Blood Testing
Lab blood work, otherwise known as a blood test, is an extremely effective diagnostic tool. Your blood carries nutrients and oxygen to the organs, and impurities are filtered out by the kidneys. By testing the levels of specific substances in your bloodstream, your doctor can diagnose a number of conditions.
If you would like to schedule a blood screening, please call (808) 523-0445 or contact us online.
The Complete Blood Count (CBC) Test
Much as the name implies, the complete blood count test counts the amount of red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, hemoglobin and hematocrit in your blood stream. An irregular count in any of these cell types could indicate a number of conditions such as:
- Anemia
- Infections
- Blood clots
- Blood cancers
- Immune system disorders
- Vitamin deficiency
The goal of nephrology treatment is to retain as much kidney function as possible. Your nephrologist may work with other healthcare providers like nutritionists, nurses or other medical specialists to create a kidney treatment plan that’s right for you.
Find out more about kidney treatment today: call (808) 523-0445 or contact us online.
Blood Chemistry Tests
Blood chemistry tests pinpoint abnormal levels of substances in the blood that could indicate a dysfunction in one of your organs. Some of these organs include:
- Kidneys
- Liver
- Thyroid
Doctors will test for abnormal levels of glucose (blood sugar) which could identify the onset of diabetes . Enzyme levels are used to monitor the health of your liver, and kidney function is tested by monitoring how many waste substances are in your blood.
Tests for Diagnosing or Monitoring Heart Disease
Some blood tests are performed for the specific purpose of diagnosing chronic heart conditions. One of these tests is known as the blood enzyme test. Blood enzyme tests monitor your levels of the enzyme creatine and the protein troponin. An elevated level of either of these substances could indicate damaged cells in the heart or other organs.
Another test done to prevent heart disease is a cholesterol test, otherwise known as a lipid test or lipoprotein panel. A lipid test is looking for four different things:
- Total cholesterol
- LDL (“bad”) cholesterol
- HDL (“good”) cholesterol
- Triglycerides
An overabundance of “bad cholesterol”, or low levels “good cholesterol”, could eventually lead to heart disease.
Other Common Blood Tests
There are numerous types of blood tests that check for a range of conditions, but here a few of the most common:
- Blood clotting tests: If you are taking a blood-thinning medication (anticoagulant), your doctor may recommend periodic testing to monitor your blood’s ability to clot.
- Blood culture: This is done to seek out infections, and is usually done when you are experiencing a high fever or chills.
- Lead test: This is a very import test for children two and under. Ingesting or breathing in lead paint dust could affect brain development in small children leading to learning disabilities and behavioral problems.
Schedule Your Blood Screening
Routine blood tests are essential to maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and are recommended even if you are not feeling ill. Identifying heart disease or other ailments early can lead to more effective treatment. To schedule your blood screening, please call (808) 523-0445 or contact us online.
© 2017 National Kidney Foundation. All rights reserved. This material does not constitute medical advice. It is intended for informational purposes only. Please consult a physician for specific treatment recommendations.