Lab blood tests are used to measure a person’s health in a variety of ways, including identifying or monitoring medical diseases, determining general health, and determining how well the organs and bodily systems are functioning.
Common lab blood tests include the following:
- A complete blood count (CBC) counts all of the body’s blood cells, including platelets, white blood cells, and red blood cells.
- Blood Chemistry Panel – this test assesses the blood’s levels of various substances, including glucose, electrolytes, and cholesterol.
- Liver Function Tests – evaluate the amounts of proteins and enzymes that signify the liver’s health and functionality.
- Kidney Function Tests – Analyze the concentrations of several chemicals in the blood to assess the kidneys’ functionality.
- Thyroid Function Tests Examine the thyroid gland’s hormone production levels to assess thyroid function.
- Coagulation tests, which assess the blood’s clotting capacity, can be used to identify bleeding problems or assess the efficacy of blood-thinning drugs.
Overall, lab blood tests can help healthcare professionals learn important details about a patient’s health status, support the diagnosis of illnesses, and direct treatment choices.