7 Common Hematology Tests you Need to Know About
When you visit a doctor, they might prescribe a range of hematology tests to evaluate and monitor various aspects of your blood health and function. These tests help them understand valuable information about your overall health, including blood cell counts, clotting ability, and oxygen-carrying capacity. Hematology tests play a vital role in diagnosing and monitoring a wide range of health conditions from anemia and infections to cancer and autoimmune disorders. With the result of these tests, your doctor can identify underlying health issues and develop appropriate treatment plans to help you address them. Here are some of the common tests prescribed by experts at the best hematology hospital.
Complete Blood Count (CBC)
The CBC test is typically done as part of a routine physical exam or a general health screening. They are quickly done and you can get the results within a fewdays.This test measures the number and types of blood cells in your body. It can help your doctor diagnose a wide range of conditions, including anemia, infections, and blood cancers. It measures the levels of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets in your blood. It can also provide information about the size, shape, and structure of these cells.
Blood Tests for Cancer
There are some blood tests that can help detect some types of cancer. In cases where cancer cells produce certain substances that are not normally present in the body, these substances can be detected by blood tests. Examples of blood tests that are used to detect cancer include the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test, which is used to detect prostate cancer, and the CA-125 test, which is used to detect ovarian cancer. These blood tests used to diagnose cancer
are typically used in conjunction with other diagnostic tests, such as imaging tests or biopsies. They can help doctors determine if a patient has cancer, and if so, what type of cancer it is. Blood tests are also used to monitor the progress of cancer treatment. Also, Read:Most Common Hematologic Disorders List
Blood Tests for Liver Function
Blood tests that measure levels of certain enzymes and proteins in the blood help detect liver damage or disease. The most commonly used tests include the alanine transaminase (ALT) test, the aspartate aminotransferase (AST) test, and the alkaline phosphatase (ALP) test. These liver function tests are typically used to diagnose liver diseases such as hepatitis, cirrhosis, and fatty liver disease. They can also be used to monitor the progress of treatment for these conditions.
Blood Tests for Kidney Function
Blood tests can measure the levels of certain waste products in the blood to help assess kidney function. The most commonly used blood tests for kidney function include the blood urea nitrogen (BUN) test and the creatinine test. These tests are typically used to diagnose kidney diseases like chronic kidney disease and acute kidney injury. They can also be used to monitor the progress of treatment for these conditions.
Blood Tests for Pancreatitis
Pancreatitis is a medical condition in which the pancreas becomes inflamed. Blood tests are used to help diagnose pancreatitis. This is done by measuring levels of certain enzymes in the blood. The most commonly used tests to diagnose pancreatitis include the amylase test and the lipase test. These tests are typically used to diagnose acute pancreatitis, when there is a sudden inflammation of the pancreas. Chronic pancreatitis, which is a long-term inflammation of the pancreas,on the other hand, cannot be definitively diagnosed by blood tests and may require additional tests such as imaging tests or biopsies.
Blood Tests in Pregnancy
Blood tests are an important part of prenatal care.They play a vital role in detecting potential health issues in the mother or the baby. The most common blood tests done during pregnancy include the complete blood count (CBC) and the blood typing and Rh factor test. The blood typing and Rh factor test determines the mother’s blood type and Rh factor. The test can also help determine if the mother has antibodies that could affect the baby’s health. There are other blood tests that your doctor might order during pregnancy according to the needs of the baby and the mother. They include tests for gestational diabetes, sexually transmitted infections, and genetic disorders.
Hemoglobin A1C Test
The hemoglobin A1C test is a blood test that measures the average level of blood sugar over the past two to three months. It is commonly used to diagnose and monitor diabetes. It is a valuable tool for monitoring diabetes because it provides a long-term picture of blood sugar levels. It can help doctors determine if a patient’s diabetes is well-controlled or if adjustments need to be made to their treatment plan.