Sorry haven’t posted anything new recently.  Just got back from vacation! Yeah.  So, today I’ll just touch on a few things that people have been asking me recently.

Many people wonder what all the different blood tests are and what they mean. Others are curious as to whether they need blood tests with every yearly physical.  So what’s a patient to do?  Well, the first and easiest thing is to ask your doctor directly.  That way, you’ll get the most straight forward answer that is relevant for your particular situation.

Just a quick note for kids and related blood work.  At birth, newborns will get their blood checked.  This usually involves getting their blood type and some other genetic screenings that are routinely done.  Depending on the situation, the newborns may get a complete blood count, bilirubin level (checking jaundice), blood sugar levels, or even blood cultures.  Most healthy kids probably won’t be getting blood tests very often.  At one and two years of age, they may get another complete blood count and a lead level.

Most teenagers aren’t going to need or want blood tests but young menstruating girls with heavy bleeding might get their hemoglobin and iron levels checked if anemia is a concern.  Some teens may be tested for sexually transmitted infections as well and this would be recommended if they are sexually active.

As young adults, the tests you get depends on your health status and family history.  The two things many patients ask for are to check their blood sugars and cholesterol levels.  If you have a strong family history for diabetes or high cholesterol, or you are obese and have other risk factors, your doctor will probably do the blood tests to screen for these conditions.  If they are normal, then you just need to keep working on diet and exercise and probably don’t need to be tested again for several years unless there is a change in your health status.

Middle and older age adults will usually end up with a lot more frequent blood tests.  Probably yearly or more frequently if they have other health conditions.  For example, diabetic patients will get blood tests as frequently as every 3 months.  The tests that are done depends on the patient so you should ask your doctor what you need.  Remember to ask if you need to fast before the blood test.

A general question that people ask me is if they need a complete blood work.  Well, what does that even mean?  To tell you the truth, I’m not sure people even know what they mean when they ask this.  It is rather vague.  As I said before, it really depends on your particular situation.  In general, the blood tests would include a complete blood count, electrolytes, blood sugar level, cholesterol panel, kidney and liver functions (if a concern), and thyroid (if relevant).

Once you talk with your doctor about what tests you need and why you need them, schedule your test and a follow up appointment with the doctor if you want to review your test results.  Some people prefer to get their results by mail while others want to review all results with the doctor present.  This isn’t such a bad idea if you have a lot of questions or concerns.

Tags: Blood test, general doctor visit