With a simple blood sample you can get a lot of information about our state of health.
When read individually, blood test values don’t always say something. Instead, they can be very useful if interpreted as a whole and in relation to the health conditions, any symptoms and the age of the patient.
But be careful, because not all laboratories always use units of measurement, normal ranges and methods of analysis equal to each other. Therefore, it is always necessary to carefully check all the data reported on the report, especially if the same examination is not repeated in the same analysis laboratory. And of course, you should always seek the consultation of your family doctor.
Let’s see together what are the most frequently performed examinations.
Cbc
The blood count is one of the most common blood tests, as with a simple sample it allows you to get a lot of information about the different cells present in the blood.
Generally, blood counts include the measurement of:
- hematocrit, i.e. the ratio between the corpuscular part of the blood, consisting mainly of red blood cells, and the liquid part of the blood, or plasma
- hemoglobin, protein present in red blood cells, responsible for transporting oxygen
- red blood cells
- mean corpuscular volume of red blood cells
- average hemoglobin content of red blood cells (MCH)
- mean red blood cell hemoglobin (MCHC) concentration
- Red blood cell volume distribution (RDW)
- white blood cells (or leukocytes), which are divided into neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils, basophils
- platelets, important for the blood clotting process.
Glycemia
Blood glucose values indicate the concentration of sugar in the blood, a very important indicator for the diagnosis of diabetes or for the optimization of therapy in diabetic patients.
For the assessment of blood glucose the blood sample should be carried out in the morning on an empty stomach. In case of alterations it is possible to perform in-depth examinations, such as the glycemic load curve.
Cholesterol
Cholesterol belongs to the fat family: it is produced largely by the body, but it can also be introduced from the outside through food.
If present in physiological quantities it is essential for the proper functioning of the body, but when its levels in the blood are too high it can be dangerous for health as it increases the risk of cardiovascular disease.
For a correct evaluation of blood cholesterol values it is good to distinguish between:
- total cholesterol
- LDL cholesterol, or the so-called “bad” cholesterol that accumulates in the arteries, favoring the process of atherosclerosis
- HDL cholesterol, also called “good” cholesterol, as it represents cholesterol that is removed from the arteries to be returned to the liver.
Transaminase
Among the tests that can give indications on the state of health of the liver, the most common evaluate the levels of certain transaminases, enzymes involved in amino acid metabolism and glucose synthesis.
To provide more information about liver function are aspartate transaminases (AST) and alanine transaminases (ALT), whose increase in the blood may indicate liver damage.
In addition to assessing the blood levels of AST and ALT individually, it is also important to compare them: for example, in the case of acute viral, toxic or alcohol-induced hepatitis, a comparable increase in both enzymes is observed, while if the levels of AST are higher than those of ALT it is possible that it is chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis or alcohol-associated hepatitis.
Creatinine and azotemia
Among the most requested tests to evaluate renal function we remember the dosage of creatinine and azotemia (ie the blood concentration of non-protein nitrogen, waste product of protein metabolism).
Under physiological conditions both creatinine, which derives from the metabolism of muscle tissue, and non-protein nitrogen are eliminated in the urine; Their accumulation in the blood beyond physiological levels therefore indicates that the kidneys are not working properly.
Joycelyn Elders is the author and creator of EmpowerEssence, a health and wellness blog. Elders is a respected public health advocate and pediatrician dedicated to promoting general health and well-being.
The blog covers a wide range of topics related to health and wellness, with articles organized into several categories.