Regular blood tests are essential to keep track of your physical well-being. Having blood work at regular intervals allows you to keep a check on how your body is changing with time, and any unusual development can be detected earlier. You can go to any private hospital in South Wales, London, Manchester, or wherever you reside to get complete blood work. We have compiled a detailed overview of tests that have to be done regularly to make your work easier. Go through the details to find what detects what.
Complete Blood Count (CBC)
A Complete Blood Count (CBC) test is carried out to check the levels of ten different components present in each blood cell. Red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, haemoglobin, and hematocrit are some of these components which have to be in a particular range. If any of these values come out abnormal, they may be an indication of;
● Nutritional deficiencies, for example, vitamin B6 or B12
● Iron deficiency (Anaemia)
● Clotting problems
● Blood cancer
● Infection (Bacterial or Viral)
● Immune system disorders
Basic Metabolic Panel (BMP)
Through a Basic Metabolic Panel (BMP) test, the levels of eight different compounds in the blood are tested. These compounds include Calcium, Glucose, Sodium, Potassium, Bicarbonate, Chloride, Blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and Creatinine. Usually, the blood sample for BMP is taken after eight hours of fasting, and abnormal values may indicate;
● Kidney disease
● Diabetes
● Hormone imbalances
Lipid Panel
Two types of cholesterol are present in our body: high-density lipoprotein (HDL), commonly known as good cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein (LDL), which we know as bad cholesterol. HDL removes harmful substances from the blood and which then go to the liver for breakdown, while LDL causes the build-up of plaque in the arteries, increasing the risk of heart disease. A lipid panel test is done to check the level of HDL and LDL in the bloodstream, as exceeding levels may be a risk for cardiac health.
Thyroid Panel
The thyroid is a tiny gland present in the neck that helps regulate bodily functions like energy level, mood, and overall metabolism. A thyroid panel is a series of tests done to check how your thyroid reacts to certain hormones like;
● Triiodothyronine (T3): Along with T4, it regulates your heart rate and body temperature.
● Thyroxine (T4): Along with T3, it regulates metabolism and growth.
● Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH): It helps regulate the levels of hormones your thyroid gland releases.
If the levels of any of these hormones come out abnormal, they may be an indication of;
● Low protein levels
● Thyroid growth disorders
● Abnormal levels of testosterone or oestrogen
Coagulation Panel
Clotting is a normal process that helps to stop bleeding after wounds or cuts, but if excessive clotting occurs in arteries or veins, it can block the blood flow to your organs. A low blood supply to the heart, lungs, or brain may cause a heart attack or stroke. A coagulation test measures how well your blood clots and how long it takes to clot. If the results come out abnormal, it may indicate;
● leukaemia
● Excessive bleeding (haemophilia)
● Thrombosis
● Liver conditions
● Vitamin K deficiency
Bottom line
Blood tests done at regular intervals can help diagnose a disease promptly and start the treatment immediately. If you make it a routine to carry out these blood tests regularly, you can keep a check on your well-being. A reputable clinic in your surroundings can be your go-to place for your routine blood work. If you reside in South Wales, Acorn Private Clinic can be the perfect choice for blood tests in Penarth. You can book the most affordable and accurate blood tests at your desired time slots.