September blood tests: the check-up to have

September blood tests: why returning from vacation is the right time for a check-up. For many people, September is a new beginning. The vacations are over, and we gradually return to our work routine, to school and to our normal daily habits. It is also the ideal time to set aside a few hours for a check-up that is often put off during the year: your September blood tests.

Summer, in fact, can change some blood parameters. Intense heat, dehydration, a different diet than usual, more sedentary habits or, on the contrary, intense physical activity can affect values such as blood glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides, kidney function and electrolyte balance.

For this reason, specialists consider the return from vacation one of the best times for a blood chemistry check-up, useful not only to check your general state of health, but also to spot early any changes that, in the initial stages, cause no symptoms at all.

Why have blood tests in September, after the summer

During the summer months our body deals with very different conditions from the rest of the year.

High temperatures increase sweating and the risk of dehydration, while vacations often change eating habits. We eat out more often, and have more sweets, sugary drinks, alcohol and fatty foods.

Sleep patterns also change, and many people temporarily stop exercising or do so only on and off.

All of these factors can show up in blood test values and make a check-up at the end of summer worthwhile.

Which blood tests to have in September

There is no single panel that is right for everyone. Your doctor can tailor the tests to your age, risk factors and medical history.

Among the tests most often requested in September are:

• complete blood count;
• blood glucose;
• glycated hemoglobin (when indicated);
• creatinine;
• blood urea nitrogen (BUN);
• electrolytes (sodium, potassium, chloride);
• total cholesterol, HDL and LDL;
• triglycerides;
• transaminases and liver function;
• complete urinalysis;
• uric acid.

In particular clinical situations, your doctor may request further tests.

Creatinine: one of the most important values for kidney health

Among the most important tests in the September check-up is certainly creatinine.

It is a substance produced by normal muscle metabolism and filtered almost exclusively by the kidneys. A rise in creatinine can be the first sign of reduced kidney function, even when the patient notices no symptoms.

Summer can temporarily affect its values, especially in cases of significant dehydration. For this reason, checking creatinine, together with an estimate of the glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), is one of the most effective ways to monitor kidney health.

In patients with diabetes, high blood pressure or a family history of kidney disease, regular monitoring of kidney function is even more important.

Blood glucose: what can change after vacation

Summer vacations often come with more freedom at the table.

Ice cream, aperitifs, sugary drinks and sweets can cause a temporary rise in blood glucose, especially in people who are predisposed or who already have diabetes.

Checking your blood glucose in September lets you see whether your values are back to normal or whether it would be wise to look further with other tests, such as glycated hemoglobin, which gives a snapshot of how your blood glucose has behaved over the past two or three months.

Cholesterol and triglycerides: does your heart feel the summer?

Your lipid profile also deserves particular attention after the summer period.

A diet rich in saturated fats, fried foods, cured meats, aged cheeses and alcoholic drinks can raise cholesterol and triglyceride levels.

These parameters are important indicators of cardiovascular risk and should be monitored regularly, especially in people with high blood pressure, diabetes, excess weight or a family history of heart disease.

The importance of the urine test

Alongside blood tests, you should never skip the complete urinalysis.

It is a simple but extremely useful test that can detect changes that often cause no symptoms, such as:

• presence of protein;
• blood in the urine;
• glucose;
• urinary tract infections;
• changes in urine concentration.

Together with creatinine, it is one of the fundamental tools for preventing kidney disease.

How to prepare for blood tests

To get reliable results, it is important to follow a few simple guidelines.

It is generally advisable to:

• come fasting for at least 8-12 hours;
• drink water as usual, unless your doctor tells you otherwise;
• avoid intense physical activity in the previous 24 hours;
• limit alcohol consumption in the preceding days;
• tell your doctor about any medications you take.

If in doubt, it is always best to follow the instructions given by the laboratory – the tests can be done at the laboratories of the NefroCenter Group – or by your own doctor.

When is a complete check-up recommended?

The September check-up is particularly recommended for:

• people over 40;
• people with diabetes;
• patients with high blood pressure;
• people who are overweight;
• those with a family history of cardiovascular disease;
• patients with kidney disease;
• those who take medications on an ongoing basis.

Even apparently healthy people can benefit from regular check-ups, because many metabolic and kidney conditions cause no symptoms in their early stages.

Why September is the month of prevention

Many people think of January as the time for New Year’s resolutions, but from a health standpoint September is often the real “health New Year”.

Returning to routine makes it easier to schedule check-ups, specialist visits and prevention programs that are frequently put off during the summer.

Spotting a change in blood glucose, kidney function or lipid profile early makes it possible to act promptly, often through simple lifestyle changes, preventing small imbalances from turning into chronic conditions.

The NefroCenter check-up: prevention for your September blood tests

At the facilities of the NefroCenter Group you can have a complete check-up with blood chemistry tests, a urine test and, when indicated, specialist follow-up dedicated to the health of your kidneys, heart and metabolism.

The goal is not only to identify any changes, but to interpret them in the context of the patient’s medical history, building a truly personalized prevention program.

To learn more about the prevention program, you can also consult the page dedicated to the Complete check-up to monitor your state of health, already available on the NefroCenter blog:

Complete check-up to monitor your state of health

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Which blood tests should I have in September?

A complete blood count, blood glucose, creatinine, electrolytes, cholesterol, triglycerides, liver function and a complete urinalysis are generally recommended. Your doctor can tailor the panel to the patient’s characteristics.

Is it normal to find abnormal values after vacation?

Yes. A different diet, dehydration, intense physical activity or a sedentary lifestyle can temporarily change some parameters. That is why it is helpful to go over the results with your doctor.

Can creatinine rise after the summer?

Significant dehydration can cause a temporary rise in creatinine. If the value stays high, kidney function needs to be investigated further with a nephrologist.

Do I need to fast for September blood tests?

For most blood tests, yes. A fast of 8-12 hours is generally required, during which you may drink water.

How often should I have a check-up?

In healthy people, it is advisable to have regular check-ups at the frequency your doctor recommends. In patients with diabetes, high blood pressure, kidney disease or other risk factors, tests may be requested several times a year.

The advice of NefroCenter specialists

The September blood tests are a concrete opportunity to take stock of your health after the summer. A simple blood draw can provide valuable information about kidney function, sugar metabolism, lipid profile and the overall balance of the body.

Prevention is still the most effective tool for detecting many conditions early and acting before symptoms appear. September is the ideal time to start over, not only with work or school, but also by taking care of your health.