Routine Laboratory Screening by Age Group

Introduction to Screening Guidelines

The American College of Physicians recommends blood pressure measurement at every visit for adults of all ages 1, 2, 5, 8
The American Heart Association recommends lipid profile screening annually or every 6-12 months, particularly as patients approach age 40 1, 2

The American Academy of Family Physicians recommends complete blood count (CBC) with differential to screen for anemia, infection, and blood disorders 1, 2
The American College of Physicians recommends comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP) to assess kidney function, liver function, and electrolyte balance 1, 2
The American Diabetes Association recommends hemoglobin A1C screening if BMI ≥25 kg/m² with additional risk factors 1, 2

The American College of Cardiology recommends annual blood pressure measurement and lipid profile screening to assess cardiovascular risk 1
The American Cancer Society recommends colorectal cancer screening starting at age 45 with annual fecal immunochemical test (FIT), or colonoscopy every 10 years, or CT colonography every 5 years 3, 1
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends annual mammography for women starting at age 40 4, 3

The American College of Physicians recommends annual blood pressure measurement, fasting lipid profile, and fasting glucose or hemoglobin A1C screening 5, 1
The American Cancer Society recommends colorectal cancer screening with annual FIT, colonoscopy every 10 years, or flexible sigmoidoscopy every 5 years 6, 7, 3, 1
The American Urological Association recommends prostate cancer screening discussion at age 50 using shared decision-making about PSA testing and digital rectal examination 6, 7, 4, 1

The American Geriatrics Society recommends annual blood pressure measurement, lipid panel, and fasting blood glucose or HbA1c screening 8
The American College of Cardiology recommends comprehensive metabolic panel and urinalysis if clinically indicated 1, 8
The American Cancer Society recommends lung cancer screening with low-dose CT for those aged 55-74 with at least 30 pack-year smoking history who currently smoke or quit within past 15 years 3, 8

The American Geriatrics Society recommends annual blood pressure measurement, lipid panel, and fasting blood glucose or HbA1c screening, individualized based on life expectancy and treatment goals 8
The American College of Physicians recommends selective laboratory testing, including complete blood count and urinalysis, if clinically indicated 8
The American Cancer Society recommends lung cancer screening with low-dose CT for those aged 55-80 with at least 30 pack-year smoking history who currently smoke or quit within past 15 years 8

The American Geriatrics Society recommends cognitive screening using validated tools such as MoCA and depression screening 8, 5, 8