Blood tests are commonly employed in medicine.  A blood test might be done as a routine part of a medical examination or because you’re having some particular symptoms you’re going through.

 There are many different types of blood tests.  Some tests focus on your blood cells and platelets.  Some look at blood constituents like proteins, hormones, and electrolytes.  Others test your blood for particular minerals.

It’s also important to remember that blood work helps doctors diagnose diseases, irrespective of the motive for your examination.

But findings of a blood test Tampa don’t lead to a diagnosis.  

You may not have an adverse medical condition if your results are abnormal.

1. Complete blood count

Levels in your blood of different constituents are analyzed by a regular complete blood count (CBC).

Your physician will order additional tests to verify abnormal results and a possible diagnosis from your findings.

1. Electrolyte panel

 Electrolytes are minerals found in your blood.  An imbalance of electrolytes could suggest that something is wrong with your kidneys, heart, or lungs.  All of the electrolyte tests on BMPs and CMPs are contained in an electrolyte panel.

Levels of magnesium and anion gap electrolytes are also checked.  Magnesium underpins your brain, muscles, and heart.  Tests that measure acid-base balance in your blood include anion gap.

Simple metabolic panel

Typically, a routine metabolic panel searches for eight different chemicals in your blood:

Blood urea nitrogen, calcium, glucose, sodium, potassium, bicarbonate, chloride, and creatinine

Depending on the purpose of the blood test Tampa is doing and your doctor’s instructions, you may be instructed to fast at least eight hours before having blood drawn.

For a confirmation, your doctor will do additional testing.

1. Hemoglobin A1C (HbA1C)

This is one of the best tests for learning about prediabetes, insulin resistance, and blood sugar issues.  Your estimated blood glucose will be higher if your A1C is higher.

High A1C is a sign of prediabetes or diabetes because it indicates that your body is either not producing enough insulin or that it is not effectively using it to move glucose from your blood into your cells.

1.  Anemia panel

This is a test that you would wish to consider in case you have excessive menstrual flow, chronic fatigue, low energy levels, or past history of stomach issues such as gastric bypass or absorption disorders.

Key minerals such as iron, ferritin, folate, and vitamin B12 are screened for using an anemia panel.

Vegetarians and vegans tend to develop low vitamin B12.  Low B12 is also experienced in individuals suffering from Crohn’s disease, celiac disease, or from malabsorption issues caused due to excessive consumption of antibiotics.  

Folic acid prevents birth defects, thereby it is a crucial nutrient in women who are pregnant or wanting to conceive.

Low iron can be an issue for menstruating women, especially those with heavy periods.  It’s interesting to note that low iron can happen even in individuals who aren’t anemic.

1. Lipid panel

There are two types of cholesterol that this test monitors:

• HDL, also called “good” cholesterol, or high-density lipoprotein
• LDL, or low-density lipoprotein, is called “bad” cholesterol.

Before this test, you may have to fast for eight or more hours.

Although levels of HDL cholesterol less than 40 mg/dL are a major risk factor for heart disease, readings of 60 mg/dL or higher are considered heart-healthy.

The optimal level of LDL cholesterol for maximum health is 100 mg/dL or lower, while 160 mg/dL or higher is riskily high.

Age may also have effects on normal levels.  Triglycerides are also tested through a lipid panel.

To Test Endocrine System Disorders

Your endocrine system is made up of organs that are referred to as glands.  Glands secrete hormones.  Doctors might use blood tests to determine the presence of disorders in some parts of your endocrine system.  Common blood tests include:

• Thyroid diseases can be identified through different blood tests.
• Pancreatic blood tests: Your pancreas produces enzymes.  These tests check for the level of lipase and amylase.

To Find Heart Diseases

A few blood tests determine your likelihood of developing heart disease:

• Cardiac blood tests: If you are prone to having a heart attack or getting heart disease, your physician might recommend these tests.
• Arterial blood gas (ABG) test: This test, among others, measures the levels of carbon dioxide and oxygen.  This test can be employed by doctors to detect cardiac arrest and acute heart failure.

After Your Labs Are Complete

Your doctor will review your lab work upon return and look for any potential issues.  Another test may be needed if they notice a red flag.

It’s important to discuss with your doctor how you’d like to follow up on your test results when you leave your annual physical.  This could be a telemedicine visit, a phone call from office staff, or a message to your electronic records.