10 reasons why Blood Tests are important
Blood tests are an essential part of modern healthcare, providing valuable insights into a person’s health and well-being. According to the American Society of Clinical Pathology, “Laboratory medicine is the medical specialty concerned with the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease through the use of clinical laboratory tests.” These tests involve analysing samples of a person’s blood, and they can help detect a wide range of diseases and conditions, monitor the effectiveness of treatment, evaluate organ function, and identify risk factors for certain health problems.
In this Post, we’ll explore 10 reasons why blood tests are so important:
Detecting diseases: Blood tests can help detect a wide range of diseases and conditions, including anaemia, diabetes, and liver disease. For example, a complete blood count (CBC) can help diagnose anaemia by measuring the levels of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets in the blood. A blood glucose test can help diagnose diabetes by measuring the level of sugar in the blood. And a liver function test can help diagnose liver disease by measuring the levels of certain enzymes in the blood.
Monitoring treatment: Blood tests can be used to monitor the effectiveness of certain treatments, such as medication or chemotherapy. For example, a person taking medication for high blood pressure may have regular blood tests to ensure that their blood pressure is well-controlled. A person undergoing chemotherapy may have blood tests to monitor their white blood cell counts and ensure that the treatment is not damaging their bone marrow.
Checking for infections: Blood tests can help identify infections by detecting the presence of bacteria or viruses in the blood. For example, a blood culture test can identify bacteria in the blood, and a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test can detect the genetic material of viruses.
Evaluating organ function: Blood tests can provide information about how well various organs, such as the liver and kidneys, are functioning. For example, a liver function test can measure the levels of certain enzymes in the blood, indicating how well the liver is working. A creatinine test can measure the level of a waste product called creatinine in the blood, indicating how well the kidneys are functioning.
Detecting allergies: Blood tests can be used to detect allergies to certain substances, such as food or medications. For example, a person with a suspected food allergy may have a food allergy panel, which tests for antibodies to various foods. A person with a suspected drug allergy may have a drug allergy test, which measures the levels of certain antibodies in the blood.
Identifying nutritional deficiencies: Blood tests can help detect deficiencies in nutrients such as iron or vitamin D. For example, a person with anaemia may have a low iron level, indicating a deficiency in this essential nutrient. A person with osteoporosis may have a low vitamin D level, indicating a deficiency in this important bone-building nutrient.
Assessing risk for certain conditions: Blood tests can help identify risk factors for certain conditions, such as high cholesterol or heart disease. For example, a cholesterol panel can measure the levels of LDL (“bad”) cholesterol, HDL (“good”) cholesterol, and triglycerides in the blood, helping to assess the risk for heart disease.
Screening for cancer: Some blood tests can be used to screen for cancer, such as the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test for prostate cancer. This test measures the level of PSA, a protein produced by the prostate gland, in the blood. Elevated levels of PSA can indicate the presence of prostate cancer.
Checking hormone levels: Blood tests can help evaluate hormone levels, which can be important in the diagnosis and treatment of conditions such
as thyroid disease and diabetes. For example, a thyroid function test can measure the levels of thyroid hormones and thyroid-stimulating hormone in the blood, helping to diagnose and manage thyroid conditions. A blood glucose test can measure the level of sugar in the blood, helping to diagnose and manage diabetes.
Establishing a baseline: Blood tests can be used to establish a baseline for future reference. This can be especially useful when monitoring the progression of a chronic condition. For example, a person with high blood pressure may have regular blood tests to track their blood pressure over time and ensure that it is well-controlled.
Overall, blood tests are an important tool for doctors to help diagnose, treat, and monitor a wide range of medical conditions. Don’t hesitate to ask your doctor about getting a blood test if you have any concerns about your health. Regular blood testing can help ensure that any potential health issues are detected and addressed as soon as possible. It is good to also know that at Essence Medical Laboratory we visualize your health with ultramodern blood analysers which gives you an accurate reflection of your health at the fastest turn around time.
