What Are Blood Tests?
Do you remember the day you went to the hospital, and the doctor told you they would carry out some blood tests on you? Well, doctors use blood tests to diagnose certain conditions and diseases. A blood test is not always carried out on sick patients, but it helps determine your blood group or check for pregnancy. Furthermore, they help determine how the organs function and check whether the treatments are working as expected. In this article, we will look at why blood tests are carried out and what to expect with them.
Reasons why Blood Tests are Carried Out
- Assess how the major organs like the thyroid, heart, kidney, and liver are functioning
- Diagnose specific ailments and conditions like diabetes, HIV/AIDs, anemia, coronary heart disease, and cancer.
- Check whether you have factors that may trigger heart disease.
- Determine if the medicines prescribed are working
- Assess whether the blood is clotting well.
Overview
Doctors carry out blood tests regularly, especially if you go for routine checkups. In such a case, a blood test is done to see how your body is functioning. Fortunately, most blood tests do not need any preparations. But in some cases, the doctor may ask you to refrain from eating any food for 8-12 hours before the test. The doctor will explain everything to you.
When carrying out a blood test, your doctor will collect a small sample of your blood. Your doctor will draw the blood using a needle from a vein in your arm. Alternatively, they may opt to use a finger prick.
The procedure of drawing blood takes a few seconds, and it’s not painful. However, you may experience short-term discomfort.
The laboratory specialist will analyze the blood. To count the blood cells, the lab worker may use whole blood. They can also decide to separate your blood cells from the fluid commonly referred to as serum or plasma. After testing, any underlying health problems will be identified. If the problem is in an early stage, such as cancer, it can be successfully treated.
Doctors use blood tests to diagnose a wide range of health complications. Also, they rely on other factors such as medical history and symptoms to diagnose the problem.
What are the Risks Associated with Blood Tests?
Blood tests do not pose any risk apart from the short-lived discomfort and bruising. But this should not be a thing of concern, because it doesn’t last.
What to Expect with Blood Tests?
After you are pricked and the needle is withdrawn, your doctor will give a piece of cotton to massage the pricked region gently. This will stop the bleeding, not to mention that it prevents bruising and swelling.
Apart from that, you are not required to do anything else after you’ve been tested. Also, the testing does not in any way interfere with your working abilities. After the testing is done, don’t leave without getting the results from your doctor. If you have a chronic problem, such as heart problems, lungs or diabetes, or any other problem, your doctor will offer treatment for the same and recommend a lifestyle change if need be.
