At some point in life, we all take blood tests. They could be ordered for a variety of reasons including to diagnose or monitor an existing health condition and to ensure that we are healthy. This article will outline the five most common blood tests and what they can tell you about your body.
Complete Blood Count
A complete blood count (CBC) is a simple test that is performed to assess your overall health. It is one of the most common laboratory tests, and it is used to detect and diagnose a wide range of conditions, including anemia, infection, and leukemia. A CBC is performed by drawing a sample of your blood and then analyzing it in a laboratory. The sample is typically analyzed using a machine known as a hematology analyzer. This machine will measure different components of your blood, including red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.
The results of the CBC will provide your doctor with important information about your health. It can tell them how many red blood cells you have, how much hemoglobin is present, and how much oxygen is being carried by your red blood cells. It can also tell them the number of white blood cells you have, which can help them diagnose infections. The number of platelets can indicate whether you may be at risk for bleeding disorders. A CBC can also provide information about your body’s ability to fight off infections and other illnesses. It can help detect conditions such as leukemia, anemia, and other types of infections.
Comprehensive Metabolic Panel
A Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP) is a test that measures the levels of several different chemicals in the blood. It is often used to help diagnose and manage a range of medical conditions. The CMP test measures the levels of glucose, calcium, carbon dioxide, electrolytes, proteins, and other substances in your blood.
The CMP test can provide valuable information about the health of your kidneys, liver, and other organs. It can tell you if your body is producing enough hormones and other chemicals, or if it is not. It can also help your healthcare provider diagnose certain medical conditions, such as diabetes, kidney disease, and liver disorders.
Lipid Panel
A lipid panel is a blood test used to measure levels of cholesterol and triglycerides in the body. It is primarily used as a screening tool to identify problems related to the amount of fat in the bloodstream. The test measures the amount of low-density lipoprotein (LDL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), total cholesterol, and triglycerides in the blood.
LDL is often referred to as “bad” cholesterol because it can build up in the arteries, increasing the risk of heart disease, stroke, and other cardiovascular problems. HDL is “good” cholesterol because it helps to remove LDL from the body.
Cardiac Biomarkers
Cardiac biomarkers are molecules that are released into the bloodstream in response to heart tissue damage. These molecules can be used to measure the degree of damage to the heart, as well as the functioning of the cardiovascular system. Cardiac biomarkers are typically proteins, enzymes, or hormones that can be easily detected in a blood sample. The main cardiac biomarkers used to detect and monitor heart disease include troponin, creatine kinase (CK), myoglobin, and B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP).
Coagulation Panel
A coagulation panel is a series of tests that measure the body’s ability to form clots and stop bleeding. It is usually used to look for bleeding or clotting problems, or to check how well anti-clotting medications are working. The panel measures several different components of the body’s natural clotting system, including the proteins or clotting factors that help the body form clots and the proteins that help dissolve clots. It also measures the amount of platelets, which are cells that help form clots.
The coagulation panel is used to diagnose and monitor a variety of bleeding and clotting disorders, such as hemophilia, Von Willebrand disease, deep vein thrombosis, and others. It can also help diagnose and monitor the effectiveness of treatments for these conditions, such as anticoagulant medications.
If you’re looking for a reliable and affordable lab to conduct your blood tests, contact Clarity Laboratory. Our experienced personnel will ensure that your tests are done accurately and promptly.
