Blood tests are a cornerstone of modern medical diagnosis. A simple prick of a finger or a draw of blood from a vein can reveal a wealth of information about your overall health. Here are the top 10 most common blood tests and what they can diagnose:
1. Complete Blood Count (CBC)
- What it measures: Red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and hemoglobin levels.
- What it diagnoses: Anemia, infections, inflammation, blood clotting disorders, and certain types of cancer.
2. Basic Metabolic Panel (BMP)
- What it measures: Glucose, electrolytes (sodium, potassium, chloride, and bicarbonate), and kidney function (BUN and creatinine).
- What it diagnoses: Diabetes, dehydration, kidney disease, and electrolyte imbalances.
3. Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP)
- What it measures: Everything in a BMP, plus liver function tests (ALT, AST, and bilirubin).
- What it diagnoses: Liver disease, in addition to conditions diagnosed by a BMP.
4. Lipid Panel
- What it measures: Cholesterol (total, LDL, HDL), and triglycerides.
- What it diagnoses: High cholesterol, which increases the risk of heart disease and stroke.
5. Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone (TSH)
- What it measures: TSH levels, which regulate thyroid hormone production.
- What it diagnoses: Thyroid disorders like hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism.
6. C-Reactive Protein (CRP)
- What it measures: CRP, a marker of inflammation.
- What it diagnoses: Inflammation caused by infections, autoimmune diseases, or other conditions.
7. Liver Function Tests (LFTs)
- What it measures: ALT, AST, and bilirubin levels.
- What it diagnoses: Liver damage or disease, such as hepatitis or cirrhosis.
8. Kidney Function Tests
- What it measures: BUN and creatinine levels.
- What it diagnoses: Kidney damage or disease, such as chronic kidney disease.
9. Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c)
- What it measures: Average blood sugar levels over the past 2-3 months.
- What it diagnoses: Diabetes and prediabetes.
10. Troponin
- What it measures: Troponin, a protein released when the heart muscle is damaged.
- What it diagnoses: Heart attack.
Remember, blood tests are just one tool for diagnosing health conditions. Your doctor will interpret your results in conjunction with your medical history and other factors. If you have any concerns about your health, be sure to talk to your doctor.