Let's take a closer look at some common blood tests and what is blood test lab near me

1. Complete blood count

A routine complete blood count (CBC) checks the levels of 10 different components of each major cell in the blood: white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets.

Important components that this test measures include red blood cell count, hemoglobin, and hematocrit.

The following are typical result ranges, although each laboratory may have slightly different ranges:

Abnormal levels of these components may indicate:

  • Nutrient deficiencies such as vitamin B6 or B12
  • anemia (iron deficiency)
  • clotting problems
  • blood cancer
  • infection
  • immune system disorders

Based on your results, your doctor will order follow-up tests to confirm abnormal levels and possible diagnoses.

2. Basic metabolic panel

A basic metabolome (BMP) typically checks the levels of eight compounds in the blood:

  • calcium
  • glucose
  • sodium
  • potassium
  • bicarbonate
  • chloride
  • blood urea nitrogen (BUN)
  • creatinine

The test may require you to fast for at least 8 hours before the blood draw, depending on your doctor's instructions and what the test measures.

Abnormal results may indicate:

  • kidney disease
  • diabetes
  • hormone imbalances

Your doctor will perform follow-up tests to confirm the diagnosis.

3. Comprehensive metabolic panel

The comprehensive metabolome (CMP) includes all measurements of BMP and other proteins and substances related to liver function, such as:

  • albumin
  • total protein
  • alkaline phosphatase (ALP) An enzyme found primarily in the bones and liver and involved in a variety of bodily processes
  • alanine aminotransferase (ALT) , an enzyme found in the liver
  • aspartate aminotransferase (AST) an enzyme found in the liver and other tissues in the body
  • bilirubin This is a waste product from the breakdown of red blood cells filtered out by the liver

The same conclusions can be drawn from the CMP and the BMP for the same substances covered by the BMP. Other abnormal levels may also indicate underlying conditions, such as:

4. Lipid panel

This test checks levels of two types of cholesterol:

  • high-density lipoprotein (HDL) , or “good” cholesterol
  • low-density lipoprotein (LDL) , or “bad” cholesterol

HDL is "good" because it removes harmful substances from the blood and helps the liver break them down into waste products. LDL is "bad" because it causes plaque to build up in the arteries, increasing the risk of heart disease.

You may need to fast for at least 8 hours before this test.

Here are the ranges for each type:

Normal levels may also vary by age.

Thyroid panels, or thyroid function tests, check how your thyroid gland produces and responds to certain hormones, such as:

  • Triiodothyronine (T3). It works with T4 to regulate your heart rate and body temperature.
  • Thyroxine (T4). It works with T3 to regulate your metabolism and growth pattern.
  • Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH). This helps regulate the levels of hormones released by the thyroid.

The thyroid is a small gland in the neck. It helps regulate bodily functions such as your emotional energy levels and overall metabolism.