Our blood unlocks the key to our health.  It reveals how we’re doing right now, risks we need to know about for the future, and what we can do to get on the right path for longevity. 

You wouldn’t cook a meal without a recipe or build a house without a blueprint, so why would you navigate your health without your lab results? 

Your blood is the foundation of your well-being, and yet, most people do not know how often they should get blood tests or which tests matter most for their health. ‍

Standard blood panels often provide an incomplete picture, missing critical biomarkers that could uncover risks like inflammation, nutrient deficiencies, or early signs of chronic disease.

Without this vital information, hidden health issues can silently impact your energy, focus, and overall well-being - often without us even noticing. By the time symptoms appear, it’s a real uphill battle to undo the damage that’s already done.

The solution lies in understanding your bloodwork and using it as a roadmap for your health. By knowing how often to get blood tests and which biomarkers to track, you can gain valuable insights and take control of your health. 

This guide will show you exactly how to turn your blood test results into a powerful tool for thriving, not just surviving.

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‍Why Regular Blood Tests Are Essential for Long-Term Health

Blood tests are essential to be more proactive about your health. They provide a snapshot of your body’s inner workings, helping to uncover hidden issues long before symptoms appear. 

Preventative care through blood tests also reduces long-term risks by catching problems early. If you have health insurance, many preventive services, including routine bloodwork, are often covered at no additional cost or nominal fees. 

Government programs, such as Medicare, often provide access to essential blood tests, particularly for diagnosing or managing specific conditions. Routine preventive screenings may also be covered under certain circumstances.

But only when they’re used effectively, can blood tests allow you to take control of your health and make informed decisions to optimize your well-being.

One key concept that sets Thrive25 apart is the focus on optimal health ranges, not just the “normal” ranges used in standard lab reports. 

Thrive25 co-founder Ryan Schneider explains, “What most people don’t know is that ‘normal’ often just means you’re within the middle 95% of all test results. Only the very top and bottom outliers are considered ‘out of range.’ But these ranges might not even be connected with increased health risks. If you want to really achieve your longevity goals and avoid chronic disease, then you’ve got to know the optimal range for key biomarkers.”

Not only does a “normal” blood test result not give you enough information, but these “normal” ranges have shifted over time - as we’ve become more unhealthy as a society - and don’t always reflect true risks for chronic conditions or longevity concerns.

Additionally, Thrive25 simplifies the process by offering tools to help you identify the right biomarkers, track your results, and have more meaningful discussions with your doctor.

By making routine bloodwork a part of your health routine, you ensure your body is functioning at its best and gain the confidence that comes with knowing you are taking steps to live healthily and happily for the long term

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‍How Often Should You Get Bloodwork Based on Your Age?

The frequency of blood tests depends on your age, health status, and key life events. 

Use this simple guide to determine how often you should get blood tests and what to prioritize:

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‍In Your 20s and 30s: Establish Your Baseline

• Frequency: Every 2–3 years if you are healthy and have no symptoms or risk factors
• Key Tests: CBC test (Complete Blood Count), lipid panel, and Vitamin D.
• Why It Matters: This is the time to establish a baseline for your health, making it easier to track changes later. Consider additional tests if you experience major life events like pregnancy, significant dietary changes, or starting a new fitness program.

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In Your 40s and 50s: Monitor Shifts in Health

• Frequency: Annually
• Key Tests: CBC test, lipid panel, complete metabolic panel - including liver and kidney health markers, hormone levels, and nutrients measures. 
• Why It Matters: Your doctor may be thinking about your health for the next 1-5 years, but you need to be thinking about the next 25+ years. Now is the time to get ahead of potential metabolic and heart risks. Regular testing helps catch these changes early to prevent chronic conditions.

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In Your 60s and Beyond: Prioritize Comprehensive Monitoring

• Frequency: Every 6–12 months, especially if you have chronic conditions like diabetes or hypertension
• Key Tests: Kidney and liver function, Omega-3 levels, and hormone panels.
• Why It Matters: Frequent testing is crucial for tracking age-related changes and managing chronic illnesses, ensuring timely adjustments to treatment or lifestyle plans.

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What Biomarkers Should You Be Testing?

Not all blood tests are created equal. While standard panels like CBC tests and lipid panels are important, they often miss deeper insights that can help you optimize your health. 

It’s essential to go beyond the basics and track biomarkers that reveal more about your body’s unique needs.

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Common Blood Tests to Include

Start with these standard tests, which provide an overview of your health:

• CBC test (Complete Blood Count): 
  
  • Assesses overall health by measuring red and white blood cells, hemoglobin, iron levels and platelets.
• Lipid Panel: 
  
  • Tracks triglycerides and cholesterol levels, including LDL (bad cholesterol) and HDL (good cholesterol).
• Blood Sugar (hbA1c): 
  
  • Provides a long-term view of blood sugar levels, essential for detecting early signs of diabetes.

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Advanced Tests Thrive25 Recommends

These biomarkers go deeper, providing critical insights into key areas of your health:

1. ApoB

• Why It Matters: 
  
  • A more accurate marker for heart disease risk than traditional LDL cholesterol. High levels indicate a greater chance of cardiovascular issues.
• How to Act: 
  
  • Focus on heart-healthy lifestyle changes like reducing saturated fat and increasing fiber.

2. hsCRP (High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein)

• Why It Matters: 
  
  • Detects inflammation, a root cause of many chronic diseases, including heart disease and autoimmune conditions.
• How to Act: 
  
  • Prioritize sleep, stress management, and anti-inflammatory foods like leafy greens and omega-3-rich fish.

3. Fasting Insulin

• Why It Matters: 
  
  • An early indicator of metabolic health and insulin resistance, even before glucose levels show abnormalities.
• How to Act: 
  
  • Reduce refined carbohydrates and integrate strength training into your routine.

4. Vitamin D and Omega-3 Levels:

• Why They Matter: 
  
  • Both are critical for longevity, immune function, and cognitive health. Low levels can impact mood, bone strength, and heart health.
• How to Act: 
  
  • Supplement as needed, focus on sunlight exposure, and incorporate omega-3-rich foods like salmon and flaxseeds.

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Tips for Requesting These Tests

Your doctor may not automatically include these tests, so it is important to ask for them directly. 

The Thrive25 app makes it easy to prepare for your appointment by allowing you to create a personalized health plan. 

Use the app to:

• List the biomarkers you want to test.
• Take notes on symptoms or concerns to discuss with your doctor.
• Keep track of follow-ups and test results in one place.

By understanding and requesting these essential biomarkers, you take a proactive step toward building a health plan tailored to you. 

Thrive25 simplifies this process, giving you the confidence to have meaningful conversations with your doctor and prioritize what matters most.

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How to Prepare for Your Blood Test for Accurate Results

Preparing for a blood test might seem simple, but small steps can make a big difference in ensuring accurate results. 

Here are a few tips to help you get the most reliable information from your next blood test:

1.  Follow Fasting Guidelines:
   For tests like glucose or lipid panels, fast for at least 8–12 hours beforehand. 
   This means no food or drinks other than water.

2. Skip Alcohol and Caffeine:
   Avoid alcohol and caffeine for 24 hours before your test. 
   Both can temporarily affect your biomarker levels, leading to less accurate results.

3. Stick to Clean Eating:
   Processed and sugary foods can also impact certain biomarkers. 
   Opt for balanced, whole-food meals in the days leading up to your test.

4. Hydrate Well:
   Drink 1-2 cups of water a couple of hours before your test to make it easier for your healthcare provider to draw blood and ensure accurate readings. 
   NOTE: Too much water could affect kidney-related biomarker results.

5. Be Prepared with a Plan:
   Use the Thrive25 app to create a list of tests you want to request, including the recommended advanced biomarkers. 
   Having these notes ready can help you have a focused and productive conversation with your doctor.

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Making Sense of Your Blood Test Results

Interpreting blood test results can feel overwhelming, especially when you are handed a report filled with numbers, acronyms, and “normal” ranges. 

However, understanding what your blood test results mean is the first step to optimizing your health.

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Why “Normal” Isn’t Always Enough

Most standard lab reports define “normal” as the middle 95% of results for a population. This approach often overlooks what is actually optimal for long-term health. 

For example, a triglyceride level within the “normal” range might still indicate a risk for heart disease. Thrive25 takes a different approach, focusing on optimal ranges that are scientifically linked to reduced health risks and improved longevity.

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How Thrive25’s Personalized Biomarker Report Helps

Thrive25’s Personalized Biomarker Report simplifies your results into actionable insights. It highlights where you are thriving and where there is room for improvement, using optimal ranges to guide you. 

The report also provides personalized recommendations to help you close the gap between where you are and where you want to be - all through easy, daily lifestyle Quick Wins.

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The Power of Tracking Trends

One test is a snapshot; tracking your biomarkers over time tells the full story. 

With Thrive25, you can monitor trends in your results and see how lifestyle changes or interventions impact your health. This empowers you to make more informed decisions about your health.

Understanding your blood test results is not just about numbers; it is about using that data to take control of your health journey. 

Thrive25 provides the tools and insights to turn your results into a clear path forward.

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Thrive25’s Personalized Biomarker Report: The Next Step in Longevity Care

Standard lab reports can feel overwhelming and unclear, leaving you unsure of what steps to take. Thrive25 changes that by turning your lab results into actionable insights you can use right away.

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What Makes Thrive25 Different?

Thrive25’s Personalized Biomarker Report goes beyond the basics, focusing on optimizing your health instead of just identifying problems. The report breaks down your results into clear categories like heart, metabolic, and immune health, making it easy to understand how your body is doing overall.

But the real difference? Thrive25 doesn’t just tell you what’s wrong—it shows you how to fix it. 

Thrive25 co-founder Ryan Schneider explains, “Imagine you were on the high end (within normal) for all your liver or kidney biomarkers. Your doctor would never say a thing—but this trend can be critical in catching potential concerns before they become a real problem. With our report, you can see multiple, related biomarkers together so you can ask better questions and actually understand your health.”

With Quick Wins in the Thrive25 app, you’ll get simple, personalized recommendations tailored to your biomarkers. For example, if your triglycerides are high, the report might suggest swapping processed carbs for healthy fats or adding omega-3-rich foods to your diet. 

These small steps make a big impact on your long-term health.

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A Better Way to Manage Your Health

Thrive25 empowers you to take control of your health by making preventative care accessible and actionable. The report helps you prepare for more meaningful conversations with your doctor, ensuring you get the most out of your healthcare resources.

With Thrive25, you will have a roadmap for better health that turns confusing lab results into simple, actionable steps that you can actually use.

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Take Charge of Your Health Today

Your health is your greatest asset and you can’t outsource it to anyone else - you’ve got to be in charge. And it starts with understanding what is happening inside your body. 

Blood tests are not just about spotting problems; they are your roadmap to thrive. 

Whether you are in your 20s building a healthy foundation or in your 50s pushing the limits  for longevity, the insights from regular bloodwork can transform your approach to wellness.

Don’t wait for symptoms to appear. Proactively take charge of your well-being today by scheduling your next blood test, requesting the right biomarkers, and knowing what you can do to ensure a healthier, longer life.