Blood test in Zurich: What should actually be measured

Dr. Charalampos Romanos · April 14, 2026 · 5 min read

A blood test is like a snapshot of your internal biology. But not all blood tests are equally valuable. In my Zurich practice, I see patients who get a "standard check" and think they've been completely screened. That's a misconception. It's about having the right values tested.

The standard panel — and why it often isn't enough

Most practices do a "complete blood count" with lipids, kidney function, and liver function. That's good, but it's like checking the brake lights on a car — you miss many important things. I always order additional values that are truly meaningful.

Inflammation markers — the underestimated window

CRP and particularly high-sensitivity CRP show chronic inflammation. Many diseases — from heart disease to cancer to dementia — begin with chronic inflammation. A normal blood panel with elevated CRP is a warning signal. I use this as an early detection tool. Homocysteine is also important — an elevated value is an independent risk factor for heart disease and stroke.

Micronutrients — what standard tests miss

Vitamin D, B12, folate, iron (ferritin), zinc, selenium — I see these far too rarely in standard checks. Yet these micronutrients are fundamental to health. A patient can have a "normal" blood panel and still have serious deficiencies. This is part of my preventive medicine.

Metabolic markers for metabolic health

Fasting blood glucose and HbA1c are important, but not sufficient. I also measure insulin to detect insulin resistance. The HOMA index is a simple test that shows whether someone is already insulin-resistant — years before diabetes develops. Insulin resistance is the metabolic time bomb of our age.

Thyroid screening: TSH alone isn't enough

This is my famous hobby horse. A normal TSH does not rule out thyroid problems. I order TSH, free T3, and free T4. For patients with symptoms or risk factors, also antibodies. This is the only way to truly understand the thyroid.

The hormone check — not just thyroid

Cortisol, DHEA, sex hormones — these play enormous roles in energy levels, mood, and longevity. For women in perimenopause or men with symptoms, this is essential. Cortisol and stress are central topics in my functional medicine.

Timing and preparation — these details count

It's important how you prepare for a blood test. Fasting for at least 12 hours is standard. But for cortisol tests, we need saliva tests at specific times. For sex hormones, the test should be in a certain phase of the menstrual cycle. Details matter.