I have pipes to my bath tub faucets that have not been used(water run through) in years(not a bath tub person use a shower down stairs). I now plan on using the tub, but do I need to do something to check the pipes before hand.

No, just open the valves and use the tub. Evan though you have not been using water at the tub, the water to the lavatory and toilet has been passing through those pipes.