For annual check-ups, there are 11 common blood tests administered. Some tests may be exempt, as they pertain to specific populations, such as testosterone tests for men and estradiol tests for women. These blood tests uncover a wealth of information about a patient’s health, providing insight into what medical conditions people may have or are predisposed to.
Although these eleven tests reveal essential data, a doctor may order more specific tests to measure health progress or diagnose a condition. The majority of these blood tests are affordable, with a majority costing under $50, and are covered by most insurances.
Most Common Blood Tests
Complete Blood Count
The complete blood count (CBC) is one of the most common and well-known blood tests. This test calculates the number of red blood cells (RBCs), white blood cells (WBCs), and platelets. RBCs hold oxygen, WBCs fight infections, and platelets allow blood clotting – all of which must be within a standard range for optimal health. One of the medical conditions monitored by this test is anemia, which is the lack of red blood cells and oxygen within the blood. The CBC costs under $50.
Basic Metabolic Count
The basic metabolic count is a panel of tests that calculates hormone and nutrient levels, such as glucose, calcium, and sodium. This test assesses diabetes risk, kidney health, hormone balance for under $50. For accurate results, doctors and phlebotomists ask patients to fast before the test.
Complete Metabolic Panel
The complete metabolic panel (CMP) is the advanced version of the basic metabolic count test. Like the basic metabolic panel, it measures one’s overall wellness and is a part of routine testing. It comprises fourteen tests that assess kidney functioning, liver functioning, parathyroid, and electrolyte balance. Since there are many blood tests in this panel, additional tests are ordered to diagnose and treat patients accurately.
Lipid Panel
The lipid panel, also known as a lipid profile, assesses cholesterol levels. This standard blood test measures high density lipoproteins (HDL; ‘good’ cholesterol), low density lipoproteins (LDL; ‘bad’ cholesterol, total cholesterol, and triglycerides. The profile evaluates a patient’s risk of heart problems through high levels of LDLs. If someone is classified as high risk, doctors will prescribe medication or instruct them to adjust their diet.
Thyroid Test
The thyroid is critical to the regulation of metabolism and energy. The thyroid blood test analyzes the thyroid-stimulating hormones, thyroxine (T4) hormones, and triiodothyronine (T3) hormones. This test detects hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism, which, when unnoticed, can cause tremors, weight loss, anxiety, and increased heart rate.
Vitamin D Blood Test
Vitamin D nourishes people with calcium, enhancing their bone strength. People produce vitamin D from the sun, milk and dairy products, fish, and eggs. Without vitamin D, people would be at an increased risk of their bones breaking or osteoporosis, a medical condition in which the bones become brittle and less dense. The vitamin D blood test can detect the early stages of osteoporosis and fragile bones for less than $75.
Blood Glucose Test
The blood glucose test evaluates glucose levels in the blood. This common blood test detects and monitors type 1 and type 2 diabetes and hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia – health conditions that have detrimental health consequences as a result of too much or too little glucose in the bloodstream. This blood test costs under $70.
TIBC Test (Iron)
The Iron, Total, and Total Iron Binding Capacity (TIBC) blood test calculates iron levels in the bloodstream. Iron is correlated with red blood cells’ production, meaning that low iron levels are linked to anemia. Signs of low iron include fatigue, dizziness, tingling sensations, and shortness of breath.
Estradiol Blood Test
Estradiol (E2) is a female sex hormone that regulates menstrual and estrous cycles and plays a role in developing female reproductive organs and secondary sex characteristics. This venipuncture is utilized during annual check-ups for female wellness and is common during pregnancy. The estradiol blood test is priced under $70.
Testosterone Blood Test
Testosterone is a male sex hormone that attributes to the development of the testes and secondary sex characteristics. Low testosterone levels may cause patients to feel fatigued, less sexually driven, and in some cases, depressed. This test is more expensive than the other blood tests, ranging from $50 to $100.
Hemoglobin Blood Test
Like the blood glucose test, the hemoglobin blood test calculates the amount of sugar in the blood to diagnose and determine a patient’s risk for type 1 and type 2 diabetes.
RELATED: “Which Blood Tests Require Fasting?”
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