What Are Blood Tests, and Why Are They Important?
Blood tests can help a doctor identify various health conditions and are recommended for prevention by primary care physicians. Some blood tests help your doctor determine how different organs in your body are working, such as your heart, thyroid, liver or kidneys.
Your doctor can also use blood tests to search for markers of diseases and health conditions like:
- Diabetes
- HIV
- Anemia
- Cancer
- Coronary heart disease
Even if a person does not have heart disease, a blood test can show whether they may be at risk of developing the condition.
Different types of screening blood tests include:
- Complete Blood Count: Provides an overview of blood and bone marrow health, aiding in detecting infections and hematological issues.
- Basic Metabolic Panel: Evaluates kidney function and blood electrolyte balance.
- Lipid Profile: Offers insights into cardiovascular health.
- Liver Enzymes: Indicates liver disease or damage, crucial for monitoring liver health.
- Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA): Signifies prostate issues in men, including inflammation or cancer.
- Hemoglobin A1c: Helps diagnose and manage diabetes, including prediabetes.
- Thyroid (TSH): Monitors thyroid function, detecting imbalances even without symptoms.
- Vitamin D: Identifies vitamin D deficiencies, which may link to multiple diseases.
If blood test results appear abnormal, it doesn’t always imply a disease. Sometimes, your healthcare provider might determine that no further action is necessary based on your overall health. Or your healthcare provider may require additional tests, adjust medication or issue new prescriptions depending on your results. Your healthcare office will contact you quickly If your results show an urgent concern.
The frequency of blood tests varies for each individual, influenced by age and existing medical conditions. Even for those in good health, regular blood tests serve as a benchmark for comparison should any changes occur.
Speak with your doctor to make sure you’re getting the appropriate testing or if you have any questions or concerns.
To find a healthcare provider, call (419) 373-7613.
