What Blood Tests Should You Get Every Year in Australia

Preventive health care is one of the most powerful tools available to Australians today, yet many of us only visit the doctor when something feels wrong. Annual blood tests offer a window into your body’s internal workings — revealing early warning signs of chronic disease long before symptoms appear. Whether you’re in your twenties or well into retirement, understanding which blood tests to request each year can be a game-changer for your long-term health.

Why Annual Blood Tests Matter

Australia has one of the best healthcare systems in the world, with Medicare covering a wide range of pathology tests when ordered by a GP. Despite this, many Australians go years without a comprehensive blood panel. According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and chronic kidney disease account for roughly 87% of all deaths in Australia. Many of these conditions develop silently over years — and routine blood work is often the earliest line of defence.

Annual blood tests establish a personal baseline. Rather than comparing your results to broad population reference ranges alone, tracking your own values over time helps you and your doctor spot subtle shifts that could signal the onset of disease. This is the foundation of proactive, personalised medicine.

The Essential Annual Blood Test Panel

Full Blood Count (FBC)

The full blood count is one of the most commonly ordered tests in Australia. It measures red blood cells, white blood cells, haemoglobin, haematocrit, and platelets. An FBC can detect anaemia, infection, inflammation, and even blood cancers. It’s a broad screening tool that provides valuable insights into your overall health status.

Lipid Profile

A lipid profile measures total cholesterol, LDL ("bad" cholesterol), HDL ("good" cholesterol), and triglycerides. Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death in Australia, and elevated cholesterol is a major modifiable risk factor. The Heart Foundation recommends all Australians over 45 — or over 35 for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples — have their lipids checked regularly.

Blood Glucose and HbA1c

Fasting blood glucose and HbA1c (glycated haemoglobin) are essential for screening for prediabetes and type 2 diabetes. Diabetes Australia estimates that approximately 1.3 million Australians are living with diagnosed diabetes, with a further 500,000 undiagnosed. HbA1c provides an average of your blood sugar levels over the preceding two to three months, offering a more comprehensive picture than a single fasting glucose reading.

Liver Function Tests (LFTs)

LFTs measure enzymes and proteins produced by the liver, including ALT, AST, GGT, ALP, and bilirubin. These markers help detect liver inflammation, fatty liver disease, and alcohol-related liver damage. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) affects approximately one in three Australian adults, making LFTs an important annual check.

Kidney Function Tests

Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and serum creatinine assess how well your kidneys are filtering waste. Chronic kidney disease affects around 1.7 million Australians and often presents without symptoms until advanced stages. Early detection through routine blood work allows for interventions that can slow disease progression.

Thyroid Function Tests

Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) is the primary screening marker for thyroid disorders. Both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism are relatively common in Australia, particularly among women. Symptoms such as fatigue, weight changes, and mood disturbances are often attributed to lifestyle factors when they may actually reflect thyroid dysfunction.

Iron Studies

Iron studies — including serum iron, ferritin, transferrin, and transferrin saturation — are particularly important in the Australian context. Iron deficiency is the most common nutritional deficiency worldwide, and Australia is no exception, particularly among women of reproductive age. Conversely, haemochromatosis (iron overload) is one of the most common genetic conditions in Australians of Northern European descent.

Vitamin D

Despite our reputation as a sun-drenched nation, vitamin D deficiency is surprisingly prevalent in Australia. Studies suggest that approximately one in four Australian adults have insufficient vitamin D levels, with rates higher during winter months and among those with darker skin. Vitamin D is essential for bone health, immune function, and mood regulation.

Additional Tests Worth Considering

Depending on your age, family history, and risk factors, your GP may also recommend C-reactive protein (CRP) for inflammation, uric acid for gout risk, vitamin B12 and folate levels, and sex hormone panels including testosterone and oestradiol. For men over 50, a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test may be discussed, though this should involve a shared decision-making conversation with your doctor given the nuances of PSA screening.

How to Get Your Annual Blood Tests in Australia

In Australia, blood tests require a referral from a GP or other qualified practitioner. Many of the tests listed above are covered by Medicare when there is a clinical indication. Book a dedicated health check appointment with your GP and discuss which tests are appropriate for your individual circumstances. Fasting for 10–12 hours is typically required for accurate lipid and glucose results.

Once you have your results, platforms like Yearly can help you track your biomarkers over time, making it easier to spot trends and have more informed conversations with your healthcare provider. Taking ownership of your health data is one of the most empowering steps you can take toward a longer, healthier life.

The Bottom Line

Annual blood tests are a simple, accessible, and powerful tool for preventive health. They can catch serious conditions early, monitor ongoing health, and give you the data you need to make informed lifestyle choices. Don’t wait until something feels wrong — make annual blood work a non-negotiable part of your health routine.

References

1. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. "Chronic disease overview." AIHW, 2024. https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/chronic-disease/chronic-disease-overview
2. National Heart Foundation of Australia. "Absolute cardiovascular disease risk assessment: Quick reference guide for health professionals." 2023.
3. Diabetes Australia. "Diabetes in Australia." 2024. https://www.diabetesaustralia.com.au/about-diabetes/diabetes-in-australia/
4. Kidney Health Australia. "Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) Management in Primary Care." 4th Edition, 2020.
5. Daly, R.M. et al. "Prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and its determinants in Australian adults aged 25 years and older." Clinical Endocrinology, vol. 77, no. 1, 2012, pp. 26–35.