A comprehensive full-body checkup typically includes 35 to 45 different tests that examine your blood, organs, vitamins, and overall body functions. Think of it as your annual health audit, systematic, thorough, and revealing.
The exact combination depends on your age, gender, and health goals. But whether you’re booking your first checkup at 30 or your tenth at 50, understanding what’s included helps you make informed choices about your health investment.
The Complete Test List: What You Actually Get
Blood Tests: The Foundation of Every Checkup
Blood work forms the core of any health screening because it reveals what’s happening at the cellular level. These aren’t random tests thrown together; each serves a specific purpose in mapping your health.
- Complete Blood Count (CBC) comes first. This single test actually checks 20 different parameters, including red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and haemoglobin. Low haemoglobin might explain why climbing two flights of stairs leaves you breathless. A high white cell count could indicate your body’s fighting an infection you haven’t noticed yet.
- Blood Sugar Tests go beyond a simple glucose check. We run three complementary tests: fasting blood sugar (after 10 hours without food), postprandial (2 hours after eating), and HbA1c (your average over the past three months). Why three? Because diabetes doesn’t always show up in a single snapshot. Some people have normal fasting blood sugar levels but experience dangerous spikes after meals. Others maintain decent daily levels but poor long-term control.
- Lipid Profile examines five types of fats in your blood. Total cholesterol gets the headlines, but the real story lies in the ratios. High HDL (good cholesterol) actually protects your heart. High LDL (bad cholesterol) clogs arteries. Triglycerides spike after fatty meals but shouldn’t stay elevated. VLDL carries triglycerides and contributes to the formation of plaque. Together, these numbers predict heart disease risk better than any single marker.
Organ Function Tests: Checking Your Body’s Engines
Your organs work silently until they can no longer. Function tests catch problems while there’s still time to reverse them.
- Liver Function Tests (LFT) include eight different markers. SGOT and SGPT enzymes leak into the blood when liver cells are damaged. Bilirubin builds up when your liver can’t process waste, which can sometimes cause yellow eyes. Albumin and total protein levels drop when the liver struggles to manufacture proteins. Alkaline phosphatase rises with bile duct problems.
Why so many tests for one organ? Because your liver performs 500 different functions. Different markers indicate different types of damage, alcohol-related, fatty liver, hepatitis, or medication side effects.
- Kidney Function Tests (KFT) measure how well your kidneys filter waste. Creatinine and urea should stay within narrow ranges. When they rise, the kidneys are struggling. Electrolytes (sodium, potassium, and chloride) must balance precisely for muscles and nerves to work. Even slight imbalances cause fatigue, confusion, or irregular heartbeat.
Uric acid, often forgotten, matters too. High levels cause gout, those excruciating joint pains that strike suddenly. But elevated uric acid also correlates with kidney stones and cardiovascular disease.
- The Thyroid Profile seems simple, just three hormones. But these control your entire metabolism. TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) tells your thyroid how hard to work. T3 and T4 are the actual thyroid hormones affecting every cell in your body.
When thyroid hormones drop, everything slows down. You gain weight despite eating less. Mornings become impossible. Concentration wavers. When they spike, your heart races, your hands tremble, and your weight drops, despite an increased appetite. The thyroid profile detects these imbalances early, allowing for simple medication to restore normalcy.
Vitamin and Mineral Analysis: The Hidden Deficiencies
Mumbai’s lifestyle creates a paradox: an abundance of food but widespread nutritional deficiencies. Indoor jobs, vegetarian diets, and pollution affect nutrient levels more than most realise.
- Vitamin D deficiency affects 70% of urban Indians. It’s not just about bones anymore. Low Vitamin D links to depression, frequent infections, chronic fatigue, and even certain cancers. Our bodies produce Vitamin D from sunlight, but office workers rarely get enough sun exposure. Air conditioning, glass windows, and sunscreen block the UV rays needed for synthesis.
- Vitamin B12 presents special challenges for vegetarians. This vitamin exists primarily in animal products. Deficiency develops slowly (taking years) but causes permanent nerve damage if ignored. Early signs include tingling in hands and feet, memory problems, and severe fatigue. The test catches the deficiency before irreversible damage occurs.
- Iron studies go beyond checking if you’re anaemic. We test both iron levels and ferritin (a measure of stored iron). You might have normal haemoglobin but depleted stores, leaving you one heavy period or minor injury away from anaemia. Low iron levels affect concentration, cause hair loss, and can lead to a craving for ice (a surprisingly common symptom).
- Calcium testing reveals more than bone health. This mineral enables muscle contraction, nerve signalling, and blood clotting. Low calcium levels can cause muscle cramps, tingling sensations, and, in severe cases, irregular heartbeats. High calcium might indicate parathyroid issues or vitamin D excess.
Imaging and Scans: Seeing Inside Without Surgery
Blood tests show chemical changes. Imaging reveals structural problems, stones, tumours, enlarged organs, or blocked vessels.
- Chest X-ray remains valuable despite newer technologies. Within minutes, it reveals signs of lung infections, tuberculosis scars, heart enlargement, or fluid accumulation. For smokers or those with a chronic cough, it’s essential screening. The radiation exposure is equivalent to a few hours of aeroplane travel, with minimal risk for valuable information.
- ECG (Electrocardiogram) records your heart’s electrical patterns. Those squiggly lines reveal rhythm abnormalities, previous heart attacks, or ongoing strain. The test takes five minutes but can predict problems years before symptoms appear. Irregular heartbeats, thickened heart muscle, or circulation problems all leave distinct signatures.
- Ultrasound Abdomen uses sound waves to visualise internal organs. No radiation, no discomfort, just clear pictures of your liver, gallbladder, kidneys, pancreas, and spleen. Fatty liver shows as increased brightness. Gallstones appear as shadows. Kidney cysts or pancreatic changes become visible. It’s particularly valuable for detecting problems in solid organs that blood tests might miss.
- Additional Imaging in premium packages may include an Echo (detailed heart ultrasound) or a Carotid Doppler (checking neck arteries). These advanced scans provide crucial information for those with cardiac risk factors or symptoms.
Physical Assessments: Numbers That Matter
Simple measurements often reveal complex health stories. These baseline readings track changes over time.
- Blood Pressure monitoring catches the “silent killer” early. High BP damages arteries, strains the heart, and threatens kidneys, all without symptoms until serious damage occurs. We check both arms, as differences might indicate circulation problems.
- BMI and Body Composition go beyond simple weight checks. BMI calculates whether your weight is proportionate to your height. The waist-hip ratio indicates where you store fat, around organs (a concern) or under the skin (less concerning). These measurements guide lifestyle interventions.
- Vision Screening catches refractive errors and early disease signs. Many people adapt to gradual vision loss without realising they need glasses. Diabetes and hypertension often show early signs in the eyes.
- Hearing Assessment matters more as we age or work in noisy environments. Early detection of hearing loss improves outcomes, as the brain needs regular sound input to maintain processing abilities.
Specialised Additions: Tailored to Your Needs
Standard packages cover essentials. But certain ages, genders, and risk factors warrant additional screening.
- Cancer Markers become important after 45. PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) screens for prostate cancer in men. CA-125 might indicate ovarian cancer in women. CEA suggests colorectal cancer. These aren’t definitive (elevated markers need further investigation), but they catch many cancers early.
- Hormone Panels reveal imbalances affecting quality of life. Women approaching menopause benefit from testing for oestrogen, progesterone, and FSH. Men with fatigue or performance issues might need testosterone checks. Thyroid antibodies explain why some people experience symptoms despite having normal TSH levels.
- Infectious Disease Screening includes HIV, Hepatitis B and C, and sometimes syphilis testing. Early detection enables effective treatment and prevents the transmission of disease. Modern treatments make these manageable conditions when caught early.
Understanding Age-Specific Requirements
Under 35: Building Your Baseline
Young adults often skip checkups, assuming they are healthy. But this age establishes your personal normal, the baseline against which future changes are measured.
Focus areas include basic metabolic health, nutritional status, and early detection of lifestyle diseases. Even if results are normal, they provide valuable comparison points. That slightly elevated cholesterol at 32 becomes concerning if it doubles by 40.
35-45: The Vigilance Years
This decade brings increased disease risk. Metabolism slows. Stress peaks with the pressures of career and family. Genetic predispositions start manifesting.
Testing expands to include detailed cardiac assessment, diabetes screening, and cancer markers. Annual checkups become crucial as conditions like hypertension and diabetes often develop silently during these years.
45-60: Comprehensive Monitoring
Middle age demands thorough screening. Cancer risks rise significantly. Cardiovascular disease becomes the leading health threat. Hormonal changes affect both genders.
Packages now include tumour markers, advanced cardiac testing, and bone density scans. Some individuals may require stress tests or coronary calcium scoring. Women require mammograms and more frequent Pap smears. Men need a prostate evaluation.
Beyond 60: Vigilant Ageing
Senior years require the most comprehensive testing. Multiple conditions often coexist. Medication interactions become a concern. Cognitive health needs monitoring.
Testing includes everything from earlier years, plus memory assessment, detailed nutritional analysis, and fall risk evaluation. Regular monitoring helps maintain independence and quality of life.
The Testing Experience: What to Expect
Preparation Phase
Good preparation ensures accurate results. Two days before testing, maintain your usual diet; sudden changes can skew results. Avoid alcohol, as it can affect liver enzymes and triglycerides.
The night before, eat a light dinner by 8 PM. Begin fasting if required, typically 10-12 hours, to ensure accurate blood sugar and lipid levels. Water is allowed and encouraged. Take regular medications unless specifically instructed otherwise.
On the morning of the test, arrive well-rested. Dehydration can make blood draws difficult and may affect some results. Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothes that allow easy access to your arms for blood collection.
During Your Visit
Registration takes 10-15 minutes. Please bring identification, previous reports, and a current list of medications. Insurance cards help with coverage queries. We’ll review your medical history and current concerns.
Blood collection requires 3-4 tubes, totalling approximately 15-20 mL. Our phlebotomists are trained for minimal discomfort. The needle prick feels like a quick pinch. If you’re needle-anxious, inform us, we have techniques to help.
Urine collection happens next. We provide sterile containers and private restrooms. Mid-stream collection gives the most accurate results. Clear instructions are posted in collection areas.
ECG recording takes five minutes. You’ll lie still while electrodes record heart activity. The gel feels cold but doesn’t cause any discomfort. Results appear immediately for doctor review.
If imaging is included, timing varies. Chest X-rays take seconds. Ultrasounds require 15-20 minutes. For abdominal scans, a full bladder helps visualise pelvic organs; drink water 45 minutes prior.
Post-Testing Process
After sample collection, you can eat immediately. We provide refreshments in waiting areas. Any additional tests or doctor consultations will happen now.
Results arrive within 24-48 hours for routine tests. Some specialised markers take 3-4 days. Critical values trigger immediate phone calls; we won’t make you wait if something needs urgent attention.
Digital reports reach you via email and WhatsApp. Password protection ensures privacy. Physical copies remain available at centres. All reports include normal ranges and clear marking of abnormal values.
Decoding Your Health Report
Report Structure
Modern reports are designed for clarity. Each page header shows your name, age, test date, and reference number. Tests are grouped logically, with blood counts and organ functions organised separately, making navigation easy.
Every parameter is listed:
- Your value
- Normal range
- Units used
- Visual indicator (normal/abnormal)
Abnormal results appear in red, with arrows indicating high or low values. Borderline values show in amber, worth watching but not immediately concerning.
Interpreting Results
Numbers tell stories when you understand patterns. Isolated abnormalities matter less than trends. A slightly elevated cholesterol level, accompanied by excellent HDL ratios, poses less risk than a borderline total cholesterol level with poor ratios.
Context matters enormously. Post-meal collection, accidentally done during a “fasting” test, shows high glucose levels. A recent fever elevates white cells. Dehydration concentrates all values. Our doctors consider these factors during consultations.
Some results normally vary:
- Vitamin D drops in monsoon months
- Triglycerides spike after festivals
- Stress hormones rise during exams or work deadlines
- Iron levels fluctuate with menstrual cycles
Call us at +91-95183-81830 or visit sundiagnostics.co.in to explore packages and book your appointment. Walk-ins are welcome at all centres.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a comprehensive physical examination take?
A comprehensive physical exam typically takes between 1.5 and 3 hours. This includes registration, physical evaluations, blood and urine tests, imaging (if required), and a doctor consultation. Most test results are provided on the same day for faster follow-up.
Is there any difference between the tests for men and women?
Yes, there are some differences based on gender. Women may undergo Pap smears, breast exams, or mammograms to screen for female-specific conditions. Men might have a PSA blood test or prostate exam to assess prostate health, especially if aged 50 or above.
Can children undergo a comprehensive physical examination?
Yes, children can undergo a tailored version of a comprehensive checkup. These include age-appropriate tests such as growth tracking, basic blood work, vision and hearing screening, and vaccination reviews, all designed to support early health and development.
What happens during a full-body checkup?
The process typically involves collecting blood and urine samples, measuring weight, height, and BMI, and taking blood pressure readings. If necessary, imaging tests such as X-rays or ECGs may be conducted. The process concludes with a doctor’s consultation to review the results and provide health advice.
How often should someone get a comprehensive health checkup?
It’s recommended to get a full checkup once every 6 to 12 months, depending on your age, lifestyle, medical history, and any existing conditions. Regular exams help detect potential health issues early and ensure timely medical intervention when needed.
