Clinical Blood Tests
Clinical blood tests are laboratory analyses of a blood sample to assess general health and diagnose or monitor medical conditions. Common tests include the complete blood count (CBC), which checks blood cell levels, and the basic metabolic panel (BMP), which measures chemicals and electrolytes. Blood tests are also used to check organ function, identify heart disease, and monitor treatments.
What they are and how they work
- Purpose: Blood tests provide doctors with information about your physiological and biochemical state, including organ function, disease, nutrient levels, and the effectiveness of medications.
- Sample collection: A blood sample is typically drawn from a vein in the arm using a needle or from a fingertip. The sample is then sent to a lab for analysis, though some tests may be done on-site.
- Analysis: Laboratories use automated instruments and other methods to analyze the blood for specific components.
Common types of blood tests
Cancer-related tests: Specific blood tests can help screen for or monitor certain cancers, such as prostate-specific antigen (PSA) for prostate cancer or CA125 for ovarian cancer.
Complete Blood Count (CBC): Measures red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and hemoglobin. It can help diagnose conditions like anemia and infection.
Basic Metabolic Panel (BMP): A group of tests that measures blood sugar (glucose), calcium, electrolytes (like sodium and potassium), and waste products (like BUN and creatinine) to assess kidney function, blood sugar levels, and electrolyte balance.
Lipid Panel: Checks cholesterol and triglyceride levels, which are important indicators for heart disease risk.
Enzyme tests: Measure enzymes in the blood that can indicate tissue damage. For example, troponin and creatine kinase tests can detect heart damage.
Coagulation tests: Also called coagulation panel, these check how well your blood clots and can help diagnose bleeding or clotting disorders.
