Planning to take a Blood Test?
Here are some key points you should consider!
Overview
Keeping track of your health is must yet it is hard. Regular blood testing is one of the important ways to know the status of your overall well-being. Getting routine blood tests can help you visualize the changes happening in your body and many conditions can be diagnosed priorly.
If you are looking for the best path lab to go for the reliable blood tests in Hyderabad, then Matrix is the leading chain of Pathology labs and diagnostic centers in Hyderabad, where we offer a vast range of diagnostic services including pathology, imaging, profile tests, and also health checkup packages at very affordable packages.
Are you confused regarding what to do before having any blood test?
We all have many questions when we are advised to take a sample of our blood, urine, or any other bodily fluid or tissue to diagnose a disease or monitor a health condition. Many of us may be hesitant to drink morning tea before taking a fasting test.
Is there an ideal time for blood tests? Is there anything to do before or after the test? We have figured out answers to some of the basic lab testing questions, we asked an expert what to do and what not to do before screening.
Laboratory tests can help diagnose or identify a specific disease or condition. Screening helps doctors learn about a disease before symptoms appear. Other tests allow an expert to track a disease or see if a treatment is working for a patient. Also provide essential information about the organs and the body. Read on to know more:
10 Important Things You Must Know Before a Blood Test
Your blood is responsible for transporting nutrients, minerals, body fluids, and most importantly, oxygen to the various parts of your body. Whenever your body is attacked or hit by an infection, inflammation, or any other disease, it releases chemicals that inform your system that something is wrong.
That is why, in most diseases, a blood test is performed to diagnose a health condition. Pathology tests can reveal a lot about the functioning of your system. Therefore, they are divided into different types that serve a specific medical purpose. As a patient undergoing such a test, there are a few things to be aware of before taking a blood test.
Here are top 10 things you should know before a blood test
- Be Aware About the Type of Test You are Taking
You need to know what type of blood test you will be having, as there are also slight variations in the two similar types.
Therefore, a basic understanding is required. As mentioned above, there are “n” health problems that can be investigated with a blood test. Therefore, there are different types of blood tests designed to study each question individually.
Blood tests can be in the form of a single test or a group test (also called a profile). A profile contains more than one type of blood test or more than one type of diagnosis in one test. At Matrix, we offer various diagnostic services in Hyderabad including lipid profile test, CBC test, HAB1C tests, etc.
For example, in a thyroid test profile, blood is taken to determine levels of T3, T4, T3RU, and TSH. Other types of blood tests include blood culture tests, smear tests, and others. Blood culture tests are done to study a specific type of infection. The blood in this experiment was cultured and observed to understand the nature of the infectious microorganisms in the blood. A blood smear is a microscopic examination of blood for various medical reasons.
Other types of blood tests usually involve learning to measure a specific component present in the bloodstream.
- Normal & Abnormal Measurements
A blood analysis to calculate the amount of a substance should be within the normal range. If the amount exceeds or falls below the normal range, the tasks of the body begin to change. This causes minor or major problems with the substance we are dealing with. Please note that the normal measurement range for blood tests is different for men and women.
- Diet
Few types of tests require an adequate diet 1-2 days before the day of testing. Some are asked to avoid certain foods or drinks (alcoholic/non-alcoholic) 2-3 days before the test, while others are asked to fast several hours before the test. Diet changes depend on the type of test you are undergoing.
- Medication
If you’re having a routine check-up that usually doesn’t require a prescription, you need to take note of this. Before having multiple tests, you may need to stop taking medications that can change test results. If you have no idea about the same, talk to the laboratory assistant in advance.
- Pregnancy
When taking a blood test, it is important to let your doctor know if you are in your gestational period. Many hormonal changes occur during pregnancy, which will be reflected in this woman’s blood tests. As a result, sugar levels may rise. Test reports will be reviewed based on the pregnancy status of this patient.
- Previously Diagnosed Disorder
Nothing is ever completely cured. If you have previously been diagnosed with any disease, there is a chance that the microorganisms associated with it still remain in your body. Even if the disorder is treated, patients face risks and complications after treatment.
- Family Health History
You should inform the laboratory assistant about a previously diagnosed disease, which may be one of the problems reflected in the test results. Your blood samples will be tested for specific items. One of them is your family’s health history.
- Disorders
Inherited health problems can be seen in blood tests. That is why you should tell your doctor about it in advance. If you have a serious illness, such as HIV, you must tell your lab technician. This is because such diseases can spread through body fluids.
Matrix Diagnostic center analysts should pay close attention to blood samples from such individuals.
- No of Samples Required for a Specific Blood Test
For some tests, it is important that blood samples are collected more than once by laboratory technicians. This step depends on the type of exam you will be taking.
Carry a pack of glucose or juice biscuits with you to recharge your batteries after donating blood.
- Immediate Precautions
Some patients have a sudden reaction on the skin or on the area of the body from which the blood is taken. On the other hand, in some cases, immediate precautions may be required immediately after the test. For example, the injection site may cause swelling or other problems after the test. Using an ice pack can help reduce this.
Remember all the previous points, which perhaps are useful to you in some way. In addition to those mentioned, there are general points that must be considered by each patient.
If you have symptoms such as weakness, fatigue, or anything related to low energy levels, take an energy drink or an ORS supplement with you. Take at least one glass after donating blood.
Apart from all this, rest is the most important thing that people with health problems need. Take adequate water to keep your body hydrated. Eat healthy food to stay healthy.
