New Delhi: Annual blood tests play an essential role in assessing overall health, identifying potential health concerns at an early stage, and managing ongoing medical conditions. Dr.Meenakshi Mohan, Consultant Pathologist -Neuberg Pulse Diagnostics, Kolkata, shared a comprehensive overview of important blood tests that individuals should think about undergoing on a yearly basis, organised by the specific health areas they evaluate.
Complete Blood Count (CBC)
A CBC assesses various components within the blood, including red blood cells (RBCs), white blood cells (WBCs), hemoglobin levels, hematocrit rates, and platelets. It aids in diagnosing:
Anemia: Characterised by diminished levels of RBCs or hemoglobin.
Infections or Inflammation: Indicated by a heightened WBC count.
Blood Disorders: Identified through irregularities among platelets or other blood constituents.
Lipid Profile
This test analyses lipids in your bloodstream through measurements such as:
Total Cholesterol
Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL): Often referred to as “bad” cholesterol due to its association with heart diseases.
High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL): Known as “good” cholesterol because it helps mitigate cardiovascular risk.
Triglycerides: Elevated amounts can raise the likelihood of heart disease. The lipid panel provides critical insights into cardiovascular wellness and assists in evaluating risks for heart-related ailments.
Blood Sugar Tests
These consist of two principal examinations:
Fasting Blood Glucose: Measures glucose concentrations after not eating overnight; is valuable for spotting diabetes and prediabetes.
HbA1c (Glycated Hemoglobin): Reflects average glucose levels over approximately three months, offering perspective on long-term sugar management.
Liver Function Tests (LFTs)
FTs investigate liver status based on the assessment of:
Enzymatic Levels: Includes Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and Aspartate aminotransferase (AST).
Bilirubin Concentrations: Elevated bilirubin may suggest complications involving the liver or bile duct.
Albumin and Globulin Proteins: Measurement indicates the synthetic capability of the liver. The outcomes from LFTs are instrumental in detecting issues like hepatitis, fatty liver disease, or damage related to alcohol use.
Kidney Function Tests
Analysing kidney efficiency employs evaluations such as:
Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN) and Creatinine: Increased readings could signify renal troubles.
Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR): Gauges how effectively kidneys filter substances from the blood. These assessments are vital for diagnosing chronic kidney illnesses or tracking renal well-being.
All tests for the functioning of the thyroid include levels of Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH); Low TSH indicates hyperthyroidism and stimulation of the thyroid; high TSH means hypothyroidism and an underactive thyroid hormone. Free triiodothyronine (T3) and free thyroxine (T4) measure levels of thyroid hormones more accurately than TSH. They permit a distinction between hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism, which are common endocrine disorders.
Vitamin and Mineral Levels
Vitamin D: Deficiency leads to weak bones and weak immunity.
Vitamin B12: If levels are low, it can lead to fatigue, nerve problems, and sometimes anemia.
Iron Studies: They involve assessing the levels of ferritin and serum iron to diagnose anemia and iron overload disease.
Inflammatory Markers
C-reactive protein (CRP) does show an elevated level of inflammation or cardiac risk.
Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR) helps monitor diseases of the inflammatory or autoimmune ranges.
Hormonal panels (if deemed necessary)
Other tests that might be necessary for men and women when detecting hormonal imbalance are raised testosterone or lowered estrogen and progesterone such cases, an evaluation for fatigue, mood swings, or reproductive issues would indicate hormonal potentials.
Cancer Screening Markers
Consideration of one “Signs of Disease” based on one’s own personal/family history:
Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA): Health of the prostate in men.
CA-125-Monitoring the ovarian health in women.
Alpha-fetoprotein: Risk of liver cancer.
Conclusion
These tests provide a good summary of one’s health. Not all tests may apply to every person; some of them may be ordered through one’s physician depending on age, medical history, lifestyle, and risk factor status. Annual testing allows proactive intervention and facilitates better management of chronic conditions, driving generally better long-term health outcomes.
Other tests that might be necessary for men and women when detecting hormonal imbalance are raised testosterone or lowered estrogen and progesterone such cases, an evaluation for fatigue, mood swings, or reproductive issues would indicate hormonal potentials. Health News Health News: Latest News from Health Care, Mental Health, Weight Loss, Disease, Nutrition, Healthcare
