Blood Tests

Blood tests have a wide range of uses and are one of the most common types of medical test.

For example, a blood test can be used to:

Most blood tests only take a few minutes to complete and are carried out at your GP surgery or local hospital by a doctor, nurse or phlebotomist (a specialist in taking blood samples).

Blood tests have a wide range of uses and are one of the most common types of medical test.

For example, a blood test can be used to:

Most blood tests only take a few minutes to complete and are carried out at your GP surgery or local hospital by a doctor, nurse or phlebotomist (a specialist in taking blood samples).

How often should I get routine blood work?

Your doctor will typically recommend that you get routine blood work at least once a year, around the same time as your yearly physical.

But this is the bare minimum. There are several major reasons you may want to get blood tests more often than that:

Where would I have a blood test?

This may be done in hospital or by your GP or practice nurse. If you’re having an NHS health check, your blood test is usually a quick finger prick test that looks at the blood’s glucose and cholesterol levels. If the results are higher than recommended, you may be asked to go to your hospital for a full blood test.

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Do blood tests hurt?

It’s normal to be nervous about doing a blood test it’s human nature not to like pricking yourself with a needle or looking at your own blood! But the process is very straightforward and while it might feel a little uncomfortable it won’t be painful.

Venous blood test
With a venous blood test, all you’re likely to feel is a little pinch when the needle goes in, the blood being drawn out won’t hurt at all. You might have a small bruise where the needle went in.

Finger-prick blood test
As the name suggests, all you’ll feel is a small prick on your finger. The area the lancet went in might be a little tender afterwards.

What are some routine tests and others I should ask about?

Some of the most common routine tests are:

Some other tests that you may want include:

Why do some blood tests require fasting?

Everything you eat and drink contains vitamins, proteins, and other nutrients that can cause the related levels in your blood to temporarily spike or drop.

Fasting for 8–12 hours helps ensure that blood test results are free from these variables, making your test results as accurate as possible.

Some common tests that may require fasting include:

How long does it take to get results?

Results may take anywhere from a few hours to a few days to become available. Here’s an overview of how long some common tests may take:

What happens to my blood after the test?

Usually, the blood bottles contain small amounts of a chemical to stop your blood clotting in the tube, so it can be measured accurately in the lab. Each bottle is labelled with your name, date of birth and hospital number, when the blood was taken, and has a different coloured top according to the type of test. Then they are taken to be analysed.

Do I need to do anything to prepare for a blood test?

Occasionally you may need to fast (not eat) before your blood test, but your doctor will let you know if this is required. Unless you have been told not to, have a drink of water before your test. If you’re dehydrated, it can be more difficult to find your vein.

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Blood test results

After the blood sample has been taken, it will be put into a bottle and labelled with your name and details. It will then be sent to a laboratory where it will be examined under a microscope or tested with chemicals, depending on what’s being checked.

The results are sent back to the hospital or to your GP. Some test results will be ready the same day or a few days later, although others may not be available for a few weeks. You’ll be told when your results will be ready and how you’ll be given them.

Sometimes, receiving results can be stressful and upsetting. If you’re worried about the outcome of a test, you may choose to take a trusted friend or relative with you. For some tests, such as HIV, you will be offered specialist counselling to help you deal with your results.

What is checked in routine blood tests?

A typical routine blood test is the complete blood count, also called CBC, to count your red and white blood cells as well as measure your hemoglobin levels and other blood components. This test can uncover anemia, infection, and even cancer of the blood

Does cancer show in blood tests?

Examples of blood tests used to diagnose cancer include: Complete blood count (CBC). … Blood cancers may be detected using this test if too many or too few of a type of blood cell or abnormal cells are found. A bone marrow biopsy may help confirm a diagnosis of a blood cancer.

Do blood tests hurt?

The syringe is used to draw out a sample of your blood. You may feel a slight pricking or scratching sensation as the needle goes in, but it shouldn’t be painful. If you don’t like needles and blood, tell the person who is taking the sample so they can make you more comfortable.

How much water should you drink before a blood test?

Ideally, start drinking more fluids the day before your blood draw, and continue to drink water before you have your blood drawn. Excessive amounts aren’t necessary; most sources recommend that an adult drink 64 ounces of water per day for good health, which is more than adequate for having your blood drawn.

How often are blood tests needed?

Your doctor will recommend which blood tests you should have and how often. Generally, if your cholesterol is normal, you can repeat this test every five years. However, you should be tested annually if you have unhealthy levels or if you have a family history of heart disease or high cholesterol

How do I prepare for a blood test?

Before Your Blood Test Fasting for a blood test entails avoiding all food and beverages (except for water) for 8 to 12 hours prior to the test. Drink plenty of water and take your medications as usual

What are normal blood test results?

The normal range is 4,500 to 10,000 cells per microliter (cells/mcL). (A microliter is a very tiny amount – one millionth of a liter). RBC (red blood cell count). … The normal range for men is 4.5 million to 5.9 million cells/mcL; for women it’s 4.1 million to 5.1 million cells/mcL

What does a yearly blood test check for?

To complete the physical, your doctor may draw blood for several laboratory tests. These can include a complete blood count and a complete metabolic panel (also called a chemistry panel). The panel tests your blood plasma and can indicate any issues that exist in your kidneys, liver, blood chemistry, and immune system

Can blood tests show lung cancer?

Blood test could spot lung cancer 5 years earlier A blood test could help spot lung cancer up to 5 years before traditional scans can, a new study has found. The test uses antibodies produced by the immune system in response to lung cancer as a diagnostic tool, according to the University of Dundee.

Does a normal CBC rule out cancer?

The test results will provide your doctor with a count of how many blood cells there are, and also describe their shape, size, and content. The results of a CBC can reveal a number of health conditions to your doctor, from anemia and some types of cancer to vitamin and mineral deficiencies

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