When you are feeling unwell, sometimes the doctor would tell you to do a laboratory test to confirm the diagnosis. One of the most common laboratory tests is a blood test. Blood test is not only beneficial in measuring cholesterol, or diagnosing diabetes and gout; it is also a reliable way to assess the overall condition of your body. Here are some of the benefits of a blood test:
- To Assess General Health
A complete blood count (CBC) represents the general health of your body. Among others, it measures the total amount of haemoglobin, platelets, and white blood cells. Any deviation from the normal range could indicate an underlying disease.
- To Detect Infection
Some types of infection such as hepatitis or syphilis could be detected easily by regular blood test.
- To Diagnose HIV
Blood test is an accurate method to diagnose the presence of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). Early diagnosis of HIV is important in order to achieve good treatment plan and prognosis.
- To Monitor Blood Sugar Level
Diabetes can be difficult to detect because the symptoms are quite common. However, a simple blood test can confirm the diagnosis. It is also an important tool in monitoring blood sugar levels.
- To Check the Thyroid
Many young people suffer from disturbances to their thyroid glands because of an unhealthy lifestyle. By undergoing a blood test regularly, these problems can be detected as early as possible.
- To Detect 14 Types of Cancer
The risk of cancer can indeed be predicted with a blood test. Having said that, not all types of cancer can be predicted from this simple test. The team of researchers from Arizona State University managed to develop a blood test that can detect 14 different types of cancer, ranging from lung cancer to prostate cancer; it has an accuracy rate of up to 98 percent.
In conclusion, there are so many benefits of undergoing a blood test. Have you had your blood test recently?
Text by Denistya Sagita
Stock photo from bigstockphoto.com
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