When discussing general tests in a check-up, we refer to tests that are typically performed across all variations—in children, adults, men, and women alike.
Check-up
A check-up, or general health screening, is an evaluation that includes all basic laboratory tests along with a physician’s assessment. Its purpose is to provide a broad overview of your overall health and detect major conditions—such as hypertension, cancer, or diabetes—early on.
There are different types of check-ups designed for specific profiles, such as for men, women, pregnant individuals, those going through perimenopause or menopause, individuals prone to heart or thyroid issues, children, and teenagers, among others.
What is a Check-up For?
General tests in a check-up not only help identify your current health status, but they can also improve your quality of life by diagnosing or spotting areas of concern even before symptoms or discomfort appear.
A medical check-up serves to evaluate a person’s overall health, detect potential diseases or risk factors early, and prevent future complications through a variety of studies and lab tests.
A check-up is an essential tool in preventive medicine, for maintaining proper control over your health over time.
What Does a Check-up Include?
While medical evaluations can be highly varied and specific based on what the doctor needs to investigate, general check-up tests provide a broad, foundational overview of an individual’s health status.
The most common tests included in a general medical check-up are:
- Complete Blood Count (CBC): A count of blood cell components—such as red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets—that helps detect conditions like leukemia.
- Urinalysis: Can detect health issues related to the urinary system, including infections, diabetes, kidney dysfunction, stones, or signs of cancer.
- Comprehensive Metabolic Panel / Blood Chemistry: Analyzes glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides, kidney function, and liver function levels.
- Electrocardiogram (ECG): Evaluates the electrical activity of the heart.
- Chest X-ray: Helps assess the condition of the lungs, heart, and chest structures.
- Liver Function Test: Evaluates liver health by analyzing enzymes and bilirubin levels.
- Kidney Function Test: Measures levels of creatinine, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and the glomerular filtration rate (GFR).
- Body Composition: Includes body mass index (BMI) as well as vital signs.
- Stool Analysis: Determines the presence of parasites or blood.
Additionally, there are other general tests included in check-ups that are recommended for specific patients:
- Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) Screening: Helps identify the presence of HIV, syphilis, or hepatitis B or C.
- Vision or Hearing Tests: Evaluate visual acuity and auditory capacity.
- Pap Smear and Mammogram: Two tests for women that aid in the early detection of cervical or breast cancer.
- Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA): A test for men that helps detect prostate issues or prostate cancer.
Specific tests may vary depending on age, sex, medical history, and individual risk factors.
At the Preventive Medicine Department of Centro Médico ABC, we provide specialized care. Explore our various check-up packages to find the specific screening tailored to your health needs. Contact us today!
Fuentes:
MSD Manuals, ISSSTE, MedlinePlus
