a guide to common blood tests

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A Patient's Guide to Blood Testing

written by: AlyssaAst edited by: Paul Arnold updated: 9/26/2011

If you or your doctor are concerned that your body is not in tip-top condition, a simple blood test may be in order as it can reveal a lot about the state

of your health. Read on to find out more about the kind of information it can disclose.

Blood tests are a simple way for doctors to check for certain diseases and conditions, such as HIV, diabetes and cancer. Plus, they allow doctors to

see how well your organs are working and how effective treatments are for you. A routine blood test can let your doctor monitor your overall health

by examining your blood regularly.

An Overviewto Blood TestsMost common blood tests don't require any special preparations, but for some you may need to fast for 8 to 12 hours before having your blood

drawn. After a small sample of blood is collected, laboratory technicians will analyze its contents. Often, whole blood counts are taken or blood cells

may be separated from the plasma. The cells and plasma both contain vital information used to diagnose and treat medical conditions. Although

blood tests can tell a doctor a lot about your body, further testing is often needed to confirm a diagnosis.

The Different Blood Tests and Tube Colors Used by Healthcare Professionals

Reference Ranges for the Complete Blood Count and Other Common Tests

Interpreting Blood Test Results

Factors Influencing Blood Test Result Ranges

Routine Blood Tests

Routine blood tests are usually conducted annually to monitor overall health. A routine blood test checks the number of red blood cells and how much

hemoglobin is in the blood. Often, a mean corpuscular volume (MCV) will be conducted at the same time to measure the size of the red blood cells.

This test will determine if a person suffers from anemia due to low hemoglobin levels. The size of the red blood cells will determine the type of

anemia. Sleeping sickness, malaria and blood poisoning can be diagnosed with this test as well.

White blood cells are counted during

routine blood tests, called a differential

WBC count. This test can diagnose

bacterial infections, leukemia, cancer and

malaria if WBC levels are elevated. Low

WBC levels are a sign that an autoimmune

disorder may be present. Monitoring WBC

levels allows doctors to monitor diseases

as well.

Platelets are also checked to determine

how well the blood clots. Low numbers

may indicate a bleeding disorder,

autoimmune disease, viral infections or leukemia. However, low levels can also be the result of medications and chemotherapy. High platelet levelscan indicate a person is susceptible to blood clots.

What Does a High MCH Level Mean in Blood Tests?

Common Blood Tests for Senior Citizens

Blood Tests for Anemia

Uses of the eGFR Blood Test

MPV Blood Test: All About Mean Platelet Volume

The ABCs of Blood Tests

A Guide to the Chem-23 Blood Test

Information on the PLT Blood Test

Significance of Iron Blood Test Results

A List of Vitamin and Mineral Blood Tests

Blood Tests for Organ F unctions

During Basic Health Screenings, a Complete Metabolic Profile (CMP 12) and Complete Blood Count (CBC) are taken. These tests allow doctors to

see how the major organs in the body are functioning, such as the heart, liver, kidneys and muscles. Elevated or low levels can indicate a problem.

sTSH Blood Test: Measuring Thyroid Stimulating Hormone

The Blood Test to Check Prolactin Levels

Chem 7 Blood Test Components

Why Low Sodium is Not Always a Good Thing When It Comes to Blood Tests

Blood Tests for Kidney Disorders

How a Liver Profile Blood Tests Helps Determine the Health of Your Liver

Monitoring the Health of the Kidneys By Testing the BUN and Creatinine Levels

What LFT Levels Mean and Why Doctors Test Them

Specific Blood Tests

Blood tests are also used to diagnoses specific conditions, such as high or low cholesterol, heart conditions and cancers. Rare disorders can be

identified through blood tests as well. These blood tests are used when a suspected underlying condition is present. Detailed testing is also

conducted during pregnancy. Pregnancy can also be detected through the use of a blood test, as well as certain conditions associated with

pregnancy, such as gestational diabetes.

What is the ANA Blood Test?

Information on the PLT Blood Test

The CEB Blood Test

A Guide to the ESR Blood Test

Normal Result Ranges for Thyroid Blood Tests

Low Carbon Dioxide on Blood Test Results

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Reading and Interpreting Cholesterol Blood Tests

What Blood Tests Identify Human Parasites?

A Guide to Lipid Blood Tests

Abnormal Results o f Hormone Blood Levels

An Overview of the SPEP Blood Test

CPK Blood Test: Diagnosing Muscle Damage

INR Blood Test: A Patients Guide

An Overview of Blood Testing for Lyme Disease

A Guide to the SSB Blood Test

Blood Tests to Diagnose Cirrhosis

Blood tests: ALP Test

BMP Blood Test: The Basic Metabolic PanelNB: The content of this article is for information purposes only and is not intended to replace sound medical advice and opinion.

References:

"Blood Tests" http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/health_advice/examinations/bloodsamples.htm

"What are Blood Tests" http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/bdt/


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a guide to common blood tests

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