More people have started to prioritize health over any other aspect of their lives. That is why with time we have seen a surge in the diagnostics and lab testing businesses these days. Routine health checkups and tests have become more common these days as they help to catch any underlying disease or condition that a person might have. So, in a country like India, where you have to monitor your health constantly, here are 7 important blood tests that you can get every year from your nearby pathology lab.
CBC With Diff
The Complete Blood Count with Differential, or CBC with Diff for short, is a standard test that examines various components of your blood, providing valuable insights into your overall health. It includes parameters such as haematocrit, haemoglobin, platelet count, red and white blood cell counts, and more.
Why is it important? This test helps screen for blood cancers, infections, and anaemia. Additionally, it can detect inflammation, which is linked to various health issues like cardiovascular disease, kidney problems, and even cancer.
The CBC with Diff also assesses the percentage of different white blood cell types, such as basophils, eosinophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, and neutrophils. These can provide valuable information about your immune system and may indicate allergies, skin disorders, or other underlying conditions.
Complete Metabolic Panel (CMP)
The Complete Metabolic Panel (CMP) is another crucial test that evaluates your liver and kidney function, acid-base balance, electrolyte levels, and metabolism. This comprehensive panel includes markers like albumin, liver enzymes (ALT and AST), bilirubin, glucose, calcium, sodium, potassium, and more.
Why is it important? The CMP provides vital information about your organ health and metabolic status. It can help identify liver or kidney dysfunction, metabolic acidosis, electrolyte imbalances, and more. Abnormal findings in this test often lead to further investigations to determine the underlying cause.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D deficiency is a global public health concern affecting a significant portion of the population, including many Indians. Tracking your vitamin D levels is essential for maintaining overall health.
Why is it important? Vitamin D plays an important role in various bodily functions and is linked to conditions like Alzheimer’s disease, autoimmune disorders, cardiovascular disease, metabolic syndrome, and more. Detecting deficiency or insufficiency allows you to take proactive steps to mitigate the associated risks.
Hemoglobin A1C (HbA1C), Insulin, and C-Peptide
Monitoring your blood sugar regulation and insulin sensitivity is essential, even if you don’t have diabetes. Tests like HbA1C, fasting insulin, and C-peptide provide valuable insights into your long-term blood sugar control and insulin secretion.
Why are they important? Poor blood sugar management and insulin resistance are associated with various chronic conditions, including heart disease, cancer, kidney disease, and neurodegenerative disorders. Identifying these issues early can lead to timely interventions and a reduced risk of associated diseases.
Lipid Panel with Particle Size
While cholesterol and triglycerides are commonly tested during annual check-ups, a more detailed lipid panel that includes particle size can provide a more accurate assessment of your lipid metabolism and cardiovascular risk.
Why is it important? Abnormal lipid levels are associated with atherosclerosis, heart disease, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Examining the size and density of lipoprotein particles can help identify specific risk factors that may not be apparent with standard lipid tests.s
Thyroid Panel
Thyroid function is essential for overall well-being, and regular monitoring can help detect thyroid-related issues early. A comprehensive thyroid panel includes tests for TSH, Free T4, Free T3, Reverse T3 (RT3), Tg antibodies, TPO antibodies, and TR antibodies.
Why is it important? Thyroid dysfunction has been linked to a range of health problems, including atherosclerosis, bipolar disorder, cancer, dementia, diabetes, mood disorders, and obesity. Early detection and management of thyroid issues can improve your overall health and quality of life.
Iron Panel
Iron is essential for oxygen transport and energy metabolism. Maintaining the right balance of iron in your body is more than important, as both deficiency and excess iron can lead to health problems. So, to make sure that you have an idea about the iron content in your body, this test is recommended for you at least once every single year.
Why is it important? Iron-deficient anaemia is one of the main reasons for problems such as fatigue, weakness, and various health problems in people. Apart from that, if you have excess iron in your body, it can lead to some serious psychiatric conditions, diabetes, other liver problems, etc. There are some instances where excess iron also leads to some neurodegenerative issues. So, it is more than important to regularly monitor the iron levels in the body so that one can maintain proper health.
Conclusion
These seven essential lab tests provide valuable insights into your overall health and can help detect underlying issues early, reducing the risk of chronic diseases. While some of these tests are commonly included in annual physical examinations, it’s important to discuss your specific needs with your doctor, especially if you have a higher risk of certain conditions. Regular health check-ups are a proactive step toward a healthier and happier life in India. So, go ahead and book blood test at home with mobile apps right now as some of the best diagnostic centres have provided this facility.
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