Website of the UK government

What is medical testing?

You've probably had a blood or urine test at some point. Doctors use medical tests like these to learn more about your health. The results can reassure you that all's well or identify problems that require treatment.

Checklist of vital health tests

As you get older, it's advisable to consider having regular tests for:

Where you can have them done

You'd usually be tested at your doctor's surgery. From there, your doctor might refer you to a specialist. Sometimes, you can do home testing.

Testing for cholesterol

You're most at risk of high cholesterol if you're a man over 45 or a woman over 55.

High cholesterol is a major risk factor for heart disease, especially if you have high blood pressure or smoke, eat a high fat diet or are physically inactive.

The test for high levels of cholesterol is a simple blood test, drawn from a vein in your arm or finger.

As cholesterol levels fluctuate with time, it's advisable to have at least two different tests several weeks or months apart before beginning any kind of treatment.

• Staying physically active
• Cholesterol information on NHS Choices (opens new window)

Testing your blood pressure

Your blood pressure tends to rise with age. If you have high blood pressure, also known as hypertension, you are more at risk of a stroke, heart disease or kidney failure.

Blood pressure needs to be checked regularly. It also has to be re-checked at different times to get an accurate reading.

• Blood pressure information on NHS Choices (opens new window)

Testing for diabetes

Up to one million people may have diabetes without knowing it, and many don't find out until their 50s. It is a serious health condition that's much more common with age.

Testing involves taking a sample of your urine to see if it contains glucose. You may have to have a blood test to confirm any diagnosis.

Having diabetes puts you at greater risk of strokes, heart disease, nerve, eye and kidney problems, yet in most cases diabetes can be avoided. Testing for it is a first step.

Diabetes testing is advisable once you're over 40, especially if you're overweight, Asian or have a family history of the disease.

• Diabetes information on NHS Choices (opens new window)
• Diabetes (general health and well-being section)

Eyesight tests

You can have good sight into your 80s and 90s if you look after your eyes. You are entitled to a free NHS sight test if you are over 60.

If you're over 50, you can have a free sight test if you:

An eye test is not just a test for glasses. It's important for your general health and to spot diseases of the eye that are more common as you age, like macular degeneration, cataracts and glaucoma.

• Visual impairment information on NHS Choices (opens new window)

Detecting hearing loss

Everyone loses some hearing ability with age. Age-related hearing loss, or presbyacusis, affects more than half of all people over 60. It's the second most common cause of disability as you age.

If you are worried about hearing loss, your doctor can examine your ears and do some simple tests, like asking what sounds you can hear. You'll also need to explain why you think your hearing is not as good as it used to be.

If your doctor thinks you might have hearing loss, you may be referred to an audiology clinic or Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) department for further tests.

• Hearing care and services (disabled people section)
• Hearing impairment on NHS Choices (opens new window)

More useful links

• NHS health encyclopaedia (opens new window)