What are blood tests?

Blood carries essential nutrients and oxygen to other organs and carries waste products away from those cells. And if something were to happen to such a crucial fluid, it would take a toll on your body.

A blood test, also called blood work, is a series of lab tests done to keep track of or manage certain health conditions, like cholesterol.

Blood tests can be used to

There are numerous things that a blood test can show or detect:

It can help diagnose a disease or certain conditions.
It can aid in the monitoring of cholesterol levels and the detection of diabetes.
It can be helpful to know whether or not a certain treatment for a disease is working.
It can help to check if certain organs, like the kidneys and liver, are in proper working condition.
It can help detect clotting disorders or irregular bleeding.
It can help determine whether your immune system is fighting infections effectively.
It can help diagnose an iron deficiency.
It can help check variations in haemoglobin, such as haemoglobin S, C, or E.

Types of blood tests

A blood test is just an umbrella term for several lab tests. There are a few blood tests; each helps to know one thing or another. Let’s dive into the most common types:

Complete Blood Count (CBC): This test helps in assessing overall health. The test measures the following:

Red Blood Cells - cells that carry oxygen
White Blood Cells - cells that fight infections
Platelets - cells that help the blood clot.
Haemoglobin - oxygen-carrying protein in red blood cells.
Hematocrit - the percentage of blood made up of red blood cells.

Basic Metabolic Panel: This test helps check the levels of eight compounds:

Calcium
Creatinine
Glucose
Sodium
Potassium
Bicarbonate
Chloride
Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN)

Thyroid Panel: Also called a Thyroid Function Test, this panel helps keep in check whether or not your thyroid is producing and reacting well to certain hormones, including:

Triiodothyronine (T3) regulates your body temperature and heart rate, along with T4.
Thyroxine (T4): Alongside T3, this hormone helps regulate your growth and metabolism.
Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH): aids in the regulation of hormone levels and thyroid releases.

Blood Enzyme Tests: Tests that can help measure enzymes and proteins that indicate tissue damage or diseases

Preparations for the blood test

For most types of blood tests, no prior preparation is needed, but certain tests require you to fast for some time, commonly 12 hours. This usually entails not eating or drinking anything after midnight until the test is done. The procedure for specific blood tests will be given to you by your physician.

When do you need to get a blood test?

It’s important to stay on top of things, especially if that includes your health. It’s recommended to go get your blood tested at least once a year for a routine check-up.

Other than that, you must go get a blood test done when you need to optimise your health, want to reduce your risk of certain diseases and conditions, or when you’re experiencing persistent, unusual symptoms.

Procedure

There are a few ways in which a blood test can be done:

Finger Prick Test: This test can be done with the help of a home or rapid test kit. All you need to do is prick a fingertip and draw out some blood.
Heel Stick Test: This test is usually done with babies. A small amount of alcohol is applied to the baby’s heel, and using a needle, a little bit of blood is drawn out.
Venipuncture: A phlebotomist will use a small needle to take a blood sample from a vein in your arm. The blood will then be collected in a test tube or vial to be sent for further tests.

Conclusion

It is always a good idea to consult a physician before getting a blood test done. They will be able to suggest what is right for you, including the place and timing of the test.

Request an appointment at Apollo Cradle, Bengaluru - Jayanagar. Call 1860-500-1066 to book an appointment.

1. What is the most common blood test?

A complete blood count (CBC) is the most common blood test. It measures your white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets.

2. Can stress result in an abnormal blood test result?

Few studies have shown that stress can affect the blood cell framework.

3. Can blood tests reveal everything?

No, blood tests can’t reveal everything that the body might be going through. They sure can hint at normal or abnormal conditions, though.

4. How do I stop worrying about blood test results?

Regular exercise and a healthy diet can pave the way for healthy or normal blood test results.

5. What does a standard blood test show?

A standard blood test is an assessment of a general state of health. It is to check if the organs, like the kidney or liver, are working properly or to see if you have an infection.