10 Life Saving Laboratory Tests at 40 Years, the Diseases They Help Prevent, and Their Cost in Nigeria
Reaching the age of 40 is an important health milestone. At this stage, the risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, kidney problems, and some cancers begins to rise. Many of these conditions develop silently, without early symptoms. Regular laboratory testing helps detect problems early and prevents serious complications.
Below are 10 important laboratory tests recommended at 40 years, the conditions they help prevent, and their estimated cost in Nigeria.
1. Complete Blood Count (CBC)
This test checks red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.
Helps detect or prevent: anemia, infections, blood disorders, chronic inflammation.
Estimated cost in Nigeria: ₦3,000 – ₦6,000
2. Fasting Blood Glucose or HbA1c
These tests assess blood sugar control.
Helps detect or prevent: prediabetes, type 2 diabetes, kidney damage, eye and nerve complications.
Estimated cost:
- Fasting blood glucose: ₦2,000 – ₦4,000
- HbA1c: ₦6,000 – ₦12,000
3. Lipid Profile (Cholesterol Test)
Measures total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, and triglycerides.
Helps detect or prevent: heart disease, stroke, blocked arteries.
Estimated cost: ₦6,000 – ₦12,000
4. Blood Pressure with Kidney Function Tests
Kidney tests include urea, creatinine, and eGFR.
Helps detect or prevent: hypertension-related kidney disease, heart failure, stroke.
Estimated cost:
- Blood pressure check: often free or ₦500 – ₦1,000
- Kidney function tests: ₦5,000 – ₦10,000
5. Liver Function Tests (LFTs)
Assesses liver enzymes and bilirubin.
Helps detect or prevent: fatty liver disease, hepatitis, alcohol-related liver damage, drug toxicity.
Estimated cost: ₦5,000 – ₦10,000
6. Kidney Function Tests
Includes creatinine, urea, and eGFR.
Helps detect or prevent: chronic kidney disease, especially in diabetes and hypertension.
Estimated cost: ₦5,000 – ₦10,000
7. Thyroid Function Test
Evaluates thyroid hormones that control metabolism.
Helps detect or prevent: thyroid disorders, weight problems, fatigue, heart rhythm issues.
Estimated cost: ₦8,000 – ₦15,000
8. Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) – Men
Screens prostate health.
Helps detect or prevent: prostate cancer and prostate enlargement.
Estimated cost: ₦5,000 – ₦10,000
9. Pap Smear or HPV Test – Women
Screens for cervical abnormalities.
Helps detect or prevent: cervical cancer and precancerous changes.
Estimated cost:
- Pap smear: ₦5,000 – ₦10,000
- HPV test: ₦15,000 – ₦25,000
10. Vitamin D Test
Measures vitamin D level needed for bone and immune health.
Helps prevent: osteoporosis, weak bones, fractures, frequent infections.
Estimated cost: ₦10,000 – ₦18,000
Important Health Advice at 40
Not everyone needs all these tests every year. Testing should be guided by symptoms, family history, lifestyle, and medical advice. Maintaining a healthy diet, exercising regularly, managing weight, and attending routine check-ups remain essential.
Final Thoughts
Routine laboratory screening at 40 years allows early detection of silent diseases, reduces long-term complications, and saves healthcare costs in the long run. Prevention is always cheaper and safer than treatment