Blood Work Specialist

Why would I need blood work?

Your provider orders blood work to collect information about your health. You should have blood tests at least once a year, including a complete blood count (CBC), comprehensive metabolic panel, lipid panel thyroid panel, and nutrient tests. 

Your CBC provides information about your white and red blood cell counts, hemoglobin, and platelets. A lipid panel shows your cholesterol and triglyceride levels, and your thyroid panel includes information about thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), triiodothyronine (T3), and thyroxine (T4). 

The comprehensive metabolic panel provides valuable information about how many of your organs are functioning, including your liver and kidneys. It also can reveal elevated glucose levels, which could indicate diabetes. 

In addition to routine blood work, your provider might also order blood tests if you have new, unusual, or persistent symptoms. Blood tests can also provide information to help you optimize your health and reduce your risk of disease. 

What conditions can you diagnose with blood work?

Blood tests are a powerful diagnostic tool. They can help your provider diagnose conditions that include:

• Diabetes
• High cholesterol
• Coronary heart disease
• Anemia
• Sexually transmitted disease (STD)
• Thyroid disease
• Kidney disease
• Liver disease

Even if a blood test doesn’t confirm your diagnosis, it provides valuable information to your provider about your health.

What should I expect during a blood test?

In many cases, you need to fast for several hours before you have blood work. Fasting allows for more accurate information about your health.

The test itself is relatively quick. After cleaning the inside of your arm, a member of the clinical team uses a sterile syringe to draw blood. In most cases, they only take 1-2 small vials of blood, although they might need more for extensive testing.

Spring Valley Internal Medicine provides in-office lab tests and usually has your results within a week. If necessary, a member of the office staff schedules a follow-up appointment with you. 

What happens if my blood test reveals a health problem?

If your blood work reveals a potential health problem or confirms a diagnosis, your provider might order more tests. They also work with you to implement a treatment plan to restore your health. 

For example, if you have elevated glucose levels, which could indicate diabetes, your provider orders more thorough testing to evaluate how your body processes sugars. 

They also help you adjust your diet to reduce extra sugar and recommend daily exercise. Just a short, brisk walk after a meal can help your body convert blood sugar to energy more efficiently. 

If you need blood work, are due for an annual physical, or don’t feel well, call Spring Valley Internal Medicine today or make an appointment online for expert health care, including blood tests.