Blood Test
A blood test, also known as a blood work or blood panel, is a medical laboratory test that involves analyzing a sample of a person's blood to assess various aspects of their health. Blood tests provide valuable information about the composition of blood, the functioning of different organs and systems in the body, and can help diagnose medical conditions, monitor existing conditions, and assess overall health.
Types of Blood Test
1 / Complete Blood Count (CBC)
A CBC measures the number and types of blood cells in your bloodstream, including red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. It can help diagnose conditions like anemia, infection, and various blood disorders.
2 / Basic Metabolic Panel (BMP) or Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP)
These panels measure various chemicals and electrolytes in the blood, such as glucose, sodium, potassium, calcium, and kidney function markers. They can provide information about your overall health and the functioning of your vital organs.
3 / Lipid Profile
This test measures cholesterol levels in the blood, including LDL (low-density lipoprotein), HDL (high-density lipoprotein), and triglycerides. It helps assess the risk of heart disease and stroke.
4 / Liver Function Tests (LFTs)
These tests measure enzymes, proteins, and substances produced by the liver. They can help diagnose liver diseases and assess how well the liver is functioning.
5 / Thyroid Function Tests
These tests measure thyroid hormones (TSH, T3, T4) and are used to evaluate thyroid gland function. Thyroid disorders can affect metabolism and energy levels.
6 / Coagulation Panel
This panel evaluates how well your blood clots and can diagnose or monitor bleeding disorders and assess the risk of excessive clot formation.
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7 / Blood Glucose Test
This measures the amount of sugar (glucose) in your blood and is used to diagnose or monitor diabetes.
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8 / Hormone Tests
Various hormone tests, such as those for testosterone, estrogen, and cortisol, can help diagnose hormonal imbalances and conditions like hormonal disorders or infertility.
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9 / Infectious Disease Tests
These include tests for HIV, hepatitis, and other infections to diagnose and monitor infectious diseases.
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10 / Cancer Markers
Some blood tests can detect specific markers associated with certain types of cancer. For example, the PSA test for prostate cancer or the CA-125 test for ovarian cancer.