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Basic Blood Tests

Basic Blood Tests

Blood tests are crucial tools in modern medicine, providing valuable information about your overall health. They help in diagnosing diseases, monitoring treatment effectiveness, and checking the functioning of organs. Here’s a rundown of the most common basic blood tests

Complete Blood Count (CBC)

The Complete Blood Count (CBC) is one of the most commonly ordered blood tests. It measures several components of your blood, including:

  • Red Blood Cells (RBCs) : Carry oxygen from your lungs to the rest of your body.
  • White Blood Cells (WBCs) : Fight infections and play a role in your immune system.
  • Decreased Mobility : Difficulty walking, climbing stairs, or performing daily activities due to knee pain and stiffness.
  • Hemoglobin : The oxygen-carrying protein in your red blood cells.
  • Hematocrit : The proportion of red blood cells to the fluid component, or plasma, in your blood.
  • Platelets : Help with blood clotting.

Basic Metabolic Panel (BMP)

The Basic Metabolic Panel (BMP) tests for a group of eight specific substances in the blood:

  • Glucose : Blood sugar level.
  • Calcium : Essential for bone health and muscle function.
  • Electrolytes : Sodium, potassium, bicarbonate, and chloride levels, which help regulate bodily fluids and acid-base balance.
  • Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN) and Creatinine : Indicators of kidney function.

Lipid Panel

A Lipid Panel measures the levels of specific lipids in your blood:

  • Total Cholesterol : The total amount of cholesterol in your blood.
  • Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL) Cholesterol : Often referred to as "bad" cholesterol.
  • High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL) Cholesterol : Often referred to as "good" cholesterol.
  • Triglycerides : A type of fat in the blood.

Liver Function Tests (LFTs)

Liver Function Tests (LFTs) measure enzymes and proteins in your blood that are either produced by your liver or released when liver cells are damaged

  • Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT) and Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST) : Enzymes that indicate liver damage.
  • Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP) : An enzyme related to bile ducts; often increased when they are blocked.
  • Bilirubin : A waste product from the breakdown of red blood cells.
  • Albumin and Total Protein : Levels indicate how well your liver is making the proteins that your body needs.