What Do Blood Tests Show?

If your doctor has told you that you need a blood test, you may well be feeling nervous. The chances are, however, that it’s nothing to worry about. Tests are often used just to check up on your general health and help you better look after yourself. They can also be used to help diagnose illness, making sure that you get the right treatment.

Not very much blood will need to be taken, so it shouldn’t leave you feeling weak, and although some people worry because there’s a needle involved, having blood taken by a professional will hurt less than stubbing your toe.

Basic Blood Counts

The simplest kind of blood test is a blood count. This is a test designed to make sure you have the right amount of particular cell types in your blood. If you don’t have enough red blood cells, you’ll be anemic and likely to feel tired all the time. If you don’t have enough white cells, you won’t be able to fight off illnesses.

If you don’t have enough platelets, you could bruise really easily and bleed for longer than normal if you’re injured. Having too many of a particular cell type could also indicate problems. After a blood test, your doctor will have a better idea how to treat your symptoms and make you feel better.

Comprehensive Metabolic Panels

A comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP) uses the balance of chemicals in your blood as a way of finding out if there are problems with your metabolism or your internal organs and, if so, what the problems are likely to be. There are also specialist tests that are used when a doctor suspects a particular issue – for instance, a test for thyroid hormones might be used to find out if your thyroid is functioning properly, while a test for cholesterol can help to determine how healthy your heart and your arteries are.

Blood Tests And Chronic Illness

If you have a long-term illness like diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis, your doctor may want you to get regular blood tests so that the progress of your illness and the way your medicine is affecting you can be monitored. Because all our bodies go through changes over time, your medicine may sometimes need to be adjusted or you may need to make lifestyle changes. It’s important to get these blood tests so that you can stay safe and as healthy as possible.

How To Get Your Blood Tested

There are lots of locations near Palm Springs where you can get your blood tested, and LabCorp Palm Springs offers a wide range of different testing options. Make sure you pay attention to any instructions you are given when you book your test – sometimes you may need to fast beforehand.

Visiting a center that specializes in blood work means you’ll get your blood taken by an expert, minimizing any pain or bruising to the point where you may not even notice it. You’ll be contacted when the results are ready, which may take a few days, and then you can get more accurate advice on your health needs.