Blood tests are a common medical procedure used to diagnose and monitor a variety of conditions. They are used to measure the levels of certain substances in the blood, such as hormones, cholesterol, and glucose. Blood tests can also be used to detect the presence of certain diseases, such as HIV, hepatitis, and diabetes.
What are Blood Tests?
Blood tests are a type of medical test that involves taking a sample of blood from a vein in the arm or finger. The sample is then sent to a laboratory for analysis. Blood tests can measure the levels of certain substances in the blood, such as hormones, cholesterol, and glucose. They can also be used to detect the presence of certain diseases, such as HIV, hepatitis, and diabetes.
When Would I Need to Have a Blood Test?
Your healthcare provider may recommend a blood test if they suspect you have a certain condition or if they need to monitor your health. Blood tests are often used to diagnose and monitor conditions such as diabetes, high cholesterol, and thyroid disorders. They can also be used to check for signs of infection, such as HIV or hepatitis.
What Do Blood Tests Show?
Blood tests can show a variety of things, depending on the type of test. The most common blood tests are the complete blood count (CBC), basic metabolic panel, comprehensive metabolic panel, and electrolyte panel.
Complete Blood Count (CBC)
The complete blood count (CBC) test measures the number of red and white blood cells, as well as the amount of hemoglobin in the blood. It can also detect anemia, infections, and other disorders.
Basic Metabolic Panel
The basic metabolic panel measures the levels of glucose, calcium, sodium, potassium, and other electrolytes in the blood. It can be used to diagnose diabetes, kidney disease, and other conditions.
Comprehensive Metabolic Panel
The comprehensive metabolic panel measures the levels of glucose, calcium, sodium, potassium, and other electrolytes in the blood, as well as the levels of proteins, enzymes, and other substances. It can be used to diagnose diabetes, kidney disease, and other conditions.
Electrolyte Panel
The electrolyte panel measures the levels of sodium, potassium, and other electrolytes in the blood. It can be used to diagnose dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, and other conditions.
What Blood Tests Do Healthcare Providers Use to Help Diagnose Specific Conditions?
Blood tests can be used to diagnose a variety of conditions, including:
- Allergies
- Autoimmune diseases
- Cancer/Noncancerous blood disorders
- Endocrine system disorders
- Heart disease
- Specialized blood tests
When Should I Have a Blood Test?
Your healthcare provider will recommend a blood test if they suspect you have a certain condition or if they need to monitor your health. It is important to follow your healthcare provider’s instructions and have the blood test when they recommend it.
What Should I Do to Prepare for My Blood Test?
Before having a blood test, it is important to follow your healthcare provider’s instructions. This may include fasting for 8-12 hours before the test, avoiding certain medications, and drinking plenty of fluids.
What Happens During Blood Tests?
During a blood test, a healthcare provider will take a sample of blood from a vein in the arm or finger. The sample is then sent to a laboratory for analysis.
Are There Different Ways to Do Blood Tests?
Yes, there are different ways to do blood tests. Some tests require a sample of blood from a vein in the arm or finger, while others require a sample of blood from a finger prick.
How Much Blood is Taken During Blood Tests?
The amount of blood taken during a blood test depends on the type of test. Generally, only a small amount of blood is taken, usually less than a teaspoon.
Do Blood Tests Hurt?
Most people do not find blood tests to be painful. Some people may experience a slight pinch or sting when the needle is inserted into the vein.
I’m Always Anxious About Having Blood Tests. What Can I Do to Relax?
It is normal to feel anxious about having a blood test. To help relax, take slow, deep breaths and focus on something calming, such as a favorite song or a peaceful place.
What Happens After My Blood Test?
After a blood test, the sample is sent to a laboratory for analysis. The results of the test will be sent to your healthcare provider, who will discuss the results with you.
When Will I Know My Test Results?
The results of a blood test can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks, depending on the type of test. Your healthcare provider will discuss the results with you when they are available.
My Healthcare Provider Wants to Talk to Me About My Test Results. Does That Mean Something’s Wrong?
Not necessarily. Your healthcare provider may want to talk to you about your test results to discuss any changes that may need to be made to your treatment plan.
References
- Mayo Clinic. (2020). Blood Tests. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/blood-tests/about/pac-20393563
- U.S. National Library of Medicine. (2020). Blood Tests. Retrieved from https://medlineplus.gov/bloodtests.html
- U.S. National Library of Medicine. (2020). Complete Blood Count (CBC). Retrieved from https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/complete-blood-count-cbc/
- U.S. National Library of Medicine. (2020). Basic Metabolic Panel. Retrieved from https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/basic-metabolic-panel/
- U.S. National Library of Medicine. (2020). Comprehensive Metabolic Panel. Retrieved from https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/comprehensive-metabolic-panel/
- U.S. National Library of Medicine. (2020). Electrolyte Panel. Retrieved from https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/electrolyte-panel/
Keywords: blood tests, complete blood count, CBC, basic metabolic panel, comprehensive metabolic panel, electrolyte panel, allergies, autoimmune diseases, cancer, noncancerous blood disorders, endocrine system disorders, heart disease, specialized blood tests.