer” because it doesn’t have obvious symptoms until it causes serious complications like heart disease, stroke, or kidney failure. Regular BP checks help keep it under control and prevent long-term damage.
How Should You Prepare for These Tests?
Getting accurate results starts with proper preparation. Here are some tips to follow before your check-up:
- Get a Good Night’s Sleep: Aim for at least six hours of rest the night before your test. Lack of sleep can affect your blood pressure and sugar levels.
- Fast for at Least 10 Hours: Eat early the previous night and fast for at least 10 hours before the test. Avoid food and drinks (except water) to ensure accurate results, especially for tests like fasting blood sugar and lipid profiles.
- Avoid Alcohol: Refrain from drinking alcohol for at least 24 hours before the tests, as it can skew results, especially for liver function tests.
- Take Your Medication: If you’re on medication for blood pressure, continue taking it unless advised otherwise by your doctor.
- Timing for Women: If you’re a woman, avoid scheduling tests during your period, as it can affect certain results, like urinalysis.
Protect Yourself from Scams
It’s easy to get drawn in by cheap health packages, but remember that quality matters when it comes to your health. Inaccurate test results can lead to incorrect diagnoses and treatments, putting your health at risk. If the results seem too good to be true or differ drastically from previous tests, it’s worth redoing the tests at a reliable lab. Accurate health tests can be the difference between catching a disease early or missing it entirely.
Encourage Others to Get Tested
We’re living in a time when even young people are facing health problems like heart disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure. Regular check-ups and screenings can detect these conditions early and prevent complications. You can even consider giving your loved ones a health check-up voucher for special occasions. It’s a thoughtful gift that could save their life.
