Regular blood tests are an important way to monitor an individual’s general health and wellbeing. When you get yourself tested periodically, you can better visualize the changes in your body as you age.
Thus, you are empowered to make better decisions regarding your health. Today, with technological advancement, you can easily get a blood test at home service, irrespective of your location, at affordable rates.
These tests can help you recognize an illness in its initial stages by providing you with a clear picture of your health. Thus, you have a better chance of beating it and stopping its progression to severe stages. Given below are seven types of blood tests that are essential for your well-being.
Table of Contents
Hemogram
It is also called the complete blood count test. This test checks the level of various components of every significant cell in the blood. They include:
- White blood cells
- Red blood cells
- Hemoglobin
- Platelets
- Mean corpuscular volume
- Hematocrit
An unusual level of this test can signal the following things:
- Nutritional deficiencies
- Absence of adequate blood cells
- Deficiency of iron
- Inflammation in the tissue
- Symptoms of infection
- Heart ailments
Electrolytes Test
An electrolytes test measures specific mineral compounds in the blood. They include:
- Potassium
- Magnesium
- Sodium
- Chloride
Abnormal or unusual levels in this test point to malnutrition, dehydration, and an imbalance in the hormones.
Liver Function Test
This test, also called a liver panel, inspects varied parameters like proteins, enzymes, and other substances produced by the liver. This test can help you determine the levels of the following:
- Alkaline phosphatase
- Albumin
- Alanine aminotransferase
- Bilirubin
- Aspartate aminotransferase
A higher level of these components can point to liver diseases like hepatitis, fatty liver, and cirrhosis. On the other hand, a lower level of these components can indicate bone metabolic disorders.
Lipid Panel
This test enables you to determine the levels of varied cholesterol types and related fats in your blood. These include the following.
- Good or HDL cholesterol
- Bad or LDL cholesterol
- Triglycerides
- Overall cholesterol
The lipid panel test assesses the likelihood of heart ailments, especially in senior citizens. Its outcome also impacts your lifestyle choices positively.
Thyroid Function Test
It is also called the thyroid panel, and it assesses how your thyroid is generating and reacting to specific hormones. These hormones include the following.
- Triiodothyronine or T3 – In combination with T4, it controls your heart rate and the temperature of your body.
- Thyroxine or T4 – With T3, the thyroxine hormone controls your metabolism.
- Thyroid-stimulating hormone or TSH – I modulate the hormone levels released by your thyroid.
Abnormal levels of any of the hormones mentioned above can cause multiple conditions. These conditions include:
- Low protein levels
- Unusual levels of sex hormone
- Thyroid growth disorders
Diabetes Panel
To diagnose diabetes, tests like fasting plasma glucose, glycated hemoglobin, and post-meal blood glucose are done. After you conduct the test, your clinician will interpret the results, which will help you know how controlled your blood sugar level is.
Test for Crucial Nutrients
Blood tests for evaluating levels of specific nutrients like vitamin D, vitamin B12, iron, and magnesium are essential. These nutrients are imperative for your body to function optimally.
Many people don’t even know that they are deficient in one or the other of these nutrients. So, you need to evaluate their levels and modify your diet or take supplements accordingly.
Today, it’s possible for you to avail of various advanced packages of blood tests that include liver, kidney, thyroid, cardiac risk markers, and essential nutrient tests. Even senior citizens can book a blood test at home.
There are many advanced packages having as many as 139 tests included in them. This facility allows you to get quality results without waiting for long hours at the doctor’s office. You only need to get the results interpreted by a professional clinician.
