A blood test is a straightforward way to assess your general state of health and to detect whether you have certain conditions. Blood tests can also provide insight into whether you’re at risk of developing health problems, how well your organs are functioning, and genetic disorders.
Most blood tests only take a few minutes, and they shouldn’t cause any major discomfort. Once the test is done, your results are sent to a laboratory for analysis you can get on with your day.
If you’re worried about your health or want to see if you’re at risk of developing health problems or genetic conditions, a private blood-taking unit in Northampton can provide you with fast and reliable results.
Types of Blood Tests
There are several types of blood tests available to test just about every aspect of your health and well-being. This list isn’t exhaustive, but here are some of the most requested blood tests.
- Complete Blood Count: A CBC test measures your red blood cells, white blood cells, hemoglobin, hematocrit, and platelets. These levels can give an insight into overall health and help diagnose or monitor a medical condition.
- Blood Glucose: This checks your blood glucose, or blood sugar, levels to diagnose diabetes. If levels are only mildly high, you may be classed as pre-diabetic and will need to take steps to prevent diabetes from developing.
- Cholesterol: Also known as a lipid profile, a blood test for cholesterol measures the level of both good and bad cholesterol. Cholesterol tests can also monitor levels to ensure your lifestyle changes and medications are working.
- Liver function: These tests check how well your liver is functioning by analyzing different enzymes and proteins in your liver. Your liver is responsible for filtering out toxins and the storage of certain essential vitamins and nutrients so it’s important that your liver is in good working order.
- Thyroid Panel: Thyroid blood tests are used to detect whether your thyroid gland is functioning properly. Abnormal thyroid levels can have wide-reaching effects on your health ranging from tiredness, weight gain, heart arrhythmia, and confusion.
- Sexually Transmitted Infection Tests: Many STIs can be diagnosed through blood tests, including chlamydia, HIV, syphilis, and gonorrhea.
Contact us to find out more about how blood testing in Northampton can help you assess and take charge of your health to keep you in the best possible shape.
