Blood Tests: Do You Really Need It? This Will Help You Decide!

Diseases detected by blood test include diabetes, cardiovascular disorders, infections, or even conditions like pregnancy, hormonal imbalance etc. Here is a list of diagnostic blood tests, what they indicate about your health and the frequency at which you should get them done:

A. Blood Glucose Test

This is one of the most common blood tests that is prescribed by your doctor. It is also known as the blood sugar test. This investigative method is used to either check for diabetes or monitor it by measuring the amount of glucose present in your blood. How Often Should You Get Your Blood Glucose Levels Checked?The frequency at which you should take this test can vary depending on the following factors:1. Type of Diabetes You Suffer from and Your Blood Sugar Level:

• Type 1 Diabetes

The doctor typically recommends testing your blood sugar 4 to 10 times a day if you suffer from Type 1 Diabetes. Incase you’re ill, the reccommended frequency might increase.

• Type 2 Diabetes

If you need insulin shots for your day-to-day diabetes management, your doctor may advise you to check your blood sugar level a few times a day, depending on the kind and quantity of insulin you need. 2. Risk Factors for DiabetesIf you don’t currently suffer from Diabetes, then your testing frequency will depend on various risk factors including your age (Greater than 45 years), your BMI (More than 25) and your genetic predisposition towards this condition (If you have a family history of Diabtetes). If you fall under one or more of these risk factors, do get yourself tested immediately. If the results are negative, do continue getting yourself tested atleast once every three years. 3. Prediabetes or a History of Gestational DiabetesBeing prediabetic means that you have higher than normal blood sugar levels but it hasn’t escalated into full blown diabetes. If you’re a woman and you had Diabetes when you were pregnant, it means you’ve had a history of Gestational Diabetes. If you fall under either of these two cases, be sure to get yourself tested every year.

B. Full Blood Count (FBC)

This test is also known as a Complete Blood Count (CBC). A doctor can ask you to get this blood test done for the diagnostic purpose of a number of conditions including bleeding or clotting disorders, anaemia or infections. This blood investigation works by analysing the types, count and size of the red blood cells, white blood cells, and the blood plasma. How Often Should You Get Your CBC Done?If you’re under the age of 45 years, your doctor may advise a routine CBC once every 5 years or so. If you’re older, you could get a routine CBC once every three years. Further your doctor may prescribe an FBC on a case to case basis if you suffer from any unusual symptoms. Some of these include:

• Unexplained bruising
• Recurring fever
• Lethargy and weakness
• Swelling and redness on any part of the body

C. Human chorionic gonadotropin test (hCG)

The hCG test stands for human chorionic gonadotropin test. This lab investigation is used to confirm pregnancy by checking for the presence of the hormone hCG in your blood. This hormone should be present in your blood only if you are pregnant. Its presence otherwise indicates other adverse health conditions such as tumour formation. This test also reveals a lot about the health of the baby in the womb. How Often Should You Get the hCG Test Done?While there is no rule of thumb as such for getting the hCG test, your doctor woud probably rcommend it if you show the following signs:

• Increase in your frequency of urination
• Recurring constipation
• Increasing tenderness of your breasts
• Nausea
• Craving for certain food items
• Having mood swings
• Missing periods

D. Kidney Function Test

This blood test gives a detailed insight into the condition and functioning of your Kidney. The main tests that come under this umbrella term are for checking the level of urea and creatinine in your blood, quantity of electrolytes, especially sodium and potassium and a full blood count. How Often Should You Get the Kidney Function Test Done?While there is no hard and fast rule as to how often you should get this test, you must note that you could lose up to a whopping 90% of your kidney function before experiencing any symptoms! So preventive measures are key here.Therefore, the doctor may prescribe a preventive kidney function test from time to time on a case-basis if you fall under one or more of the following categories:

• High blood pressure
• Obesity
• A family history of kidney disease
• Tobacco Usage
• Diabetes
• Over the age of 50

Moreover, the doctor may also prescribe the Kidney Function Test if you display the following symtpoms:

• Presence of blood in the urine
• Persistent urge to urinate
• Experiencing pain while passing urine
• Fluid build-up in the body leading to swollen hand and feet

Your doctor may ask you to get a blood test done from time to time depending on a number of factors such as your age, genetic disposition towards certain health conditions, medical history or your lifestyle. The results of these tests could help you to cope with health problems and also monitor your recuperation journey.   [av_promobox button='yes' label='Book a Consultation' link='https://www.medibuddy.in/?utm_source=blog_cta&utm_medium=blog' link_target='' color='blue' custom_bg='#f00' custom_font='#ffffff' size='large' icon_select='no' icon='ue800' font='entypo-fontello']Lab tests should always be recommended and deliberated by a doctor in order to find out any health complications.[/av_promobox]