Comprehensive Guide to Blood Tests: Types, Purposes & What They Reveal

Blood tests come in a wide variety, many of which test for anything from anemia to cyanosis. Without these tests, there would probably be more deaths and suffering. These tests can catch diseases quicker than just waiting for a variety of symptoms that may never come. Take a look at these tests and see what kinds of detection can be made from them. You may be surprised how many of these tests you have had and did not know why.

White Blood Cells

• The CBC (complete blood count) is one of the most used blood tests. It is used to help diagnose certain viruses and diseases and see how well the body is responding to treatments. Eosinophils is another common test that can determine how your body is responding to treatments and it can detect some infections caused by allergies

Red Blood Cells

• The hematocrit test can help doctors determine if a patient is anemic. The reticulocyte blood test can help narrow down a specific type of anemia

Iron Tests

• The ferritin iron test is the most accurate test to measure total amount of iron in the body.

Sickle Cell Test

• This test is fairly obvious because it tests for sickle cell disease.

Sulfhemoglobin

• This test is used to detect cyanosis. The symptoms to this disease are not many, which makes this test a good option for those patients who are suspected of having cyanosis.