Certain routine screening tests are sometimes recommended for healthy persons. Those listed here are very general guidelines for healthy adults who have no symptoms of disease. They are not standards to be used in every patient. Your own screening exams may differ.

SCREENING RECOMMENDATIONS

Age 18 to 39:

• Blood pressure (every 2 years).
• Cholesterol and triglycerides (every 5 years).
• Clinical breast exam (every 1 to 3 years).
• Pelvic exam and Pap smear (every 1 to 3 years).
• Chlamydia test for sexually active under 25.
• Dental exam (every 6 to 12 months).
• Eye exam (every 3 to 5 years).

Age 40 to 64 (middle years):

• Blood pressure (every 2 years).
• Cholesterol levels (every 5 years).
• Digital rectal exam (yearly, or as advised).
• Colonoscopy (at age 50).
• Clinical breast exam (yearly).
• Mammogram (every year beginning at age 40).
• Pelvic exam and Pap smear (yearly).
• Bone density (baseline at menopause or if at risk).
• Dental exam (every 6 to 12 months).
• Eye exam (every 2 to 4 years).

Age 65 and over (senior years):

• See age 40 - 64.
• Hearing exam (yearly).

U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommendations regarding: