10 Reasons Why You Should Go For A Blood Test Regularly

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10 Reasons Why You Should Go For A Blood Test Regularly

Whether you are already in the habit or have been on an intermittent basis for a while now, we can assure that you are aware of the risks involved in not going for regular blood tests.

From diagnosing disease to treating illness, every year, there is another excuse to skip these crucial checks. But don't worry, as you are at right place! The point here is that by understanding why blood tests are important for anyone who wants to manage their health and lead a healthy life, you’ll be able to make up your mind about what's next.

In this article, we bring you the ten main reasons why it's worth making regular blood tests part of your routine. Let's get started.

There are different types of blood tests such as hemoglobin tests, which monitor the body's ability to produce red blood cells (RBC) and hemolysis, which monitors the immune system's response against infections. Hemoglobin levels are often associated with iron deficiency and anemia. These two conditions may cause a loss of RBCs that lead to tiredness, dry skin and hair loss. Another type of test is called Folic Acid testing, which monitors folate levels to determine how well folate prevents neural tube defects in pregnancy. This is especially relevant when carrying out prenatal diagnosis because women who do not eat enough foods rich in folic acid are at greater risk of giving birth to babies with brain defects. To monitor these and many other important blood tests which are performed to diagnose diseases that affect the whole body, one must ensure that he/she also carries out regular blood tests.

1. Screening for Cancers in the Brain

Regular blood tests are key in screening for various cancers that affect the brain. According to experts, one can prevent about 75% of certain types of cancer from developing. One way to do it is to keep track of the RBC count in the body. When low, one should contact a doctor immediately to set up treatment or take precautions. On the same note, high blood levels of hemoglobin in the body indicate poor oxygen supply to the brain cells. It is also recommended to check if the patient has had abnormal cases of bleeding in the past. In some cases, tumors such as the meningioma, glioblastoma, etc., cause blood clotting due to its high production of myoglobin, which damages and destroys the central nervous system. Hence, frequent screening is necessary to prevent the development of the aforementioned diseases.

2. Monitoring Chronic Metabolic Conditions

Regular blood tests provide an effective way to deal with chronic metabolic disorders such as diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, cardiac problems, liver problems, pancreatitis, gallstones, etc. Some of these diseases are caused due to improper diet and lifestyle habits. Sometimes, doctors recommend a change in diet for the best chance of managing these illnesses. However, patients should always go for full blood spectra test when they experience any symptoms of these conditions. With a good number and consistency of RBCs, these illnesses can be managed effectively and the patient can return to normal life immediately.

3. Treating Infections

Regular blood tests play a vital role in detecting infections that develop in multiple parts of the body including the intestinal tract and the urinary tract. There are several common diseases that result from bacteria growing in these parts of the body that include stomach stools, diarrhea, fever, abdominal pain, and so on. All these conditions are serious, and even mild symptoms may require immediate medical attention. Patients must visit a doctor regularly to detect the exact infection in question. Not forgetting is the fact that regular blood tests are also essential for monitoring the treatment plan for bacterial infections. After getting diagnosed with infection, a patient must undergo blood sampling to rule out the presence of harmful pathogens such as fungi, worms, etc.

4. Maintaining Strong Immune System

Regular blood tests provide an excellent opportunity to maintain strong immunity if an individual does it correctly. When taking medications, it is advisable to consult an immuno-physiologist before starting new medicines. If the patient is overweight, the physician advises him/her to watch his weight and make sure that his body is working properly. Additionally, the person needs to do self-diagnosis to know whether or not he/she has compromised immunity due to any factors, like smoking, alcoholism, thyroid issues, etc. Therefore, the need for frequent blood tests becomes paramount to maintaining strong immunity.

5. Diagnosing Diseases That Affect Internal Body Functions

When it comes to internal organs, blood tests are very imperative. Any problem with organs such as the heart, brain, kidneys, lungs, heart failure, asthma, tuberculosis, kidney problems, etc., warrant frequent checks for accurate results. While most people think that only respiratory issues are responsible for their problems, the truth is that various bodily tissues also demand constant attention. This applies primarily to those who suffer from allergies, arthritis, joint problems, rheumatism, osteoporosis, etc. Also, during times of sickness, a blood test is highly useful in diagnosing the disease and can prevent them from worsening.

6. Measuring Platelet Levels & Other Types of Thrombocytopenia

If the platelets are low, the likelihood of bleeding increases. They also assist in clotting of blood after injury. Low platelet counts increase the chances of bruising and scarring. Consequently, patients must see a doctor immediately. Also, apart from just checking the RBC count, doctors may test patients' bone marrow, thymus, spleen, and lymph nodes and look for signs of abnormalities.

7. Detecting Cancerous Cells

When it comes to cancer, irregular bleeding and excessive weight loss are the chief causes of worries. An expert must suspect a possible source for the cancer since abnormal results may indicate cancer growth in the body and lead to further complications. Moreover, early detection allows treatment to become successful. It can detect cancer that would otherwise give rise to severe problems. Regular blood tests help make an appropriate decision for such patients.

8. Preventing Stroke and Heart Disease

Regular blood tests allow physicians to establish the exact reason behind cardiovascular disorders that affect large numbers. Doctors use special tools to check platelet functioning which helps in determining the risks of stroke and heart attacks. These abnormal findings can be a warning sign of strokes and heart failures and can be the root of the concern that a doctor was looking for when examining your blood for the first time.

9. Enhancing Patient Care

Blood tests are important in enhancing patient care due to their accuracy and efficiency. A perfect example of a case where the blood test was used to enhance patient care is an elderly African American man whose family suffered from congestive heart failure. He was admitted to hospital three days in a row and had a long history of chest pains. Upon inspection of his urine sample, the doctor found no indications of any kidney damage or heart issues. Nevertheless, after his CT scan, it was revealed that his abdomen had shown high rates of blood clots and the colon was inflamed and tender due to overactive bowel syndrome. As such, he underwent surgery and was put under heavy medication. Later, the scans showed that the operation had affected the nerves in his legs. Further, his blood pressure readings were consistently falling. Due to all these reasons, the team at Stanford Hospital thought of using a specific blood tool to evaluate his overall health.

10. Reducing Insurance Costs

Blood tests are important tools that patients can use to reduce their insurance costs. Many providers suggest having a second opinion if certain results are inconclusive. Frequent screenings are usually free of charge and can help detect problems before costly procedures occur. However, if the patient receives the wrong kind of treatment, the situation can worsen with the possibility of additional expenses resulting in poor health for years to come. Hence, regular blood tests are critical in lowering healthcare costs.