Having recently moved to Spain, I wanted to get a comprehensive health check-up for peace of mind. My family doctor ordered a routine blood test, known as Analítica de sangre in Spanish. I just got my results today, and while it’s still fresh in my mind, I’d like to share the whole process and some common test items as a reference for anyone who might need it.
The appointment process is actually quite simple. You can go directly to the reception at your local health center (centro de salud) or book an appointment with your family doctor and explain that you’d like a routine check-up. The doctor will ask some basic questions and then issue a referral for blood and urine tests. Once you have the referral, you can either queue at the hospital’s phlebotomy department or book a specific time online or via an app. Remember to fast from 10 PM the night before the blood test, though drinking a small amount of water is usually okay.
What Do They Check in a Blood Test?
Like many people, I found it daunting to look at a lab report full of abbreviations. In reality, the items in a routine check-up are fairly standard. I’ve compiled the main tests from my recent [Spanish medical check-up] for you to compare with your own:
Complete Blood Count (CBC)
This test measures the quantity and characteristics of various cells in your blood, such as red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. If an item on your blood test in Spain report has an upward or downward arrow, it indicates that the value is higher or lower than the normal range. This is a fundamental indicator for diagnosing conditions like infections or anemia.
Biochemistry Panel
This section is more extensive, covering liver function, kidney function, blood sugar, lipids, and more. People are often concerned about markers like cholesterol and triglycerides. If you consume alcohol frequently or have a high-fat diet, you should pay close attention to these values. This is important for adult health, and for families, you might also be interested in information on [children’s health check-up].
The table below shows some common items from the biochemistry section of my lab report, along with their reference ranges. Note that standards may vary slightly between labs, but they are generally similar:
| Item | English Name | My Result | Reference Range |
|---|
| Glucosa | Glucose | 88 mg/dL | 70 - 110 mg/dL |
| Colesterol Total | Total Cholesterol | 190 mg/dL | < 200 mg/dL |
| Colesterol HDL | HDL Cholesterol | 65 mg/dL | > 40 mg/dL |
| Colesterol LDL | LDL Cholesterol | 115 mg/dL | < 130 mg/dL |
| Triglicéridos | Triglycerides | 75 mg/dL | < 150 mg/dL |
| Creatinina | Creatinine | 0.8 mg/dL | 0.6 - 1.2 mg/dL |
Getting a routine check-up through the Spanish public healthcare system is quite convenient. After the blood draw, you can usually check your results online within about a week, or you can visit your doctor at the health center to have them explained. If some indicators are only slightly abnormal, the doctor might suggest lifestyle adjustments and a follow-up test later. If the issue is more significant, they will arrange for further specialist examinations. I hope my experience is helpful to you, and feel free to share your own check-up stories!
