It is essential these days to get your blood tests at least once a year. It will surely keep you aware of the changes that are going on within your body. By this, you can prepare yourself in case of any upcoming illness.
Doctors say that it is necessary to get your blood tested at least once a year. Some of the possible situations that can prompt you to get your blood tested are-
Here are the top 5 tests that you can perform every year for assurance of your good health.
#1 Blood composition Test
This test will give you the complete composition of your blood. It includes RBCs or red blood cells, WBCs or white blood cells, platelets, hemoglobin, mean corpuscular volume, and Hematocrit. In case of any abnormal levels in any of the above components, one can expect
#2 Electrolytes Test
This test will provide you with the minerals contained in your blood. Essential minerals necessary to be present in your blood are sodium, chloride, magnesium and potassium. A person can witness malnutrition, dehydration, or imbalanced hormones in case of mineral deficiency.
#3 Liver Panel:
This test checks the working of your liver. It checks for several parameters such as proteins, enzymes, and other substances produced through your liver. You may get actual results such as Bilirubin, Albumin, AST or Aspartate aminotransferase, ALP, and ALT. If any of the above values are high, you can expect that your liver is not performing well. Liver diseases may include cirrhosis, hepatitis, fatty liver, and many more.
#4 Lipid Panel:
Through this test, one can check the different types of cholesterol levels and fats in their blood. Such a test usually gives HDL or good cholesterol, Triglycerides, LDL or bad cholesterol, and total cholesterol. Through this test, one can save themselves from getting heart disease.
#5 Diabetes Test:
These days diabetes has become a significant issue, especially after the 30s. The main reason for catching such a disease is due to a busy lifestyle and bad eating habits. Diabetes test includes glycated hemoglobin, fasting plasma glucose, and post-meal blood glucose. Through this test, one can ensure that how one has controlled the sugar level in their blood.
Other Essential Tests:
Apart from the above, several other tests include the Thyroid test, coagulation test, inflammatory markers, and essential nutrients test. Through a coagulation test, one can ensure the ability of their blood to clot. It is one of the crucial properties of the blood that can prevent your blood from bleeding out rapidly. Such property of blood is quite essential in case of injuries and surgeries. Through this test, one can get values of acute myeloid leukemia, deficiency of vitamin k, thrombosis, Hemophilia, and liver conditions.
Similarly, a thyroid test is also essential, which can provide you with the information regarding production and reaction of hormones. T3, TSH, and T4 are the standard thyroid tests. Abnormal thyroid levels may result in growth disorders, low protein levels, and sex hormones such as estrogen or testosterone.
Inflammatory markers test includes CRP or C-reactive protein and homocysteine. Raised level of the CRP can create problems related to heart, IBD or inflammatory bowel disease, inflammation in the arteries, depression, etc.
The Final Words:
It is one of the famous sayings that prevention is always better than cure. Diagnosing any disease at an early stage is relatively easy than at the later stages. Apart from the above, there are several other tests which are also important. You have to identify the correct groups of test that needs to be done to ensure your fitness.
Also, remember that several types of blood tests require nearly 8-12 hours of fasting. This ensures that their sample is free from excess vitamins and minerals and hopes for accurate results. It is also necessary to take advice from your doctor about your results and improve your blood tests results if necessary.
Yes, all these 5 blood tests are very essential & everyone should take them every year. Nice blog on the blood tests.