Blood testing

Blood Testing

Blood testing, also known as blood work, is a laboratory analysis performed on a blood sample that is usually extracted from a vein in the arm using a needle, or via fingerprick. Blood tests are used to determine physiological and biochemical states, such as disease, mineral content, drug effectiveness, and organ function. They are one of the most common forms of medical testing.

Types of Blood Tests

Blood tests can be categorized into several types based on their purpose and the components they analyze:

Complete Blood Count (CBC)

The Complete Blood Count is a common blood test that evaluates overall health and detects a variety of disorders, including anemia, infection, and many other diseases. A CBC measures several components and features of your blood, including:

• Red blood cells, which carry oxygen
• White blood cells, which fight infection
• Hemoglobin, the oxygen-carrying protein in red blood cells
• Hematocrit, the proportion of red blood cells to the fluid component, or plasma, in your blood
• Platelets, which help with blood clotting

Basic Metabolic Panel (BMP)

The Basic Metabolic Panel is a group of tests that measures different chemicals in the blood. It usually includes tests for:

• Glucose, a type of sugar and your body's main source of energy
• Calcium, which is essential for the proper functioning of muscles, nerves, and the heart
• Electrolytes, such as sodium, potassium, bicarbonate, and chloride, which help regulate your body's fluid levels and acid-base balance
• Kidney function tests, such as blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine

Lipid Panel

A Lipid Panel is a blood test that measures lipids—fats and fatty substances used as a source of energy by your body. It includes:

• Total cholesterol
• Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, often called "bad" cholesterol
• High-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, often called "good" cholesterol
• Triglycerides, another type of fat in the blood

Liver Function Tests

Liver Function Tests are blood tests that help diagnose and monitor liver disease or damage. They measure the levels of enzymes and proteins in your blood that are either produced by your liver or released when liver cells are damaged.

Purpose and Importance

Blood tests are crucial for diagnosing diseases and conditions, monitoring the effectiveness of treatments, and checking the function of organs. They can provide valuable information about the body's internal environment and help guide medical decisions.

Procedure

The procedure for drawing blood is called venipuncture. A healthcare professional will: 1. Clean the skin with an antiseptic wipe. 2. Tie a tourniquet around the upper arm to fill the veins with more blood. 3. Insert a needle into a vein, usually in the arm. 4. Collect the blood in a vial or syringe. 5. Remove the needle and apply pressure to stop any bleeding. 6. Label the sample and send it to a laboratory for analysis.

Risks

Blood tests are generally safe, but they can cause:

• Bleeding
• Infection
• Bruising
• Feeling lightheaded

Also see

• Urinalysis
• Biopsy
• Imaging tests
• Genetic testing