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onsite health diagnostics retesting health benefits

Don’t Test and Forget: Why Annual Retesting Can Save Lives and Lower Costs

In the world of preventive health, one test is never enough.

At Onsite Health Diagnostics (OHD), we’ve long emphasized the value of initial biometric screenings to identify hidden health risks in employee populations. But just as important as the first test is what comes next: ongoing retesting to monitor progress, catch silent deterioration, and course-correct before it’s too late.

Health is a Moving Target

Biomarkers like creatinine, eGFR, albumin, and BUN—key indicators of kidney function—can shift significantly over time. A single test only captures a moment. Without retesting, you’re left in the dark about whether you’re improving, holding steady, or quietly getting worse.

This matters most with kidney health, where the stakes climb fast:

  • Stage 1-2 Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) often has no symptoms. Early detection and lifestyle changes can preserve kidney function.
  • Stage 3 CKD may still seem manageable—but complications are mounting.
  • Stage 4-5 CKD leads to dialysis or transplant, with treatment costs soaring to over $90,000–$120,000 per year per patient.

The earlier the risk is flagged and addressed, the better the outcome—for both health and cost.

Annual or Biannual Testing: A Smarter Strategy

We recommend annual retesting for all employees. For those flagged with elevated risk—such as reduced eGFR or elevated creatinine—biannual follow-ups can detect changes sooner and improve intervention timelines.

With OHD’s integrated platform, employers can view year-over-year trends, track improvement (or decline), and align employee interventions accordingly. It’s not just about data—it’s about taking action.

Small Habits. Big Change.

What’s powerful is that most early-stage deterioration in kidney health is reversible or at least manageable. By encouraging employees to get retested regularly, you give them the power to see the impact of:

  • Better hydration
  • Blood pressure control
  • Diet and exercise changes
  • Medication compliance

The Bottom Line

Preventive testing only works if it’s part of an ongoing strategy—not a one-time event. Annual (or biannual) retesting helps you:

  • Identify trends early
  • Avoid catastrophic late-stage costs
  • Improve population health outcomes
  • Empower employees to take ownership of their well-being

One test starts the story. Retesting tells you how it ends.

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