10 Routine Tests Every Nigerian Adult – Should Do Annually
10 Routine Tests Every Nigerian Adult Should Do annually
Published by Omokos Diagnostics | Preventive Health Series
Introduction: Don’t Wait Until You Feel Sick
In Nigeria, many people only visit a hospital or diagnostic centre when they feel very unwell. This reactive approach to health is one of the biggest reasons why so many Nigerians are diagnosed with serious illnesses — diabetes, hypertension, kidney disease, cancer — at advanced stages when treatment becomes difficult and expensive.
The truth is: most deadly diseases give very few warning signs in their early stages. High blood pressure is called the “silent killer” for a reason — it can be destroying your heart and kidneys for years without a single symptom. The same is true for diabetes, hepatitis, and even certain cancers.
This is why annual health screening is not a luxury — it is a necessity. Regular routine tests allow your doctor to catch problems early, when they are most treatable. They give you a clear picture of your health, help you make better lifestyle decisions, and can ultimately save your life.
At Omokos Diagnostics, we believe that prevention is the best medicine. Here are the 10 essential tests every Nigerian adult should make a habit of doing every year.
1. Fasting Blood Glucose (Blood Sugar Test)
Diabetes is one of the fastest-growing health crises in Nigeria, yet millions of Nigerians are living with it without knowing. The Fasting Blood Glucose test measures the amount of sugar (glucose) in your blood after you have not eaten for at least 8 hours.
Why it matters:
- Detects pre-diabetes and type 2 diabetes early
- Allows timely lifestyle intervention before the condition worsens
- Essential for anyone overweight, over 35, or with a family history of diabetes
Normal range: Below 100 mg/dL (fasting). Levels between 100–125 mg/dL indicate pre-diabetes; above 126 mg/dL on two separate occasions confirms diabetes.
2. HbA1c (Glycated Haemoglobin Test)
While the fasting blood glucose gives a snapshot of your blood sugar at one moment, the HbA1c test shows your average blood sugar levels over the past 2–3 months. It is considered the gold standard for diabetes diagnosis and monitoring.
Why it matters:
- More accurate than a single glucose reading
- Helps diabetics monitor how well their condition is being managed
- Identifies patients at high risk of diabetes complications
Normal range: Below 5.7%. Between 5.7–6.4% indicates pre-diabetes; 6.5% and above confirms diabetes.
3. Lipid Profile (Cholesterol Test)
A lipid profile measures the different types of fats in your blood — including total cholesterol, LDL (bad cholesterol), HDL (good cholesterol), and triglycerides. High levels of LDL cholesterol are a leading cause of heart disease and stroke, which are among the top killers of Nigerian adults.
Why it matters:
- Identifies your risk of heart attack and stroke
- Can detect familial hypercholesterolaemia (inherited high cholesterol)
- Helps guide dietary changes and medication decisions
Who should test: All adults over 20, especially those who are overweight, smoke, eat a high-fat diet, or have a family history of heart disease.
4. Blood Pressure Check
Hypertension (high blood pressure) affects an estimated 1 in 3 Nigerian adults — and the majority do not know they have it. Blood pressure is the force of blood pushing against your artery walls. When it is consistently too high, it silently damages your heart, brain, kidneys, and eyes.
Why it matters:
- Hypertension has no symptoms until it causes a heart attack or stroke
- Easily detected and managed when caught early
- Screening takes less than 2 minutes
Normal range: Below 120/80 mmHg. Readings consistently above 140/90 mmHg are classified as hypertension.
5. Full Blood Count (FBC / CBC)
The Full Blood Count is one of the most comprehensive and informative routine tests available. It analyses the different components of your blood — red blood cells, white blood cells, haemoglobin, haematocrit, and platelets. It provides a wide-ranging picture of your overall health.
Why it matters:
- Detects anaemia — extremely common among Nigerian women and children
- Identifies infections, inflammation, and immune disorders
- Can signal leukaemia (blood cancer) and other serious blood conditions
- Monitors the effects of medication or ongoing treatment
The FBC is often the first test ordered by doctors during any general health check-up — and for good reason.
6. Kidney Function Test (Renal Function Test)
Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is rapidly rising in Nigeria, largely driven by the increasing prevalence of diabetes and hypertension. The kidneys filter waste and excess fluids from your blood. A Kidney Function Test measures creatinine, urea, uric acid, and electrolyte levels to assess how well your kidneys are performing.
Why it matters:
- Kidney disease is often asymptomatic until over 70% of function is lost
- Essential for diabetics and hypertensive patients
- Identifies those at risk of kidney failure before it becomes irreversible
- Important for people who regularly take painkillers (NSAIDs) or herbal remedies
7. Liver Function Test (LFT)
Your liver performs over 500 vital functions in the body — from filtering toxins and producing bile for digestion to metabolising medications and producing blood-clotting proteins. A Liver Function Test checks enzymes, proteins, and bilirubin levels to evaluate liver health.
Why it matters:
- Nigeria has one of the highest rates of Hepatitis B and C in the world — both of which attack the liver
- Identifies fatty liver disease, cirrhosis, and liver cancer early
- Essential for people who drink alcohol, take medications long-term, or have a family history of liver disease
- Monitors liver health in patients on antiretroviral (ARV) drugs for HIV
8. Hepatitis B & C Screening
Nigeria has one of the highest burdens of viral hepatitis in Africa. An estimated 20 million Nigerians are living with Hepatitis B, and millions more with Hepatitis C — most of them undiagnosed. Both viruses can cause chronic liver infection, cirrhosis, and liver cancer if left untreated.
Why it matters:
- Hepatitis B and C can live in your blood for years with no symptoms
- Early detection enables treatment that can prevent liver cancer
- Hepatitis B vaccination is available and highly effective
- Knowing your status protects your family and loved ones from infection
If you have never been tested for Hepatitis B or C, this should be at the very top of your list.
9. Urinalysis (Urine Test)
A urinalysis examines the physical, chemical, and microscopic properties of your urine. It may sound simple, but it provides a surprising amount of information about your kidneys, urinary tract, metabolic health, and hydration status.
Why it matters:
- Detects urinary tract infections (UTIs) — very common in Nigerian women
- Identifies protein or blood in the urine — early signs of kidney disease
- Can detect glucose in the urine, which may indicate diabetes
- Screens for kidney stones and bladder problems
10. HIV Screening
Nigeria has the second largest HIV burden in the world, with approximately 1.9 million people living with HIV. Shockingly, a significant proportion of these individuals do not know their status. HIV testing remains one of the most important yet most avoided routine tests in Nigeria — often due to stigma and fear.
Why it matters:
- Knowing your status is the first step to getting treatment and living a full life
- HIV-positive individuals on antiretroviral therapy (ART) can live as long as HIV-negative individuals
- Protects your partner and reduces transmission
- Confidential and non-judgmental testing is available at Omokos Diagnostics
There is no shame in knowing your status. There is only power.
Quick Reference: Your Annual Test Checklist
| # | Test Name | What It Detects | Who Needs It |
| 1 | Fasting Blood Glucose | Diabetes, pre-diabetes | All adults 18+ |
| 2 | HbA1c | 3-month blood sugar average | All adults 18+, especially diabetics |
| 3 | Lipid Profile | Cholesterol & heart risk | All adults 20+ |
| 4 | Blood Pressure | Hypertension | All adults 18+ |
| 5 | Full Blood Count | Anaemia, infections, blood disorders | All adults 18+ |
| 6 | Kidney Function Test | Kidney disease, renal failure | All adults 25+ |
| 7 | Liver Function Test | Liver disease, hepatitis damage | All adults 25+ |
| 8 | Hepatitis B & C | Viral hepatitis | All adults 18+ |
| 9 | Urinalysis | UTIs, kidney issues, diabetes | All adults 18+ |
| 10 | HIV Screening | HIV status | All sexually active adults |
Bonus: Additional Tests for Specific Groups
Women (especially over 30):
- Pap smear — cervical cancer screening
- Breast examination / mammogram (over 40)
- Thyroid Function Test (TSH) — thyroid disorders are more common in women
- Hormone profile — especially during perimenopause
Men (especially over 40):
- Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) — prostate cancer screening
- Testosterone levels — for fatigue, low libido, or fertility concerns
Everyone over 50:
- Colorectal cancer screening
- Bone density scan (especially for post-menopausal women)
- Eye pressure test (glaucoma)
Conclusion: Make This Year Different
The 10 tests listed in this article are not expensive luxuries reserved for the wealthy. They are basic, affordable, and life-saving investments in your health. Many of these tests cost less than a restaurant meal — yet they can detect conditions that, left untreated, would cost hundreds of thousands of naira to manage.
Make a commitment today: book your annual health screening. Take your partner. Take your parents. Encourage your friends. Health is not something you should gamble with.
At Omokos Diagnostics, we offer comprehensive annual health screening packages designed specifically for Nigerian adults. Our team of experienced laboratory scientists and healthcare professionals are ready to guide you every step of the way.
Book your annual screening today at OmokosDiagnostics.com.ng — because your health is worth it.
© Omokos Diagnostics | OmokosDiagnostics.com.ng | Your Health. Our Priority.
OmokosDiagnostics.com.ng
10 Routine Tests Every Nigerian Adult
Should Do Annually
Published by Omokos Diagnostics | Preventive Health Series
Introduction: Don’t Wait Until You Feel Sick
In Nigeria, many people only visit a hospital or diagnostic centre when they feel very unwell. This reactive approach to health is one of the biggest reasons why so many Nigerians are diagnosed with serious illnesses — diabetes, hypertension, kidney disease, cancer — at advanced stages when treatment becomes difficult and expensive.
The truth is: most deadly diseases give very few warning signs in their early stages. High blood pressure is called the “silent killer” for a reason — it can be destroying your heart and kidneys for years without a single symptom. The same is true for diabetes, hepatitis, and even certain cancers.
This is why annual health screening is not a luxury — it is a necessity. Regular routine tests allow your doctor to catch problems early, when they are most treatable. They give you a clear picture of your health, help you make better lifestyle decisions, and can ultimately save your life.
At Omokos Diagnostics, we believe that prevention is the best medicine. Here are the 10 essential tests every Nigerian adult should make a habit of doing every year.
1. Fasting Blood Glucose (Blood Sugar Test)
Diabetes is one of the fastest-growing health crises in Nigeria, yet millions of Nigerians are living with it without knowing. The Fasting Blood Glucose test measures the amount of sugar (glucose) in your blood after you have not eaten for at least 8 hours.
Why it matters:
- Detects pre-diabetes and type 2 diabetes early
- Allows timely lifestyle intervention before the condition worsens
- Essential for anyone overweight, over 35, or with a family history of diabetes
Normal range: Below 100 mg/dL (fasting). Levels between 100–125 mg/dL indicate pre-diabetes; above 126 mg/dL on two separate occasions confirms diabetes.
2. HbA1c (Glycated Haemoglobin Test)
While the fasting blood glucose gives a snapshot of your blood sugar at one moment, the HbA1c test shows your average blood sugar levels over the past 2–3 months. It is considered the gold standard for diabetes diagnosis and monitoring.
Why it matters:
- More accurate than a single glucose reading
- Helps diabetics monitor how well their condition is being managed
- Identifies patients at high risk of diabetes complications
Normal range: Below 5.7%. Between 5.7–6.4% indicates pre-diabetes; 6.5% and above confirms diabetes.
3. Lipid Profile (Cholesterol Test)
A lipid profile measures the different types of fats in your blood — including total cholesterol, LDL (bad cholesterol), HDL (good cholesterol), and triglycerides. High levels of LDL cholesterol are a leading cause of heart disease and stroke, which are among the top killers of Nigerian adults.
Why it matters:
- Identifies your risk of heart attack and stroke
- Can detect familial hypercholesterolaemia (inherited high cholesterol)
- Helps guide dietary changes and medication decisions
Who should test: All adults over 20, especially those who are overweight, smoke, eat a high-fat diet, or have a family history of heart disease.
4. Blood Pressure Check
Hypertension (high blood pressure) affects an estimated 1 in 3 Nigerian adults — and the majority do not know they have it. Blood pressure is the force of blood pushing against your artery walls. When it is consistently too high, it silently damages your heart, brain, kidneys, and eyes.
Why it matters:
- Hypertension has no symptoms until it causes a heart attack or stroke
- Easily detected and managed when caught early
- Screening takes less than 2 minutes
Normal range: Below 120/80 mmHg. Readings consistently above 140/90 mmHg are classified as hypertension.
5. Full Blood Count (FBC / CBC)
The Full Blood Count is one of the most comprehensive and informative routine tests available. It analyses the different components of your blood — red blood cells, white blood cells, haemoglobin, haematocrit, and platelets. It provides a wide-ranging picture of your overall health.
Why it matters:
- Detects anaemia — extremely common among Nigerian women and children
- Identifies infections, inflammation, and immune disorders
- Can signal leukaemia (blood cancer) and other serious blood conditions
- Monitors the effects of medication or ongoing treatment
The FBC is often the first test ordered by doctors during any general health check-up — and for good reason.
6. Kidney Function Test (Renal Function Test)
Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is rapidly rising in Nigeria, largely driven by the increasing prevalence of diabetes and hypertension. The kidneys filter waste and excess fluids from your blood. A Kidney Function Test measures creatinine, urea, uric acid, and electrolyte levels to assess how well your kidneys are performing.
Why it matters:
- Kidney disease is often asymptomatic until over 70% of function is lost
- Essential for diabetics and hypertensive patients
- Identifies those at risk of kidney failure before it becomes irreversible
- Important for people who regularly take painkillers (NSAIDs) or herbal remedies
7. Liver Function Test (LFT)
Your liver performs over 500 vital functions in the body — from filtering toxins and producing bile for digestion to metabolising medications and producing blood-clotting proteins. A Liver Function Test checks enzymes, proteins, and bilirubin levels to evaluate liver health.
Why it matters:
- Nigeria has one of the highest rates of Hepatitis B and C in the world — both of which attack the liver
- Identifies fatty liver disease, cirrhosis, and liver cancer early
- Essential for people who drink alcohol, take medications long-term, or have a family history of liver disease
- Monitors liver health in patients on antiretroviral (ARV) drugs for HIV
8. Hepatitis B & C Screening
Nigeria has one of the highest burdens of viral hepatitis in Africa. An estimated 20 million Nigerians are living with Hepatitis B, and millions more with Hepatitis C — most of them undiagnosed. Both viruses can cause chronic liver infection, cirrhosis, and liver cancer if left untreated.
Why it matters:
- Hepatitis B and C can live in your blood for years with no symptoms
- Early detection enables treatment that can prevent liver cancer
- Hepatitis B vaccination is available and highly effective
- Knowing your status protects your family and loved ones from infection
If you have never been tested for Hepatitis B or C, this should be at the very top of your list.
9. Urinalysis (Urine Test)
A urinalysis examines the physical, chemical, and microscopic properties of your urine. It may sound simple, but it provides a surprising amount of information about your kidneys, urinary tract, metabolic health, and hydration status.
Why it matters:
- Detects urinary tract infections (UTIs) — very common in Nigerian women
- Identifies protein or blood in the urine — early signs of kidney disease
- Can detect glucose in the urine, which may indicate diabetes
- Screens for kidney stones and bladder problems
10. HIV Screening
Nigeria has the second largest HIV burden in the world, with approximately 1.9 million people living with HIV. Shockingly, a significant proportion of these individuals do not know their status. HIV testing remains one of the most important yet most avoided routine tests in Nigeria — often due to stigma and fear.
Why it matters:
- Knowing your status is the first step to getting treatment and living a full life
- HIV-positive individuals on antiretroviral therapy (ART) can live as long as HIV-negative individuals
- Protects your partner and reduces transmission
- Confidential and non-judgmental testing is available at Omokos Diagnostics
There is no shame in knowing your status. There is only power.
Quick Reference: Your Annual Test Checklist
| # | Test Name | What It Detects | Who Needs It |
| 1 | Fasting Blood Glucose | Diabetes, pre-diabetes | All adults 18+ |
| 2 | HbA1c | 3-month blood sugar average | All adults 18+, especially diabetics |
| 3 | Lipid Profile | Cholesterol & heart risk | All adults 20+ |
| 4 | Blood Pressure | Hypertension | All adults 18+ |
| 5 | Full Blood Count | Anaemia, infections, blood disorders | All adults 18+ |
| 6 | Kidney Function Test | Kidney disease, renal failure | All adults 25+ |
| 7 | Liver Function Test | Liver disease, hepatitis damage | All adults 25+ |
| 8 | Hepatitis B & C | Viral hepatitis | All adults 18+ |
| 9 | Urinalysis | UTIs, kidney issues, diabetes | All adults 18+ |
| 10 | HIV Screening | HIV status | All sexually active adults |
Bonus: Additional Tests for Specific Groups
Women (especially over 30):
- Pap smear — cervical cancer screening
- Breast examination / mammogram (over 40)
- Thyroid Function Test (TSH) — thyroid disorders are more common in women
- Hormone profile — especially during perimenopause
Men (especially over 40):
- Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) — prostate cancer screening
- Testosterone levels — for fatigue, low libido, or fertility concerns
Everyone over 50:
- Colorectal cancer screening
- Bone density scan (especially for post-menopausal women)
- Eye pressure test (glaucoma)
Conclusion: Make This Year Different
The 10 tests listed in this article are not expensive luxuries reserved for the wealthy. They are basic, affordable, and life-saving investments in your health. Many of these tests cost less than a restaurant meal — yet they can detect conditions that, left untreated, would cost hundreds of thousands of naira to manage.
Make a commitment today: book your annual health screening. Take your partner. Take your parents. Encourage your friends. Health is not something you should gamble with.
At Omokos Diagnostics, we offer comprehensive annual health screening packages designed specifically for Nigerian adults. Our team of experienced laboratory scientists and healthcare professionals are ready to guide you every step of the way.
Book your annual screening today at OmokosDiagnostics.com.ng — because your health is worth it.
© Omokos Diagnostics | OmokosDiagnostics.com.ng | Your Health. Our Priority.
