Disclaimer: The information in this article is for educational and general wellness purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any health condition. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional before making changes to your diet, lifestyle, exercise routine, or supplement use, particularly if you have any existing medical conditions or concerns.

Essential Blood Tests for Proactive Health Monitoring | Windback NZ

Many people only get blood tests when something goes wrong. But blood tests are not just for diagnosing illness - they are one of the best tools for spotting early signs of imbalance, understanding how your body is functioning, and guiding better health decisions.

Regular testing lets you track trends over time rather than relying on a single result. This long-term view helps you see how your diet, stress, sleep, exercise, or supplements may be affecting your health - and allows you to make informed choices before symptoms appear.

Common Blood Tests Included in Routine Check-Ups

In addition to functional health tests, there are several standard blood tests typically included in annual health check-ups by GPs in New Zealand. These provide a general overview of your basic health and can help detect underlying conditions early.

Complete Blood Count (CBC)
Looks at red and white blood cells and platelets. It helps detect anaemia, infections, inflammation, and some blood disorders.

Liver Function Tests (LFTs)
Includes markers such as Bilirubin, ALT, ALP, GGT, and proteins that assess liver health and detect inflammation or damage.

Lipid Tests
Measures cholesterol, HDL, LDL, and triglycerides to provide an assessment of cardiovascular risk and fat metabolism.

C-Reactive Protein (CRP)
A general marker of inflammation. Raised levels can signal infection, injury, or chronic inflammation.

HbA1c (Glycated Haemoglobin)
Reflects average blood sugar levels over the past 2–3 months. Used to detect pre-diabetes or diabetes.

Renal Function Tests
Includes Sodium, Potassium, Creatinine, and eGFR to assess kidney function, waste clearance, and fluid balance.

Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH)
Screens for thyroid dysfunction. Abnormal levels may indicate underactive or overactive thyroid.

Iron Studies
Includes Ferritin, Transferrin, and Serum Iron to evaluate iron stores and detect anaemia or iron overload.

Vitamin B12 and Folate
Essential for red blood cell production, nerve health, and energy levels. Deficiency may cause fatigue or cognitive changes.

Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA)
A protein made by the prostate. Elevated levels may indicate inflammation, enlargement, or prostate cancer risk in men.

Functional and Integrative Health Blood Tests

Integrative practitioners may recommend a broader panel of blood tests to give deeper insights into metabolic, cardiovascular, and inflammatory health.

Fasting Glucose
Measures blood sugar after 8–12 hours without food.

Cortisol
Assesses stress response, energy, and sleep patterns.

Fasting Insulin
Helps detect early metabolic dysfunction before glucose levels rise.

Apolipoprotein B (ApoB)
Provides a more precise measure of cardiovascular risk than LDL cholesterol.

Triglycerides
High levels may signal insulin resistance or poor diet.

HDL Cholesterol
Often called ‘good cholesterol’ because it helps remove excess cholesterol from the body.

High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein (hs-CRP)
A more sensitive marker of low-grade inflammation linked to chronic disease risk.

Liver Enzymes (ALT and AST)
Used to assess liver cell health and detect strain or inflammation.

Uric Acid
Elevated levels may contribute to gout and metabolic issues.

25-Hydroxy Vitamin D
Assesses vitamin D status, which is vital for bone health, mood, immunity, and hormone balance.

Conclusion

Blood testing is not just for illness - it is a proactive tool for better living. By checking these key markers once or twice a year, you can learn what is happening in your body, take early action, and make smarter health decisions based on real data.

Always discuss results with a qualified health practitioner who can interpret them in context and help you track changes over time.

Cart 0

No more products available for purchase