What does a basic health checkup include?

When we go for a health checkup, we often come across terms that are hard to understand: abbreviations for various measurements and numbers that only the doctor seems to know the meaning of. Even after the doctor explains them, by the time we get home we may not remember whether a number was good, or what the normal range should be.

That is why it is worth understanding the results of a basic health checkup, so we know whether our body is within the normal range.

What a basic checkup covers

Besides measuring blood pressure, height and weight, a basic health checkup at most healthcare facilities usually includes blood tests to assess the body's baseline values, such as:

• Blood group
• Complete blood count
• Blood sugar level
• Blood lipid levels
• Liver function
• Kidney function
• Screening for the risk of various diseases

Complete blood count

This test counts the number and measures the volume and shape of red blood cells to check for anaemia. Haemoglobin in men is 13–18 g/dL, and in women 12–16 g/dL.

If your values are below the normal range, the cause should be investigated with your doctor.

Blood sugar

This test screens for diabetes. Fasting blood glucose should not exceed 100 mg/dL; a higher value may indicate a risk of diabetes.

There is also the average blood sugar test (HbA1c), which reflects blood sugar levels over the past 3 months and allows a more accurate diagnosis.

Blood lipids

This test measures cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood, including "good" and "bad" cholesterol. Values above the normal range may increase the risk of heart and blood vessel disease.

Liver function

This test measures the liver enzymes SGOT and SGPT, which show whether the liver is working normally. Alkaline phosphatase can also help assess blockage in the liver from various causes.

Kidney function

This test measures waste products in the body, namely BUN and Creatinine. If the values are higher than normal, further tests should be done to find the cause.