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

# 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. ## What LongLifeScan does LongLifeScan helps view values as patterns. Free Check captures values and goals. Premium adds gaps, priorities, re-checks, clinician questions and todos. ## 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.