Essential Lab Tests

There are several means to lead a happy and healthy life. You can practice mindful eating, ensure you stay away from alcohol and tobacco products, and do regular workouts to be stress-free.

There is one more vital step that most people tend to overlook but should apply regardless of their age is to obtain some basic tests done once in 6 months to a year.

When your medical practitioner says prevention is often better than cure, he/she actually means it. You must know that you do not become a hypochondriac just because you are aware of your well-being.

It will help serve you as a good eye-opener and also aid you in making quick lifestyle and dietary changes.

There are numerous laboratories across the country that is dedicated to the well-being and health of their customers.

They have curated different lab tests and imaging tests for the benefit of their clients and you can avail of them under multiple packages according to your physician’s suggestions.

Most labs have offices in almost all parts of the country and their representative can come to your home to collect the samples as well.

Here are some important diagnostic tests that you must get done at regular intervals.

1. Complete Blood Count test

A CBC test or complete Blood count test or complete hemogram test is an essential lab test that can help find a strong association between the signs and internal health.

This test seeks more than 10 different components; the white blood cell count, the red blood cell count, hematocrit, ESR, platelets, red cell distribution width, haemoglobin, mean cell haemoglobin, neutrophils, etc.

This test helps your medical practitioner assess your overall health, from immune disorders, anaemia, and infections to identifying leukaemia.

The doctor may prescribe additional tests based on the CGC test results for more investigation and analysis

2. Diabetes test

Diabetes mellitus is a recurring condition and is, sadly, prevalent in every single age group. High blood sugar levels are being noticed amongst teenagers too and if this is not treated quickly, diabetes can play considerable havoc with their health.

Levels of increased blood sugars can be spotted easily by doing simple blood tests. The lab technician will collect fasting blood samples (typically early in the morning after fasting overnight), postprandial 2 hours after consuming breakfast.

These tests calculate glucose levels in your bloodstream. Increased blood sugar levels signify the presence of diabetes.

The medical practitioner might periodically suggest an HbA1C test to find the average blood glucose levels over the past three months as well.

These tests help maintain the blood sugar levels within the approved range using lifestyle changes and medication.

A standard A1C level is under 5.7%, Whist a level of 5.7% – 6.4% suggests the presence of prediabetes, and a level of over 6.5% or above indicates diabetes.

3. Vital organ function tests

The heart, liver, and kidney are essential organs in your body. It is quite uncommon to identify underactive or hyperactive thyroid gland functioning, even amongst youngsters too. You should opt for these tests twice a year to care for your complete health.

4. Liver profile test

A liver panel test or function test is a type of blood test that assesses various proteins, enzymes, and other components created by the liver.

A blood sample evaluates the levels of total protein, albumin, Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP), Alanine Transaminase (ALT), Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST), Lactate Dehydrogenase, bilirubin, etc.

This specific blood test helps in identifying jaundice, hepatitis, cirrhosis, liver cancer, liver disorders, and the effects of some medication.

5. Lipid profile test

This test is recommended by your doctor to help assess your risk for cardiovascular diseases.

This test seeks the levels of total cholesterol, LDL, HDL cholesterol, total cholesterol, Very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL), triglycerides, Cholesterol, total lipids, HDL ratio, phospholipids, serum triglycerides, etc.

Irregularities in lipids denote the threat of heart attack and various cardiac ailments.

6. Kidney profile test

This particular test is carried out by collecting urine and blood samples to measure GFR [Glomerular Filtration Rate] to help evaluate how efficiently the vital organs are capable of clearing the waste from your body.

This test checks for components like potassium, creatinine clearance, serum creatinine, electrolytes, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), numerous minerals, and protein.

The doctor would evaluate the complete kidney function using the help of these tests.

7. Thyroid test

The thyroid is a tiny butterfly-shaped gland present in your neck that is accountable for controlling various functions in your body.

An underactive or overactive thyroid can make you go through several things; fatigue, unplanned weight gain, lower heart rate or rapid panting, and serious sensitivity to heat and cold.

This test helps evaluate the presence of 2 thyroid hormones – triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) for diagnosing conditions such as hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, Graves’ disease, thyroid nodules cancer, gland cancer, and Hashimoto’s disease.

Vitamin deficiency test

Do you feel tired constantly?

Then, it’s high time you check your vitamin levels as vitamin deficiency can trigger bleeding gums, severe fatigue, hair problems, scratchy skin, brittle nails, vision problems, etc.

The Vitamin deficiency test searches for calcium, iron, and mineral deficiencies that denote a lack of particular vitamins in the system.

You can opt for this easy test for averting different health conditions and also beat infections.

About The Author:

Laxman is a Lifestyle Blogger who is a fitness enthusiast and also a digital marketer.

Love to Share