30 Jan 8 Essential Blood Tests for Overall Health
Blood tests are key tools in understanding our health. They start the process of diagnosing and learning about health conditions. In fact, lab tests, including blood tests, shape about 70% of medical decisions. These tests do more than just diagnose diseases; they offer valuable information about your blood. Furthermore, the skilled work of phlebotomists ensures that blood samples are accurately and safely collected. By learning about these tests, you can better understand and manage your health. This article will guide you through eight different blood tests, showing how they can help you make smart health choices.
1. Complete Blood Count (CBC)
What It Measures: Components of the blood, including red blood cells, white blood cells, hemoglobin, hematocrit, and platelets
What It Diagnoses: Anemia, infections, immune system disorders, and blood cancers
2. Blood Glucose Test
What It Measures: The amount of glucose (sugar) in your blood
What It Diagnoses: Diabetes and pre-diabetes
3. Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR)
What It Measures: The rate at which red blood cells settle in a period of one hour
What It Diagnoses: Inflammatory conditions, such as arthritis, endocarditis, and Crohn’s disease
4. Blood Cholesterol Test
What It Measures: Cholesterol levels, including LDL (bad cholesterol) and HDL (good cholesterol)
What It Diagnoses: Risk of cardiovascular disease
5. Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) Test
What It Measures: Antibodies in your blood
What It Diagnoses: Infections and allergies, such as HIV or peanut allergies
6. Liver Function Tests
What It Measures: Enzymes and proteins in your blood
What It Diagnoses: Liver damage or liver conditions, such as hepatitis and cirrhosis
7. Thyroid Function Tests
What It Measures: Levels of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and thyroid hormones
What It Diagnoses: Hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism
8. Testosterone Test
What It Measures: Testosterone levels in the blood
What It Diagnoses: Conditions related to abnormal testosterone levels, such as fertility issues, decreased libido, and muscle mass problems
Conclusion
In conclusion, blood tests help make 70% of medical decisions. You can be better prepared and informed about your health by understanding each test. In sum, these tests are key allies in managing and improving your health for a happier, healthier life.