Turning 50 is the perfect time to make your health a top priority. Several serious medical conditions—such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, thyroid problems, and kidney failure—can develop silently, without obvious symptoms, for years. A Regular monitoring through laboratory tests allows for early detection, prompt action, and the preservation of one’s quality of life.
It is important to remember that all laboratory tests require a doctor’s order. If you want to get a checkup or have any health concerns, the first step is to discuss them with your doctor or healthcare provider, who can determine which tests are most appropriate for your situation.
At PRELEV, we perform laboratory tests only upon presentation of a valid prescription at our service locations in Sherbrooke, Granby, and Saint-Hyacinthe. In this article, we’ll discuss the tests commonly prescribed at this stage of life and their purpose.
1. Complete blood count (CBC): the starting point
Often the first test ordered during an annual checkup, a complete blood count also known by medical professionals as a CBC provides a comprehensive overview of your blood. By analyzing your red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets, this test can help screen for anemia, detect a silent infection, or identify certain hematological conditions.
After age 50, the CBC takes on particular importance, as various imbalances can develop gradually, without noticeable symptoms.
At PRELEV, the CBC (Complete Blood Count) is one of the blood tests available at our three clinics. An appointment lasting less than 10 minutes is all it takes.
2. Blood glucose, HbA1c, and the hyperglycemia test
Type 2 diabetes is often referred to as a “silent” disease: it can develop over many years without the person even realizing it. Starting in one’s 50s, screening becomes a priority, especially if risk factors such as being overweight, a sedentary lifestyle, a family history of the disease, or high blood pressure are present. The Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care recommends assessing risk at least once every 3 to 5 years in adults with risk factors.[1][2]
- Glucose (fasting blood glucose): a measurement of blood sugar levels at a specific time.
- HbA1c (glycated hemoglobin): reflects the average blood glucose level over the past 2 to 3 months. It provides a more comprehensive picture than a single blood glucose reading and is extremely valuable for monitoring prediabetes or diabetes.
Two additional tests are particularly useful:For individuals requiring a more thorough evaluation, an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) may also be ordered.
3. Lipid Profile and Cardiovascular Health
Heart disease is the second leading cause of death in Canada, accounting for more than 55,000 deaths each year, according to Public Health Canada.[3] Nearly 2.6 million Canadians aged 20 and older are living with a diagnosed heart condition.[4] Cardiovascular risk increases with age, and regular lipid profile testing is one of the most effective preventive measures.
A complete lipid profile measures:
- Total Cholesterol
- LDL cholesterol (known as “bad” cholesterol)
- HDL cholesterol (known as “good” cholesterol)
- Triglycerides
- The total cholesterol to HDL ratio
Heart disease is the second leading cause of death in Canada, accounting for more than 55,000 deaths each year, according to Public Health Canada.[3] Nearly 2.6 million Canadians aged 20 and older are living with a diagnosed heart condition.[4] Cardiovascular risk increases with age, and regular lipid profile testing is one of the most effective preventive measures.
A complete lipid profile measures:
Other markers may be added depending on your profile:
- CRP (C-reactive protein): a marker of inflammation associated with cardiovascular risk.
- Homocysteine: High levels are associated with an increased risk of coronary heart disease and stroke.
- Uric acid: particularly beneficial for people at risk of gout or metabolic disorders.
4. The Electrocardiogram (ECG) and CardioSTAT®
In addition to blood tests, the cardiovascular system is also monitored through targeted clinical tests. An electrocardiogram (ECG) records the heart’s electrical activity and helps detect heart rhythm abnormalities, signs of left ventricular hypertrophy, or other heart conditions.
For people experiencing palpitations, dizziness, or other intermittent symptoms that are difficult to capture during a standard ECG, CardioSTAT® offers extended cardiac monitoring, recognized by Health Canada as equivalent to a Holter monitor. The device records cardiac activity over an extended period, allowing the cardiologist to analyze the data and share their findings with the patient’s primary care physician.
5. Thyroid panel (TSH, TPO)
Thyroid disorders are significantly more common after age 50, particularly among women. In Canada, thyroid disorders affect about 1 in 10 adults, and women are up to eight times more likely to develop them than men. [5] Persistent fatigue, unexplained weight gain, sensitivity to cold, and mood swings: these symptoms, which are often dismissed as trivial, may actually indicate a thyroid problem.
The main test is the measurement of TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone). If the result is abnormal, additional tests may be ordered, including anti-TPO antibodies (antithyroid antibodies), which are useful for identifying autoimmune thyroiditis such as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis.
At PRELEV, TSH and TPO antibodies are among the blood tests available. These tests can be performed at the same time as other blood tests ordered by your doctor.
6. Kidney and Liver Function
The liver and kidneys play a vital role in eliminating waste and metabolizing medications. After age 50, it is especially important to monitor these functions, as their decline can occur without noticeable symptoms, and long-term medication use can sometimes place additional strain on them.
Typical tests for kidney function include creatinine (blood and urine), urea, and urinary microalbumin. For liver function, the doctor may order ALT (alanine aminotransferase), ALP (alkaline phosphatase), and GGT (gamma-glutamyl transferase).
Creatinine (blood and urine), urea, ALT, ALP, GGT, total bilirubin, total protein, and urinary microalbumin: all of these tests are available at PRELEV. The urine sample can be collected during the same appointment as your blood draw.
7. Vitamin D, Vitamin B12, and ferritin
These three tests are often overlooked, yet they can explain many of the symptoms of fatigue, muscle weakness, or cognitive difficulties that many people aged 50 and older simply attribute to aging.
- Vitamin D: In North America, sun exposure during the winter months is insufficient to maintain adequate levels. A vitamin D supplement is recommended year-round for people aged 50 and older.[6] Vitamin D deficiency is associated with an increased risk of osteoporosis, fatigue, and a weakened immune system.
- Vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamin): A deficiency can cause neurological disorders, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and numbness. People aged 50 and older absorb this vitamin less efficiently, and those with hypothyroidism are at increased risk of deficiency.[6]
- Ferritin: It reflects the body's iron stores. Low ferritin levels may explain unexplained fatigue, even in the absence of overt anemia as indicated by the FSC.
8. PSA and Certain Tumor Markers
Starting at age 50, your doctor may order tumor marker tests depending on your medical history. It is important to note that these tests are not standalone screening tools and must always be interpreted by a healthcare professional within the overall clinical context.
- PSA (prostate-specific antigen): recommended for men aged 45–50 and older, and starting at age 40 for men of African descent or those with a family history of prostate cancer. It is essential to discuss this with your doctor before requesting the test.
- CA-125: an ovarian tumor marker that may be ordered for women with suggestive symptoms or risk factors.
- CA 15-3: a marker associated with breast cancer. It can be used to monitor certain patients.
- CEA (carcinoembryonic antigen): sometimes prescribed as part of colorectal cancer follow-up.
Note: The Government of Quebec also recommends the RSOSI test (fecal occult blood test) for colorectal cancer screening in people aged 50 to 74.[7]
PRELEV offers testing for PSA, CA-125, CA 15-3, and CEA, as well as stool collection for the RSOSI (Fit) test. These tests can be performed during a single clinic visit.
9. Electrolytes, calcium, and parathyroid hormone (PTH)
As we age, certain mineral balances can gradually become disrupted. Sodium (Na) and potassium (K) are essential for proper heart and muscle function and can be disrupted by certain medications (diuretics, antihypertensives).
Total calcium and PTH (parathyroid hormone) are used to assess bone health. An imbalance in PTH levels can lead to progressive bone loss or unnoticed hypercalcemia.
10. How often should you get tested after age 50?
The ideal frequency depends on your overall health, your medical and family history, and your healthcare provider’s recommendations. As a general guide:
- An annual checkup is generally recommended for healthy people age 50 and older.
- More frequent follow-up visits (every 3 to 6 months) may be recommended for patients with chronic conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or hypothyroidism.
- Certain tests (HbA1c, lipid profile) may be repeated throughout the year depending on changes in the clinical picture.
Be sure to write down your questions before your doctor’s appointment, and bring a list of the medications you’re currently taking so your doctor can tailor the tests ordered accordingly.
Conclusion
After age 50, getting lab tests is much more than just a routine checkup: it’s the best way to take charge of your future. Detecting a problem early allows you to act quickly and often prevent complications that could have been avoided.
All laboratory tests require a doctor’s order. If you would like to get a checkup or if you are experiencing symptoms or have risk factors, consult your doctor or healthcare provider. They can assess your situation and order the tests that are appropriate for your needs.
At PRELEV, we perform all the tests listed in this guide only upon presentation of a valid prescription, in a modern, efficient, and safe setting. The precision of every procedure is ensured by the expertise of our medical technologists and nurses. Specimens are processed in our clinics before being transferred to affiliated laboratories, ensuring the reliability of your results.
An appointment lasting less than 10 minutes may be all you need. Our clinics in Sherbrooke, Granby, and Saint-Hyacinthe are open Monday through Friday, by appointment only.
Sources
- Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care – Screening for Type 2 Diabetes
- Canadian Diabetes Association – Screening Guidelines (2018)
- Public Health Canada – Heart Disease in Canada (2024)
- Heart + Stroke – Status of Heart Disease Risk Factors in Canada
- Nutrition Team – Hashimoto’s Disease and Thyroid Disorders: The Key Role of Nutrition
- French-Speaking Doctors of Canada – Hypothyroidism and Nutrition: What You Need to Know
- Government of Quebec – Preventing Health Problems in Adulthood
