You are nearing the big 3-O and that checklist of things to do before you hit 30 is looming large.  On it are things you never found time for…finally taking that holiday, learning a dance style, sky diving… and medical tests! But when you think of medical tests, you don’t know which ones you need to take. Worry not - Dr. Dhwanika Kapadia and Dr Prakash Lulla tell us everything we need to know about must-do medical tests for 30 year olds.

Medical Tests for Men and Women

Basic blood test: “It is important to know your blood count, haemoglobin levels and number of white blood cells,” says Dr Dhwanika Kapadia. A blood test will also reveal any nutrition deficiency like vitamin B12 or D3. 

Blood sugar test to rule out diabetes. Check for glycation of haemoglobin (identifies the concentration of plasma glucose in the blood). Glycation of haemoglobin is associated with diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

Urine test: “Recommended to rule out any infection,” Dr Kapadia says. 

Tested for uric acid: Especially if you have joint pains. High levels of uric acid could lead to gout (inflammation of joints), a common condition among young men.

Liver and kidney profile: To ensure that they are functioning properly. This will tell you if your body’s hormonal levels are fine and if your enzymes are functional too.

Check creatinine levels: To know whether or not your kidneys are functioning properly. The test you need to go for is a creatinine clearance test which is a blood test.

Lipid profile/ ECG: “Get a lipid profile done if you are not very physically active,” says Dr Kapadia. Keeping an early track of triglycerides and cholesterol will help you prevent any heart related problems in the future. An ECG (EchoCardiogram) is recommended only if your body shows symptoms like extreme fatigue, sweatiness, anxiousness and chest aches, she adds. It is done only so that it can be a reference point for the future.

General physical examination: Check for other vital parameters like blood pressure and weight.

Medical Tests Especially for Women

Thyroid test: “Thyroid is a very common problem among women,” Dhwanika explains. A thyroid problem or thyroid disease occurs when the thyroid gland fails to or produces excess hormones. It could lead to rapid weight gain or loss.  So get a test done if you notice the following symptoms: Fatigue and excessive weight loss or gain.

Sonography: “A sonography will tell you if your liver, kidney, ovaries and uterus are functioning properly,” Dr Kapadia says. It will help you know if all your enzymes are functioning properly too. A sonography will also help you rule out Polycystic Ovarian Disease (PCOD) or Ovarian cysts.

Dr. Dhwanika also says that Cervical Cancer is one of the most common types of Cancer among Indian women today, and therefore a pap-smear is also recommended. She advises women to get regular pap-smear tests once they are sexually active.