How Often Should A Blood Test Be Done?

Nowadays, it is easy to have a blood test. There are specific medical indications on who should do it and at what times in life. In this article, we give you all the details about it.

Although many people don’t think it is necessary to have a blood test because they are healthy, they are wrong. Blood tests are routinely ordered to detect conditions early enough to treat them.

Some components of our blood may be altered before symptoms appear. This is very useful for preventive treatment and prevention of future complications.

When a doctor orders a routine blood test, it is primarily to look for signs of the most common illnesses. He does it differently depending on each age group. And if the patient is already suffering from a chronic disease, the routine analysis allows the professional to follow the progress and the effectiveness of the treatment.

Blood is used as a means of knowing the internal state of the body due to the speed of testing and ease of access. Laboratories are widely distributed, the cost of most tests is bearable, and their usefulness is scientifically proven.

As a general rule, for people considered to be in good health, only one annual blood test is necessary. On the other hand, for patients with chronic diseases, it will be necessary to shorten this period, especially at the start of treatments.

What do you see in a blood test?

When we talk about blood tests, we are referring to performing biochemical tests on blood tissue. Blood is liquid tissue in the body that circulates through the circulatory system through veins and arteries.

Although it is liquid, blood is made up of two groups of components:

• Solids : The solid part of blood is also known as the form elements. These include red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets
• Liquids : the liquid part of the blood is blood plasma or serum

Some biochemical tests focus on the solid part of the blood and test its cells. The red blood cell count, for example, determines how many of these cells are present in a given amount of blood. The number of white blood cells and the number of platelets can also be counted.

The shape of the solid part of the blood can be observed through the use of a microscope. Red blood cells can be larger or smaller, with specific deformities or boundaries that indicate the presence of certain diseases.

In the serum or liquid part, the laboratory has an infinite number of parameters to measure. The most common test is to measure the plasma concentration of sugar, creatinine, urea, uric acid and lipids. A measurement of the concentration of ions such as sodium, magnesium and potassium is also possible.

By doing a blood test, you can get information about the concentration of hormones in your body. Establishing a thyroid profile allows you to know the amount of hormones produced by the thyroid.

No less important are serologies, where the laboratory seeks to detect the presence of infectious diseases or, indirectly, the presence of antibodies against these diseases.

What do you look for in a blood test based on age?

Certain blood tests have been done for every stage of life and are considered common. In other words, the healthcare professional, depending on the age of the patient, is guided on the most appropriate biochemical examinations.

These protocols are established globally and nationally based on the most common illnesses for each age. It is assumed that by screening the general population, most diseases that cause death or impair quality of life are detected early.

Between 20 and 35 years old

Although this is the age for the least disease in general, annual screening is essential to prevent future complications. The treatment of diseases detected at this stage is easier.

The lab routine for this age group includes blood count, kidney function, liver condition, blood sugar, and cholesterol profile – good, bad, and triglycerides.

In pregnant women

During a woman’s childbearing years, gestation can occur. This is a specific situation that requires specific analyzes from the start and for each trimester of pregnancy.

Pregnancy monitoring routines indicate that a woman should have her blood tested at least quarterly. This is to measure infections that may affect the fetus. These are, among others, toxoplasmosis, syphilis, hepatitis B and AIDS.

35 to 55 years old

This age group must step up its checks. In fact, the prevalence of chronic diseases in the population increases after the age of 40. Blood tests are combined with imaging tests, such as a mammogram. Doctors also perform pathological anatomy tests (Papanicolaou) and invasive tests (colonoscopy).

Doctors usually add hormonal changes to routine tests, especially in women entering menopause.

After 60 years

Older people generally suffer from illnesses more often. Many people over the age of 60 already suffer from chronic illness. They therefore need to have their blood tested every year.

The blood test: conclusion

A blood test is part of the routine monitoring of a healthy person. If you are suffering from any disease, you will need to have a regular biochemical examination to prevent the progression of the pathology.

By performing a medical consultation, the professional will know what to ask for based on your age and physical condition. Remember that a timely analysis can detect serious problems and avoid irreversible situations concerning your health in the future.