How is Blood Tested?
Blood testing involves several key steps, from sample collection to analysis in a laboratory. It begins with venipuncture, where a phlebotomist draws blood using a needle and a vacuum system into sealed tubes. [^1, ^2] The number of samples taken depends on the tests ordered by the healthcare provider. These samples are then sent to a laboratory for analysis.
In the laboratory, the blood undergoes various procedures depending on the tests requested. These tests examine the biological, chemical, and physical properties of blood cells and molecules. [^3] Some tests may require the blood sample to be processed before analysis. [^4]
Common Blood Tests and their Purposes:
- Complete Blood Count (CBC): This measures red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets, providing insights into overall health and potential infections or blood disorders. [^5, ^6, ^7, ^8]
- Organ Function Tests: These assess the health of vital organs like the kidneys, liver, heart, and thyroid. [^6]
- Disease Diagnosis: Blood tests can detect various diseases, including cancer and diabetes. [^6]
- Infectious Disease Testing: Specific tests screen for infections, such as Hepatitis C. [^7]
The results of these tests help healthcare providers diagnose and monitor medical conditions, guide treatment plans, and track patient progress.
[^1]: This is called venipuncture. The blood flows into a tube that's sealed and sent to a lab for analysis. The phlebotomist may need to take several samples of your blood, depending on the blood tests your healthcare provider ordered. (06-Dec-2022)
[^2]: Using a hypodermic needle, a phlebotomist will take one or more tubes of blood using a vacuum system. This helps us to get several samples to... (Nuffield Health)
[^3]: Laboratory tests examine the biological, chemical and physical properties of the cells and molecules that make up a blood specimen. The first... (The Conversation)
[^4]: Depending upon the tests that have been ordered, your blood sample may be processed before it is analyzed. Most routine laboratory tests are... (Testing.com)
[^5]: What does a complete blood count (CBC) test show? · Count and measure your red blood cells, white blood cells and your platelets. · Measure your... (Cleveland Clinic)
[^6]: Blood Test · Find out how well organs, such as your kidneys, liver, heart, or thyroid are working · Help diagnose diseases, such as cancer, diabetes, heart... (Johns Hopkins Medicine)
[^7]: The test used for blood donor screening is the Ortho HCV ELISA for the qualitative detection of antibodies to HCV antibodies (anti-HCV) in human serum or plasma... (Red Cross Blood Services)
[^8]: The complete blood count (CBC) is one of the most common blood tests. It is often done as part of a routine checkup. This test measures many... (NHLBI, NIH)
