A vital way to monitor your general health is through routine blood testing. Regular testing can enable you to see the changes your body experiences as you age and provide you the information you need to make wise health decisions.
A vital picture of your general health and well-being can be obtained from blood testing. These studies help in the early detection of a disease, which prevents it from developing into a more serious stage. They can also assist you in keeping track of how your body reacts to various disease treatments.
How often should a person get tested?
Typically, your doctor will advise having routine blood work performed at least once every year. You may also be prompted to get blood testing for the following reasons:
- If you want to alter your way of life. You may want to change your diet or exercise regimen if there are abnormalities in certain parameters like high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL).
- If you have uncharacteristic, ongoing symptoms including exhaustion, odd weight gain or loss, or new discomfort
- If you are at a greater risk of certain conditions owing to family history or lifestyle factors.
- Regular blood tests can detect the early warning signs of the majority of diseases, helping you determine or lower your risk of developing diseases or consequences.
The top 5 blood tests that are crucial for maintaining good health and avoiding sneaky health risks are listed below:
Complete Blood Count (CBC test)
A typical blood test performed for a variety of reasons is a complete blood count test or CBC test. A complete blood count test evaluates the following:
- A red blood cell carries oxygen
- Virus-fighting white blood cells
- The oxygen-carrying protein in red blood cells called haemoglobin
- The quantity of red blood cells in the blood, known as hemocrit
- Platelets, which assist in blood clotting
To assess general health
A complete blood count may be performed as part of a physical examination to assess overall health and search for diseases like leukaemia or anaemia.
To determine a disease’s cause
Finding the source of symptoms such as weakness, exhaustion, and fever might be assisted by a complete blood count test. Also, it can aid in determining what is causing bleeding, bruising, or any kind of discomfort.
To assess a health condition
Monitoring conditions that alter blood cell counts can be aided by a full blood count test.
To verify the status of medical care
A complete blood count can be used to monitor the effects of blood cell-affecting medication treatment.
HbA1c test
Your average blood glucose (sugar) levels over the previous two to three months are measured with the help of HbA1c test. An optimal HbA1c level for diabetics is 48 mmol/mol (6.5%) or less. Glycated haemoglobin, often known as HbA1c, is a substance. This substance is created when your body’s natural sugar, glucose, attaches to your red blood cells. More sugar attaches to your blood cells and accumulates in your blood because your body can’t utilise it effectively. Red blood cell actively lasts for about two to three months, which is why the test is done every three months.
Thyroid Panel
A thyroid panel, often known as a thyroid function test, assesses the efficiency with which your thyroid produces and responds to several hormones. It contains:
Triiodothyronine (T3): This hormone controls your body’s temperature and heart rate along with T4.
Thyroxine (T4): This hormone, together with T3, controls your metabolism.
Thyroid stimulating Hormone [TSH]: The hormone known as thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) controls how much hormone your thyroid produces.
Many illnesses, including low protein levels, thyroid growth abnormalities, and aberrant amounts of sex hormones like testosterone or oestrogen, can be brought on by abnormal levels of these hormones.
Lipid Panel
This test finds out how many kinds of cholesterol and associated lipids are present in the blood. Typically, it involves
- “Good” cholesterol, or HDL
- “Bad” cholesterol, or LDL
- Triglycerides
- Overall cholesterol
The purpose of this lipid panel test is to evaluate the risk of cardiac problems, particularly in elderly people. The outcomes of this exam may potentially affect and enhance your lifestyle decisions.
Check Your Vital Nutrient Levels
Blood tests measuring the body’s levels of specific nutrients, such as iron, vitamin D, vitamin B12, and magnesium, which are essential for normal bodily processes, are significant.
It is crucial to assess these levels and supplement them as necessary because the majority of people are lacking in these nutrients for a variety of reasons. Many conditions, including anaemia due to iron deficiency, the risk of fractures and falls, chronic or acute pain, etc., can be avoided by opting for a vitamin D test taking supplements of these minerals.
Which place is the best lab for blood tests?
Check online for the best and reputed labs that offer a blood test at home for an affordable price.
Conclusion
A common phrase used to describe diagnostic examinations is “prevention is better than cure”. Some diseases can be prevented from progressing into more severe forms by early diagnosis. These lab tests, however, are frequently insufficient to provide a definitive diagnosis. A large number of blood tests are first utilised to find any abnormalities, and then, with the aid of a healthcare professional, these results are further correlated with other investigations to arrive at a definitive diagnosis.
Most blood tests need 8 to 12 hours of fasting, which can ensure that any variables, such as vitamins, proteins, and other nutrients, are removed from the findings, resulting in the most reliable test results possible. As a result, routine blood testing should be performed at least once a year. To ensure your health is at its best, always follow your doctor’s instructions when it comes to additional tests.
