Overview

Blood work, or blood tests, are a common and vital part of medical care. They measure the levels of various cells, chemicals, and substances in your blood. The results provide a snapshot of your overall health and can help diagnose, monitor, and screen for a wide range of conditions.

Common Blood Tests

A Complete Blood Count (CBC) is a fundamental test that measures red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and hemoglobin. The Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP) measures glucose, electrolytes, kidney and liver function markers, and proteins. Lipid panels measure cholesterol and triglycerides. Other tests include thyroid function and iron studies.

Understanding Results

Results are typically provided with a reference range. A result outside this range may indicate a problem but can also be due to other factors like age, sex, medications, or recent activity. It's important to discuss your results with your doctor, who can interpret them in context with your overall health.

When to See a Doctor

Always follow up with your doctor for any abnormal results. Do not self-diagnose based on your blood work. Your doctor can help you understand the significance of any out-of-range values.