5 Blood Tests that Could Save Your Life

At LabFinder, we’re all about preventative health and getting ahead of health problems while you can. Getting your blood tested regularly is one of the most important — and simple — ways to monitor your overall health. Nobody likes getting blood drawn, but routine testing allows your doctor to see how your body changes over time and what, if any, changes need to be made.

Blood tests can be used to search for signs of disease, health conditions, whether medicine is working, and even how well your blood clots. Here are some of the tests that can make sure you’re healthy — and even save your life.

1. Complete Blood Count

Why get it? Routine check up or targeted test for anemia, infection, leukemia, and other conditions.

Also known as a CBC, this test measures the amount of each type of blood cell in a given sample. It helps check on your overall health and can also help to diagnose diseases and conditions such as anemia, clotting problems, and infections. Blood cancers may also be found.

2. Comprehensive Metabolic Panel

Why get it? Targeted test for diabetes, liver, or kidney disease, as well as other conditions.

This test provides information about your body’s chemical balance and the current overall status of your metabolism, including the health of your kidneys and liver. It measures glucose, a type of blood sugar; calcium, which is an essential mineral for nerve, muscle, and heart functioning; electrolytes; albumin, which is a protein made by the liver; protein; liver enzymes; bilirubin, which is a waste product made by the liver; and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatine, which are waste products filtered from your blood by your kidneys. Catching abnormal levels is critical and can help pinpoint major health issues.

3. Blood Sugar Test

Why get it? Targeted test if you have symptoms of diabetes or other blood sugar issues.

Also known as the Hemoglobin A1c test, this provides information about a person’s average levels of blood glucose over the past 3 months. It is primarily used for diabetes detection and management.

This test will tell you about your average blood sugar levels over the previous 2-3 months. One day’s results won’t give you an overhead view and several tests may need to be done over time. Those with diabetes will need to take this test regularly to regulate their blood sugar levels and evaluate treatment. This test is also used to diagnose diabetes. Early detection is key to curb the progression of this disease.

4. Thyroid Panel

Why get it? Targeted test if you’re showing symptoms of hyperthyroidism (anxiety, weight loss, tremors, etc) or hypothyroidism (slowed heart rate, weight gain, hair loss, fatigue, etc). 

Thyroid function plays a critical role in heart function, digestive function, muscle control, metabolism, brain development, and bone health. This panel helps evaluate thyroid gland function, including hyperthyroidism, or overactive thyroid; hypothyroidism, or underactive thyroid; enlarged thyroid, or goiters; and thyroid nodules, which are solid lumps or fluid-filled cysts.

5. Lipid Panel

Why get it? Routine check up or targeted monitoring for those who have a history of abnormal cholesterol levels or risk factors for heart disease. 

This blood test checks for high-density lipoprotein (HDL). This “good” cholesterol removes harmful substances from your blood and supports liver function. Lipid panels also measure low-density lipoprotein (LDL). This “bad” cholesterol that can cause plaque to develop in your arteries and increase the risk of heart disease.

You can book all these tests —and thousands of others — on LabFinder. Find a lab near you, snag a convenient appointment, and get your results delivered directly to you.

Have questions about these blood tests? Or are there other topics you think we should cover? Drop us a line at illuminator@labfinder.com.