Blood tests are carried out as a preventive healthcare. They are also part of a standard routine. Our GP will also require a blood test before or after a physical checkup. Our specialist may also be able to order blood tests to determine different conditions. This article looks at some of the most common types of blood tests and what each test checks for, as well as when to book an appointment with our GP for blood test in Marbella.
What blood tests show
Blood tests can give you a lot of information about what's going on in your body, along with general health factual information and hints about potential complications.
Blood tests allow your body recognize the following:
- Functioning of organs
- The presence of certain diseases or conditions, such as diabetes, anemia or cancer
- Risk of cardiac disease
- Whether certain medications are working
- How well your blood is clotting
Most common blood tests
If you're going to have an annual physical checkup, our GP for blood test in Marbella will likely order a set of routine blood tests. The most common blood tests are the following:
Complete Blood Count (CBC)
This blood test is probably the most common one and counts the number and type of cells in the blood. That is; red and white blood cells plus platelets. This test will usually include the RDW blood test and the MCV blood test. The CBC will also test your MCH levels.
Prothrombin Time (PT)
Measures the time it takes for your blood to clot. It looks for the activity of five different items in the blood that affect clotting.
Basic Metabolic Panel
Looks at the amounts of sodium, glucose, potassium, and other substances that are essential to keep you healthy.
Comprehensive Metabolic Panel
This test adds six more tests to the basic panel to take a closer look at how your organs work.
Lipid Panel
Aims to analyse your risk for cardiac diseases.
Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH)
Evauates how your thyroid works.
Hemoglobin A1C
Can be used to detect and keep track of diabetes issues.
Why do some tests require fasting?
The level of specific components in the blood is affected by what you eat, making your blood sugar level to rise temporarily after eating, for example. That is why a person must not eat for several hours before a blood sugar test.
Other tests, such as a fasting lipid panel, also require fasting. Check with our GP for blood test in Marbella whether you need to fast before a test.
When to book an appointment with our GP for blood test in Marbella
You should talk to our doctor about what routine tests you need. Our GP for blood test in Marbella may only order a blood test if he has concerns about other conditions. Our GP may also request a yearly test as part of their preventive health plan.
People taking certain blood thinning drugs may need regular blood tests, and our doctor will advise them about the frequency of testing based on their risk factors and individual needs.
People may be able to get a blood test at our GP's office. Some tests may, however, require you to go to a specialized center or hospital.