Men's Health Week
2025

Why are annual blood tests for men important?

In Australia, men tend to have a shorter life expectancy than women and are more likely to develop preventable conditions like heart disease, type 2 diabetes and kidney disease. Regular blood tests can help detect these conditions early, often before any symptoms appear.¹

Catching these issues early gives you and your doctor the best chance to manage them with lifestyle changes, medication or other treatments. Think of it as regular maintenance for your body, just like you'd do for your car. 

What blood tests should I get?

Australian guidelines recommend regular screening for men over 40, or younger if you have risk factors such as high blood pressure or a family history of disease. Clinical Labs offers Men’s Annual Screen blood tests, which doctors can order for:

Heart and metabolic health

• Cholesterol (Lipid Profile): Recommended from age 45, or over 35 for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men. Helps assess heart disease risk. No fasting needed.
• Diabetes (HbA1c or Fasting Glucose): Type 2 diabetes often goes underdiagnosed in men until the later stages. Annual screening is recommended for men who are overweight, have high blood pressure or a family history of diabetes.

Prostate and hormonal health

• Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA): Men over 50 (or over 40 with a family history) should discuss with their GP the benefits and risks of testing for prostate cancer.
• Testosterone: Low levels can impact energy, mood, libido and muscle mass. Testing is recommended if you have symptoms.

Liver and kidney function

• Liver function tests: Important for men who drink alcohol regularly, take long-term medications or have metabolic risk factors.
• Kidney function tests: Kidney disease is often asymptomatic in its early stages. Routine screening is recommended for men with diabetes, high blood pressure or heart disease.

General health

• Full blood count: Screens for anaemia or other blood disorders.
• Vitamin D and iron studies: Low levels are associated with fatigue, muscle weakness and cardiovascular risk. Testing is helpful if you have symptoms, dietary restrictions or limited sun exposure.

Is annual testing part of your health routine?

if not, now is a great time to start. Tracking results like cholesterol and blood sugar each year helps your doctor detect changes early and support your long-term health. Talk to your GP about what tests are right for you.

Where can I get tested?

Blood tests can be completed at any Clinical Labs collection centre. All pathology request forms are accepted.