Which blood tests should you measure? Useful baseline values for longevity and health

Many people want to measure “everything.” That sounds thorough, but it is not always useful. A better question is: which values would change your next decision?

Short answer

A useful baseline often covers metabolism, lipids, inflammation, CBC, iron status, B12/folate, vitamin D and depending on goal thyroid, liver/kidney, blood pressure, body metrics or wearables. The number of values matters less than fit to goal, risk, symptoms and re-check.

Why more values are not automatically better

More values can create confusion. Good testing answers a question: goal, symptoms, risk, baseline values, gaps, re-check.

Useful baseline values

| Area | Values | |---|---| | Metabolism | HbA1c, fasting glucose | | Lipids | ApoB, LDL-C, HDL-C, triglycerides, non-HDL-C | | Inflammation | hs-CRP or CRP depending on context | | CBC | hemoglobin, MCV, MCH, leukocytes, platelets | | Iron status | ferritin, transferrin saturation, CRP context | | B vitamins | B12, holo-TC, folate, possibly MMA | | Vitamin D | 25-OH vitamin D | | Liver/kidney | context-specific standard values | | Thyroid | TSH, possibly fT3/fT4 and antibodies |

Cardiovascular values

ApoB, LDL-C, HDL-C, triglycerides, non-HDL-C, blood pressure, HbA1c/glucose, waist and hs-CRP may be relevant. ApoB can be especially useful when triglycerides, HDL, HbA1c or abdominal fat matter.

Fatigue and energy values

CBC, ferritin, transferrin saturation, CRP, B12/holo-TC, folate, TSH, HbA1c/glucose and vitamin D may be useful. Fatigue does not prove one deficiency.

Values before supplements

| Supplement topic | Values | |---|---| | Vitamin D | 25-OH vitamin D, calcium context | | Iron | ferritin, transferrin saturation, CBC, CRP | | B12/folate | B12, holo-TC, MMA, folate, CBC | | Omega-3 | omega-3 index, triglycerides | | Iodine/selenium/thyroid | TSH, fT3/fT4, antibodies, selenium status | | Lipid products | ApoB, LDL-C, triglycerides, HDL-C |

Beyond blood tests

Blood pressure, resting HR, HRV, sleep, steps, training, waist, nutrition, medication, symptoms and family history matter too.

How often should you measure?

It depends on value and goal. Decide what action a re-check should inform.

FAQ

Which blood tests matter for longevity?

Often HbA1c, ApoB, LDL-C, HDL-C, triglycerides, hs-CRP, CBC, ferritin, B12/folate and vitamin D.

Do I need ApoB?

It can be useful with cardiovascular focus, abnormal lipids or metabolic context.

Which values before supplements?

Vitamin D, iron, B12/folate, omega-3 and thyroid/selenium/iodine topics often benefit from values.

Are home tests useful?

Some can be practical, but quality, interpretation and re-check matter.