Annual Blood Tests
for Men

Understanding the barriers to healthcare for men

Men are less likely than women to access primary healthcare, contributing to higher rates of undiagnosed and unmanaged chronic conditions. Several key factors contribute to this disparity:⁴

• Time constraints and perceived inconvenience: Many men cite work obligations, lack of time, and difficulty scheduling appointments as reasons for avoiding medical visits.
• A culture of self-reliance and reluctance to seek help: Societal expectations around masculinity often discourage men from acknowledging health concerns, leading to delayed medical consultations.
• Lack of awareness about preventative health: Many men associate healthcare with treatment rather than prevention, resulting in missed opportunities for early intervention.

GPs play a critical role in reducing these barriers by offering accessible, convenient and tailored approaches to men’s health screening. Blood tests provide a clear and measurable entry point for engaging men, shifting the conversation from reactive treatment to proactive prevention.

Recommended blood tests for male patients

Blood tests are a key component of preventative healthcare for men, offering early detection of cardiovascular, metabolic, endocrine and renal conditions. Current Australian guidelines recommend routine screening for common risk factors, particularly for men over 40 or those with predisposing risk factors.

Cardiovascular and metabolic screening

• Lipid Profile (Non-Fasting Preferred): The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) and the National Heart Foundation recommend lipid screening for all men over 45 years (or over 35 years for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men). Non-fasting lipid tests are now widely accepted, improving compliance by reducing the inconvenience of early-morning, fasting-required visits.⁵
• HbA1c or Fasting Blood Glucose: Type 2 diabetes remains underdiagnosed in men, with many cases detected at later stages. Annual screening is recommended for men with obesity, hypertension or a family history of diabetes.

Prostate and hormonal health

• Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA): The RACGP advises shared decision-making regarding PSA testing for prostate cancer in men over 50 (or over 40 for those with a family history). While routine screening is not universally recommended, early detection in high-risk individuals can improve outcomes.⁶
• Testosterone Levels: Low testosterone can impact energy, libido, muscle mass and mental health. Testing is recommended in symptomatic men, with repeat morning testing before confirming a diagnosis. Routine testosterone screening is not recommended for asymptomatic men, as low levels are often related to underlying health conditions rather than true hypogonadism. Testing should be reserved for those with clear clinical symptoms.⁷

Liver and kidney function

• Liver Function Tests (LFTs): Alcohol consumption and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) are significant concerns among Australian men. Routine LFTs should be considered for men with metabolic syndrome, excessive alcohol intake or long-term medication use.
• Renal Function Tests (eGFR, Creatinine, UACR): Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is often asymptomatic in early stages. Routine screening is recommended for men with diabetes, hypertension or a history of cardiovascular disease.

Haematological and general health screening

• Full Blood Count (FBC): Anaemia and blood disorders often go undiagnosed until symptoms become severe.
• Vitamin D and Iron Studies: Low vitamin D and iron deficiency are associated with fatigue, muscleweakness and cardiovascular risk. Testing is particularly relevant for men with low sun exposure, dietary restrictions or symptoms of deficiency.

How laboratory testing can improve men’s health engagement

Many men only visit a doctor when symptoms become severe, missing crucial opportunities for early intervention. Blood tests provide an objective, measurable starting point for discussions about long-term health risks, increasing the likelihood of continued engagement.³

Key benefits of laboratory testing for men’s health engagement:

• Providing clear, objective health data: Many men respond well to quantifiable results. Discussing lipid levels, blood sugar trends or kidney function changes can motivate lifestyle modifications and adherence to medical advice.
• Normalising preventative health screenings: Integrating blood tests into routine health checks makes preventative care a habit rather than an exception.
• Reinforcing the importance of follow-up care: Tracking cholesterol levels, diabetes markers, or liver function over time allows GPs to guide incremental, achievable health improvements.
• Overcoming access barriers: Offering blood tests in workplace health programs, community centres or telehealth-supported models can improve uptake among men who struggle with time constraints and appointment scheduling.

Conclusion: A shift towards proactive men’s healthcare

Routine blood tests should be positioned as an essential tool in preventative healthcare for men—not just for early disease detection but as an engagement strategy that fosters long-term health literacy and proactive care.

By incorporating accessible, targeted and structured screening programs, GPs can overcome traditional barriers to men’s healthcare participation, ensuring more men take ownership of their health before conditions progress. Blood tests are a simple yet powerful intervention that can shift the focus from reactive treatment to long-term disease prevention, ultimately improving health outcomes and longevity for Australian men.

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