What does a full medical include?

A full medical (also called a comprehensive medical examination or complete health check-up) is a thorough assessment of your overall health. The exact tests vary depending on your age, sex, medical history, and the reason for the exam (routine screening, employment, insurance, or pre-surgery), but it typically includes the following:

1. Medical History

Your healthcare provider will ask about:

• Current symptoms or health concerns
• Past illnesses, surgeries, and hospitalizations
• Medications and supplements
• Allergies
• Family history of diseases (e.g., heart disease, diabetes, cancer)
• Lifestyle factors such as diet, exercise, smoking, alcohol use, and sleep

2. Physical Examination

The doctor will examine your body, including:

• Height, weight, and Body Mass Index (BMI)
• Blood pressure
• Heart rate
• Temperature
• Oxygen saturation (sometimes)
• Eyes, ears, nose, and throat
• Heart and lungs
• Abdomen
• Skin
• Joints and muscles
• Basic neurological function (reflexes, strength, coordination)

3. Blood Tests

Common blood tests include:

• Complete Blood Count (CBC)
• Blood glucose (fasting or HbA1c)
• Lipid profile (cholesterol and triglycerides)
• Kidney function tests (creatinine, urea)
• Liver function tests
• Electrolytes (sodium, potassium, etc.)
• Thyroid function (often TSH)
• Iron, vitamin B12, and vitamin D (if indicated)

4. Urine Tests

A urinalysis can help detect:

• Kidney disease
• Urinary tract infections
• Diabetes
• Blood or protein in the urine

5. Heart Assessment

Depending on your age or risk factors:

• Electrocardiogram (ECG/EKG)
• Exercise stress test (if indicated)
• Echocardiogram (if clinically necessary)

6. Cancer Screening

These depend on age, sex, and risk factors:

• Cervical screening (Pap test)
• Mammogram
• Prostate evaluation
• Colorectal cancer screening (stool test or colonoscopy)
• Skin examination for suspicious moles

7. Vision and Hearing

Basic screening may include:

• Visual acuity test
• Hearing assessment (if needed)

8. Vaccination Review

The doctor may check whether you’re up to date on recommended vaccinations.

9. Additional Tests (If Indicated)

Based on your symptoms, age, or risk factors, your doctor may recommend:

• Chest X-ray
• Lung function tests
• Bone density scan (DEXA)
• Ultrasound
• CT or MRI scans
• Tests for sexually transmitted infections (STIs)

What a “full medical” does not necessarily include

Many commercial health check-up packages advertise a “full medical,” but they may not include every possible test. Expensive imaging (such as CT or MRI scans), extensive genetic testing, or specialist evaluations are usually performed only when medically indicated.

How long does it take?

• Basic examination: 30–60 minutes
• Comprehensive health check with laboratory tests: Half a day to a full day, depending on the number of tests and whether fasting is required.

A full medical is intended to assess your current health, identify risk factors, detect diseases early, and provide recommendations to help maintain or improve your health.