Blood tests key to disease detection
Blood tests are the most common and used diagnostic method for detecting various forms of diseases worldwide. While it may be just a needle prick for patient, the diagnostic process involves investigation of various components of blood and is extremely complex. The specialised body fluid which travels from head to toe has four main components: red blood cells, white blood cells, plasma, and platelets. All these components have a major role to play, which includes carrying oxygen to and carrying carbondi-oxide from all organ, protecting the body from infections, transporting nutrients throughout the body and ensure clotting. It is the blood which provides a window to complete health of a patient.
Over the past years, medical field and especially diagnostic field has seen tremendous evolution in making the diagnosis of diseases faster and more accurate. Certain blood tests are required to be done not only for diagnosing diseases but also for monitoring the conditions.
Anaemia
Anaemia is the condition in which the body does not have enough healthy red cells to carry sufficient oxygen to deliver to body organs. There are many types of anaemia depending on aetiology and it is very important to identify aetiology as the treatment completely depends on aetiology. So, the causes of anaemia are iron deficiency anaemia, Vitamin B12 deficiency, anaemia of chronic disease, Haemolytic anaemia, Sickle cell anaemia. Complete blood count (CBC) is the basic and first test to diagnose anaemia. It will not only diagnose anaemia but also will indicate its severity. The test may also indicate the type of anaemia.
Diabetes
Diabetes mellitus is a group of disease which affects how body utilises sugar level. Sugar is an important source of energy for cellular function in the body. There are majorly two types of Diabetes 1 and 2. It is very important to screen for diabetes because if uncontrolled it can affect all major organs like kidneys, eyes, heart and brain. HbA1c Test is important not only for diagnosing diabetes but also for monitoring its control. The advantage of this test is that it does not need fasting sample can be collected at any time of the day. It indicates average blood sugar levels for the past two to three months. Blood sugar levels: Either fasting or random sample can detect diabetes.
Thyroid disease
Thyroid disease is very common worldwide and it is one of the most common diseases in India and affects women especially. Common thyroid diseases are hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, goitre, Hashimoto's thyroiditis, thyroid cancer. Many times, the disease remains asymptomatic. Basic tests done to detect thyroid disease are T3, T4, TSH. Sometimes, additional tests like FT3, FT4 and thyroid antibodies are required to confirm and determine the type of thyroid disease.