• Published on: May 17, 2025
  • 3 minute read
  • By: Secondmedic Expert

Top 5 Blood Tests You Shouldn’t Skip After 40

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As we grow older, our bodies go through many changes — some are visible, like graying hair or slower metabolism, but others happen quietly inside. After the age of 40, the risk of lifestyle-related diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, thyroid disorders, and kidney problems increases significantly. The good news? Most of these conditions can be detected early with simple blood tests.

Regular health checkups and blood tests can help you stay ahead of potential problems. They can alert you before symptoms even begin, giving you the chance to take control of your health in time.

In this blog, we’ll look at the Top 5 blood tests you shouldn’t skip after 40, why they’re important, and how you can easily get them done — even from the comfort of your home.

1. Complete Blood Count (CBC)

What is it?
The Complete Blood Count is a common blood test that checks the levels of different cells in your blood — red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.

Why is it important after 40?

  • Detects anemia, which is common in both men and women over 40

  • Helps identify infections and inflammatory conditions

  • Can point toward more serious issues like blood cancer in rare cases
     

What it includes:

  • Hemoglobin

  • Hematocrit

  • White blood cell (WBC) count

  • Platelet count
     

How often to test:
Once a year, or as advised by your doctor.

2. Blood Sugar Tests – Fasting & HbA1c

What is it?
These tests measure the amount of glucose (sugar) in your blood. The fasting blood sugar test checks your sugar level after 8–10 hours of fasting, while the HbA1c test shows your average sugar level over the past 2-3 months.

Why is it important after 40?

  • Type 2 diabetes is very common in people above 40, especially in India

  • Early detection can prevent complications like nerve damage, eye problems, and kidney disease

  • Many people have prediabetes and don’t even know it
     

What it includes:

  • Fasting Blood Glucose (FBS)

  • Postprandial Blood Sugar (PPBS)

  • HbA1c
     

How often to test:
Every 6–12 months, or more often if you're overweight, have a family history, or symptoms of diabetes.

3. Lipid Profile (Cholesterol Test)

What is it?
A lipid profile checks the levels of different types of fats (lipids) in your blood — especially cholesterol and triglycerides.

Why is it important after 40?

  • Helps assess your risk of heart disease, stroke, and artery blockages

  • Detects high LDL ("bad cholesterol"), which builds up in arteries

  • Encourages healthy lifestyle changes before medications are needed
     

What it includes:

  • Total cholesterol

  • LDL (Low-Density Lipoprotein)

  • HDL (High-Density Lipoprotein)

  • Triglycerides
     

How often to test:
Once a year, or every 6 months if you're overweight, smoke, or have a family history of heart issues.

4. Liver Function Test (LFT)

What is it?
This test checks how well your liver is working. The liver is responsible for digesting food, filtering toxins, and regulating many body processes.

Why is it important after 40?

  • Modern lifestyle increases the risk of fatty liver disease, even in non-drinkers

  • Long-term use of medications, alcohol, or unhealthy diets can silently damage the liver

  • Detects hepatitis, jaundice, and other liver issues early
     

What it includes:

  • SGPT (ALT), SGOT (AST)

  • Bilirubin

  • Alkaline Phosphatase

  • Albumin
     

How often to test:
Once a year or as recommended, especially if you drink alcohol, are overweight, or take regular medications.

5. Kidney Function Test (KFT)

What is it?
This test checks how well your kidneys are filtering waste and balancing fluids in your body.

Why is it important after 40?

  • Kidneys often get damaged silently due to high blood pressure, diabetes, or painkillers

  • Early detection can prevent serious kidney damage or the need for dialysis

  • Many Indians are at risk of chronic kidney disease (CKD) without knowing it
     

What it includes:

  • Blood Urea

  • Serum Creatinine

  • Uric Acid

  • Electrolytes (Sodium, Potassium)

  • eGFR (Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate)
     

How often to test:
Yearly, especially if you have diabetes, high blood pressure, or a family history of kidney problems.

Other Important Tests After 40

While the above 5 are essential, don’t ignore these additional tests:

  • Thyroid Function Test (TSH, T3, T4) – for energy, weight, and mood balance

  • Vitamin D & B12 – deficiencies are common in Indian adults

  • ECG or TMT – if you feel chest pain or breathlessness

  • Prostate Test (PSA) – for men over 45

  • Pap Smear & Mammogram – for women to detect cervical and breast cancer
     

How to Book These Tests Easily in India

Getting a blood test today is simple and stress-free. You don’t even need to visit a lab anymore.

At SecondMedic, you can:

  • Book blood tests online through our website

  • Get home sample collection by trained professionals

  • View your digital reports online within 24–48 hours

  • Consult our doctors based on your results
     

Conclusion

Turning 40 is a milestone — and a reminder that your health needs attention. Don’t wait for symptoms. These simple blood tests can alert you to hidden problems and help you take action before it’s too late.

Remember, good health starts with awareness. Be proactive, not reactive.

If you care about your long-term well-being, Top 5 Blood Tests You Shouldn’t Skip After 40 should be part of your annual health routine. Book them today on SecondMedic and stay a step ahead in your health journey.

Read FAQs


A. After 40, the most important blood tests include Complete Blood Count (CBC), Fasting Blood Sugar & HbA1c, Lipid Profile, Liver Function Test (LFT), and Kidney Function Test (KFT).

A. It's recommended to get a full set of preventive blood tests at least once a year. If you have risk factors like diabetes, hypertension, or family history of chronic disease, more frequent testing may be needed.

A. Yes, platforms like SecondMedic offer home sample collection for blood tests across India. You can book tests online and receive digital reports within 24–48 hours.

A. Most of these tests are affordable and are also available in bundled health checkup packages. Prices range from ₹500 to ₹2000 depending on the tests and provider.

A. Many chronic diseases like diabetes, kidney damage, or fatty liver show no symptoms in the early stages. Regular blood tests help detect these issues early, improving chances of effective treatment or reversal.

Read Blog
Virtual Clinic India: How SecondMedic Is Transforming Digital Healthcare

Virtual Clinic India: How SecondMedic Is Transforming Digital Healthcare

Healthcare in India is undergoing a significant transformation as digital platforms reshape how people access medical care. Virtual clinics have emerged as a powerful solution, offering patients immediate access to doctors, diagnostics, prescriptions, and continuous monitoring—without the need for physical hospital visits. This model has become increasingly important in a country where population density, geographical barriers, and long wait times often make healthcare inaccessible or inconvenient.

A virtual clinic uses telemedicine, digital records, online diagnostics, AI tools, and remote monitoring to offer a full healthcare experience through smartphones or computers. SecondMedic is among the leaders in this space, providing a robust virtual clinic ecosystem designed to support preventive health, chronic disease management, and immediate care for everyday medical needs.

The Role of Virtual Clinics in India’s Healthcare Evolution

India faces significant challenges including uneven specialist distribution, crowded hospitals, and rising lifestyle diseases. Virtual clinics bridge these gaps by making healthcare more accessible, affordable, and continuous. They enable patients from metropolitan areas, rural communities, and even remote regions to receive quality care without leaving home.

Key drivers behind virtual clinic growth include:

  • Growing smartphone and internet penetration

  • Increased comfort with digital health platforms

  • The need for safe and convenient care

  • Rising chronic illnesses requiring ongoing monitoring

  • Awareness of preventive healthcare
     

As a result, virtual clinics are becoming the first point of contact for many health concerns.

How Virtual Clinics Deliver Complete Healthcare

Virtual clinics are more than video consultations. They integrate multiple components of healthcare into a unified digital experience. SecondMedic’s virtual clinic model ensures continuity of care by bringing together doctors, diagnostics, monitoring tools, pharmacy support, and digital health records.

Core pillars of virtual clinic care include:

  • Instant doctor access

  • Seamless diagnostic testing

  • AI-based symptom evaluation

  • E-prescriptions

  • Medication delivery

  • Chronic disease monitoring

  • Preventive health programs
     

This creates an end-to-end flow that mirrors the experience of visiting a physical clinic, but with added convenience and personalization.

Online Consultations: Immediate Access to Specialists

One of the strongest features of a virtual clinic is the ability to consult qualified doctors quickly. Instead of waiting days for appointments or traveling long distances, patients can connect with specialists through secure video calls or chat.

Virtual consultations are especially useful for:

  • Common illnesses

  • Follow-up appointments

  • Second opinions

  • Chronic condition management

  • Mental health support

  • Elderly care

  • Pediatric queries
     

SecondMedic ensures that all consultations are supported by electronic health records, making the experience seamless and informed.

Digital Diagnostics and At-Home Lab Testing

Diagnostics are a core component of healthcare, and virtual clinics have made them significantly more accessible. Users can book lab tests online and have samples collected from their home. Results are delivered digitally, enabling faster diagnosis and treatment.

Advantages of digital diagnostics include:

  • No travel or waiting lines

  • Fast report turnaround

  • Integration with doctor consultations

  • Easy follow-up and comparisons over time

  • Better compliance for chronic disease tracking
     

SecondMedic partners with certified diagnostic labs to ensure high-quality test processing and accurate digital reporting.

Remote Monitoring and Chronic Disease Care

Chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, heart illness, and thyroid disorders require ongoing monitoring. Virtual clinics use connected devices and AI-driven alerts to help patients stay on track with their health goals.

Common remote monitoring tools include:

  • Glucometers

  • Blood pressure monitors

  • Heart-rate trackers

  • Pulse oximeters

  • Weight and BMI tools

  • Sleep monitors

  • Wearable sensors
     

SecondMedic uses advanced analytics to detect risk patterns early, send reminders, and support long-term condition management.

E-Prescriptions and Digital Pharmacy Support

Virtual clinics simplify the process of receiving medical prescriptions and ordering medicines. E-prescriptions are accurate, tamper-proof, and instantly shareable with online pharmacies.

Digital pharmacy support helps with:

  • Medication delivery

  • Monthly chronic care refills

  • Transparent drug information

  • Avoiding prescription errors

  • Improving medication adherence
     

SecondMedic integrates e-prescriptions directly with its pharmacy partners, making the treatment process seamless.

Preventive Healthcare Through Virtual Clinics

Preventive care is becoming a priority for many Indians due to rising lifestyle diseases and increasing awareness of early screening. Virtual clinics support this need through personalized health plans designed using AI assessments, digital screenings, and doctor insights.

Preventive healthcare offerings include:

  • Annual full-body checkups

  • Lifestyle assessments

  • Diet and fitness plans

  • Stress and sleep guidance

  • Vaccination reminders

  • Long-term wellness tracking
     

SecondMedic’s preventive programs are designed to detect risks early and help users adopt healthier habits.

How Virtual Clinics Improve Healthcare Accessibility in India

Virtual clinics remove geographical barriers by bringing medical care to people who otherwise face difficulty accessing doctors. This includes:

  • Rural regions with limited healthcare facilities

  • Urban areas with long hospital wait times

  • Elderly individuals who cannot travel easily

  • Busy professionals needing flexible care

  • Patients seeking discretion for sensitive concerns
     

With increased digital literacy and affordable smartphones, virtual clinics are becoming accessible to a wide demographic.

The Future of Virtual Clinics in India

The future of virtual clinics is strong, supported by national initiatives like the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM), which encourages digital health adoption. AI-driven diagnostics, intelligent triaging, predictive health tools, and integrated hospital systems will further strengthen the virtual care model.

Upcoming trends include:

  • AI chat-based symptom evaluation

  • Virtual reality rehabilitation sessions

  • Smart device-linked monitoring

  • AI-based early disease detection

  • Comprehensive preventive health ecosystems

  • Hybrid care combining virtual and in-clinic visits
     

SecondMedic is actively developing next-generation virtual clinic technologies to make healthcare more proactive and patient-centered.

Conclusion

Virtual clinics are revolutionizing healthcare delivery in India by offering convenient, reliable, and digitally connected care. They bring together consultations, diagnostics, monitoring, and preventive health in one platform, reducing barriers and enabling patients to receive high-quality medical support anytime, anywhere. SecondMedic leads this transformation with a comprehensive virtual clinic model designed to support long-term health and wellbeing.

To access virtual consultations, digital diagnostics, and remote care services, visit www.secondmedic.com

References

  1. NITI Aayog - Telemedicine and Digital Health Report 2024

  2. Statista - Telehealth Usage India 2025

  3. WHO - Digital Health Standards

  4. IMARC - India Telemedicine Market Forecast

  5. ABDM - Ayushman Bharat Digital Health Guidelines

See all

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