As adults, we may need to have a blood panel done from time to time, whether it’s because we re on certain medications that require monitoring of organ function or it’s part of an annual health check. But what exactly are medical providers looking for when they order a blood panel, and why is blood work necessary?
When a medical provider orders lab tests, they’re trying to catch early warning signs of disease or other health conditions, before symptoms appear. The blood tests your medical provider orders will depend on your family risk factors and medical history, sex, age, and certain medications you may be taking. Baseline tests will check for metabolic function, blood cell counts, and blood sugar levels. Your medical provider will often order a blood panel that tests for a variety of things with a single draw.
Complete Blood Count (CBC)-this test checks platelets, white cells, and red blood cells. A complete blood panel can identify conditions such as infection, leukemia and other cancers, autoimmune disease, heart disease, and anemia.
Basic Metabolic Panel (BMP)-this blood test will check for blood sugar levels, lung function, and kidney function by testing electrolyte levels, blood sugar, and blood filtration. It can identify common lung and kidney problems, as well as pre-diabetes and diabetes.
Lipid Panel-this test checks for triglycerides and cholesterol in the blood and can also detect plaque buildup in the arteries.
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✔ More then 5 Years ExperienceFrom diagnosing disease to treating illness, blood tests can give your medical provider the perfect opportunity to peer into the pathological and physiological state of your health.
Blood tests can tell your medical provider a lot about your health. It can tell them about organ function, your metabolism, diet, and more.
Organ function The cause of shortness of breath or unexplained fatigue Explain unexpected weight gain or weight loss What nutrients you need more of Hormone levels Diabetes Track health progress
Your medical provider may recommend a BMP or CBC every year at your wellness visit. Other tests ordered can depend on your personal and family history, lifestyle, and age. In many cases, your medical provider will ask you to fast for twelve hours before the blood draw. Fasting helps prevent chemical changes and fluctuations in blood sugar levels.
Your medical provider will use different vials for each blood sample, but only one needle will be required. The sample is then sent to the lab, which provides the results in a few days. If one of the panels shows abnormal cells, further testing will be necessary.