Blood tests, also known as blood screenings or blood work, are medical tests that involve taking a sample of blood from a patient for analysis in a laboratory. These tests are commonly used to:
- Diagnose Medical Conditions: Blood tests can help diagnose a wide range of medical conditions, such as diabetes, anemia, infections, cancer, liver and kidney diseases, and heart conditions. They can also provide information about the functioning of various organs and systems in the body.
- Monitor Health: Blood tests are frequently used to monitor the health of individuals with chronic illnesses, such as diabetes or hypertension, to ensure that their conditions are well-managed.
- Assess Risk: They can be used to assess an individual's risk of developing certain diseases, such as cholesterol levels for heart disease risk.
- Track Medication Effectiveness: Blood tests can help determine whether medications are working as intended and whether they are causing any adverse effects.
- Screen for Health Problems: Some blood tests are used for routine health check-ups to detect early signs of diseases or conditions before symptoms appear.