What are the types of blood tests? Help detect what disease?

This is an automatically translated article.

The article was professionally consulted with MSc Do Thi Hoang Ha - Doctor of Biochemistry, Laboratory Department - Vinmec Hai Phong International General Hospital.

1. What is a blood test?

Blood tests are types of tests performed on blood samples taken into different anticoagulant tubes depending on the purpose of the test, to measure the levels of certain substances in the blood or to count different types of blood cells. . Blood tests may be done for routine check-ups, to aid in the diagnosis of disease or to look for pathogens, to check for antibodies, or to screen for early cancer by tumor markers (tumor markers). ) or to evaluate the effectiveness of treatments.

2. How many types of blood tests are there?

2.1. Complete blood count or complete blood count (CBC)

A complete blood count (CBC), or complete blood count, is one of the most common types of blood tests. During routine check-ups, clients are often asked for a complete blood count.
A complete blood count test can help determine general health, to diagnose or monitor treatment for a wide variety of medical conditions, to screen for and detect blood diseases and other diseases. disorders of the body that affect blood cells such as anemia, infections, inflammation, blood clotting disorders, blood cancers, and immune system disorders. This test. is a group of tests that evaluate the cells circulating in the blood, including red blood cells (RBCs), white blood cells (WBCs), and platelets (PLT).

2.2. Blood biochemistry test

Blood chemistry tests include a wide variety of tests that measure different substances in the blood. Blood biochemistry tests are usually performed on the plasma or serum components of the blood. The tests can give your doctor information to evaluate your kidney and liver function, the mass and condition of your muscles (including your heart), joints, and other organs.
Blood biochemical tests include blood sugar, calcium and electrolyte tests, blood fats, uric acid levels, iron deficiency anemia as well as blood tests to evaluate heart, liver, and kidney function. Some of these tests require fasting before the test.

3. What is the blood test for?

Blood test to check blood group and detect many diseases such as:
Blood diseases Total blood cell analysis test has the ability to screen as well as detect blood diseases and component related disorders in the blood, such as anemia, inflammation, parasitic diseases, blood clotting problems, blood cancer,... These diseases are diagnosed by the doctor through blood test parameters such as:
- Check Check red blood cells: Abnormal red blood cell levels can be a sign of anemia, dehydration, bleeding, or other red blood cell disorders.
- Check the white blood cells: An abnormal white blood cell count can be a sign of an infection, blood cancer or an immune system disorder.
- Check the platelets: Abnormal platelet levels will cause bleeding disorders or thrombophilic disease.
- Hemoglobin (Hb): Abnormal hemoglobin levels can be a sign of anemia, sickle cell anemia, thalassemia syndrome, or other blood disorders. If the patient has diabetes, excess sugar in the blood has the potential to bind to hemoglobin and lead to elevated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels that are not caused by diabetes.
- Hematocrit (Hct): A high hematocrit means you are dehydrated. A low hematocrit level is likely a sign of anemia. Abnormalities in Hct readings can also be a sign of a blood or bone marrow disorder.
- Mean RBC Volume (MCV): Abnormal MCV levels can be a sign of general anemia or ischemia.

Tests of liver function (SGOT, SGPT) and kidney function Blood tests that help evaluate kidney function will measure blood urea levels (BUN - Blood Urea Nitrogen) and blood creatinine levels. Both of these components are substances that the kidneys filter out of the body. The process of metabolizing proteins (proteins) of the body produces the final product, blood urea, which is excreted by the kidneys. Creatinine is eliminated by the kidneys and the kidneys maintain blood creatinine at a constant concentration. If the test results show that these two parameters are abnormal, it is most likely a sign of kidney disease or kidney dysfunction or liver diseases such as hepatitis A, B, C, E, D, .. cirrhosis. liver, elevated liver enzymes, liver cancer...
Blood sugar disease A blood test that shows how much sugar (glucose) is in your blood. Excessive blood sugar can be a sign of diabetes.
For a blood test that requires glucose measurement, the doctor will ask the operator to fast for at least 8 to 12 hours before drawing blood to measure fasting blood sugar. In addition, some other blood glucose tests can be done after a meal or at any time without prior preparation (1 to 2 hours postprandial blood sugar or any blood sugar). Blood lipid disorders (cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL-C) Blood tests help doctors determine the risk of cardiovascular disease and coronary heart disease in patients through blood test parameters related to blood lipids. (including two main types, cholesterol and triglycerides):
Cholesterol (including two main components, HDL-Cholesterol and LDL-Cholesterol) in which LDL-Cholesterol (bad cholesterol): Causes blockages in the blood vessels, causing atherosclerosis. HDL-Cholesterol (good cholesterol): Reduces blockages in the arteries. Triglycerides: A type of fat found in the blood. When you eat, your body converts any calories it doesn't need right away into triglycerides and gets stored in your fat cells. Abnormal cholesterol and triglyceride levels indicate an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and coronary artery disease. For the test to check blood fat, the operator will need to fast for 9-12 hours before the test to ensure accuracy.
Diseases related to enzyme activity Enzymes play an important role in the daily activities of the human body. They bind and change the structure of molecules to serve many different activities such as respiration, digestion, muscle and nerve function, Enzyme blood tests are often used to aid in the diagnosis. Diagnosis in liver diseases (liver enzymes), heart diseases (heart enzymes ..)
Besides, blood tests can detect Gout disease, HIV infection status of the patient, check if medications are being taken. is there enough dose and effect and brain diseases such as cerebral ischemia, brain infection,...

3. Blood test procedure

3.1 Before blood test

Some types of blood tests require the patient to fast for up to 12 hours before the sample is collected.
Your doctor will give you specific instructions you need to follow before having the test. Depending on the type of blood test, you must follow the instructions as it may affect the test results, so the test may have to be delayed or repeated:
Avoid eating or drinking (except water) ) for up to 12 hours. If you are taking certain medications or supplements, you will be asked to stop for a certain amount of time before having your blood drawn.

3.2 Blood test procedure

A complete blood count test usually takes only 5-10 minutes from the time the sample is received. Biochemical and immunological tests will take a longer time, however, except for very complex tests, results should not exceed one to two hours. The venous blood draw process can be as quick as 5 to 10 minutes if the patient's veins are easily seen and accessed. A blood test usually involves taking a blood sample from a blood vessel in the arm. Blood samples in children are usually taken from the tip of the ring finger.
Step 1: The person takes a sample of the patient's arm with a cuff to slow the blood flow and make the veins more prominent, making it easier to draw blood. Step 2: The sampler wipes the skin of the area to be drawn with disinfectant before taking the blood sample. Step 3: The sampler inserts a needle attached to a syringe or special sample container into the vein. The syringe is used to withdraw the blood sample. You may feel a slight itch or sting as the needle goes in, but it shouldn't be painful. Step 4: When sampling is complete, the needle will be withdrawn. The sampler applies a tight cotton pad to the skin for a few minutes. Step 5: Use first-aid tape to stick the sample to ensure sterility. Step 6: After taking blood, the blood sample is put into a sample tube labeled with your name, date of birth and identification number. The blood sample is then sent to the laboratory for execution on automated or manual systems depending on the testing requirements. Vinmec International General Hospital is one of the hospitals that not only ensures professional quality with a team of leading doctors, modern equipment and technology, but also stands out for its examination and consulting services. and comprehensive, professional medical treatment; civilized, polite, safe and sterile medical examination and treatment space. Customers when choosing to perform tests here can be completely assured of the accuracy of test results.

Please dial HOTLINE for more information or register for an appointment HERE. Download MyVinmec app to make appointments faster and to manage your bookings easily.