Results from blood tests can give doctors detailed insights into your health, enabling them to detect everything from vitamin deficiencies to diseases. In some cases, blood work may be a component of ongoing management for a chronic condition. In others, it could be used for diagnostic purposes. Here are a few examples of the types of blood tests your doctor could order and what the results may show.

5 Common Types of Blood Work

1. Complete Blood Count

Also known as the CBC test, this is a very common diagnostic screening. It provides a look at the levels of your red and white blood cells and platelets, among other key components of the blood. When these numbers are off, it could indicate issues such as infections or deficiencies in essential nutrients, such as iron.

2. Metabolic Panel

There are two types of metabolic panels: basic and complete. The basic version requires fasting and looks at blood compounds, including potassium, sodium, and electrolytes. It can reveal signs of hormone imbalances and kidney issues. The complete metabolic panel incorporates additional components to look for a broader range of conditions, such as gallbladder issues and hepatitis.

3. Thyroid Test

Thyroid conditions can be notoriously challenging to diagnose based on symptoms alone, as the condition can manifest differently from one person to the next. If your doctor suspects an issue, they may recommend this blood test to determine whether your thyroid is producing hormones, such as testosterone or estrogen, at appropriate levels.

4. Blood Glucose Test

A blood glucose test measures how much glucose (sugar) stays in your blood. It consists of drinking a sweet beverage and having blood drawn an hour or so later. If blood sugar levels remain elevated, additional testing may be needed. This test is used to screen for signs of diabetes in both at-risk patients and women who are pregnant.

5. Lipid Panel Test

Lipid panels measure cholesterol levels, including total, LDL (“bad”), and HDL (“good”) cholesterol, as well as triglycerides. Because cholesterol can contribute to the narrowing of the arteries, measuring it is an important way to track cardiovascular health. This test typically requires fasting, so be sure to check about policies on eating and drinking before having your blood drawn.

Whether you have a chronic condition or suspect you may have an undetected illness or deficiency, the team from Kona Kohala Health Care Services in Kailua-Kona, HI, can help. Drs. Donald Nikaitani and Richard Pekala can order and interpret blood work to get to the bottom of your symptoms and offer thorough management strategies for chronic and acute illnesses. Learn more about their practice online or by calling (808) 329-1346.