Types of Blood Tests

Types of Blood Tests

Blood test is an examination of small amount of your blood by the doctor with a view to analyze your medical condition. Blood tests are carried out by doctors for a number of different reasons. Although, blood tests are not just enough to diagnose any problem, they give your doctors enough information about your present health condition.  The National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute has categorized blood into following different types:

Complete Blood Count

The complete blood count or CBC is a term used to refer to the number of tests which are carried out to have an idea about your white blood cell count, red blood cell count, platelet count, hemoglobin levels, and certain other vital blood components.

Blood Chemistry Tests

Blood chemistry tests are the tests which are performed to inspect the electrolytes by assessing sodium, potassium, chloride, and bicarbonate present in your body. These are essential for proper functioning of the body.

Blood Enzyme Tests

Blood enzyme tests are the tests which are carried out to sense any injury to the heart by assessing the creatine levels. These tests are also performed to measure the cardiac muscle protein levels as well. The higher levels indicate that you have had a heart attack.

Heart Disease Risk

There are certain blood tests which are performed to measure the level of cholesterol in blood such as lipoprotein panel. The results will show the total cholesterol count, LDL, HDL and triglycerides. The results higher or lower than normal levels suggest that you are more prone to heart diseases.

PSA Test

PSA or prostate-specific antigen test is performed on men and it is performed to measure the level of proteins produced by prostate. Higher levels can suggest cancer, enlargement or inflammation of gland.