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Blood Tests

A blood test is one of the most common tests
healthcare providers use to monitor your overall
health or help diagnose medical conditions. You may
have a blood test as part of a routine physical
examination or because you have certain symptoms.
Overview
What are blood tests?
Blood tests are common medical tests. You may have a
blood test as part of a routine physical
examination or because you have certain symptoms.
There are many different blood tests. Some tests focus
on your blood cells and platelets. Some evaluate
substances in your blood such as electrolytes, proteins
and hormones. Others measure certain minerals in your
blood.
Regardless of why you’re having a blood test, it’s
important to remember that blood tests help healthcare
providers diagnose health issues. But blood test results
aren’t diagnoses. An abnormal blood test result may not
mean you have a serious medical condition.
When would I need to have a blood test?
Your blood plays a big role in your overall health and
contains a lot of information about what may be going on
in your body. That’s one reason why blood tests are a
common medical test. A healthcare provider may do a
blood test because:
-
It’s time for your regular physical. During
a checkup, your provider may order blood tests to
check on your overall health. They may order a blood
test that evaluates many parts of your blood, such
as a complete
blood count (CBC), basic
metabolic panel (BMP) or a comprehensive
metabolic panel.
-
Your provider recommends screening tests.
Screening tests are done before you have any
symptoms. They may recommend screening tests if
you’re at risk of developing certain conditions,
such as cancer.
For example, if you’re at risk for developing
coronary artery disease, your healthcare provider
may order several
blood tests to evaluate that risk.
-
You don’t feel well. If you have specific
symptoms, your provider may order blood tests to
determine what’s causing them. For example, if you
have symptoms that may be signs you’re pregnant,
your provider will do a pregnancy
test. The blood test looks for a specific
hormone your body only ever makes when you’re
pregnant.
-
You have a medical condition that happens when
certain genes change (mutate). Depending on
your situation, your blood cells and platelets may
show information about the specific changes.
Understanding which genes changed may help your
provider plan your treatment.
-
You’re receiving treatment for a medical condition. Your
provider may use regular blood tests to see if
treatment is working.
-
You may have inherited certain genetic mutations
that cause medical conditions. Your
provider may take blood samples for genetic
analysis so you know if you’re at risk of
developing a specific condition.
What do blood tests show?
In a broad sense, a blood test shows changes in your
body. Blood test results don’t show a complete picture.
Instead, they’re a kind of snapshot. After seeing that
snapshot, your provider may do other blood tests to get
a closer view. Here’s a glimpse of what your healthcare
provider may see with blood tests:
- The tests show if your blood is working as it
should. For example, your red
blood cells carry oxygen throughout your body. A
blood test may show you have low red blood cell
levels (anemia).
If healthcare providers look at your cells under a
microscope, they may see your red blood cells are
larger than normal or shaped differently than normal
red blood cells. These differences may be signs of blood
disorders or blood
cancers.
- They show if you have normal levels of enzymes and electrolytes.
Enzymes are proteins that help speed up the chemical
reactions that build up and break down substances in
your body. Electrolytes do several things, such as
helping your body regulate chemical reactions and
maintaining the balance between fluids inside and
outside your cells.
What are the most common blood tests?
There are many different blood tests. Some tests — such
as complete blood count tests, basic metabolic panels,
complete metabolic panels and electrolyte panels — check
on several different elements in your blood at the same
time. Other blood tests look for very specific elements
in your blood.
Complete Blood Count (CBC)
A complete blood count (CBC) is a blood test. It's used to
look at overall health and find a wide range of conditions,
including anemia, infection and leukemia.
A complete blood count test measures the following:
-
Red blood cell count (RBC), These deliver oxygen throughout
your body. They also help carry carbon dioxide. If your
RBC count is too low, you may have anemia or another
condition.
-
White blood cell count (WBC), These help your body fight
germs. If you have too many of them, it could be a sign
of inflammation, infection, a medical reaction, or
another health condition. If it’s low, you could be at a
higher risk for infection. A medication, a viral
infection, or a bone marrow disease could also cause a
low count.
-
Hemoglobin, the oxygen-carrying protein in red blood
cells
-
Hematocrit, This test tells how much of your
blood is made up of red blood cells. A low score may be
a sign that you don’t have enough iron, the mineral that
helps your body make red blood cells. A high score could
mean you’re dehydrated or have another condition.
-
Mean corpuscular volume (MCV). This is the
average size of your red blood cells. If they’re bigger
than usual, your MCV will be higher. That could happen
if you have low Vitamin B12 or folate levels. If your
red blood cells are smaller, you could have a type of
anemia.
-
Platelet count, A platelet count that's lower
than usual is known as thrombocytopenia. If it's higher
than usual, it's known as thrombocytosis. Either can be
a sign of a medical condition or a side effect from
medicine. A platelet count that's outside the typical
range will likely lead to more tests to diagnose the
cause.
A complete blood count can show unusual increases or
decreases in cell counts. Those changes might point to a
medical condition that calls for more testing.
Basic Metabolic Panel (BMP)
A basic metabolic panel (BMP) measures several substances in
your blood. Healthcare providers use BMPs to evaluate your
overall health and screen for or monitor health issues.
A BMP may include a:
-
Blood glucose test: Normal range is 64 to 100
mg/dL (3.55 to 5.55 mmol/L) Glucose (blood sugar) is
your body’s main source of energy. Elevated blood
glucose (hyperglycemia) is often a sign of diabetes.
-
Calcium blood test: Normal range is 8.5 to 10.2
mg/dL (2.13 to 2.55 mmol/L) Calcium is one of the most
important and common minerals in your body. Your body
stores most of it in your bones, but you also need
calcium in your blood. Blood calcium is essential for
keeping your nerves, muscles and heart healthy.
-
Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) test: Normal range is
6 to 20 mg/dL (2.14 to 7.14 mmol/L) Measures the
amount of urea, a waste product that passes through your
kidneys. BUN tests show the amount of urea nitrogen in
your kidneys.
-
Creatine kinase (CK) test: Normal range is
0.8 to 1.2 mg/dL (70.72 to 106.08 µmol/L) This is a waste
product that comes from digesting dietary protein and
the normal breakdown of muscle tissue. Your kidneys
filter it and remove it from your blood.
-
Sodium levels: Normal range is 136 to 144 mEq/L
(136 to 144 mmol/L) Most of your sodium comes from
the food you eat. It’s critical in helping your cells
maintain the right balance of fluid. Your kidneys help
regulate your body’s sodium levels.
-
CO2 blood test: Normal range is 23 to 29 mmol/L Bicarbonate indicates the
amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) in your blood. It helps
maintain a healthy acid-base (pH) balance.
-
Serum potassium test: Normal range is 3.7
to 5.2 mEq/L (3.7 to 5.2 mmol/L) Measures potassium
levels. Potassium supports your heart, nerve and muscle
function and your metabolism.
-
Chloride blood test: Normal range is 96 to 106
mmol/L Checks on chloride, an
electrolyte that helps keep your body fluids and acids
balanced.
-
Globulin blood test: Measures how much of this
protein your liver produces.
Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP)
Comprehensive metabolic panels (CMP) include all the blood
tests done as part of a basic metabolic panel (BMP).
Additional blood tests include:
-
Albumin blood test: Albumin is a protein in
your blood plasma. This test checks on kidney and liver
function.
-
Alanine transaminase (ALT): Healthcare
providers use this test to assess liver health.
-
Alkaline phosphatase (ALP): High levels of this
enzyme may indicate liver disease or certain bone
disorders.
-
Ammonia levels: Blood tests will show the
amount of ammonia in your blood. High ammonia levels may
be a sign of liver and kidney damage.
-
Bilirubin blood test: Bilirubin is a substance
in your liver’s bile. Too much bile in your blood may be
a sign of liver issues.
-
Aspartate transferase(AST): this test measures the amount of the enzyme aspartate
transferase in your blood. Providers use this test to
assess liver health.
-
total protein: this is the total amount of
protein in your blood. It includes albumin and
globulins, which are mainly made in your liver.
Coagulation Panel
Clotting is what prevents excessive bleeding when you cut
yourself. But the blood moving through your vessels
shouldn’t clot. If such clots form, they can travel through
your bloodstream to your heart, lungs, or brain. This can
cause a heart attack, stroke, or even death.
Coagulation tests measure your blood’s ability to clot, and
how long it takes to clot. Testing can help your doctor
assess your risk of excessive bleeding or developing clots
(thrombosis) somewhere in your blood vessels.
Results from a coagulation panel can be used to diagnose:
- Pregnancy-related eclampsia
- Hemophilia (excessive bleeding)
- Cancer or cancer treatment
- Autoimmune disorders
- Vitamin K deficiency
- Sepsis
- Infections
- Obesity (blood clots)
Liver function test
The liver function test checks your liver health by
measuring different substances the liver produces. The test
includes checking your:
-
Albumin: This is a protein made by your liver.
-
Total protein: This is the total amount of protein
in your blood.
-
Alkaline phosphatase (ALP): This is an enzyme made
by your liver.
-
Alanine transaminase (ALT): This is an enzyme made
by your liver.
-
Aspartate aminotransferase (AST): This is an enzyme
made by your liver.
-
Gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT): This is an enzyme
made by your liver.
-
Bilirubin: This is a waste product of your liver.
-
Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH): This is an enzyme
released when cells are damaged.
-
Prothrombin time (PT): This is a protein that helps
your blood clot.
If these levels are atypical, it could indicate liver
disease or damage.
The tests look at alanine transaminase (ALT)
and aspartate transaminase (AST)
levels. These enzymes are mainly in the liver. When the
liver is hurt or inflamed, their levels go up. This can mean
different liver problems.
Condition |
ALT Levels |
AST Levels |
Hepatitis |
Elevated |
Elevated |
Cirrhosis |
Mildly Elevated |
Mildly Elevated |
Fatty Liver Disease |
Elevated |
Normal to Mildly Elevated |
Alcohol-related Liver Disease |
Elevated |
Elevated (Often Higher than ALT) |
Kidney Function
Kidney function tests are key to checking your kidney
health. They look at substances in your blood to see how
well your kidneys work. They help figure out if your kidneys
are filtering waste and keeping fluid balance right.
Creatinine levels and the estimated glomerular
filtration rate (eGFR) are important signs of renal
function.
Creatinine and eGFR
Creatinine is a waste made by your muscles and filtered by
your kidneys. High creatinine levels can mean your kidney
function is not good or you might have kidney
disease. The eGFR uses your creatinine levels, age,
sex, and race to estimate kidney filtering. A low eGFR means
your renal
function is not as good.
Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN)
Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) is another important kidney
function marker. Urea is a waste from breaking down protein.
Healthy kidneys remove urea from your blood. But, if your
kidneys are not working right, BUN levels go up. High BUN,
along with high creatinine and low eGFR, can mean your
kidneys are not working well.
Your doctor will look at your test results and your health
history. They consider your age, medical history, and any
symptoms. Regular tests can catch kidney
disease early. This helps keep your renal
function good and prevents problems from a low glomerular
filtration rate.
eGFR (mL/min/1.73 m²) |
Kidney Function |
90 or above |
Normal |
60-89 |
Mild decrease |
30-59 |
Moderate decrease |
15-29 |
Severe decrease |
Less than 15 |
Kidney failure |
C-reactive Protein (CRP) Test
A C-reactive protein (CRP) test measures the level of
C-reactive protein in your blood. Your liver releases CRP
into your bloodstream in response to inflammation.
Healthcare providers use this test to help diagnose and
monitor several different causes of inflammation, such as
infections and certain autoimmune conditions.
- Severe bacterial infections, such as sepsis.
- Fungal infections.
- Osteomyelitis (infection of your bone)
- Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
- Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
- Autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis or
lupus (systemic lupus erythematosus).
- Some forms of arthritis
Lipid Panel
A lipid panel measures the
amount of cholesterol and triglycerides (fats) in our blood.
The two common types of cholesterol — HDL and LDL — can
affect your health in several ways.
-
Total cholesterol, Total cholesterol is the total of all cholesterol types
in the blood. It includes both “good” and “bad”
cholesterol. High total cholesterol can mean a higher
risk of heart disease. But, looking at HDL and LDL
cholesterol is more accurate for cardiovascular risk.
-
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)
cholesterol, This
is called the "bad" cholesterol. Too much of it in the
blood causes the buildup of plaque in arteries. Plaque
limits blood flow. Sometimes, plaque also breaks apart.
That can lead to a heart attack or stroke.
-
High-density lipoprotein (HDL)
cholesterol, This
is called the "good" cholesterol. It helps carry away
LDL cholesterol, the bad cholesterol. That keeps
arteries open and blood flowing more freely.
-
Triglycerides, Triglycerides are a type of fat
in the blood. When you eat, your body converts calories
it doesn't need into triglycerides. Then triglycerides
are stored in fat cells. High triglyceride levels are
linked with many risk factors. These include being
overweight, eating too many sweets or drinking too much
alcohol. Smoking, being inactive or having diabetes also
may raise the risk of high triglycerides.
Simple changes to your diet
and lifestyle will go a long way in getting those lipid
levels under control. Talk with your doctor about what you
can do to stay heart-healthy.
DHEA-sulfate Serum Test
Healthcare providers use DHEAS tests to measure levels of a
steroid hormone that your body converts into estrogen and
androgens (testosterone). A high test result may indicate an
adrenal tumor or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), while a
low test result may indicate Addison’s disease. You’ll need
additional tests for an accurate diagnosis.
Normal DHEAS Levels by Age and Gender
DHEAS levels go down as you get older. They also differ
between men and women. Here’s a table showing the typical
DHEAS ranges for each age and gender:
Age (Years) |
Male (μg/dL) |
Female (μg/dL) |
0-1 |
20-275 |
15-260 |
1-4 |
7-210 |
5-95 |
5-9 |
9-130 |
9-160 |
10-14 |
10-530 |
35-535 |
15-19 |
120-870 |
70-740 |
20-29 |
280-640 |
65-380 |
30-39 |
120-520 |
45-270 |
40-49 |
95-530 |
32-240 |
50-59 |
70-310 |
26-200 |
60-69 |
42-290 |
13-130 |
70+ |
28-175 |
17-90 |
Enzyme Markers
An enzyme marker is a blood test to measure enzymes,
proteins in your blood that can indicate tissue damage or
disease. Elevated cardiac enzymes after a heart attack are a
sign of serious heart damage. High levels of CPK isoenzymes
may indicate a muscle disease, while elevated liver enzymes
suggest liver damage.
Liver Function Enzymes: AST, ALT, ALP,
and GGT
Liver tests are key to checking liver health. The main liver
enzymes tested are:
Enzyme |
Full Name |
Normal Range |
Elevated Levels May Indicate |
AST |
Aspartate Aminotransferase |
5-40 U/L |
Liver damage, hepatitis, cirrhosis |
ALT |
Alanine Aminotransferase |
7-56 U/L |
Liver damage, hepatitis, fatty liver disease |
ALP |
Alkaline Phosphatase |
20-140 U/L |
Liver disease, bone disorders, bile duct
obstruction |
GGT |
Gamma-Glutamyl Transferase |
0-30 U/L |
Liver disease, alcohol abuse, bile duct
disorders |
Cardiac Enzymes: Troponins, CK-MB, and
Myoglobin
Heart enzymes are vital for diagnosing heart problems, like
heart attacks. The main heart enzymes are:
- Troponins (I and T): Highly specific markers for
myocardial damage
- CK-MB (Creatine Kinase-MB): Indicates damage to
heart muscle cells
- Myoglobin: An early marker of myocardial injury
Pancreatic Enzymes: Amylase and Lipase
Pancreatic enzyme markers help diagnose pancreas problems,
like acute pancreatitis. The two main pancreatic enzymes
tested are:
- Amylase: Elevated levels suggest pancreatic
inflammation or injury
- Lipase: More specific to the pancreas and often
used to confirm pancreatitis
By looking at these enzyme levels, doctors can understand
organ health. This helps them give the best care to their
patients.
Thyroid
Panel
A little organ that sits at
the bottom of your brain, called the pituitary gland,
produces a hormone that controls your thyroid. Higher test
results may indicate hypothyroidism, a condition that
happens as a result of your thyroid not making enough
hormones. Lower test results may suggest that you have
hyperthyroidism, a condition where your thyroid is producing
too many hormones.
-
Triiodothyronine (T3): This test measures your
body’s levels of T3, the other main thyroid hormone. If
your doctor suspects that you might have hyperthyroidism
but your T4 levels are normal, an elevated T3 level can
help confirm the diagnosis.
-
Thyroxine (T4): Thyroxine (T4) is one of two
hormones produced by the thyroid gland. It is an
inactive thyroid hormone that freely circulates in the
bloodstream, ready to be converted to the active form
called T3. There are two types of T4: bound T4
(which is attached to proteins that prevent it from
entering tissues) and free T4 (which is not attached to
proteins and can enter tissues freely).
-
Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH):
Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) is produced by the
pituitary gland situated at the base of the brain. It
acts as a chemical messenger, telling the thyroid gland
when to start producing thyroid hormones. When
thyroid hormone levels are low, more TSH is produced to
stimulate production. When levels are normal, the
pituitary gland stops producing TSH. The TSH test
measures how much or how little TSH there is in the
bloodstream.
-
Thyroid antibody test: This test
measures the levels of thyroid antibodies in your
system, which may be elevated if your immune system is
attacking your thyroid. The thyroid antibody test can
help your doctor determine whether you have an
autoimmune disorder like Graves’ disease or Hashimoto’s
disease.
Many medications can help control abnormal TSH levels. Your
doctor will work with you to balance out those hormones and
restore your well-being.
Bone Marrow Biopsy
A bone marrow biopsy is a key medical test in hematology and
oncology. It helps doctors find and track blood disorders
and cancers. This is done by taking a sample of bone marrow
tissue for analysis. It’s vital for those with blood issues
or cancer treatments.
Bone marrow is soft tissue inside bones that makes blood
cells. It’s essential for producing red and white blood
cells, and platelets. A biopsy can show if bone marrow is
working right. It might even decide if a stem cell
transplant is needed, which can save lives.
Understanding a bone marrow biopsy is key. It’s important to
know what it is, why it’s done, and how it affects your
health. We’ll look into this important test, its uses, the
process, and how it helps in treatment choices.
There are two types of procedures used to collect bone
marrow samples for testing:
Differences Between Bone Marrow Biopsy and Aspiration
A bone marrow biopsy and aspiration are different, even
though they’re often done together:
Bone Marrow Biopsy |
Bone Marrow Aspiration |
Removes a small, solid piece of bone marrow tissue |
Withdraws liquid bone marrow through a needle |
Provides information about bone marrow structure and
cellularity |
Provides information about cell morphology and maturation |
Allows for evaluation of bone marrow fibrosis and
architecture |
Enables cytogenetic and molecular testing of bone marrow
cells |
Both tests are vital for understanding the bone marrow’s
health. Doctors usually do them together. This way, they get
a full picture of the bone marrow’s condition.
How Does Your Blood Type Impact Overall Health?
Your blood type is one of the things that can be measured
with a blood test. Blood type is designated by two types of
markers—the ABO type and the Rh type. A blood typing test
detects the presence or absence of these markers. The plus
sign indicates Rh markers, while the minus sign indicates
Rh-negative.
The Eight Main Blood Types |
A+ |
A- |
>
B+ |
B- |
AB+ |
AB- |
>
O+ |
O- |
All these blood types are perfectly healthy. The
significance of these blood types is that when you need
a blood transfusion the blood given to you must be carefully
matched to your type to avoid causing an immune reaction,
which can be deadly.
Before transfusion, the recipient should be typed and their
blood tested against the donor blood units (called a
crossmatching test).
In general, donor blood that has A, B, or Rh+ markers can
only be given to people with those same markers. Anyone can
receive O- donor blood. However, outside of emergencies,
it's preferred that type-specific, crossmatched blood be
given.
Check out this page for a better break down of
Blood Types
What blood tests diagnose specific conditions?
While the various blood and electrolyte panel tests
provide a lot of information, there are disease-specific
blood tests that help providers diagnose and treat
specific conditions.
Allergies
An allergy
blood test checks your blood for increased levels of
immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies.
The test can help detect allergies to foods, pets,
pollen or other irritating substances.
Autoimmune diseases
Autoimmune diseases happen when your immune
system accidentally attacks your body instead of
protecting it from intruders like viruses, parasites
and cancer.
Your provider may order the following blood tests:
-
Antinuclear antibody test: Antinuclear
antibodies (ANA) are antibodies that mistakenly
attack your immune system. Large amounts of ANA in
your blood may be a sign of certain autoimmune
disorders.
-
CE complement blood test: Providers may
use this test to diagnose and monitor autoimmune
disorders like rheumatoid arthritis or lupus.
-
C-reactive protein (CRP) test: Your
liver makes and releases this protein. High
C-reactive protein levels may be a sign of
inflammatory conditions, including some autoimmune
diseases.
-
Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR):
ESR tests help detect inflammation.
-
Peripheral blood smear (PBS): This is a
technique healthcare providers use to examine your
red and white blood cells and your platelets under a
microscope.
Cancer/Noncancerous blood disorders
Healthcare providers may use several different tests to
diagnose and treat cancer, blood cancer and noncancerous
blood disorders.
Cancer blood tests
Blood tests for cancer fall into four basic
categories — complete blood count, tumor markers, blood
protein testing and circulating tumor tests. CBC, tumor
markers and circulating tumor tests may help detect some
solid tumors. Blood in your poop (stool) or pee (urine)
may also be a sign of cancer.
Complete blood count (CBC)
A CBC measures red and white blood cell and platelet
levels. Abnormally high or low blood cell or platelet
levels may be a sign of some types of cancer.
Tumor markers
Tumor markers are substances made by cancerous cells or
your body’s normal cells in response to cancer. Tumor
marker blood tests include:
- Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) for liver
cancer.
- CA-125 blood test for ovarian
cancer.
- Calcitonin for thyroid
cancer.
- Cancer antigens 15-3 and 27-29 for breast
cancer.
- Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) for a range of
cancers.
- Human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) for testicular
cancer and ovarian cancer.
- Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) for prostate
cancer.
Circulating tumor test
The circulating tumor test is a relatively new blood
test for cancer. This test looks for cancerous cells
that have broken away from a tumor and
into your bloodstream. Currently, it can help monitor
certain types of cancer, such as breast, prostate and
colorectal cancers. Scientists are still developing the
technology.
Other blood tests
Healthcare providers may use the same tests to diagnose
blood cancer or noncancerous blood disorders:
-
D-dimer test: Healthcare providers use
this test to diagnose blood clotting disorders.
-
Fibrinogen test: Fibrinogen is a
protein that helps with blood clotting.
-
Kappa or Lambda free light chain: This
test detects high protein levels in your blood
plasma. Healthcare providers may use this test to
diagnose amyloidosis,
which is a noncancerous blood disorder, or to
diagnose blood cancers such as multiple
myeloma.
-
Prothrombin time test (PTT): Healthcare
providers may use this test to diagnose blood
clotting disorders.
-
Reticulocyte count: This test checks to
see if your bone marrow is producing enough healthy
red blood cells.
Some blood tests don’t involve providing blood samples,
such as:
-
Fecal occult blood test (FOBT): FOBTs
screen for colorectal cancer by looking for blood in
your stool.
-
Urinalysis: Healthcare providers may
use this test to detect blood cells in your urine.
Endocrine system disorders
Your endocrine
system is made of organs called glands. Glands
produce hormones.
Healthcare providers may use blood tests to diagnosis
conditions affecting parts of your endocrine system.
Common blood tests include:
-
Blood glucose test: This test measures
your blood glucose level. It’s used to diagnose
diabetes. Another diabetes blood test is A1C, which
measures blood glucose over time.
-
Thyroid stimulating hormone test (TSH):
There are several blood tests to diagnose thyroid
disorders.
-
Pancreas blood tests: Your pancreas
produces enzymes. These tests check lipase and
amylase levels.
Heart disease
Some blood tests evaluate your risk of developing heart
disease:
-
Cardiac blood tests: Your healthcare
provider may order these tests if you’re at risk of
having a heart attack or developing heart disease.
-
Arterial blood gas (ABG) test: This
test measures oxygen levels and carbon dioxide
levels, among other things. Healthcare providers may
do this test to diagnose acute
heart failure and cardiac arrest.
Specialized blood tests
Your healthcare provider may recommend specialized blood
tests, including:
-
Ammonia levels: Blood tests will show
the amount of ammonia in your blood. High ammonia
levels may be a sign of liver and kidney damage.
-
Blood alcohol content (BAC): This test
measures the amount of alcohol in your system.
-
Ferritin: You may have a ferritin test
if your CBC tests show you don’t have enough iron.
When should I have a blood test?
That depends on your situation and your overall health.
Most healthcare providers recommend annual physical
examinations that may include a complete blood count
test. In general, providers recommend tests based on
what they know about you. For example, they may
recommend regular blood glucose tests if you have
overweight (a Body
Mass Index or BMI over 25) or obesity (a
BMI greater than 30).
Test Details
What should I do to prepare for my blood test?
That depends on the kind of test you’re having.
For example, some blood tests require you to
fast for several hours before the test. You may
be asked not to drink any liquids apart from a
few sips of water. Most blood tests don’t
require fasting, but it’s a good idea to ask
your healthcare provider what to avoid before
your blood test. Other steps may include:
- If you don’t need to fast before your blood
test and you’re able to drink water, try to
drink as much as you can before your test.
Being well-hydrated may make it easier for
healthcare providers to obtain blood.
- Use moisturizer on your arms. It may make it
easier for your provider to insert the
needle and obtain blood.
- Boost your blood pressure right before your
blood test by doing some gentle exercise
while waiting to be called in for your test.
What happens during blood tests?
Phlebotomists — healthcare providers with
special training in drawing blood — do blood
tests. During the blood test process:
- You’ll sit in a chair with an armrest where
you can stretch your arm out in front of
you.
- If you’re wearing a long-sleeve shirt,
you’ll roll up your sleeve past your elbow.
- The phlebotomist will wipe an antiseptic
liquid in the bend of your arm (on the other
side of your elbow) and put an elastic band
around your arm (above your elbow).
- They may ask you to make a fist to encourage
blood flow.
- They’ll insert a needle into your arm. This
typically happens very quickly. You may feel
the needle go into your skin. This is called
venipuncture.
- The blood flows into a tube that’s sealed
and sent to a lab for analysis. The
phlebotomist may need to take several
samples of your blood, depending on the
blood tests your healthcare provider
ordered.
- Once the phlebotomist has obtained enough
blood, they’ll remove the stretchy band
that’s strapped around your arm and removes
the needle.
- Then, they’ll put a bandage on the area
where the needle went into your skin.
Are there different ways to do blood tests?
All blood tests involve obtaining blood samples.
Venipuncture (from a vein) is the most common
procedure.
Other procedures are:
-
Finger stick: Your provider pricks
one of your fingers with a needle to collect
a tiny amount of blood. The blood sample is
saved on a special strip of paper that’s
sent to a lab for analysis.
-
Heel stick: All babies born in the
U.S. have blood tests by pricking their heel
with a needle to obtain a blood sample.
-
Arterial blood gas test: In this
test, providers take blood from one of your
arteries instead of a vein.
How much blood is taken during blood tests?
That depends on the kind of blood test. On
average, a complete blood count (CBC) test may
take as much as 30 milliliters (mL) of blood. It
may sound like a lot of blood, particularly if
you’re watching your blood flow into several
sample tubes. But it’s not — the average adult
has 4,500 to 5,700 milliliters of blood in their
body.
Do blood tests hurt?
They can, depending on the kind of blood test
you have. It’s important to remember that
phlebotomists receive training on how to obtain
blood samples quickly and without causing pain.
That said, tests that take blood from an artery
tend to hurt more than tests that take blood
from a vein. And with venipuncture, taking blood
from a vein may hurt a bit if the phlebotomist
has trouble inserting the needle into your vein.
Let your phlebotomist know if you have any
discomfort. They’ll try different ways to obtain
samples of your blood.
I’m always anxious about having blood tests.
What can I do to relax?
Many people feel anxious about blood tests. Some
ways to cope include:
- Understanding why you’re having specific
blood tests.
- Taking deep breaths as the needle goes into
your arm.
- Looking away so you don’t see the needle
enter your arm.
- Finding a way to distract your attention,
such as silently counting to 10.
What happens after my blood test?
Your provider will put a bandage on the spot
where the needle went in. Depending on the blood
test, they may recommend you rest for a minute
or so before standing up and leaving.
Results and Follow-Up
When will I know my test results?
That depends on the blood test and your
provider’s preferences. Your provider likely
will explain how you’ll receive results. Some
blood test results are available within a few
hours. Others, like genetic test results,
typically take longer.
Some healthcare organizations offer online
access to test results. But your provider may
prefer to discuss your results in a telephone
conversation or in person.
My healthcare provider wants to talk to me about
my test results. Does that mean something’s
wrong?
Not necessarily. If your tests were part of your
routine medical checkup, your healthcare
provider may want to review results with you.
They may have recommendations about ways you can
improve your health. If you’ve received
treatment for a medical condition, your provider
may want to discuss your test results in detail
and put the results in context.
FAQ's
Q: What is the purpose of blood tests?
A: Blood tests help check your health, find diseases, and
see how treatments work. They look at different parts of
your blood to understand your body’s health.
Q: How should I prepare for a blood test?
A: Before a blood test, you might need to fast for 8-12
hours. Avoid some medicines and stay hydrated. Your doctor
will tell you what to do based on your test.
Q: What happens during a blood draw?
A: A phlebotomist will clean the area and put a needle in
your vein for blood. You might feel a pinch, but it’s quick
and not very painful.
Q: What is a complete blood count (CBC)?
A: A CBC checks your red and white blood cells and
platelets. It helps find issues like anemia, infections, and
blood problems.
Q: What does a lipid panel measure?
A: A lipid panel looks at your cholesterol and
triglycerides. It shows your risk for heart disease and
helps decide treatment.
Q: Why are liver function tests performed?
A: Liver function tests check your liver health by looking
at certain enzymes and proteins. They can spot liver damage
or diseases like hepatitis.
Q: What do blood tests for kidney function assess?
A: Kidney function tests, like creatinine and eGFR, check
how well your kidneys work. They help find and track kidney
problems.
Q: How are blood test results interpreted?
A: Results are compared to normal values, which can change
based on age, gender, and lab methods. Abnormal results mean
you might need more tests or treatment.
Q: What should I do if my blood test results are abnormal?
A: If your results are off, talk to your doctor right away.
They’ll explain what it means and what to do next, like more
tests or changes in your routine.
One Final Note..
It’s probably fair to say blood tests are last on most
people’s list of fun things to do. But blood tests are
an essential tool healthcare providers use to monitor
your overall health or diagnose medical conditions. You
may have a blood test as part of a routine physical
examination or because you have certain symptoms.
Regardless of why you’re having a blood test, it’s
important to remember that while blood tests help
providers diagnose health issues, they aren’t diagnoses.
An abnormal blood test result may not mean you have a
serious medical condition. If your healthcare provider
recommends blood tests, they’ll be glad to explain why
they recommend the test and what the test may show.
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