Your Guide to Lab Tests
You may have submitted blood samples for multiple lab tests, but have you ever wondered what a mandatory blood test means? If you want to know, read on.
Complete blood count (CBC)
A complete blood count (CBC) depends on three types of blood cells:
White blood cells (WBC), red blood cells (RBC), platelets. By measuring the amount of blood cells, CBC helps doctors assess a person’s general health and check for underlying diseases such as leukemia and anemia.
Hematocrit (Hct) test
This test helps diagnose conditions such as anemia.
Hemoglobin (Hgb) test
Hemoglobin is a protein found in RBCs that carries oxygen from the lungs to the tissues of the body. A hemoglobin test can also help diagnose anemia.
Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP)
A comprehensive metabolic panel test measures glucose levels, fluid and electrolyte balance, and liver and kidney function.
Total Protein Test
The lab tests the ratio of the two proteins. Albumin and Globulin. Low protein levels can indicate a variety of medical conditions, such as liver and kidney disease and malnutrition, while high levels can be a sign of inflammation, infection, or bone marrow disease.
Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN) test
This test measures the amount of nitrogen in the blood. High levels can be caused by kidney damage or disease, while low levels can be a sign of malnutrition or severe liver damage.
Calcium Test
This test measures the level of calcium in the blood. Low test readings can indicate conditions such as cancer, hyperparathyroidism, and tuberculosis; high values indicate conditions such as malnutrition, rickets, and hyperparathyroidism. There is a possibility that
Fasting Blood Glucose Test
A fasting blood glucose test is performed after at least 6 hours of fasting for an accurate test result. Abnormal results may indicate diabetes, among other things. lipid test
A lipid panel consists of a variety of tests that measure different types of triglycerides (fat) and cholesterol in the blood. This may include testing for triglycerides, fats found in the blood. Irregularities in testing can be a risk factor for heart disease and other illnesses. Meanwhile, the HDL cholesterol test, also known as high-density lipoprotein (or good cholesterol), can help prevent heart disease. Low levels may increase the risk of heart problems. Similarly, LDL cholesterol testing, also known as low-density lipoprotein (or bad cholesterol), has been linked to heart disease and clogged arteries.
