Blood test is a common method used to understand the general health status of the body and to diagnose various diseases. In these tests, different components of the blood are examined, and the results provide doctors with guiding information for the diagnosis of many diseases.
Blood test results can help detect various health problems such as inflammation, infection, or organ dysfunction in the body. The use of these tests, particularly for monitoring the course of a specific disease or for routine health check-ups, increases their importance. The details of the tests may vary depending on the patient’s age, gender, and medical history.
Commonly performed blood tests include:
- Complete Blood Count (CBC): Measures the count of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. It provides information about anemia, infections, and blood disorders.
- Biochemistry Tests: Evaluate the functions of the liver, kidneys, and other organs. Levels of substances such as glucose, electrolytes, creatinine, and urea in the blood are measured.
- Hormone Tests: Measure hormone levels such as thyroid, reproductive hormones, and cortisol. It is used to detect hormonal imbalances.
- Bleeding and Clotting Tests: Examine the blood’s clotting process. They evaluate clotting disorders and bleeding risks.
Blood Tests and Their Meanings
Blood tests help detect health problems by examining the amount and structure of different components in the blood. Especially tests like complete blood count play a critical role in capturing early signs of many diseases.
In a complete blood count, the hemogram measured evaluates red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets, and these results help detect conditions such as infections, anemia, or clotting disorders in the body.
It is recommended to fast before giving a blood sample for accurate measurement, especially for glucose, lipids, and some hormone levels. Fasting eliminates the potential effects of food and drink on blood values, leading to more accurate results. During this process, a certain amount of blood is drawn, subjected to various analyses, and the results are meticulously examined in a laboratory setting.
Blood test results may vary depending on the individual’s age, gender, and overall health condition. It is important to interpret the values obtained by the laboratory by comparing them with reference ranges. For instance, low red blood cells in a complete blood count may indicate anemia, while high white blood cells may suggest infection. The interpretation of test results should be performed by a specialist physician, and these results should be explained to the individual.
How is a Blood Test Performed?
A blood test is a simple procedure performed by a healthcare professional. It is usually done through a vein in the inner arm. In cases where fasting is required, such as glucose or lipid tests, the patient may be asked to come on an empty stomach.
The healthcare professional uses a sterile needle to draw blood from the vein after cleaning the area with an antiseptic. The collected blood is transferred to a tube, and the procedure takes a few minutes. After the blood sample is taken, it is sent to the laboratory for analysis, where various parameters of the blood are examined for different tests.
What Does a Complete Blood Count Check?
A complete blood count examines many parameters that provide information about the general health condition of the body. The most commonly examined values are:
- Red Blood Cells (Erythrocytes): Show the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood. Low values may indicate anemia.
- White Blood Cells (Leukocytes): Cells that play a role in fighting infections. High or low values may indicate infections, inflammation, or immune system disorders.
- Hemoglobin (Hb): A protein found in red blood cells that carries oxygen. Low hemoglobin is a sign of anemia.
- Platelets (Thrombocytes): Play an important role in blood clotting. Low platelet count may increase the risk of bleeding.
- Hematocrit (Hct): Indicates the percentage of red blood cells in the blood volume. Low hematocrit indicates anemia, while high hematocrit may suggest dehydration or other blood disorders.
A detailed blood test is a comprehensive test conducted to evaluate the functions of organs and systems in the body. These tests include parameters such as complete blood count (CBC), biochemistry tests, hormone levels, liver and kidney function tests, lipid profile, and vitamin-mineral levels. A detailed blood test is performed when there is suspicion of a particular disease or for general health check-ups, and the results are used to detect potential issues in the body early.
The frequency of blood tests may vary depending on the individual’s general health condition and medical history. While an annual routine blood test is recommended for healthy individuals, doctors may suggest more frequent testing for those with chronic diseases or certain risk factors. For instance, diabetic patients or those at risk of cardiovascular disease may need blood tests every 3 to 6 months. Blood tests should be conducted at regular intervals to monitor general health and detect possible issues early.
Blood tests play a significant role in diagnosing many diseases. For example, anemia, infections, liver and kidney dysfunctions, diabetes, and hypothyroidism can be detected through blood tests. Additionally, blood tests are used in the diagnosis of cancer, immune system disorders, and some genetic diseases. Abnormalities in blood values give doctors clues about which organ or system is affected and serve as a guide for more detailed investigations.
