What is Routine Blood Testing?
Routine blood tests are performed at your doctor’s office, or in a laboratory. The technician, nurse or doctor will usually ask you to sit on a chair and rest your feet on the floor. Welzo is digital healthcare that helps you feel your best. A Private blood tests is an option if you need a test that isn’t available to the public. Welzo Advanced Thyroid blood test will give you a complete look at your thyroid function.
The antibacterial wipe will be used to clean the area of your arm that they are drawing blood. This is usually located in your forearm, where you can see the veins. They can also take it from any other vein.
They’ll ask for your fist to be squeezed before inserting the needle. They may also tie an elastic band to your arm. Both of these strategies make it easier to locate your veins in your arm.
Next, insert a needle that is attached to the test tube. Once the tube is full, the needle will be removed. Sometimes they will need to collect multiple tubes before they can remove the needle.
Although it might sound scary, it is actually quite simple. You can often complete this task in five minutes or less.
What can blood tests detect?
There are many reasons to have your blood tested. A routine blood test may be done to make sure that there have been no changes since your last healthy test.
These are the most common blood tests that your doctor might request.
1. Complete Blood Count (CBC)
The routine blood test checks for cells through the blood. The blood is tested for hemoglobin, red blood cell count, hemoglobin and platelets.
CBC tests can help you determine if there are any anemias, nutritional deficiencies, cancers, or bone marrow issues.
Your doctor may order additional testing if any of these results are abnormal.
2. Basil Metabolic Panel (BMP).
The blood test measures specific components of blood. This includes glucose, sodium and potassium as well as electrolytes and creatinine.
These factors can be used to determine if you have diabetes or kidney disease. These results could also indicate hormonal imbalances.
3. Complete Metabolic Panel (CMP).
This test measures many of the same elements as the Basil Metabolic Panel, as well as other important components. These elements include albumin, bilirubin and alkaline phosphate (ALP).
These other components can cause serious problems. A high level of ALP can indicate hepatitis, gallstones or Paget’s Disease.
A high level of bilirubin can indicate hepatitis or Gilbert’s syndrome.
4. Lipid Panel
A Lipid Panel, as the name implies, measures how much fat is in your blood. It measures both good cholesterol (HDL), and bad cholesterol (LDL).
Your LDL levels could be high and indicate plaque buildup in your arteries. This could indicate a future or current heart disease.
How often should routine blood work be done?
Your doctor may request routine blood work once per year if there are no health problems. This can often be done in conjunction with your annual physical.
This test is done to make sure your levels are healthy. Your doctor may request further investigation if something is found abnormal.
If they return to normal, then you are good for next year.
Result Times
You’ll receive the results of some blood tests within a few hours. Some tests require you to wait.
The results for CBC, BMC and CMP will generally be available within 24 hours. It could take up to 72 hours for a Lipids Panel.
However, just because you have access to the data does not mean that you are able to interpret the results. Your doctor will often translate the data to your benefit. It all depends on when you make your next appointment after receiving the results.
What about Fasting?
For some blood tests, you will need to fast for 8-12 hours before the test. You can often only drink water.
Fasting is necessary because eating can drastically alter your blood chemicals. Fasting can have a negative impact on your cholesterol and glucose levels.
Fasting will be required for blood sugar, cholesterol, glucose, and blood sugar tests.
What should I do for blood testing?
You can request a blood test from your doctor. Private blood labs are able to do all the work on-site.
This means that you will get your blood drawn at the same time as the blood analysis.
Sometimes you will be called to let you know when your results are available for you to pick-up. You’ll then need to bring them to your doctor. Sometimes, the lab will also send the results directly for you.
Look online for positive reviews when choosing a lab. One could be recommended by your doctor, or one of your family members.
You want to select a lab with a great reputation. Technicians should be friendly and knowledgeable.
Are Routine Blood Tests Required?
Don’t be alarmed if you have routine bloodwork scheduled. It is rarely as stressful than you imagine. You can often be done in five minutes or less, minus the time spent in the waiting room.
Sometimes the lab may be found in a hospital where many health services are available. You might also consider having your eyes checked before or after you have your blood tests.
