Your blood says a lot about your overall health. A comprehensive health assessment is an in-depth examination that uses a variety of screening procedures, including blood testing, fitness testing, stress testing, and mental health assessment.

“We use bloodwork as an evaluation of various organ systems through blood analysis, which cannot be detected by physical exams or questionnaires,” says Dr. Peter House, a physician and HealthChoicesFirst.com partner. “We look at red cells and white cells in the blood to evaluate whether or not there's any risk of anemia or leukemia, and at fasting blood sugar, to evaluate the risk of diabetes or metabolic syndrome.”

Blood Testing for Thyroid Function

Blood testing during a comprehensive health assessment also measures thyroid function. The thyroid is a small gland in the neck that releases hormones that regulate many of the body's functions, including metabolism. Thyroid problems can put you at risk of developing a number of health conditions, including heart disease, depression, hair loss, infertility and weight issues – the most common symptom.

“We measure thyroid function as a thyroid problem can be a silent condition that can impair weight, both up and down,” says Dr. House.

Using a simple blood test, a physician can diagnose a thyroid problem and recommend the best course of treatment.

Blood Testing for Cholesterol Profiles

“We look at the full cholesterol profile, to determine whether or not that person has a risk of cardiovascular disease,” says Dr. House.

Heart disease and high cholesterol tend to run in families, so taking a detailed family history during your comprehensive health assessment is also important.

Urinalysis for Kidney Function (Renal Function)

Besides using blood testing during a comprehensive health assessment, a physician may perform a urinalysis in order to evaluate your kidney function (also known as renal function). A urinalysis can help diagnose kidney function problems, even those that haven't caused any symptoms, by detecting increased amounts of certain substances in your urine.

Blood testing is a central part of any comprehensive health assessment. Depending on your health conditions and concerns, a physician will recommend blood testing “that can be expanded or retracted depending on individual patients,” says Dr. House.

Learn more about lab testing.