The Importance of Routine Blood Test

Being an R.N., working in an hospital, one of the first problems I hear at the beginning of the shift is, "patient X is refusing his blood draw." Patient X seems to believe that hospitals are vampires and there is no need to draw blood daily. This opinion is very common among patients, in or outside of the hospital. However, this opinion is also untrue. Blood draws are one of the most important aspects of determining illness or health. The blood tells everything there is to know about an individual. If done in advance, blood draws can diagnose a person's illness before the person has any symptoms at all.

I can't begin to express the importance of having some knowledge of laboratory and diagnostic test. Understanding why blood is drawn will take you one step closer to being accountable for your health. This will, in turn, make it easier for you to accept having your blood drawn. You will want to know your results. I'm, by no means, suggesting that you should have knowledge of all lab work. Although, there are routine laboratory test everyone should be aware of. Here are the basics:

Complete Blood Count (CBC) - Almost every adult have, at least, heard of this test. CBC is one of the most frequently ordered blood draw. Results of a CBC tells valuable information about the blood and it's components, the body systems, new prognosis, response to treatment and recovery. A CBC can determine numerous blood diseases, anemia's, and infections.

Electrolytes (lytes) - This is another common blood draw. An electrolyte is an element or compound, when dissolved, carries an electric current. These currents are important for our bodies to function properly. Examples of electrolytes are potassium, calcium, magnesium, sodium. Without a proper balance of electrolytes in the body, illness will soon follow.

Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN) - This lab draw measures the breakdown of protein. It also measures urea production in the liver and excretion in the kidneys. Urea is waste. Knowing this should encourage anyone to get this blood draw. An elevated BUN could be an early warning for liver or renal disease.

Lipid or Cholesterol Test - Cholesterol is a fat soluble steroid alcohol found in animal fats and oils. This test indicates potential risk for atherosclerotic coronary artery disease. A level of > 240mg/dl is considered high. We all know high cholesterol is common in patients that have suffered a stroke and heart attack.

Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) - All men greater than 50 years of age should have this blood draw. It is proven to be the most reliable blood test for monitoring recurrence of prostatic carcinoma. The PSA level increases in 80% of prostate cancer patients.

These lab test are, by no means, the only test to be aware of, this is a start. Anytime your doctor request a lab draw, asks questions. You should want to know his rational for requesting it. Go online and write down the normal ranges of the tests, follow up and get your results. There's nothing wrong with having some medical knowledge, your doctor will respect you for it. Stay healthy.

Laboratory and Diagnostic Test
Lippincott