Comprehensive Health Screening for Seniors (60+) in the UAE

Complete Blood Count (CBC): Anaemia of chronic disease becomes more prevalent over 60. CBC detects anaemia, thrombocytopenia (low platelets), and lymphocyte changes associated with immune ageing.

Comprehensive Metabolic Panel: LFT + KFT combined — essential baseline for medication dosing (many medications are hepatically or renally cleared, and both liver and kidney function decline with age). Monitor creatinine, eGFR, ALT, AST, and albumin annually.

Lipid Profile: Statin therapy is common in this age group; LFT monitoring alongside lipid control is necessary. Target LDL below 1.8 mmol/L for seniors with established cardiovascular disease.

HbA1c: Diabetes is common and often under-diagnosed in seniors. HbA1c above 7.0% in a managed diabetic warrants medication review. For seniors over 75, HbA1c targets are less strict (7.5–8.0%) to avoid hypoglycaemia risk.

TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone): Both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism become more prevalent over 60. Subclinical hyperthyroidism in seniors carries specific risk of atrial fibrillation and bone density loss. Routine annual TSH is essential.

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) affects an estimated 13% of UAE adults over 60, driven by high rates of diabetes and hypertension. The key metrics are: eGFR (estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate) — calculated from serum creatinine, age, and sex. eGFR below 60 mL/min/1.73m² for more than 3 months indicates CKD Stage 3. Below 30 is advanced CKD requiring nephrology referral. Creatinine alone is insufficient — eGFR is the meaningful measure. Urea/BUN — elevated in both CKD and dehydration (common in UAE's heat). Electrolytes (sodium, potassium, bicarbonate) — disrupted in CKD and important for medication safety (ACE inhibitors and ARBs can elevate potassium).

Seniors on NSAIDs (ibuprofen, diclofenac), which are commonly self-administered for pain, should have KFT checked every 6 months — NSAIDs reduce renal blood flow and can cause acute-on-chronic kidney injury.

NRL (National Reference Laboratory) in Abu Dhabi specialises in complex renal panels and is the reference lab for M42/Mubadala Health. For seniors in Abu Dhabi with established CKD, NRL offers detailed urinary protein quantification (urine albumin:creatinine ratio) as part of extended CKD monitoring panels.

Beyond the standard lipid profile and fasting glucose, seniors benefit from additional cardiac biomarkers:

hs-CRP (High-Sensitivity CRP): The best blood-based cardiovascular risk predictor beyond lipid levels. hs-CRP above 3 mg/L significantly increases cardiac risk prediction.

BNP / NT-proBNP: Brain Natriuretic Peptide — a cardiac stress marker produced by the heart's ventricles under pressure. Elevated BNP (above 100 pg/mL) in a symptomatic senior suggests heart failure and warrants urgent cardiology referral. BNP is also used to monitor known heart failure treatment response.

Homocysteine: Elevated homocysteine is an independent cardiovascular risk factor linked to B12 and folate deficiency. Levels above 15 μmol/L indicate elevated risk. Easily corrected with B-vitamin supplementation. Not routinely included in standard panels but available as an add-on.

Troponin (in the context of symptoms): High-sensitivity troponin is used in emergency settings to rule out myocardial infarction. A background low-level elevated troponin in a stable senior may indicate cardiac strain and warrants clinical review.

PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) — Men over 60: Annual PSA is strongly recommended for men over 60. Between ages 65–75, the benefit of PSA screening is highest as prostate cancer is most prevalent. Above 75, the benefit of treatment for detected prostate cancer declines; discuss with your urologist whether continued screening is appropriate.

CA-125 (Ovarian Cancer Marker) — Women over 60: Ovarian cancer incidence peaks after menopause. CA-125 has poor specificity (elevated in many benign conditions) but is reasonable to include in a post-menopausal woman's annual screen, particularly with family history.

CEA (Carcinoembryonic Antigen) — Both sexes: CEA is primarily a colorectal and lung cancer marker. Annual CEA in adults over 60 (particularly former smokers) is included in most UAE executive health packages. A rising CEA is more meaningful than a single elevated value.

AFP (Alpha Fetoprotein): Liver cancer marker. Relevant for seniors with chronic hepatitis B or C, cirrhosis, or significant alcohol history.

Al Borg Executive Health Screen (contact lab for current pricing): 120 biomarkers including comprehensive metabolic, thyroid, vitamins, cardiac CRP, and tumour markers (PSA, CEA). Well-suited for seniors wanting a broad annual screen without individual test ordering. Does not include BNP — add separately if cardiac symptoms are present.

Unilabs Executive Diagnostics (contact lab for current pricing): The most comprehensive single-lab executive package in the UAE. 150 biomarkers including cardiac troponin, full tumour marker panel, and all standard metabolic tests. Particularly suitable for seniors with multiple conditions or on multiple medications who need a complete annual review.

National Reference Laboratory (NRL) Abu Dhabi: For seniors with established kidney disease, NRL offers specialised CKD monitoring panels not available at standard commercial labs. Contact NRL directly for their senior/chronic disease monitoring packages.