9 Blood tests That Will Tell You Everything About Your Health

The doctor prescribes a blood tests almost every time a patient comes for the first time. However, taking the test may also be relevant for preventive purposes.
The list of indications for laboratory blood testing is long, but we often postpone going to the hospital until serious symptoms appear. To prevent the development of dangerous diseases, you need to take the test when even “harmless” signs appear:

• pallor;
• presence of dizziness;
• drowsiness;
• weakness.

Hematological examination

A hematological study is a comprehensive blood test that provides information on the qualitative and quantitative composition of blood. Blood tests help to identify hidden changes in organs and tissues, determine complications that have arisen, differentiate similar diseases, assess the functional state of individual organs and systems, and monitor the effectiveness of treatment and preventive measures.

The high information content of hematological studies is explained by the fact that blood performs many functions in the human body. Blood is responsible for solving such problems as ensuring gas exchange between tissues and lungs, protecting the body from infections, supplying tissues with nutrients, and maintaining the water and mineral balance necessary for the normal functioning of internal organs.
Hematological studies include many different tests, the purpose of which is determined for the patient by the symptoms of his disease.

Most often, a complex of hematological studies includes a complete blood count, counting the leukocyte formula and the number of reticulocytes, and determining the ESR.
During a hematological blood test, the number of:

• leukocytes – cells responsible for immune responses; their concentration can be used to identify an inflammatory process, infection or allergic reaction
• platelets – particles that ensure blood clotting; when analyzed, not only their number but also their size is revealed; these indicators allow us to detect disturbances in the blood clotting process
• red blood cells – cells involved in the transfer of oxygen to organs and tissues; they contain the protein hemoglobin, the concentration of which is also determined in the serum; this indicator is especially important for the diagnosis of anemia and its causes

The range of values ​​studied within the framework of hematological analysis also includes the ESR reaction – the erythrocyte sedimentation rate. The indicator makes it possible to identify endocrine disorders, inflammatory and oncological processes.

Biochemical blood test

A biochemical blood test  is a laboratory diagnostic method that allows you to evaluate the functioning of internal organs (liver, kidneys, pancreas, gall bladder, etc.), obtain information about metabolism (metabolism of lipids, proteins, carbohydrates), and determine the need for trace elements.
A biochemical blood test is one of the most popular research methods for patients and doctors. If you clearly know what a biochemical blood test from a vein shows, you can detect a number of serious illnesses at an early stage, including viral hepatitis, diabetes, and malignant neoplasms. Early detection of such pathologies makes it possible to apply the correct treatment and cure them.
Before donating blood for biochemistry, you need to carefully prepare for this process:

• You need to donate blood on an empty stomach;
• in the evening before the upcoming test, you should not drink coffee, tea, consume fatty foods or alcoholic beverages;
• you can’t smoke; you shouldn’t go to a sauna or bathhouse the day before taking the tests;
• you should not subject yourself to serious physical exertion;
• laboratory tests must be taken in the morning, before any medical procedures;
• When you arrive at the laboratory, you need to calm down a little, sit for a few minutes and catch your breath;
• in the morning, before the procedure, you can skip brushing your teeth;
• do not drink tea or coffee in the morning;
• You should not take antibiotics, hormonal medications, diuretics, etc. before taking blood.

Laboratory types

This type of laboratory diagnostics is familiar to almost everyone, doctors prescribe it first of all – as a quick and informative method of assessing the state of health. However, a rare patient, receiving the results in hand, will be able to decipher a long list of names and numbers. And, although no one requires a thorough assessment of all these characteristics from us, there are doctors for this, a general idea of ​​​​the indicators measured during a biochemical blood test is still worth having.

Meanwhile, this is not only interesting, but also extremely useful information that we are happy to share with you.
Most pathologies of the human body affect the composition of the blood. By identifying the concentration of certain chemical or structural elements of the blood, you can draw conclusions about the presence and course of diseases. Thus, a blood test “for biochemistry” is prescribed for diagnosis and treatment monitoring.
Biochemical blood test plays an important role in monitoring pregnancy. If a woman feels normal, it is prescribed in the first and third trimesters, and more often in case of toxicosis, the threat of miscarriage, complaints of malaise.

Preparation and implementation of the procedure

Donating blood for biochemistry requires compliance with a number of conditions; otherwise, the diagnosis will be incorrect.

• Blood for biochemical analysis is given on an empty stomach, in the morning hours – usually between 8 and 11, in order to meet the requirement of not less than 8 hours, but not more than 12-14 hours of fasting. The day before and on the day of the procedure, it is recommended to drink only water, avoid heavy food – eat neutrally.
• It is necessary to check with your doctor whether you should take a break from taking medications and for how long. Some medications can distort the test results.
• You must stop smoking at least an hour before the examination. Stop drinking alcohol the day before the examination.
• It is recommended to avoid physical and emotional stress the day before the procedure. When you arrive at the medical facility, try to sit quietly for 10-20 minutes before blood is taken.
• If you have been prescribed a course of physical therapy or have had any instrumental examination, it is probably better to postpone the procedure. Consult with your doctor.

In cases where it is necessary to obtain laboratory parameters over time, repeated studies should be carried out in the same medical institution and under similar conditions.

Complete blood count

A clinical blood test (complete blood count, general blood test)  is a medical or nursing test that allows you to evaluate the hemoglobin content in the red blood system, the number of erythrocytes, color index, the number of leukocytes, and platelets. A clinical blood test allows you to examine the leukogram and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR).
With the help of this test, you can identify anemia (decreased hemoglobin – leukocyte formula), inflammatory processes (leukocytes, leukocyte formula), etc.
A complete blood count is the basis for diagnosing most of the known diseases. Many of its indicators can form the basis for making a diagnosis and prescribing adequate treatment.
A complete (complete) blood test includes:

• Determination of the content of cellular elements of the blood: erythrocytes – red blood cells containing the pigment hemoglobin, which determines the color of the blood, and leukocytes, which do not contain this pigment, therefore are called white blood cells (neutrophils, eosinophils, basophils, lymphocytes, monocytes);
• Hemoglobin level;
• Hematocrit (in a hematology analyzer, although it can be approximately determined by eye after the red blood cells have spontaneously settled to the bottom);
• Color index calculated using a formula if the study was carried out manually, without the use of laboratory equipment;
• Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), previously called the reaction (ESR).

Blood sugar test

When we give blood for sugar, we receive information about the level of glucose in the blood. In our body, glucose performs a very important function – it gives energy to all cells. The body receives this “fuel” from various sources: fruits, berries, honey, marmalade, chocolate, beets, carrots, pumpkin and many other products. Information about the sugar content in the blood can help diagnose various diseases.

Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) is usually a consequence of diseases of the pancreas, liver, kidneys and adrenal glands, as well as the hypothalamus. If a person follows a diet that excludes all sweet foods from his diet, his glucose level may decrease, which will negatively affect the speed of brain function.
The most common cause of high sugar (hyperglycemia) is diabetes. Hyperglycemia can also be associated with other endocrine diseases, with problems of the liver and hypothalamus, constant inflammatory processes in the body.

When sugar levels are high, the pancreas begins to actively produce insulin to break it down, but this process has its limits. When there is not enough insulin, sugar is deposited in the internal organs and accumulates as fat deposits.
All of the above diseases are accompanied by certain symptoms, analyzing which the doctor prescribes a blood test for sugar.

Blood test for hormones

A blood test for hormones  is a laboratory study that can show the condition of many organs and systems of the body. Hormones are biologically active substances produced by the endocrine glands. The content of hormones in the blood is insignificant compared to other components, but their effect on the body is great. Hormones regulate all biochemical processes in the body, including growth, development, reproduction, and metabolism.

Different hormones can perform the same function, complementing each other’s action, or they can cause the opposite effect. Normally, the body maintains a hormonal balance – a certain equilibrium provided by the concentration of hormones in the blood. Deviation from this balance immediately affects the body and leads to the development of diseases.

A blood test for hormones allows you to identify hormonal imbalances, establish the cause of the disease, and develop the correct course of treatment. Hormonal analysis is used in endocrinology, gynecology, urology, andrology, neuropathology, gastroenterology, oncology, as well as by doctors of other specialties.

9 Blood Indicators That Will Tell You Everything About Your Health

1. Hemoglobin (Hb)

This is a blood coloring substance contained in red blood cells. Its main function is to transfer oxygen from the lungs to the cells and remove CO2 from the body.
Norm: for men 130-160 g/l, for women – 120-140 g/l.
A hemoglobin level below the norm indicates:

• possible anemia;
• the blood loss that occurred;
• or hidden internal bleeding against the background of damage to internal organs.

Increased hemoglobin usually occurs with blood diseases, heart failure.
For pregnant women, normal values ​​are different. The lower limit in the 1st and 3rd trimester is 110, and in the 2nd – 105 g / l. The upper limit throughout the entire period of bearing a child is 155 g / l.

2. Erythrocytes

These red blood cells contain hemoglobin.
In men, the normal content of erythrocytes is 4.0-5.0 million/mcl, and in women – 3.5-4.7.
An increase in the number of erythrocytes can be observed in a healthy person at high altitudes or due to diseases:

• changes in the structure of the heart;
• development of dehydration;
• diseases of the bronchi, lungs, kidneys, liver;
•  excess of steroid hormones.

A low level of red blood cells indicates the presence of pathology: anemia, acute blood loss, chronic inflammation, some hereditary pathologies, including enzymopathy.
In some cases, it increases in the last months of pregnancy.

3. Leukocytes

White blood cells. They are responsible for immune control. They are synthesized in the bone marrow and lymph nodes.
A healthy level of leukocyte fractions, measured in g/l (grams per liter), in men and women is considered to be:

• neutrophils 1.8-7.5;
• lymphocytes 1-3.6;
• eosinophils 0-0.5;
• basophils 0-0.09;
• monocytes 0.1-0.8.

An elevated level may indicate the presence of an infectious and inflammatory process in the body, leukemia, allergies.
It is worth considering that values ​​​​out of the normal range can also occur in situations not related to diseases:

• physical activity;
• stress load;
• taking hormonal drugs, heart medications;
• pregnancy.

Leukopenia or low white blood cell count may be:

• in the presence of a viral infection;
• when taking analgesics, anticonvulsants.

4. Platelets

The cells that perform blood coagulation participate in the formation of blood clots. In a healthy person, the level of platelets in the blood is about 180-400 thousand U/mcl.
If the number of cells is out of the norm, then the person probably has tuberculosis, ulcerative colitis, liver cirrhosis.
The condition is observed in the postoperative period, as well as when taking hormonal drugs.
A decrease in the level occurs with:

• blood pathologies;
• heavy metal poisoning;
• renal failure;
• diseases of the liver, spleen;
• hormonal imbalance;
• when taking antibiotics, diuretics, hormonal drugs;
• under the influence of alcohol.

5. ESR

The erythrocyte sedimentation rate is an indicator that reflects the protein content in the blood plasma. It is used to analyze the progress of the disease. It increases on the 2nd–4th day of the disease, and the peak is observed at the recovery stage.
The normal value for men is 2–10 mm/h, for women — 2–15 mm/h.
An increase in the value occurs when:

• infectious disease;
• the presence of foci of inflammation;
• anemia;
• kidney diseases;
• hormonal imbalances;
• shock after injuries and surgeries;
• gestation;
• in the postpartum period;
• menses.

A decrease may occur due to circulatory failure or anaphylactic shock.

6. Glucose

The normal glucose level is within the range of 3.5–6.5 mmol/liter.
Excess of the substance signals:

• about diabetes,
• about unbalanced nutrition,
• hormonal disorders.

7. Total protein

Normally – 60-80 g/l. Decreases against the background of decreased liver and kidney function, deficiency of nutrient intake (for example, after a diet).

8. Total bilirubin

The normal bilirubin value is no higher than 20.5 mmol/l. This indicator is an indicator of liver function.
The amount of bile pigment increases with hepatitis, the formation of gallstones, and the destruction of red blood cells.

9. Creatinine

Normally – 0.18 mmol/l. Deviation from the norm is one of the indicators of renal failure, if below the norm – weak immunity.