Blood tests are frequently used to not only monitor one’s health but also to diagnose illnesses. A blood test can disclose a great deal about a person’s health.
A CBC, or complete blood cell count, is one of the most commonly ordered tests. It informs you the different cells in your blood, how many there are, and whether they are abnormal or normal.
Anemia can lead to reduced red blood cell count. According to Dr. Fiona Craig, a Mayo Clinic pathologist, infections can lead to an increase in inflammatory cells and white blood cells in the bloodstream.
Blood tests might also be highly complicated.
“There are now technologies to detect minuscule quantities of cancer in your bloodstream. And that necessitates a highly sophisticated sort of testing that differs significantly from the CBC,” explains Dr. Craig.
Some blood tests require patients to fast before their blood is drawn.
“We check for cells and chemicals in the blood, such as glucose. And there are many compounds in our meals, which we absorb into our blood. So, if the blood test is to determine your baseline level of, say, glucose for diabetes, we should take it before you eat,” adds Dr. Craig.
While the collection process is normally quick and, for some, pleasant, some people experience dizziness afterwards. Dr. Craig claims this is not due to the volume of blood obtained.
“Our bodies generally carry roughly 5 liters of blood, but you’re just collecting 5 milliliters, or one-thousandth of that. “More often, it’s concern, worry, and apprehension about the collection,” explains Dr. Craig.
She suggests staying hydrated and warm on the day of your blood test for a smoother experience.