7 Common Types of Blood Test You Should Know About!
Key Takeaways
- Blood test diagnosis can help determine anemia, diabetes, and cancer
- Lipid profile, liver panel, and electrolytes panel are types of blood tests
- WBC count measures the number of white blood cells in your blood
Blood tests determine the condition of your overall health and well-being. A blood test diagnosis can help identify certain diseases and conditions like anemia, coronary heart disease, diabetes, HIV, and cancer [1]. It helps your doctors evaluate how well your organs such as heart, liver, thyroid, and kidneys are working. Although the blood test procedure is similar for various diagnoses, there are different types of blood tests.
The blood test your doctor may order will depend on your symptoms and conditions. The results may help in the timely diagnosis of diseases. A blood test diagnosis may even help in tracking how your body responds to certain treatments.
Types of Blood Test
Complete Blood Count (CBC) Test
A complete blood count (CBC) test is one of the most common tests. It measures the levels of different components of the major cells in your blood. These include red blood cells (RBCs), platelets, white blood cells (WBCs), hemoglobin, hematocrit, mean corpuscular volume, and other blood parameters.
An RBC count measures the number of red blood cells in your blood. A WBC count measures the number of white blood cells in your blood. The normal value of CBC> depends on the different blood parameters, age, and gender [2]. Abnormal values of CBC may indicate:
- nutritional deficiencies
- iron deficiency
- insufficient blood cells
- infection
- inflammation in tissues
- heart conditions
Additional Read: What is a CBC Test? Why are Normal CBC Values Important?
Blood Glucose Test
Blood glucose tests include fasting plasma glucose, post-meal blood glucose, and HbA1c tests. These types of blood tests screen for diabetes and help your doctor create the right treatment for you. A blood glucose test measures the level of glucose (sugar) in your blood. Your fasting blood glucose level is normal if it is between 70 to 99 mg/dL. A level between 100 to 125 mg/dL is considered to be pre-diabetes. You have diabetes if the fasting blood sugar level is above 126 mg/dL [3].
Blood Lipid Profile Test
This test measures the levels of different types of cholesterol and other fats in your blood. It generally includes HDL or good cholesterol, LDL or bad cholesterol, triglycerides, and total cholesterol. The test assesses the risk of heart diseases. If you have abnormal results, your doctor will prescribe medications to reduce the risk of stroke or heart disease. The test also helps in managing your treatment.
Thyroid Function Tests
A thyroid panel determines whether your thyroid gland is producing certain hormones properly. It also records the reactions of your thyroid to these hormones. Some hormones include triiodothyronine (T3), thyroxine (T4), and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH). A low or high level of these hormones indicates problems like thyroid disorders and low proteins.
Liver Function Tests
A liver panel measures different parameters including enzymes, proteins, and other substances produced by the liver. A series of blood tests can determine if your liver is functioning properly. Some of these common types of blood tests are:
- bilirubin test
- alkaline phosphatase test
- albumin test
- prothrombin time (PTT) test
A liver function test may also determine lactic dehydrogenase, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and aspartate aminotransferase (AST). Abnormal levels of liver components can indicate conditions like:
- Hepatitis
- Cirrhosis
- Fatty liver
- Bone metabolic disorders
Electrolytes Panel Test
Electrolytes are minerals in the blood such as calcium, sodium, chloride, magnesium, and potassium that carry an electric charge [4]. An electrolytes test measures these mineral compounds. A high or low electrolytes level can lead to abnormal heart rhythms. Abnormalities in electrolyte compounds may indicate hormone imbalances, malnutrition, or dehydration.
Inflammatory Panel Test
Inflammatory panel test or inflammatory markers is one of the types of blood tests. This test involves C-reactive protein (CRP) and homocysteine, an amino acid. An increase in the CRP levels is a sign of inflammation in the body. It is associated with the risk of:
- artery inflammation
- inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
- cardiac events
- depression
- rheumatoid arthritis
Similarly, a raised level of homocysteine may signal a stroke, heart disease, and kidney problems.
Additional Read: Hemoglobin Test: What is HbA1c and What You Should Know About it?
Get these types of blood tests done regularly to keep track of your health. This will help you make informed decisions to maintain or improve your health. You can also consult with your doctor before undergoing any specific blood test. With Bajaj Finserv Health, you can book doctor appointments or a book a lab test of your choice. Just sign in, choose a blood test package> and book sample collection from home. This way, you can take better care of your health and well-being without stepping out!
- https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/blood-tests#:~:text=Specifically%2C%20blood%20tests%20can%20help,risk%20factors%20for%20heart%20disease
- https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diagnostics/4053-complete-blood-count
- https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diagnostics/12363-blood-glucose-test
- https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/002350.htm
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