Question 1

What Is a Blood Test?

Accepted Answer

Blood tests are used to help doctors better understand what’s happening inside your body, help diagnose unexplained symptoms, and establish a baseline for your health.

Question 2

Why Do You Need To Get Blood Work Done Even if You Feel Healthy?

Accepted Answer

Regularly getting blood work helps doctors identify potentially concerning health issues before symptoms appear. Blood work also gives your doctor an idea of what is normal and healthy for you to compare with if you later experience unexplained symptoms. Blood tests may be used to monitor liver, kidney, and thyroid function; cardiovascular health; metabolic health; blood and immune system health; electrolytes and enzymes; and biomarkers that may help detect diseases early.

Question 3

Who Needs To Get Blood Work Done?

Accepted Answer

Everybody needs to have their blood tested from time to time. The type of blood testing you should get varies based on factors such as your medical history and any symptoms you may be experiencing.

Question 4

How Often Should You Get Bloodwork Done?

Accepted Answer

How frequently you get blood work depends on factors including your age, current health status, medical history, family history, risk factors for certain diseases or genetic conditions, new or unexplained symptoms, medications you take, and which blood tests your doctor recommends. Doctors may routinely request blood work during physical examinations, while otherwise healthy people without unexplained symptoms may sometimes go a few years without blood work.

Question 5

What Blood Tests Should I Consider?

Accepted Answer

The blood tests you should consider depend on your health history, symptoms, risk factors, and your doctor's recommendations. Common tests discussed on this page include cardiovascular health screenings, a comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), a complete blood count (CBC), and blood sugar screening. Blood tests do not by themselves mean you have a disease or provide an official diagnosis, so you should consult your doctor about what your results mean for your health.

Question 6

What Blood Tests Can Screen for Cardiovascular Health?

Accepted Answer

The American Heart Association recommends that adults have their cholesterol and triglycerides checked every five years beginning at age 19 to assess heart disease risk. Other blood tests, including high-sensitivity CRP and Lipoprotein (a), may also be used to assess heart disease risk or help identify damage that may have already started in people at risk for heart disease.

Question 7

What Is a Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP)?

Accepted Answer

A comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP) is a routine blood test that measures multiple substances in your blood, including electrolytes, glucose, and various proteins. It can provide information about how well your liver and kidneys are functioning, your blood sugar levels, whether fluids and electrolytes are balanced, and how your body may be responding to certain medications.

Question 8

What Is a Complete Blood Count (CBC)?

Accepted Answer

A complete blood count (CBC) is a blood test that measures red blood cells, hemoglobin, white blood cells, and platelets. It can help doctors assess blood health, evaluate aspects of immune system health, monitor for signs of infection, and help diagnose certain medical conditions.

Question 9

What Is Blood Sugar Screening?

Accepted Answer

Blood sugar screening can include an A1C test, which measures average blood glucose levels over approximately the past three months. The CDC recommends A1C testing as part of routine examinations for everyone over age 45, with younger people tested when they have risk factors. A1C testing can help doctors assess the likelihood of developing diabetes.