All the Details About the Blood Test

Blood tests help us determine the amounts or presence of various elements in our blood. Healthcare professionals easily collect a blood sample from patients to perform blood tests. Blood tests are of great importance in the early diagnosis of many disorders.

Regular blood tests can detect disorders earlier, leading to a more successful treatment process. They also monitor the progress of treating diseases and also check the effectiveness of chemotherapy treatment in cancer types.

What is a Full Blood Test? What Will a Blood Test Detect?

A full blood test is a comprehensive test that analyses the amounts of various components and hormones in the blood. It analyses red and white blood cells, iron levels, blood sugar, kidney and liver function, electrolyte balance, signs of infection, hormone levels, and many other factors.

Many health problems, such as cancer, anaemia, diabetes, thyroid disorders, and kidney and liver diseases, can be diagnosed early thanks to a full blood test. Furthermore, full blood tests can also detect possible infections in the body.

Additionally, a full blood test is an ideal method for controlling general health status, while people need to have a complete blood test at regular intervals to lead a healthy life.

What are the 10 Most Common Blood Tests?

The 10 most common blood tests include:

• CBC: The full blood test analyses the number of red and white blood cells and platelets.

• Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR): ESR helps to detect the presence of infection or inflammation.

• Blood sugar: Blood glucose checks the body's glucose balance.

• Cholesterol and Triglycerides: Healthcare providers use cholesterol and triglyceride tests to assess the risk of heart disease.

• Liver enzymes: The liver enzyme test assesses liver function. 

• Kidney functions: Tests that measure kidney function check the condition of the kidneys.

• Electrolyte balance: The electrolyte balance test contains sodium, potassium, and chloride levels in the body.

• Iron deficiency: The iron deficiency test measures the level of iron in the blood.

• Thyroid hormones: Thyroid hormones show whether thyroid functions are working normally.

What are the Different Types of Blood Tests?

There are different ways to classify blood tests. There are generally four types of blood tests: 

• Full blood count

• Biochemistry

• Immunology

• Molecular genetic tests

What Blood Tests Should I Get Annually?

There are blood tests that you should have annually at Medstar London Health Clinic. Your general health check helps to detect important diseases early.

Our doctors will recommend hemograms, glucose, cholesterol, liver function tests, kidney function tests, and thyroid tests at your annual check-up. The test results give you information about your general health and help detect possible diseases early.

What is the Most Important Blood Test?

One of the most important blood tests is the hemogram test. The hemogram test measures the number and ratio of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.

With a hemogram test, many serious diseases, including various infections, inflammations, and cancers, can be detected early. Having a hemogram test regularly is important for your overall health. You can have a hemogram test at Medstar London Private Health Clinic.

How Often Should You Have a Blood Test?

Health experts generally recommend that healthy people undergo a blood test at least once a year. More frequent blood tests may be necessary with increasing age. After 40, it is appropriate to have difficulty at least twice a year.

People with high blood pressure, diabetes, or cholesterol problems should have their blood tested every 3–4 months. Individuals at risk of prostate or breast cancer should undergo more frequent testing. Your doctor will determine the frequency of blood tests according to your specific situation.

What Not to Take Before the Blood Test?

Not taking or doing certain things before the blood test is important. To ensure accurate and realistic test results, healthcare providers impose several restrictions. 

It is mandatory to fast for 12 hours for the blood test. It is requested that there be no foreign substances in the body when the blood sample is taken. This ensures that the test result reflects the truth.

Alcohol, caffeine, and nicotine should not be consumed the night before the blood test. These substances can change the levels of certain hormones and enzymes in the body. Avoiding heavy exercise, drinking plenty of water, and eating a light diet are also recommended.

What Not to Do After the Blood Test?

After the blood test, things to consider include avoiding heavy exercise and activities within 2–3 hours. Avoid lifting weights and restricting arm movement. 

Drinking plenty of water, eating a light diet, and resting immediately after the blood test are important. Applying ice to the area will also be useful to reduce the risk of bruising or infection in the blood collection area. 

Additionally, no medication or supplements should be used, and 8–12 hours should be allowed for blood values to return to normal for additional blood tests.

What Cancers are Detected by Blood Tests?

Blood tests are used to diagnose cancer and can detect the presence of unusual amounts of certain substances in the body. 

They are used to diagnose some types of cancer, including colon, liver, and breast. For example, prostate cancer is detected by the presence of a hormone-specific antigen called PSA.

However, blood test results do not always give a clear diagnosis; therefore additional tests may be required. Still, they play an important role in the early diagnosis of some common types of cancer. For this reason, it is important to get a blood test annually at Medstar London.

How Long Do Blood Test Results Take?

The time it takes to get blood test results varies depending on the type of test and the laboratory used. Routine tests may take a day or two, while more complex tests may take up to a week.

Normal test results, such as a complete blood count, glucose, or cholesterol, are usually available within one to two working days. Specific tests, such as hormone testing, DNA testing, and cancer markers, can take 3–7 days. 

During holidays, laboratories are busier, and test results may be available later. Patients usually receive their test results directly from their doctor.

How Do I Get a Private Full Blood Test in London?

If you want to have a fast, reliable blood test in London, Medstar London Health Clinic will be your best address. Our priorities are to ensure that our guests can easily navigate our clinic and receive their test results quickly.

Having a blood test is usually a difficult and long process in London. Medstar London Health Clinic offers its valued patients the opportunity to quickly take blood samples and perform a complete blood count test.

Patients can make same-day appointments, and receive blood test results within a few hours. You can book an appointment at Medstar London Private Health Service Clinic by telephone, online via our website or Medstar app which is available both on Google Play Store and App Store.

Blood Test Booking in London

If you want to get high-standard medical services in London, you can book an appointment with Medstar London Health Clinic. Medstar London Health Clinic operates as a private healthcare organisation and offers a wide range of healthcare services.

In London, public health institutions need help to meet the high demand. Since accessing health services has become difficult, as the best clinic in London Medstar Health Clinic eliminates the problem of making an appointment thanks to its fast appointment facility.

Medstar London Health Clinic offers the best treatment opportunities with specialised doctors and modern medical equipment. 

Expert Medstar services deal with all kinds of health problems and perform the necessary tests with medical experts. It is possible to get fast results, especially for blood tests.

If you care about your health and want the most accurate diagnosis without wasting time, you can choose Medstar London Best Health Clinic. Choose the right address for your health and contact us today!

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