There is no fixed annual blood panel for seniors in Ontario. Tests are ordered by your physician or nurse practitioner based on your conditions, medications and risk factors, and are covered by OHIP with a valid health card. Adults over 65 can have them drawn at any of Bio-Test's 11 Ottawa and Eastern Ontario centres without an appointment, or at home through our mobile collection service if travelling is difficult.
Why there is no routine annual panel
The Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care does not recommend a standard yearly set of blood tests for healthy older adults. Screening is targeted: tests are chosen because a result would change treatment. That is why two people the same age can leave the same clinic with very different requisitions.
Tests commonly ordered after 65
- Complete blood count (CBC): anemia is common and often treatable.
- Creatinine and eGFR: kidney function guides medication doses. See our eGFR guide.
- Electrolytes, especially sodium and potassium, for people on diuretics or blood-pressure medication.
- HbA1c or fasting glucose for diabetes screening and monitoring.
- Lipid profile when cardiovascular risk is being assessed or treated.
- TSH when symptoms suggest a thyroid problem; not routinely every year.
- Vitamin B12 for people on metformin or acid-suppressing medication, or with memory or nerve symptoms.
- Liver enzymes for some medications, such as statins, when indicated.
- INR for anyone on warfarin, on the schedule set by their clinic.
What OHIP covers
All of the tests above are insured when ordered by an authorized provider for a medical reason. Vitamin D is the common exception: it is insured only for conditions such as osteoporosis or kidney disease, and otherwise patient-pay. Our OHIP coverage guide has the details.
Preparation and medications
Most of these tests need no fasting. If your requisition includes fasting glucose or lipids, fast 8 to 12 hours with water, and take your usual medications with water unless your provider says otherwise. People with diabetes should ask about timing insulin or pills around a fasting draw. Bring a current medication list; it helps the desk answer questions about fasting.
Getting to the lab, or having the lab come to you
Every Bio-Test centre has free parking and is wheelchair accessible, and the typical wait is under 15 minutes. If leaving home is hard, at-home blood collection brings a certified phlebotomist to you across Ottawa and Eastern Ontario; the visit has a fee and the tests remain OHIP-covered. Caregivers can arrange either option by calling 613-789-4242. Find the nearest centre on the Locations page.
Results
Results go to the ordering provider within 24 to 48 hours and appear in the patient portal. A family member can be set up with access to help follow results if you wish; ask your provider's office or call client services.