Our Recommended Pathology Tests By Age

Your Guide to Your Recommended Pathology Tests for Every Stage of Life

You can start being proactive about your health at any age, but like most things in life, the sooner you start, the better you will feel.

We have compiled a list of recommended pathology tests by age so you can take charge of your health and request a referral from your doctor.

In your 20s?

• • Full blood count to get a good idea about your general health or any concerns you may have
• • COVID-19 test if you are symptomatic or are a close contact of someone who has tested positive for COVID-19
• • STI checks if you are sexually active
• • Women aged 25+: cervical screening test every five years
• • Thyroid function test if you experience some of these symptoms or are monitoring an existing condition
• • Fertility test if you have been unable to conceive after 12 months of trying

In Your 30s?

• • Full blood count to get a good idea about your general health or any concerns you may have
• • Fertility test if you have been unable to conceive after 12 months of trying
• • Women: cervical screening test every five years
• • STI checks if you are sexually active
• • COVID-19 test if you are symptomatic or are a close contact of someone who has tested positive for COVID-19
• • Thyroid function test if you experience some of these symptoms or are monitoring an existing condition
• • Liver function test from age 35 if your doctor requests

In Your 40s?

• • Full blood count to get a good idea about your general health or any concerns you may have
• • Fertility test if you have been unable to conceive after 12 months of trying
• • Women: cervical screening test every five years
• • From age 40: Type 2 diabetes screening every three years if your doctor places you at high risk
• • From age 45: lipid profile every two years to monitor your cholesterol levels and assist in calculating your risk of developing cardiovascular disease
  • • If you have a high risk of developing cardiovascular disease, you are advised to repeat every 12 months
• • COVID-19 test if you are symptomatic or are a close contact of someone who has tested positive for COVID-19
• • Thyroid function test if you experience some of these symptoms or are monitoring an existing condition
• • Liver function test upon doctor request

In Your 50s?

• • Full blood count to get a good idea about your general health or any concerns you may have
• • Women: cervical screening test every five years
• • Type 2 diabetes screening every three years if your doctor places you at high risk
• • Lipid profile every two years to monitor your cholesterol levels and assist in calculating your risk of developing cardiovascular disease
  • • If you have a high risk of developing cardiovascular disease, you are advised to repeat every 12 months
• • COVID-19 test if you are symptomatic or are a close contact of someone who has tested positive for COVID-19
• • Thyroid function test if you experience some of these symptoms or are monitoring an existing condition
• • Liver function test upon doctor request

In Your 60s?

• • Faecal occult blood test to screen for colorectal cancer every two years
• • Lipid profile every two years to monitor your cholesterol levels and assist in calculating your risk of developing cardiovascular disease
  • • If you have a high risk of developing cardiovascular disease, you are advised to repeat every 12 months
• • Type 2 diabetes screening every three years if your doctor places you at high risk
• • Thyroid function test if you experience some of these symptoms or are monitoring an existing condition
• • Women: cervical screening test every five years
• • Full blood count to get a good idea about your general health or any concerns you may have

Are You 60+?

• • Faecal occult blood test to screen for colorectal cancer every two years
• • Lipid profile every two years to monitor your cholesterol levels and assist in calculating your risk of developing cardiovascular disease
  • • If you have a high risk of developing cardiovascular disease, you are advised to repeat every 12 months
• • Type 2 diabetes screening every three years if your doctor places you at high risk
• • Thyroid function test if you experience some of these symptoms or are monitoring an existing condition
• • Women: cervical screening test every five years until age 74
• • Full blood count to get a good idea about your general health or any concerns you may have