Common blood tests are diagnostic tools doctors use to ascertain general health or specifically identify certain diseases. The results of each test will vary widely from one individual to the next based on overall health, medications and hydration. An abnormal blood test does not indicate illness as 5 percent of lab results will be abnormal in a perfectly healthy person. Learning more about common blood test results can help patients better advocate for themselves with their doctors.
Chemistry Panels
Blood is tested to measure the chemical components, or chemistry, within the blood. Chemistry panels are routinely ordered blood tests because they reflect overall physical health. Even basic chemistry tests will look at blood sugars, electrolytes such as potassium, and an overall protein content. A complete chemistry panel can produce 14 different test results, each with values assigned as normal versus abnormal. Chemistry panels will reflect the overall health of organs such as the kidneys and liver. If the results relating to those organs are out of average range, this may indicate a problem with that organ or system.
Blood Counts
Platelets and white and red blood cells are suspended in a thin fluid called plasma. By obtaining a complete blood count, the doctor can quickly spot anemia, as well as determine the immune system's overall health and the blood's clotting abilities. The test will determine the presence or absence of infection by measuring white blood cells, or the disease fighters. A normal platelet count reflects the body's ability to stop bleeding from cuts or wounds. A healthy blood count, measuring hemoglobin and hematocrit, shows a normal circulating blood volume, meaning there is no current blood loss.
Coagulation Studies
The ability to clot blood is what stops a tiny shaving cut from becoming a life-threatening wound. According to the American Association for Clinical Chemistry, coagulation studies--such as prothrombin time, or PT, and fibrinogen--are tested to ascertain the ability to clot blood normally. The results of these tests can be used to titrate blood-thinning medications and are sometimes ordered weekly.
