Blood Test List

What are blood tests?

Blood tests are a vital tool in modern medicine, providing crucial insights into the condition and function of a patient's body. Common blood tests, such as a complete blood count (CBC), yield a wealth of information about components like red blood cells (RBCs), white blood cells (WBCs), and platelets.

These tests assess these cells' concentration, shape, and size, crucial indicators of overall health used to diagnose various conditions. For instance, the red blood cell count is key in identifying anemia, while the white blood cell count signals an immune response to infection.

Blood tests also play a crucial role in assessing blood glucose levels, a critical aspect of diabetes management and diagnosis. These tests help gauge the amount of glucose in the bloodstream, influencing treatment decisions, dietary choices, and overall diabetes management strategies.

Healthcare professionals use blood tests to monitor and diagnose various conditions, including infections, anemia, cancer, kidney disease, and bone marrow issues. Blood tests are also an essential tool for managing chronic conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and thyroid disorders.

Moreover, these tests can help identify potential health problems before symptoms appear, enabling early treatment and intervention.

Markers evaluated during a blood test

During a blood test, specific markers are evaluated to determine the overall health status of an individual. These may include:

• White blood cell count: This measures the number of white blood cells crucial for fighting infections.
• Red blood cell count: During this test, red blood cell count is checked to evaluate the body's ability to transport oxygen.
• Hemoglobin: This protein carries oxygen in the blood and is measured to assess anemia or other conditions affecting red blood cells.
• Platelet count: This evaluates the number of platelets involved in blood clotting and can indicate a disorder or disease if levels are too high or low.
• Cholesterol and triglycerides:  A triglycerides test is blood sample exam can measure blood fat levels contributing to heart health, with high levels being a risk factor for heart disease.
• Electrolytes: Sodium, potassium, calcium, and other electrolytes are essential for nerve and muscle function, and imbalances can signal underlying health issues.
• Blood urea nitrogen: This measures kidney function and can indicate issues with the kidneys' ability to filter waste from the blood.
• Liver enzymes: A blood test can also evaluate levels of enzymes produced by the liver, which can indicate liver damage or disease.
• Sex hormone levels: Hormones such as estrogen, testosterone, and progesterone can be evaluated through a blood test to assess fertility, menopause, or hormone-related conditions.

Common types of blood tests

Here are some of the common types of blood tests** that are routinely performed by healthcare  professionals:

Complete blood count (CBC)

The CBC is one of the most common blood tests to evaluate overall health and detect various disorders, including anemia, infection, and blood cancer. A CBC test measures several components and blood features, including red blood cells, white blood cells, hemoglobin, hematocrit, and platelets.

Basic metabolic panel (BMP)

Often part of a routine checkup, BMP helps identify diseases such as kidney and heart disease. It tests for blood glucose, calcium, and electrolytes, as well as the functioning of the kidneys through blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine levels.

Lipid panel

Used to assess the risk of developing heart disease, this test measures the amount of "good" and "bad" cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood, which are major risk factors for cardiovascular disease.

Comprehensive metabolic panel

Like other blood tests,  this panel is used to evaluate overall health, but it also provides more detailed information about the liver, kidney function, and electrolyte balance.

Liver function tests

These tests measure various proteins and enzymes in the blood associated with the liver's condition. It helps diagnose liver diseases, including hepatitis and cirrhosis, by checking markers like alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and bilirubin levels.

Blood clotting tests

Also known as a coagulation panel, these tests evaluate how well the blood clots and include prothrombin time (PT), international normalized ratio (INR), and partial thromboplastin time (aPTT). They are critical for patients with a risk of excessive bleeding or blood clots.

Thyroid function tests

These assess the health of the thyroid gland by measuring hormone levels in the blood samples, including Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) Test, and are vital in diagnosing thyroid disorders that affect metabolism.

Inflammatory marker testing

Blood tests targeting inflammatory markers like C-reactive protein (CRP) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) are essential indicators of infection or inflammation in the body. Elevated levels can be a significant risk factor for various diseases and may point to immune system issues or impaired blood flow in certain conditions.