Three Different Types of Blood Tests Explained
Doctors recommend that one should get routine blood screenings as they can detect many life-changing or life-threatening diseases early, such as diabetes, kidney disease, and even some cancers. But did you know there are different blood tests, and they all measure different things? For example, some can measure how well a particular vital organ works. Moreover, blood tests can be also be used to search for markers of diseases and health conditions such as anemia, diabetes, heart disease, and HIV. Finally, even if a person does not have any of the previously mentioned health conditions, blood tests can verify if one could be at risk for developing such conditions.
Remember, doctors and health professionals typically recommend testing at routine intervals to allow people to see how their body changes over time and empower them to make more informed decisions about health and wellness. If you’re simply curious about blood tests or recently had your blood tested in a bloodwork lab but aren’t sure about the whole process, three of the most common blood tests will be explained below.
- Complete Blood Count (CBC)
A CBC checks and measures the levels of different components of every major blood cell in your body, most notably the red blood cells (RBC), white blood cells (WBC), and platelets. Other important components a CBC measures include hemoglobin and hematocrit.
Abnormal levels of the test components mentioned could indicate blood clotting issues, blood cancer, immune system disorders, and nutritional deficiencies (iron, vitamin B6, and others). Doctors can order follow-up tests to confirm abnormal levels and prepare a possible diagnosis based on your bloodwork results.
- Basic Metabolic Panel (BMP)
A basic metabolic panel (BMP) will check for the levels of eight compounds in one’s blood, namely: blood urea nitrogen (BUN), calcium, carbon dioxide, chloride, creatinine, electrolytes, glucose, potassium, and sodium. Fasting for at least eight hours may be required before a BMP, depending on doctors’ instructions and what is being checked or measured in the blood test. Adverse health conditions indicated by abnormal levels include diabetes, hormone imbalances, or kidney disease. Therefore, follow-up tests are necessary before any major diagnosis.
- Enzyme Markers
Enzymes are proteins in your body that control chemical reactions in the body. They also help with certain chemical processes, like breaking down food and blood clotting. The enzyme markers test helps doctors identify if one’s enzyme levels are too high or too low. The four main enzymes tested are:
- CPK-1 (creatine phosphokinase) is primarily found in the brain, heart, lungs, and skeletal muscle. High levels can indicate brain injuries or cancer. Also, CK seeps into the blood in growing amounts when muscle damage happens.
- CPK-2 (creatine kinase-MB) is primarily found in the heart. These enzymes often increase in the blood after a heart attack or other heart injury.
- CPK-3 is also found in the heart. Increased levels can result from muscle inflammation, injury, or intense exercise.
- Troponin is an enzyme in your heart that can leak into your blood after a heart injury.
Abnormal enzyme levels can indicate many conditions. But most of these tests are used to determine if you’ve had a heart attack and if your heart muscle is damaged.One of the most important methods to track your overall health is routine blood testing. Other blood tests can determine whether the medications you’re taking are working properly or assess your cholesterol levels. However, getting your blood tested is just one step in a series of steps to keep your health and well-being in check. Consult a doctor if you’re experiencing any unusual symptoms and schedule an appointment at a bloodwork lab near you.
